Faction Prodigy 2.0 2020 – 2021 | Review
Why we chose the Faction Prodigy 2.0: Versatile, poppy, playful
Lengths (cm): 159, 165, 171, 177, 183, 189
Sidecut (mm): 127 / 98 / 119 (183 cm)
Radius: 20m (183 cm)
Rocker Profile: Rocker-Camber-Rocker
Weight (per ski): 1950g
Price: £470
Are you the type of person who likes to dabble with a bit of everything when you’re at your local world food buffet? You know, a bit of carbonara mixed in with the finest Peking duck, completed with a bowl of paella as a side? Well, if that’s all a bit of you, then you’ll be glad to know that Faction has designed the ideal ski for you in the Prodigy 2.0.
In all seriousness, the Prodigy 2.0 has been built with the sole mission of being able to shred almost every snowflake on the mountain: first lift powder frenzy; late-morning parks laps; and afternoon slush runs to après. The Prodigy will be able to take the lot on, and to a pretty impressive standard as well.
Faction Prodigy 2.0 Shaping
So, the first thing to note when looking at ski that brags about its all-mountain credentials is, of course, the width. Faction has used what is now the de facto all mountain waist width – 98 mm – here. When combined with rocker (more on that later), this width is more than enough to keep you afloat during heavy powder days, yet not so much that it becomes a nuisance when you’re putting these skis on edge, or stomping spins in the park.
If we had to reach for any waist width, without knowing what conditions were in store, there’s a good chance we’d reach for the 100 – 105 mm range, so we totally understand Factions use of a 98 mm ski for their middle of the range all-mountain ski.
Aside from waist width, the Prodigy 2.0 features a wide tip (at 127 mm), and slightly narrower tail (at 119 mm), with a twinned tail there to see you right when you fancy a bit of switch skiing. Gracing this shaping is some pretty standard rocker built into both the tips and tails, with 3 mm of camber underfoot, which’ll help you bite into those piste carves or booter takeoffs.”
Faction Prodigy 2.0 Build
With all this in mind, it’s got to be said that this ski is best placed in the hands of strong intermediate to experts. Those who like their skis with a stout flex will enjoy the feedback from the Prodigy 2.0. This is all thanks to a poplar / beech core that’s said to allow you to press and butter the skis at will.
And of course, as we’ve come to expect from the Prodigy series, the 2.0s are sporting a sick topsheet – this time created Anat Royer from Parade Studio in Paris. Each of the 2020 / 21 Prodigy topsheets has a different vinyl and different animal on the cover – a lynx, a ram, a bear and a buffalo. We’ve always been big fans of the Prodigy topsheets, and this 20 / 21 version is right on the money.
Who Is Faction Prodigy 2.0 For?
If you’re a strong intermediate to expert skier who likes the idea of a single ski quiver, then the Faction Progidy 2.0 has to be right at the top of your list. It strikes that ideal combination of a playful shape and rocker profile. Its pretty stiff flex means you’ll have a tool that’ll be happy no matter where on the mountain you find yourself.
Pair the Prodigy 2.0 with STH2 13, or Pivot 13 and you’ve got yourself a setup that’ll tackle the entire resort. Or, if you’d also like to throw in a few short tours to access those hidden powder stashes, then an Armada Shift 10, or Maker Duke P16 will see you right.
What Is The Faction Prodigy 2.0 Good At?
Carving: 7/10
Playfulness: 8/10
Soft Snow: 7/10
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