Faction La machine 5 — Review

La Machine 5 is an ultralight freeride/touring ski built for serious backcountry days and big‑powder line hunting. With a 126 mm waist it delivers notable float while keeping weight low for long approaches. Offered in longer lengths (178, 186, 192 cm), it uses extended tip and tail rocker to create a surfy, easy‑pivoting feel in soft snow. That combination makes it ideal for advanced to expert skiers who prioritise uphill efficiency and maximum float on steep, deep descents without carrying unnecessary grams on the climb.

On snow the ski behaves like a backcountry surfboard: it planes and pivots easily in powder and initiates turns with minimal effort. Its lightness helps with quick maneuvers and reduces fatigue over long tours. However, that same light construction means less mass to absorb chatter and provide high‑speed stability, so it demands careful technique on hard or variable snow. The turn radius across the sizes favors longer, arcing turns in the longest length, while the shorter length shortens the turn arc for more playful handling.

Construction centers on a paulownia wood core combined with two full‑length carbon fibre layers, XL Full Strength sidewalls, and an Anti‑Chip Micro‑Cap finish. Paulownia keeps weight down while carbon adds snap and responsiveness. The rocker profile—extended rocker in tip and tail with a flatter midsection—creates early lift and easy pivots. Tip (148 mm) gives initial float, waist (126 mm) balances float and touring efficiency, and tail (139 mm) helps release in deep snow. Weight per ski is a touring-critical spec; lighter skis reduce effort on ascents.

Compared to other ultralight powder touring skis, La Machine 5 skews toward a playful, surfy ride rather than a damp, high‑mass feel you get from heavier freeride boards. Against broader 130+ mm touring powder skis it trades a little pure float for much better uphill performance and maneuverability in tight terrain. It’s best suited to seasoned backcountry riders who want a ski that excels in deep snow and long approaches, rather than riders who prioritise maximum high‑speed stability or resort‑focused versatility.

Drawbacks are straightforward: less edge bite on hardpack, reduced stability at top speeds, and a construction that can feel lively rather than heavily damped in chop or crud. The limited length range limits tuning for riders at extreme heights or weights. Still, if your goal is to climb farther and find untracked lines, this ski is a compelling option. The eco‑focused materials and the brand’s donation program are welcomed additions for environmentally conscious buyers.

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