By Noah Carter
Faction Studio 3
Quick summary
The Studio 3 is a playful yet technically minded freeride twin aimed at advanced and expert skiers who mix variable snow with freestyle. With a 112 mm waist and generous tip and tail rocker it excels in float and smear-friendly turning in soft snow. At the same time the Boat‑Flex profile and carbon reinforcement deliver the stiffness needed to control speed and absorb stomped landings. That mix makes the ski versatile across the mountain: from powder laps to creative lines where reliability, switch performance and pop matter.
Construction and specs explained
The construction pairs a poplar wood core with full‑length unidirectional carbon stringers and a 600 mm carbon + rubber stomp pad underfoot. This gives a lively rebound, solid pop and improved vibration absorption without excessive weight. Dimensions — tip 140 mm, waist 112 mm, tail 134 mm — translate to strong float and easy turn initiation, while the modest ~2 mm camber underfoot provides edge hold and return. Turn radius sits around 20 m (178 cm) and per‑ski weights range roughly 1,740–2,080 g depending on length, which affects agility and stability.
On‑snow character
On snow the Studio 3 feels lively and responsive with a clear dual personality: it lives in soft snow and powder where the rocker creates buoyancy and the tail allows playful smear exits. On groomers and at higher speeds it is surprisingly stable thanks to the carbon stringers and full‑strength sidewall. The Boat‑Flex makes the tip and tail stiff enough for pop and solid landings while the softer midsection keeps things forgiving. You may feel some feedback through rough chop, but overall the ski tracks confidently.
How it compares
Compared with other 110–115 mm freeride twins the Studio 3 leans more towards playful, freestyle‑friendly behavior while retaining enough stability for bigger lines. Compared to stiffer, dedicated powder boards it’s more agile in tight trees and fun features, yet it keeps more high‑speed composure than softer all‑mountain twintips. If you want maximum float in very deep snow a wider specialist will outperform it; if you want a single ski that blends powder float, park tricks and mountain versatility, this one competes strongly.
Verdict — who should buy
Strengths are clear: excellent float, smearability, lively pop and superior landing damping thanks to carbon stringers and the stomp pad. Drawbacks include increased weight in longer sizes and slightly reduced edge bite versus hardened piste skis on icy days. In short, the Studio 3 is best for advanced skiers who spend significant time off‑piste but want freestyle capability without compromising stability. Choose length for your preference: shorter for playfulness, longer for tracking and high‑speed confidence.
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