By Ava Mitchell
Faction La machine 3
Overview
The La Machine 3 is a lightweight freeride touring ski engineered for long days and deep snow. With a wide 132 mm tip and a 109 mm waist, it blends flotation with a progressive rocker that makes pivoting and surfing effortless. Low per-ski weights help on long ascents, while the carbon-loaded construction provides the torsional support needed for off-piste stability. This ski targets riders who want float and playfulness on tours without sacrificing enough edge control to handle mixed, variable terrain when descending.
On-snow performance
On snow the La Machine 3 feels surfy and forgiving. The extended tip and tail rocker encourage early pivoting and make short, playful turns easy to initiate. At speed the carbon reinforcement gives reassuring torsional stiffness so the ski doesn't wander, though it is not designed as a high-speed, carve-focused tool on hardpack. In soft and variable snow it excels, offering confidence in chop and soft transitions; expect less bite on icy slopes compared with dedicated piste or aggressive all-mountain carving skis.
Construction and specs explained
The construction and specs explain the ski's behavior. The 132 mm tip improves flotation and helps start turns; the 109 mm waist balances drift and maneuverability; the 124 mm tail aids surfy exits and stability in soft snow. The extended tip/tail rocker with about 1 mm camber creates a playful, pivot-friendly profile that reduces hooking in powder. Turning radii range from roughly 19 to 22 m by length, affecting how tight or long turns feel. Lightweight paulownia core, full-length carbon layers, full-strength sidewalls and anti-chip micro-cap offer a durable but light package.
Who should buy and comparisons
Who should consider this ski and how does it compare? This model suits lightweight tourers and freeriders prioritizing flotation, easy pivoting and a playful feel on long days. Compared to other light freeride-tour skis — for example some offerings in the Navis or Wailer-style categories — it leans toward surf and maneuverability rather than pure high-speed stability. If your days are dominated by hardpack piste laps and aggressive carving, heavier, stiffer alternatives will be a better match.
Conclusion: pros and cons
In summary, the La Machine 3 is a compelling option for backcountry riders who value flotation and low weight. Strengths include excellent float, playful rocker-driven handling, and eco-minded materials with a carbon-reinforced layup. Trade-offs are reduced edge bite on hard ice and slightly less precise carving at high speed. For those seeking a versatile, lightweight freeride touring ski for long tours and powder sessions, this ski is worth demoing to confirm personal fit and length preference.
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