Extrem Factory 102 review — all‑mountain freeride

Overview

The Extrem Factory 102 is a modern 102‑mm all‑mountain/freeride ski built to be a travel‑friendly one‑ski quiver: confidence on groomers, authority in chop, and enough float for storm days. Its construction stands out—poplar core with a beech binding plate, a Titanal “arrow” underfoot, rubber damping in tip and tail, thick edges, and a fast race base. On snow, it feels directional, composed, and predictable, preferring medium‑to‑long turns and a forward, engaged stance.

Key takeaways

• Stable, damp demeanor: calm through chop and firm snow without harsh feedback.
• Trustworthy edge hold: 88°/1.5° factory tune and underfoot metal deliver bite.
• True 102‑mm versatility: respectable float with precise resort performance.
• Not ultralight: more durable and planted than a touring ski, but heavier on the uphill.
• Directional feel: rewards speed and clean technique over low‑speed playfulness.

Construction & design

• Vertically laminated poplar core + CNC‑milled beech binding plate: lively yet strong screw retention.
• Prepreg fiberglass + 0.4 mm Titanal “arrow” (65×1000 mm) underfoot: torsional grip where you need it.
• 1.5 mm Haberkorn race rubber in tip & tail + 0.2 mm rubber foil at the edge: vibration control and chatter reduction.
• Extra‑wide ABS sidewalls (8.5 mm) + 2.3×2.2 mm steel edge: durability and service life.
• Isospeed 7515 high‑density race base with stone grind: fast glide; rewards regular waxing.
• Tip‑and‑tail rocker with camber underfoot: easy turn initiation with supportive tail finish.
• Factory tune 88°/1.5°: crisp, precise edge engagement on hardpack.
• ABS tail insert for skin clips.
• Select model years: BÖA A.R.S. Adjustable Rocker System for on‑the‑fly rocker tuning.

On‑snow performance

• Groomers and hardpack: The 21 m (184) sidecut, underfoot metal, and firm tune translate to confident GS‑style arcs. It prefers speed and commitment; at very slow speeds a Rustler 10 or Bent 100 feels looser, but the Factory 102 wins once you open it up.
• Mixed snow and crud: Around 2,000 g per ski (184) plus rubber damping keeps it composed slicing through refrozen chunder and wind buff. It’s slightly less steamroller‑like than a Mantra M6, but more forgiving in 3D snow.
• Powder: 102 mm and balanced rocker float well to about 20–30 cm; size up (184/190) for deeper days. Not as surfy as a QST 106 or Bent 110, but more precise on firm snow.
• Bumps and trees: Supportive tail, not a lash. It rewards centered, active feet in zipperlines; more demanding than a Bent 100, but more stable everywhere else.

Mounting & length advice

• Mount point: roughly −75 to −80 mm from true center for a directional stance and stability.
• Lengths: 176 (20 m), 184 (21 m), 190 (22 m). Choose 184 as the all‑rounder for most; 176 if you value tight spaces and agility; 190 for speed, open terrain, or heavier skiers.
• Bindings: Alpine (Griffon/Attack/STH2) for resort; hybrid (Shift/CAST) suits occasional touring—the tail clip insert is skin‑friendly.

Comparisons

• Nordica Enforcer 100: heavier and even more authoritative on ice; Factory 102 feels a touch looser in soft snow and less tiring.
• Blizzard Rustler 10: lighter and more playful; less damping when the snow gets ugly.
• Salomon QST 106: more float and surf feel; less precision on boilerplate.
• Volkl Mantra M6 (96 mm): best‑in‑class hard‑snow power; less float and forgiveness.
• Atomic Bent 100: very playful, much lighter; far less composed at speed.

Who it’s for (and who it isn’t)

• Ideal for: advanced to expert all‑mountain skiers who want one ski to trust on groomers, crud, and moderate powder, prioritizing stability and edge hold with just enough looseness from the rocker.
• Less ideal for: park‑centric riders, skiers seeking ultra‑playful short‑turn manners at slow speeds, gram‑counters for long tours, or powder purists wanting maximum surf.

Specs and what they mean

• Rocker profile: Tip‑and‑tail rocker with camber. Easier pivot and smear in soft snow, with camber support and energy underfoot.
• Tip width: 176: 131 mm; 184: 132 mm; 190: 133 mm. Wider tips aid float and initiation—these are modern but not overly bulbous.
• Waist width: 102 mm (all lengths). The all‑mountain sweet spot: blends quick edge‑to‑edge with meaningful soft‑snow support.
• Tail width: 176: 120 mm; 184: 121 mm; 190: 122 mm. Supportive tails stabilize the finish of the turn and landings.
• Weight (per ski): 176: 1,910 g; 184: 2,000 g; 190: 2,090 g. Enough mass for damping and confidence without going full metal‑tank.
• Radius: 176: 20 m; 184: 21 m; 190: 22 m. Naturally favors medium‑to‑long arcs; holds a line at speed.
• Available lengths: 176, 184, 190 cm. Size for terrain, speed, and skier mass.

Key takeaways

• Composed and damp in rough snow.
• Versatile 102‑mm platform with real edge hold.
• Directional, speed‑friendly personality.
• Durable build with a fast base that appreciates maintenance.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Who is the Extrem Factory 102 for?
A: Advanced/expert all‑mountain skiers who want a single pair for resort days with mixed conditions. The Factory 102 emphasizes stability, edge hold, and predictable handling with enough rocker to keep it agile in soft snow.

Q: How does it compare to the Nordica Enforcer 100?
A: The Enforcer 100 is heavier and punches harder on ice. The Factory 102 is slightly looser and less tiring across mixed snow, while remaining confident at speed.

Q: What length should I choose?
A: Most skiers go at or just below their height. Pick 176 cm for tighter spaces and moderate speeds, 184 cm as the do‑it‑all choice, and 190 cm for higher speeds, big terrain, or heavier riders.

Q: Can I tour on it?
A: Yes as a resort‑first, tour‑second setup. Pair with Shift/CAST for sidecountry and the occasional tour—the tail clip insert is convenient, and the extra mass improves downhill security.