THE PEOPLE'S SKI TEST - FACTION PRODIGY 2.0X

FACTION PRODIGY 2.0X
Category: Freestyle
Lengths: 159, 165, 171
Dimensions: 127/98/119
Radius: 14m @ 165
MSRP: $649
More info: factionskis.com

"The Faction Prodigy 2.0X bridges the gap between an all-mountain ripper and a playful park ski. I found it to be quite stiff despite the poplar core, giving me a ski that performed admirably at high speeds on piste, with complete control and absolutely no chatter. This carried through to crud, where it drove its way through skied-out zones with ease. The stiffness of the ski continues through the tail, which challenged me in tighter areas like trees or moguls, but I was grateful for it in the air, as it made for a reliable landing—even when backseat. For the amount of stability the ski offered, I was pleasantly surprised by its playfulness, which allowed it to tackle a wide range of terrain. From the park, to a cheeky pow day, or fast-paced groomer, the Prodigy kept me excited in all conditions. But there is a slight learning curve to it, and the more laps completed correlated with my comfort and enjoyment as I got my legs under me and better understood the ski. Beginners would probably prefer something softer, but intermediates on a shorter length and experts on a longer length will find it an excellent all-terrain tool. And shout-out to Faction for maintaining the same construction in its women’s and men’s skis. No more “shrink it and pink it”—just pink it!" —Kate Verhagen

Reviewer’s Rating: On Piste: 8/10 • Off Piste: 7/10
Average Rating: On Piste: 7/10 • Off Piste: 6/10

REVIEWER BIO:

Kate Verhagen
Age: 32 / Height: 5’10” / Weight: 158 lbs / Occupation: Geologist
Raised on the craggy slopes of Castle Mountain, Alberta, Kate Verhagen grew up skiing wide chutes on wind-loaded powder days before making the move to the tight trees and steep terrain that surrounds Rossland, where she works as a geologist. Verhagen likes to ski a little bit of everything in-bounds, and dabbles in ski touring in and around Red Mountain Resort’s backcountry, which allows her to alternate between the trio of skis in her personal quiver that clock in at 105, 116 and 125 millimetres underfoot in the 180-centimetre range.