2027 Faction Dancer 89 Ti

tester:

Nik Coffrin

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 190
Days / Year: 60-70
Age: 44
Years Skiing: 42

Aggressive charger with a racing foundation

Ski:

2027 Faction Dancer 89 Ti Skis

Size Tested:

179 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Gondola hockey rink ice.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Short.

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:5/10

Quickness:6/10

Playfulness:5/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:4/10

Versatility:7/10

Overall:6/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Super light, quick and easy to maneuver.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

All mountain, softer snow with a little more forgiveness. Would have liked to try it on softer snow.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Intermediate to advanced skier.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

Condition are not fun.

tester:

Collin Wiedersheim

Ability: Advanced
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 185
Days / Year: 40 days
Age: 31
Years Skiing: 8 Years

Calculated, Flowy, Smooth, Fast, & Fun.

Ski:

2027 Faction Dancer 89 Ti Skis

Size Tested:

179 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Gondola groomers.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Felt great, true to size, I would pick this length for myself.

Scores

Floatation:4/10

Stability:7/10

Quickness:6/10

Playfulness:5/10

Forgiveness:6/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:6/10

Overall:7/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Strong and reliable, felt planted through manky, icy afternoon groomers. Strong tail, if you’re not driving it or being lazy it’ll remind you to tighten up.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Fast and smooth groomers are where the Dancer 89ti is best. It shreds on piste, has some strength and kick.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Advanced and up would be best for the Dancer 89ti. It has a lot of performance that you need to be seeking out, otherwise there may be better choices.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

Great groomer-ripping option. Cool to see Faction coming after this category, a strong competitor for the 90mm all mountain category. Provides a lot of on-piste performance.

tester:

Jose Darias

Ability: I'm A Pro
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 175
Days / Year: 100+
Age: 32
Years Skiing: 30

Fluid, powerful and charging; looking for natural takeoffs on freeride features

Ski:

2027 Faction Dancer 89 Ti Skis

Size Tested:

179 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

I skied the Dancer 89 Ti down Perry Merrel from the top of the gondola. Skied mostly groomers with a few ice moguls and random pockets of soft snow.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

The ski feels true to length but shorter than I would want it. The mid 180 length was unavailable for testing this year.

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:5/10

Quickness:7/10

Playfulness:6/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:6/10

Versatility:6/10

Overall:6/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

My first impression of the ski was good but not overwhelmingly positive. The ski does a decent job skiing the type of snow we have for the test this year, but it’s clearly not the intended use case and is somewhat uninspiring on the harder snow and groomers. I suspect that a longer length would offer a better performance with edge hold and grip on hard pack. There’s no appreciable amount of soft snow out on the mountain right now so the ski feels kinda lost without interesting terrain or softer snow to ski. It’s intuitive and easy to ski in the 179 length and seems happy to make a wide variety of turn shapes although it prefers to do so at more moderate speeds.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

It’s a pretty standard all mountain ski that’ll work well pretty much anywhere across the resort. I would expect it to preform the best in mid angle trees and moguls but could ski steeper lines and more exposed terrain fine as well. The Dancer’s carving performance is decent but not spectacular especially when the groomers are more hard pack or scraped off.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

This ski feels like a true intermediate skier ski. I think some stronger beginners would enjoy skiing the Dancer and that it would help them progress into that intermediate type skier.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

The Dancer 89 Ti is a decent ski that’s good at a lot of things but doesn’t blow me away with any single shining characteristic or excel in one specific area of the mountain.

tester:

Emily Sampson

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 155
Days / Year: 8/12/2026
Age: 39
Years Skiing: 34

Ex ski racer/ski coach learning to have fun again

Ski:

2027 Faction Dancer 89 Ti Skis

Size Tested:

179 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe firm ice and frozen granular.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

This skied short like its little sister the Dancer 88. I would probably size down to a 174 to have a little more play but the longer length was fun to ski big fast turns.

Scores

Floatation:7/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:7/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:5/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:7/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

The Dancer Ti made me feel like dancer. It really held on the crazy ice today and felt stable and secure. In comparison to its little sister the Dancer (no metal) I liked this more for its versatility. I think it could rip on a powdery day and on ice. This stiffness wasn’t intimidating and rather enjoyable to lay it over and see what it could do. Really enjoyable ski. That said, with the Ti, I would likely recommend this to someone who can stay on the top of the ski, as it’s not as forgiving as it’s non metal counterpart.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Ice, crud, pow, I feel this could do it all.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Advanced expert due to the stiffness and less forgiving nature.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

The base made a crazy sound in the apex of the turn at peak edge angle!

Jeff submitted 2 test cards — select one:

tester:

Jeff Neagle

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 165
Days / Year: 120-140
Age: 40
Years Skiing: 38

Flowing and Kind of Fast with Freestyle/Freeski Influence

Ski:

2027 Faction Dancer 89 Ti Skis

Size Tested:

179 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe, packed powder/loose granular groomers.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

True to size. Great length for me.

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:7/10

Quickness:7/10

Playfulness:7/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:8/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

It’s a true contender in the around 90 all mountain category with metal. Nice round tip initiates a turn really well even in looser, kinda weird snow. On packed powder it rips, but the shape helps a lot when things aren’t perfect. Not as strong as Enforcer, Anomaly, etc, but quicker, lighter and more agile than that.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Truly versatile. Great on groomers, but you can take it anywhere. Deep snow would be the only limitation.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

An upper level intermediate would do just fine, then all the way up through experts.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

I like the white graphic. Gives it a unique vibe.

tester:

Jeff Neagle

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 165
Days / Year: 120-140
Age: 40
Years Skiing: 38

Flowing and Kind of Fast with Freestyle/Freeski Influence

Ski:

2027 Faction Dancer 89 Ti Skis

Size Tested:

179 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe with really nice packed powder and some leftover natural snow on ungroomed terrain.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Skis true to size, definitely the right length for me.

