2023 Faction Mana 2

For the ultimate blend of freestyle and freeride, the 2023 Faction Mana 2 is a great choice. More of a toy than a tool, the Mana 2 features a 102 mm waist and a twin tipped shape that will work really well in a variety of snow conditions and terrain. Faction has been making some of the best freeride skis in the world for quite some time now, and the Mana 2 takes it to the next level. Built with a light weight poplar wood core, the Mana 2 also features a carbon/rubber stomp pad underfoot that provides both energy and grip in the turn as well as a more forgiving landing zone for dropping big cliffs and taking huge airs. We also see larger 2.5-mm edges, Faction’s Boat flex, and a progressive twin tip shape for the ultimate in freestyle skiing. In the 183, we are seeing a 20-meter turn radius and a weight of 1880 grams per ski. Slight camber underfoot and fairly even rocker profiles in the tips and tails make this a swervy, fun and energetic ski for a vast majority of advanced freeride skiers.

Brad Schauerman skied the 178 and noted it was true to size and a good fit for him. He gave the Mana 2 4’s out of 5 for flotation, stability, forgiveness, and versatility, with 3’s for overall impression, torsional stiffness, edge hold, playfulness, quickness, and maneuverability. Brad states that “These skis seemed super planky to me. They have very little shape and side cut and as a result aren't super snappy and have a longer turn radius. They are pretty damp and do a great job smashing through crud but are lightweight and easy to maneuver. They would make a good all-mountain ski that excels in fresh snow.” The combination of lighter weight and crud-smashing is pretty interesting, though.

Nick Wright was also on the 178, and he noted that while it skied true to size, it was much too short for him. He scored it 4’s for quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, forgiveness, and versatility. Overall impression, torsional stiffness, edge hold, stability, and flotation all got 3’s, so a very similar spread of scores between Nick and Brad. Nick states that “The Mana 2 in such a short length got really beaten up in the slower snow and didn't seem to provide enough OOMPH to deal with it. It was certainly poppy and playful but it had a hard time staying stable at high speed. Another one I am sure could have been a more fun option if I was on the right size.”

As far as playful twin tips are concerned, the Mana 2, at 102 mm underfoot, has more of a freestyle application than a freeride or all-mountain one in our testers experience. If you’re in the market for a poppy and maneuverable twin that is on the wider side of the park spectrum, the Mana 2 should certainly be on the list.