2017-2018 Faction Prodigy 2.0

Ski: 2017-2018 Faction Prodigy 2.0, 184 cm

Available Lengths: 168, 174, 178, 184  cm

Blister’s Measured Tip-to-Tail Length: 182.4 cm

Stated Weight per Ski (178 cm): 1760 grams

Blister’s Measured Weight per Ski (184 cm): 1820 & 1833 grams

Stated Dimensions: 122-96-112 mm

Blister’s Measured Dimensions: 122-96.5-112 mm

Stated Sidecut Radius: 22/24 meters

Tip & Tail Splay (ski decambered): 56 mm / 36 mm

Traditional Camber Underfoot: 2.5 mm

Core: Poplar / Beech

Base: Die-cut Ptex 3000

Factory Recommended Mount Point: -6.0 cm from center; 85.2 cm from tail

Introducing the New Prodigy Series

For the 17/18 season, Faction is introducing the “Prodigy” series, and here is a breakdown of those ski widths, stated flex patterns, and core materials:

• Prodigy 1.0 = 90 mm;   Flex: 7/10;   Core: Poplar / Beech
• Prodigy 2.0 = 96 mm;   Flex: 6/10;   Core: Poplar / Beech
• Prodigy 3.0 = 106 mm; Flex: 7/10;   Core: Poplar / Beech
• Prodigy 4.0 = 112 mm;  Flex: 8/10;   Core: Poplar / Ash

If a number of the skis in the series look familiar, there’s a reason for that:

• The Prodigy 1.0 was in the Faction line last year as the “Soma.” It is unchanged for 17/18, except for the new name.
• The Prodigy 2.0 was in the Faction lineup as the “Prodigy.” It’s the same ski for 17/18, but with the added “2.0” designation.
• The Prodigy 3.0 was also in the line last year as the “Chapter 106.” Same ski, new name.
• The Prodigy 4.0 is a new ski, and it effectively replaces the Chapter 116.

About the skis in this line, Faction states, “The Prodigy line represents everything that Faction is about. Confidence-inspiring performance, responsive wood cores, progressive twin-tip shapes, and versatile camber lines. [These are] rewarding skis that are responsive when pushed and comfortable when cruising. Ready for whatever you want to throw at them.”

That’s a pretty broad but pretty intriguing statement. And for now, we’ll take a look specifically at the Prodigy 2.0.

Flex Pattern, Faction Prodigy 2.0

Faction lists the 2.0 as the softest ski in the Prodigy series, and here’s how we would characterize the flex pattern of the ski:

Tips: 5-6
Shovels: 7-8
Underfoot: 9
Behind the Heel piece: 9-8
Tails: 7-6

When hand flexed back-to-back against the Chapter 106, the Prodigy 2.0 feels similar to — but just a touch softer overall than — the 186 cm Chapter 106. And that’s worth noting given that the Chapter 106 is now the Prodigy 3.0, and Faction rates the 3.0 as a “7” flex, and the 2.0 as a “6” flex. So that’s all in line with what we found.

And for more points of reference, Faction lists their Candide 3.0 as a “7” flex, and the new Dictator 3.0 as an “8” flex.

Bottom Line (For Now)

Truth is, none of the other specs of the Prodigy 2.0 really leap out and demand further comment; beyond what we’ve already noted, the rest looks pretty straightforward, so the real story will be how the ski performs on snow.

We’ve been getting time on the 2.0, and will soon be detailing what this ski can do, comparing / contrasting it to other relevant skis, and weighing in on who it’s for.

But for now, check out the rocker profile pics of the ski:

NEXT: Rocker Profile Pics