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- Mar 5, 2017
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Dimensions: 121-90-121
Radius: 18m@182cm
Sizes: 164, 170, 176, 182
Size tested: 182
Design: Carryover
dean_spirito: (from last year) When the greatest freeskier on the planet designs a ski, people should probably stop what they are doing and take notice. While many brands have moved away from fully symmetrical designs in order to appeal to larger audiences, Faction has figured out a way to combine the body of a traditional park ski with the soul of a big-mountain ripper. The Candide 1.0 was the only symmetrical ski I tested this year, and it also happened to be the stiffest and most conducive to hard charging. Candide Thovex is probably one of the most aggressive freeskiers out there, and this ski is a perfect reflection of that style: incredibly stable at high speeds and burly enough to handle any size airs, whether in the park or backcountry.
- Who is it for? Big-mountain skiers and heavy, aggressive park riders.
- Who is it not for? Beginners and intermediates skiing on piste: this is a stiff ski that demands a competent driver.
- Insider tip: Symmetrical skis have a unique feel and can be difficult for traditional skiers to adjust to; don’t disregard this ski simply because of its shape, just realize it may take some getting used to.
Dimensions: 135-102-135
Radius: 16m@178cm
Sizes: 158, 166, 172, 178, 184, 188
Size tested: 178
Design: Carryover
dean_spirito: The Candide 2.0 is more than just a symmetrical park ski: it is an all-mountain ripper that can handle anything in your path! Camber underfoot and rocker in the tip and tail work together to create a versatile ski that holds solidly in firm snow yet floats effortlessly through pow. To create a stable platform for landing huge airs, the Candide 2.0 incorporates a carbon stomp pad into the poplar/beech core. This helps to absorb impact and dampen vibrations without making the ski feel too heavy or too stiff. Whether you are lapping the park or sending cliffs in the backcountry, the Candide 2.0 is right for all occasions!
- Who is it for? Advanced to expert skiers looking for a playful ski that won’t fold under pressure; park rats looking for something to take to the big mountain.
- Who is it not for? Those not looking to catch air or ski switch; it is most definitely a freestyle-oriented ski.
- Insider tip: Candide Thovex is arguably the greatest skier on the planet, and there is a good reason why you see so many of his skis out on the hill.
Dimensions: 135-108-132
Radius: 22m@186cm
Sizes: 162, 169, 176, 182, 186, 192, 204 (yes, 2 Oh 4)
Size tested: 186
Design: Carryover/NGT
Ron: For the better part of this season, friends at my local ski shop were nagging me to get on this ski, but I already owned another ski that I used for powder days. Fast forward, I demoed a pair of Faction Candide CTs and was blown away. Named for Candide Thovex, who defies gravity in his internet sensation videos, the Candide 3.0 is a lightweight ski that can still charge. The CT 3.0 has a softish tip but gets progressively stiffer until underfoot where its quite stiff. From the heel back, it softens but maintains some stiffness for support. I had to get used to a twintip, but found I really like this design for stability and turn shape. There is low but long rocker on both the tip and tail. This shape allows the ski to maintain stability while still providing good float.
Despite being thought of a park or freestyle ski, this ski is impressively versatile on soft groomers, crud, and above-the-knee deep days. In fact, although I typically never evaluate a wide ski on its groomer performance, this ski rips and is a ton-o-fun on soft groomers. The tip engages very well for a ski of this width. In powder, you can really work this ski which has a lot of pop and energy but still feels grounded to the snow, and with its camber (more than the published 2 mm), you can pop around small features and have a blast on it. The 3.0 has a very low swing weight and can be pivoted and schmeared in very tight spots. I am skiing this much more often than I thought I would be.
There is a 4cm span for mounting on the CT; from the forward "CT line," which is more for park or freestyle skiing, to the aft, "all-mountain" mark, which frankly is too far back. I played around with the mounting point and ended up at +1 from the all-mountain mark. FWIW, my LSS says most skiers go mid-point between the two marks, or just about where I am.
- Who is it for? Those looking for a super fun powder and damn near perfect all-mountain Western ski.
- Who is it not for? I'm not sure!
- Insider tip: Demo first if possible for best mount point; +1 to mid-point will work for most skiers.
Dimensions: 120-90-112
Radius: 18m@181cm
Sizes: 152, 158, 164, 170, 176, 181, 187
Size tested: 181
Design: Carryover/NGT
dean_spirito: Faction designed the Prodigy series with intermediate skiers in mind. If you think that the Candide lineup is too aggressive for your taste but you want a similar flavor, take a closer look at the Prodigy. At 90 mm underfoot, the Prodigy 1.0 could be a great one-ski quiver. Rocker in the tip and tail contributes to smooth turn initiation and effortless float in deeper snow. Camber underfoot allows the ski to hold firmly on hard pack and explode from one turn to the next. Finally, a poplar core makes it light, playful, and easy to bend.
- Who is it for? Intermediate skiers looking for a one-ski quiver; aspiring park rats.
- Who is it not for? Advanced to expert skiers who like to go fast; heavier skiers.
- Insider tip: This versatile ski will appeal to a lot of different intermediate skiers.
Dimensions: 122-96-112
Radius: 19m@178cm
Sizes: 154, 158, 164, 174, 178, 184
Size tested: 178
Design: New Construction
dean_spirito: Just because a ski is designed for intermediates doesn’t mean that it should make you ski like one. Unfortunately, Faction missed the mark on the Prodigy 2.0. I found it to be downright scary on piste. Although it performed slightly better in variable chop, that did not make up for the lack of performance elsewhere on the mountain.
- Who is it for? People who like to torture themselves.
- Who is it not for? Most people.
- Insider tip: Don’t let this lackluster review discourage you from looking more closely at the Prodigy 1.0.
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