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:8/10

Playfulness:7/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Oh! This is a fantastic all-mountain ski! A strong contender in the ~90 mm category, especially if you value carving performance, but also want some versatility. They definitely did a great job with the redesign of these Dancers. Much more engaging than the previous versions for me personally. More pull into a carve from the tip shape and a little more energy too, so carving is much more rewarding. Interestingly, at least for me, they actually feel a little easier in off-piste terrain too. A rounder turn shape than previous Dancers, which helps me control speed more easily. Really good.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Can definitely handle a wide range of terrain and conditions, but I do think they are at their best when carving turns on groomers. They really shine doing that, but they also let you explore a little and get creative, which some metal-clad all-mountain skis lack to a certain degree.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Best for an advanced or expert skier, in my opinion, but it is more approachable than a lot of stiffer skis with metal, so you don't have to be an absolute ripper to enjoy them.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

I had mixed feelings about the graphics when I first saw them, but they look great on snow.

tester:

Luke Miller

Ability: Expert
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 190
Days / Year: 125
Age: 32
Years Skiing: 28

Jason Statham's role as Chev Chelios in the movie "Crank"

Ski:

2027 Faction Dancer 89 Ti Skis

Size Tested:

179 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe gondolier groomers.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

I could go a bit longer but this still skied well.

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:7/10

Quickness:7/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:6/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:8/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Had better edge hold than expected while staying playful.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

I think it leans toward frontside but seems fairly capable of going off piste.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Advanced skiers who want a more playful frontside ski.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

Awesome ski for a more freeride oriented skier who wants a groomer ski. Awesome for a quiver.

tester:

Steven Buccini

Ability: Advanced
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 205
Days / Year: 10
Age: 32
Years Skiing: 25

Rhymthic

Ski:

2027 Faction Dancer 89 Ti Skis

Size Tested:

179 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe, powdered sugar over hard pack.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

This ski felt just right.

Scores

Floatation:8/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:8/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:6/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:5/10

Overall:8/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

This is a really fun ski for people who want to rip it all over the front side. It’s lean and mean, with some added stiffness from the metal sheet without the weight that normally comes with that.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

This ski is much more of a frontside ski. I skied it in everything from a super scrape-y lift line to a freshly-groomed Gondalier with confidence. It’s easy to set an edge and crank out a carve, but you can bail on it with relative ease if needed.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

I think this is an enjoyable ski for intermediate skiers and above. Intermediate skiers will appreciate the quickness, and the ski is surprisingly fun with a smear turn. Advanced skiers will be able floor it and make these skis absolutely rip. Many skiers would be very content with this ski as their daily driver.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

I liked the dampening built into this ski, which was really useful when cutting through the hard crusty groomer.

tester:

Bob St.Pierre

Ability: Advanced
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 225
Days / Year: 110ish
Age: 48
Years Skiing: 38

A bit more rigid than I used to be but still trying to be dynamic, smooth, and fluid with varying degrees of success. Skis on the snow, these days.

Ski:

2027 Faction Dancer 89 Ti Skis

Size Tested:

179 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Skied at Stowe on a packed powder day but all terrain was open and skied.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

I really like the 179 but I think the 185 is a more appropriate choice for someone my size.

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:7/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

These Dancer 89 Ti's exceeded all of my expectations right off the bat. Great in the upper mountain bumps and then total rockets on the groomers below. They go back and forth between groomers, bumps, and trees with ease and then have a high performance ceiling for when you want to be more assertive.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

At 89 mm underfoot, this is a true all-mountain ski but it does focus more on groomer performance. I think it's awesome for bumps and light off-piste but there's no mistaking that it's an excellent carver even on firmer snow.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

This ski works great for advanced and expert skiers but it is approachable enough for a progressing intermediate with decent technique. It's light-ish so it helps those progressing skiers make all sorts of turns.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

Faction is not known for making front side or all-mountain skis but they certainly should be.

tester:

Matt Stromecki

Ability: Expert
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 195
Days / Year: 140
Age: 27
Years Skiing: 26

Would describe myself as a freecarver (Freeride skier at heart with a love for carving). Any excuse to go drops, cliffs, jumps, spins, etc., I will take. But also very much enjoy pure carving on skis that many would consider far too wide to carve on.

Ski:

2027 Faction Dancer 89 Ti Skis

Size Tested:

179 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe, VT - Chalky with some icy spots.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Felt okay, would want to try the 185 cm.

Scores

Floatation:7/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Smooth, stable, composed, very quick, and pivoty. Fantastic bump ski that can also rip carves. The 179 cm length felt pretty good but I would be interested to try the longer length for more of a carving focus. The 179 felt great in the bumps and just fine in a carved turn, it was mostly just a confidence at speed thing where I would like to see how much a difference the 185 would make.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Pure all-mountain, from carving to moguls.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Intermediate to expert.

2027 Faction Dancer 89 Ti

2027 SkiEssentials Ski TestA brand-new frontside titanal carver from Faction, built for advanced and expert skiers who want clean edge grip, energetic rebound, and just enough width to handle whatever the resort throws at them.

Explore More