By Alice Ivey
Faction Agent 1
Quick summary
This lightweight touring ski prioritizes uphill efficiency and playful downhill performance. The narrow 86 mm waist and progressive tip/tail shaping deliver a predictable all-mountain feel that handles hardpack and variable snow well. Its low weight per ski makes long approaches and bootpacks noticeably easier, while the shape provides enough platform for confident descents without being a powder specialist. Expect an everyday touring tool that favors versatility and low-effort ascent over float in deep powder, offering nimble handling for mixed-condition days and long backcountry missions.
Build and specs explained
The build blends a lightweight Karuba wood core with a full carbon weave and XL 2.5 mm edges in a Full Strength sidewall configuration. This yields a crisp yet lively flex with good torsional rigidity relative to its weight. Key specs explain performance: 120/86/110 tip-waist-tail influences float and turn initiation (wide tip aids bite and turn start; narrow waist quickens edge-to-edge); the 20% tip / 70% camber / 10% tail rocker gives pop and edge hold with some forgiveness in the tail; the listed flex 7/10 balances responsiveness and comfort. Anti-chip micro-cap protects high-wear areas for durability.
On-snow behavior
On snow the ski shines in mixed conditions and long tours where weight matters. The 7/10 flex feels energetic without being punishing; the carbon delivers stability at speed while allowing a playful feel in shorter turns. The XL edges and sidewall construction provide reliable edge hold on firm snow and icy approaches, giving confidence when committing to carved turns. In softer, tracked or variable snow the ski remains agile, but float in deep powder is limited compared to dedicated freeride or powder-focused boards. It’s built for efficient mileage and versatile descents.
Who should buy
This model fits light tourers and all-mountain riders who want to prioritize uphill efficiency without sacrificing downhill capability. If you do long traverses, skin into remote zones, or encounter narrow chutes and variable transitions, you'll appreciate the nimbleness and low swing weight. Riders seeking maximum float for deep powder days or absolute high-speed stability might prefer wider, heavier alternatives. Compared to pure touring race skis it feels more playful and forgiving; versus fat freeride skis it’s significantly lighter and easier to manage on the climb.
Verdict and trade-offs
In conclusion, the ski delivers a convincing combination of low weight, dependable edge control and playful downhill manners for mixed-snow touring. Trade-offs are clear: limited powder float and a design biased toward uphill efficiency and mixed-condition versatility. The durable construction—Karuba core, carbon reinforcement, XL edges and protective micro-cap—makes it a sensible choice for frequent tourers who value longevity. For riders wanting a light, responsive, all-mountain touring tool that performs on varied terrain, this is a compelling option; choose length and binding setup to tune stability versus agility.
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