Originally Posted by
noslow
Just wanted to post a PSA on a slept on series that has gone through a major reform this year and takes a lot of the great qualities of skis mentioned in this thread(and Dynastar and Enforcer thread) is the 2021 Faction Candide line. Been floored by how good they are a just ordered my 3rd pair in the line yesterday.
They moved all their ski construction into the Fisher ski plant, now use heavier wood core materials and the quality of construction is MILES better than before. Models have gained 200-400grams vs last years versions. Mild tip/tail taper so they still have good edge grip.
All have a forward factory Candide mount point and then you measure back 1.5cm(like I did) for the “progressive” mount point or back 3.0cm for the “traditional” mount point if you drive your skis more and like more traditional mounts.
I got the 183cm 2.0 this year on a deal from a local rep thinking if I didn’t like it, I’d sell it and be even. The ski weighs(2280gr) and flexes similar to a 2021 Bonifide 97 but has rubber damping tip/tail/underfoot, so it’s like an even quieter Bonafide that’s a twin tip. Still playful in bumps and trees and a 20m radius so doesn’t mind going straight at speed too. Sold my Enforcer 104 and Fisher 102 FR as this was a more stable, powerful carver that’s damper with better edge grip. Not the greatest float for it’s 102mm width with it’s narrow tip though.
Liked the 2.0 so much I got the 184cm 3.0(112mm) with mine weighing 2210 grams and has a full poplar core and a very solid build as well. Loses the extra rubber damping of the 1.0 and 2.0 as well as the extra titanal sheet above the base for rail protection but still a pretty damp ski.
A 21m radius in this length and very comfortable at all speeds. Shocking how good the grip and carving ability the ski has for it’s width and yet it’s an absolute blast in moguls and tight trees. Reminds me a lot of the 192cm MFree 108 but easier to manage in really tight spots for my 6’2”/175lb size. The 190cm version goes to 23m radius and adds another 50grams or so of weight. Could see a lot of Rustler 11 fans who want a beefier ski without much weight gain liking this ski as well as Enforcer 110 fans that a higher top end and better carving ability.
Still some Spring Deals out there on them so I wanted to pass on my findings in case someone sees deals on this ski that many don’t know about. Just ordered a pair of the 183cm 1.0 that I might use as a low tide/daily driver in the East Coast ski.
Cheers