By Andrew Ingold
Faction Studio 2
Overview
The Studio 2 is a versatile 102 mm-waist ski aimed at riders who want one ski for park, piste and occasional freeride. Its progressive twin shape and generous rockered tip and tail deliver a playful, forgiving entry while a modest ~2 mm camber provides edge contact and rebound. Offered in lengths from 166 to 188 cm and featuring an elliptical sidecut, the ski is tuned to switch easily between short, quick turns and longer arcs, while staying forgiving for tricks and switch landings.
On-Snow Character
On snow the ski feels lively and responsive; turn initiation is fast thanks to the broad tip and active rocker, while the camber section and full sidewall give surprisingly solid edge hold on firmer snow. The 102 mm waist is narrow enough for confident carving compared with wider freeride boards, yet the 131 mm tip helps with flotation in softer conditions. The slightly narrower 127 mm tail assists with spins and presses, and the combination of carbon stringers and poplar core makes for noticeable snap when pushing off jumps or butters.
Construction and Specs Explained
Construction focuses on light, lively performance with a durable park-friendly setup. A poplar core paired with multiple unidirectional carbon stringers in woven fiberglass yields snappy rebound and low weight. A 600×15 mm carbon and rubber stomp pad underfoot protects the ski and soaks up impact from repeated landings. Full Strength sidewalls and XL 2.5 mm edges boost edge durability and hold; the sintered UHMW base retains wax and resists abrasion. The rocker–camber–rocker profile (tip ≈ 360 mm, camber ≈ 2 mm, tail ≈ 325 mm) balances playfulness, edge contact and flotation.
Strengths and Drawbacks
Strengths are clear: pop, playfulness and built-in durability make the Studio 2 excellent for jumps, rails, butters and mixed all-mountain days. Downsides depend on intended use — at very high speeds or in sustained big-mountain chunder the ski can feel less damped than heavier, camber-forward options. For deep, recurring powder a wider waist (106–112 mm) will float more effortlessly. Also note the per-ski weight increases in longer sizes, which can affect ollies, spins and prolonged laps with heavier equipment.
Who Should Buy It & Verdict
Who should buy this ski? Intermediate to advanced riders who value a playful, poppy ski that still holds an edge under pressure will enjoy the Studio 2. If you split time between park and all-mountain lines and want a single quiver-ski, it’s a compelling choice. Choose a length slightly under your height for maximum play, or closer to your height if you want extra stability at speed. Overall verdict: a modern, fun all-mountain freeride ski that blends park capability with real mountain performance.
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Community Opinions
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