{"id":2227286,"date":"2026-10-29T19:50:14","date_gmt":"2026-10-29T16:50:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2227286"},"modified":"2026-10-29T19:50:14","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T16:50:14","slug":"faction-celebrates-20-years-with-its-most-complete-ski-collection-yet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2227286","title":{"rendered":"Faction celebrates 20 years with its most complete ski collection yet"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"content\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Twenty years ago, Faction was building freeride prototypes in Verbier. For 2026\/27, the Swiss brand is marking that milestone with a collection that covers pretty much the entire freeskiing spectrum, from competition-ready park skis and playful all-mountain twins to directional touring weapons and ultra-lightweight powder tools.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There\u2019s a lot to get through, with five main families each aimed at a slightly different type of skier: Studio, Dancer, Prodigy, Agent and La Machine. Here\u2019s how the range breaks down, and where each line fits into the picture.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h2><b>Studio: Freestyle performance, from the park to big mountain lines<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Studio range is Faction\u2019s flagship freestyle collection, developed alongside its athletes and built for skiers who want a twin-tip that can handle serious speed, heavy landings and demanding terrain. For 2026\/27, every Studio model gets special Roman numeral XX anniversary graphics celebrating the brand\u2019s 20th birthday.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">At the narrower end, the <b>Studio 0 Pro (83 mm)<\/b> is built for halfpipe skiing, where edge hold, precision and stability on hard transitions matter most. The <b>Studio 1 (90 mm)<\/b> brings that high-performance park-focused character to a more versatile freestyle ski, while the <b>Studio 2 (102 mm)<\/b> sits in the all-mountain sweet spot, ready for park laps, side hits and off-piste detours.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Move wider and the <\/span><b>Studio 3 (112 mm)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> leans further into freeride freestyle, with more platform for powder, natural features and bigger mountain lines. At the top of the width chart, the <\/span><b>Studio 4 (122 mm)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is the deep-snow option, combining a broad platform with a twin-tip shape for skiers who want to bring freestyle into the backcountry.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Construction helps separate the Studios from the more playful Prodigy family. Carbon reinforcement and a carefully tuned flex aim to keep the skis light and lively underfoot, while firmer tips and tails provide support at speed and on landings. The Studio is for the senders and chargers.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h2><b>Prodigy: The playful all-mountain twin-tip<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Faction\u2019s best-selling Prodigy family returns with new graphics inspired by geological strata and topographic cross-sections, created by Parade Studios. Underneath, the established recipe remains: a poplar wood core, progressive flex and carbon-rubber reinforcement underfoot on selected models to help absorb impacts and vibration.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Prodigy is the collection\u2019s more accessible, playful freestyle option. Its twin-tip shape and softer extremities make it well suited to buttering, slashing, skiing switch and turning whatever the mountain throws at you into a potential take-off.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The <\/span><b>Prodigy 1 (88 mm)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is the narrower, park-friendly choice, particularly suited to firmer snow and resort freestyle. This is the weapon under the feet of the unicorn, Matej Svancer. The <\/span><b>Prodigy 2 (98 mm)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is the all-rounder, balancing park performance with enough width for all-mountain laps and side hits. At <\/span><b>106 mm<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, the <\/span><b>Prodigy 3<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> moves towards softer snow and freeride terrain while keeping its playful twin-tip character. The <\/span><b>Prodigy 4 (116 mm)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is the powder-focused option, built for deep days, natural features and backcountry freestyle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For those who prefer their skis with a bit more artwork, the Prodigy Capsule models return for the final year of Colorado-based artist Elsa Grace\u2019s Capsule residency. The Capsule skis share the same construction and performance specifications as their standard counterparts, so the decision comes down to which topsheet you prefer\u2014because, let\u2019s be honest, graphics matter. This season\u2019s graphics draw on botanical motifs and antique tilework.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h2><b>Agent: Lightweight touring without giving up the downhill<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Agent family is designed for skiers who earn their turns but still want a ski that feels capable when it\u2019s time to point downhill. Its hybrid freetouring construction pairs a lightweight Karuba wood core with a full carbon weave, aiming to keep uphill weight down without sacrificing too much performance on the descent.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The range runs from the <\/span><b>Agent 1 (86 mm)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, a relatively narrow option for lighter touring setups and firmer mountain conditions, through the <\/span><b>Agent 2 (96 mm)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and <\/span><b>Agent 3 (106 mm)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, which offer progressively more width for variable snow and freeride terrain. At <\/span><b>116 mm<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, the <\/span><b>Agent 4<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is the widest option for touring skiers prioritising float on deeper days.