The all-new 2024 DPS Koala 111 splits the difference between the freestyle-oriented Koalas 103 and the wide-bodied and freeride-oriented 118. As a new width, the 111 brings the freestyle and park components to a larger footprint while keeping the 118 more squarely positioned in the deep snow realm. DPS makes some very sophisticated skis that allow for creative and modern skiing. Their a lot more dramatic when it comes to shape and profile than a lot of other skis out there, making them stand out as an individualistic and unique ski company that thinks and builds outside the box. The weight and stiffness of this new Koala 111 keep it mainly in the expert realm, although heavier or more aggressive advanced skiers will also find some success here.

The 2024 DPS Koala 111 follows more of the older Foundation build to access the power and performance. They start with a dense hardwood core and sandwich it in between two layers of triaxial fiberglass. Whenever glass is used in this format, it stiffens the ski and adds a ton of energy. Embedded in those glass layers are two carbon strips that take the responsiveness and precision to the next level. These materials are also quite sturdy and strong, so this Koala 111 is built to withstand some seriously aggressive use. That’s great news for skiers who need a confident ski for big jumps and technical lines. In the 184, the build equates to a weight of 2200 grams, which is certainly on the heavy side. The epoxy required to adhere these layers together is not an unsubstantial amount, especially in a ski with this amount of surface area and volume.

When it comes to the shape and profile, the Koala 111 follows what DPS refers to as “Freestyle.” This basically means that the ski has a ton of rocker, taper, and splay to make it one of the more playful footprints on the market today. There is 60% camber underfoot that contributes to both grip and energy, and then the remaining 40% is comprised of rocker—significant rocker at that—creating the freestyle mindset of the ski. There’s quite a bit of splay, especially in the tip, making it a fantastic floater with an incredibly playful and rounded tail. The shorter effective edge does make the ski work better when you’re centered, at least when it comes to performance. If you prefer to pressure the tips and ride the tails in order to create a freeride feel, then this ski is not the best option. We found it operates quite a bit better when you’re using it in the middle.

Ideally intended for expert skiers looking for a rugged twin tip to blend freestyle and freeride performance, the 2024 DPS Koala 111 is a pretty specific ski that has a unique feel to it. This is not for everyone, mainly because it has a rather individualistic build and shape. That said, for the right skier, there’s not a whole lot out there that’ll work better. With tons of splay, lots of rocker, and a sturdy build for aggressive skiing, the Koala 111 sits in rare air when it comes to modern freestyle skiing.