DPS Koala 103

I rode the Bent Chetler 100 for 4 years, and got the chance to demo the Koala a few weeks ago:

If you have a deal on them, I would snag them ASAP (or sell them to me lol). Insanely fun ski, like to go fast and get into the air. Admittedly have only ski'd them once (mix of soft chop and rough chop) but more details below.

Both the Koala's and Chetlers are on the playful side, but the Koala's are both heavier and more damp. I found that they like to be pushed harder than the 'chetlers and are more stable at speed. That being said, the Koala is a ski that wants to send it hard off of a kicker next to the groomer, I found myself picking up speed and throwing shifties everywhere I could.

The Koala can slash, but it's not super slashy as a ski. I didn't find myself missing it though, since the Koala is so much fun to ride around on.

It's so damp that on the ground it feels pretty planted, but I was surprised by how much it liked being in the air. Perfectly good in the park (at least on jumps), although with the mount point a little farther back than others in the category it won't be quite as even as those. Coming from a Bent Chetler 100 though, I think you'll find it super steady in the air and surprisingly easy to twist and pivot. Ski's switch perfectly well too.

Butters are nothing to write home about. Probably a little easier than the 'chetler (I always found that the very very tip of the 100's was super soft, but the quick ramp in flex wasn't great for nose butters). Also I suck at butters, so YMMV.

Are there better options for noodling around a low speeds trying to press your tips all day? Sure. But as someone who liked the Bent Chetler a lot but wanted to try something more playful for their next ski, the Koala's put a huge smile on my face.