DPS Koala 103

The DPS Koala 103 is a near-symmetrical twin, all-mountain freeride ski built around a carbon-and-hardwood layup — no titanal, and no metal in the layup at all (the only metal is a small aluminum tailbar that protects the tail from dings). The construction is a poplar/hardwood core wrapped in triaxial fiberglass with unidirectional carbon stringers running tip to tail, and the 2026 version adds carbon stringers on both the top and bottom sheets (up from a single layer in previous years). That combination keeps the ski light and snappy rather than damp and planted. The rocker/camber/rocker profile splits roughly 40% rocker at tip and tail with 60% camber underfoot, so it initiates turns quickly, stays lively in soft snow, and holds an edge on a groomer without feeling sluggish — but don't expect it to carve a clean arc on hard or icy snow the way a metal ski does. At 103mm underfoot with an 18-meter radius (at 184cm), it's wide enough to float a soft-snow day and narrow enough to thread bumps and trees with intention. The shape is a true twin at the tip with a tail that's nearly a twin, and DPS sets the mount around 6cm back from true center — forward enough that you can still drive the shovels and ski it with intent, but centered enough to stay balanced in the air and ride away switch. This is a flat ski — pair it with your own binding.

The Koala 103 is for the advanced skier who lives for variety: soft snow, side hits, tight trees, a pillow line, a park lap, all in the same run. If you like a playful, freestyle-leaning feel and you're comfortable moving around on the ski, it'll feel responsive and versatile across most mountain conditions. Who should look elsewhere: if firm groomers, spring corn, or hardpack East Coast days make up a significant part of your season, the no-metal layup will leave you wanting more grip and damping than this ski can provide — it washes out on ice and gets chattery when the snow firms up. Likewise, if you're an intermediate still building edge awareness, the twin shape and lively flex will feel demanding rather than supportive. Step up to the DPS Koala 111 if you want the same playful character with more taper and float for deeper snow and bigger landings, or look at the DPS Wailer line if you want a more directional freeride ski with more stability and edge hold in variable conditions.