I will start with the obvious: the Head had more float, and the DPS was quicker in tighter trees. Duh. What surprised me was that the Head was more stable than I expected for such a light ski, which has a lot to do with the Kore design; even at 117 underfoot, it was deceptively quick edge to edge. Plus, it felt better in areas where I actually got to open it up. The DPS still has one of the best tree skis on the market in the 112; a litter of lab puppies should be so playful. So, out of these two, the Foundation is the nimble one.
- Why choose the Kore 117? You want a powder ski that is good in the trees. It is a bit more of a charger than the 112, but amazingly sprite for a 117.
- Why choose the Wailer Foundation Wailer 112? You want a tree ski that is okay when you open it up. Yes, there is a limit, but so what: this is a ski that is about the journey. Even if you are not first to the lift, chances are you will have the biggest grin.