By Evelien Jansen
Faction La machine grom
Overview
The La Machine Grom is a playful, ultra-light youth touring ski built for kids and teens who want to explore off-piste terrain. It blends an extended tip and tail rocker with a relatively narrow waist to deliver predictable float in powder and easy turn initiation in tight spots. Targeted at intermediate to expert junior riders, it suits those who mix touring ascents with freeride-style descents and who value a lively, forgiving feel rather than race-like precision. Overall it’s a modern, thoughtfully executed junior freeride-touring option.
On-snow performance
On snow the ski feels surprisingly lively for its weight. The pronounced rocker in tip and tail provides confident float in soft snow and very forgiving turn entry, which helps youngsters build confidence in varied conditions. On firm groomers the edge hold is reasonable for developing technique but won’t match heavier, full-width all-mountain junior skis for high-speed stability or hard-charging carving. Shorter lengths reward quick pivots and playful tricks, while the longer sizes add stability for bigger riders and longer, more committed turns.
Specs and what they mean
Key specs by length are: 129 cm — 114/85/105 mm, radius 9 m, weight 1150 g per ski; 138 cm — 114/85/105 mm, radius 11 m, weight 1200 g; 147 cm — 117/88/108 mm, radius 13 m, weight 1250 g; 156 cm — 120/91/111 mm, radius 15 m, weight 1300 g. Tip width increases flotation in soft snow; waist width governs versatility and edge-to-edge quickness; tail width affects release and stability. Turning radius indicates the natural turn size (shorter = quicker turns), and weight per ski directly impacts uphill efficiency and how easy the skis are to carry.
Construction and durability
Construction and durability punch above the ski’s price and size class. A paulownia wood core keeps weight low while two full-length carbon fiber sheets add stiffness and snap for responsive skiing. XL Full Strength sidewalls improve impact resistance and Anti-Chip Micro-Cap protects the topsheet from dings and scrapes. The use of bio-based resin and recycled materials shows an eco-conscious approach without compromising function. For touring the carbon layup yields efficient climbs and a lively descent feel that many kids will enjoy.
Verdict and recommendation
Verdict: for young riders who want a true touring-capable freeride ski the La Machine Grom excels where it matters — low weight, great float, and playful manners. Strong points include the carbon-reinforced lightweight construction and the ultra-rockered profile that makes life easy in deep snow. Potential drawbacks are reduced dampening and high-speed stability on hardpack compared to heavier all-mountain juniors. Recommend smaller lengths for playful park and tight tours, and the 147–156 cm options for heavier or more aggressive junior skiers.
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