2023 Faction Prodigy 1

We’ve been pretty big fans of all-mountain twin tips for quite some time now, and the 2023 Faction Prodigy 1 is a great option for skiers looking for something in that ~88-90 mm range that has a playful yet rugged feel and is capable of almost anything out there on the hill. The Prodigy 1, in the 178 cm length, generates a 17-meter turn radius and tips the scales at 1750 grams per ski. These are some mid-range weights and shapes that the twin tip makes, and that equates to predictable and fun-loving performance on the hill. We get a bit of an energy boost from this 88, with the addition of ash to the poplar wood core, making it a bit stronger and more durable for skiers who are putting in their time in the park. Additionally, Faction adds 2.5mm edges to the mix, making it burlier for rails and impacts. They put in 3mm of camber underfoot to go along with 315 in the tip and 250 in the tail. These are width-appropriate profiles for this ski, since with a twin tip, you don’t always want it super-rockered because they may lack pop and grip off of the jumps. Skiers in the intermediate through upper advanced range will love the playful versatility of the Faction Prodigy 1.

Hans von Briesen skied the 178, and noted that it was short for him, although true to size. He’d take the 184 for sure in this ski. He gave it 4’s out of 5 for torsional stiffness, edge hold, playfulness, quickness, and maneuverability. 3’s followed suit for overall impression, versatility, and forgiveness, with 2’s for stability and flotation. As with any shorter twin tips, there’s likely to be a sacrifice in the stability department in order to satisfy the playfulness, and Hans has found this to be true in his comments: “This ski is playful and poppy, but may not have the durability of a ski with metal. Edge to edge was snappy and accurate and as speed increased the contact felt short, especially on harder snow.”

Dave Hatoff’s 178 felt just right for him. He gave it top marks of 4 out of 5 for versatility and forgiveness, with 3’s the rest of the way. While not top-end scores for the Prodigy 1, they are at least consistent, and that’s what the ski is striving for on snow as well as on paper. Dave calls it a “Fun all mountain twin. Quick edge to edge. Approachable. Great in the bumps and a quick turner!” As a mogul specialist, it’s always nice to hear his impression of the ski in the bumps. At 88 mm underfoot and with a full wood core, that’s to be expected, but I think a lot of skiers overlook skis like this, especially if they’re fond of, or find themselves in, moguls.

The Faction Prodigy 1 is a great twin tip for both freestyle and all-mountain use. Whether you’re in the bumps and trees or park and pipe, this ski has the narrower waist and fun-loving shape that makes it easy and entertaining in any and all conditions and terrain.