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Compared with La Machine, Agent is the more directional, all-round touring family. Its shape and construction are intended to deliver predictable handling on the way down, whether that means navigating technical terrain, dealing with wind-affected snow or making the most of a long descent after a big climb.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h2><b>La Machine: Go light, find deep snow<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Where Agent aims to balance touring efficiency with downhill versatility, La Machine takes the weight-saving brief further. The family is built around a paulownia wood core and two full-length carbon layers, creating Faction\u2019s lightest touring skis for skiers heading into remote terrain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The extended rocker profile is designed to help the skis float in fresh snow and pivot easily in tight spaces, while the lightweight construction keeps the uphill effort to a minimum. It\u2019s a setup aimed at backcountry skiers who value deep-snow performance and efficient climbing over the more planted, directional feel of a heavier freeride ski.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The <\/span><b>La Machine 2 (99 mm)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is the narrower option for lighter, more versatile touring missions. The <\/span><b>La Machine 3 (109 mm)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> adds float for softer snow, while the <\/span><b>La Machine 5 (126 mm)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is the full powder tool for deep days and big objectives.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If Agent is the choice for skiers looking for a dependable touring partner across a range of conditions, La Machine is the option for those who want to save weight and make the most of the deepest snow they can find.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h2><b>Dancer: All-mountain versatility, with or without titanal<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Dancer range gets the biggest shake-up for 2026\/27. Faction has expanded the family around three core waist widths\u201479, 89 and 99 mm\u2014and introduced a clearer distinction between its standard and stiffer TI constructions.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The regular Dancer models use a poplar wood core and fibreglass-based construction, giving them a lighter, more playful feel. The <strong>Dancer TI<\/strong> versions add two layers of Titanal for increased stability, precision and composure when pushing hard through firm snow or chopped-up conditions. In short, the standard models prioritise versatility and a less demanding ride; the TI versions are for skiers who want to charge.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The <\/span><b>Dancer 79<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is the narrowest option, suited to carving, firm snow and quick edge changes. The <\/span><b>Dancer 89<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> offers a little more room for mixed conditions and everyday resort skiing, while the <\/span><b>Dancer 99<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is the widest of the three core models, bringing greater versatility when venturing off-piste.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For skiers wanting the extra metal reinforcement in a wider package, the <\/span><b>Dancer 106 TI<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> carries the family\u2019s more powerful construction into freeride territory. It also continues the high-energy character of the previous Dancer 3, now under a new name.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The expanded lineup makes the Dancer family easier to navigate: choose your width according to your usual terrain, then decide whether you want the lighter, more playful construction or the extra support of Titanal.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Twenty years on from those first prototypes in Verbier, Faction\u2019s range has grown well beyond its freeride roots. Whether you\u2019re chasing park progression, carving laps, heading out on a touring mission or hunting for bottomless powder, the 2026\/27 collection has a dedicated option for the job.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The new collection is available now through Faction retail partners and at<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/factionskis.com\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">factionskis.com<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"content_inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"headline\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Always get<\/strong> <br \/>\nfirst tracks<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Sign up to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest news, videos and happenings in freeskiing.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Twenty years ago, Faction was building freeride prototypes in Verbier. For 2026\/27, the Swiss brand is marking that milestone with a collection that covers pretty much the entire freeskiing spectrum, from competition-ready park skis and playful all-mountain twins to directional touring weapons and ultra-lightweight powder tools. There\u2019s a lot to get through, with five main [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[226,279],"class_list":["post-2227286","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-crawlmanager","tag-downdays-eu"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2227286","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2227286"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2227286\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2227286"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2227286"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2227286"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}