Calvin E

Yes, excellent article! Much of that is about what I've figured out, after going through dozens of different ski and boot combinations over my 40 years of skiing experience.

Responding to old post, but I'll to add to the knowledge base. I'm the same weight and generally carry a pack also. Even still, I've found my 181 Hyper V8's to work very well with good float. I also have other touring skis in 185 and 186, which also work well. The longer skis feel less maneuverable through trees in powder. Either work, comes down to style and preference.

A trick I have used with the Hyper Voile series skis, it to toughen each screw hole by soaking it with thin CA glue, from the rc plane shop. Never had a screw pull out of many different setups on the Hyper skis, using this technique. I'm not a tele guy though (AT); but I weigh 200 lbs plus gear and occasionally drop small jumps.

No doubt, DPS are better skis. But they also cost twice as much as Voile, and do not offer a traction base like Voile.

Yes. It also seems that their Early Rise skis are a bit stiffer than the Hybrid Rocker. I like the V6 and V8 better because they are softer and better for low speed turns through trees and powder. It all depends on your purpose and style.