Faction durability

Adtmartens

Adtmartens

Member
Thinking about Buying some Faction prodigy 3.0s. They look really sick and sound like everything i want in a ski. My only question is about the durability. I know they have improved from what they used to be like but is it worth getting a pair? Does anyone have personal experience with this years Prodigy or any issues with them. I have Moments as my park skis so thats what im comparing them too. Is it worth getting factions or should i just sick with on3p or moment for rail abuse, landing on rocks, etc.
 
I have never had them but I have heard some people say negative things about their durability and some people say they are the best skis.
 
The prodigy line has a pretty good rep for durability. The candides however do not. Supposedly they have been fixed for this year but they also drastically changed the ski.
 
Edge started to fall out at the tip then it only got worse from there. they literally just fell apart
 
14257136:dant02 said:
Edge started to fall out at the tip then it only got worse from there. they literally just fell apart
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damn thats even worse. If they were big slams it would have made a little more sense.
 
I have prodigy 2s they are last years model(the pink ones). They have been super durable besides the top sheet being super easy to scratch and making me want to cry. But the top sheet on the new ones dont scratch as easy
 
Would the durability actually be comparable to more high quality brands? I just don t want a ski that I have to be constantly scared scared about hitting rocks and shit.

**This post was edited on Mar 11th 2021 at 3:01:26pm
 
My friend had a pair of prodigies. Super fun ski but durability was lacking. Core shots and delams are the name of the game with faction
 
I was gonna say go for it but once I read that on3ps are in your range then stick with those, they are fantastic skis coming from an armada guy who’s demo’d them
 
They are hit or miss I have a pair of ct 2.0 that have 200+ days on them but I have a buddy who has prod 1s and they lasted around 45 days
 
14257128:sams15 said:
theres your answer, haha. how did it happen?
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That’s not at all the answer because they’re two entirely different lines with entirely different constructions. Don’t weigh in on things you have 0 experience with, you’ll mislead the OP.

OP, the Prodigy’s are as durable as any other park ski on the market (essentially they’re not the most durable, but not the least). After 18/19, they added 2.5mm edges and a beefier construction. I have a Prodigy 2.0 as my park ski and it holds up just fine, it’s my second season on it and I have yet to experience any issues at all. The 3.0 is awesome and very capable just about everywhere, park included. As long as you’re not hammering rails all day and doing big impact, disaster-type tricks, they’ll work for you!
 
As others have mentioned, Factions used to be hit or miss but last year they have moved all their ski production into the Fisher ski plant and quality is on another level compared to what they used to be. Very solid construction now and much more robust. The Candide lines are SOLID now.

I’ve got the 2021 CT 2.0 and was so impressed with it that I got the 2021 3.0 which also is a reference standard ski in it’s width. Can’t believe how much both absolutely RIP! Best factory tune I’ve had in the last 31 pairs of skis(own 3 Moments including 2021 Wildcats) was on my new 3.0.

I’m sure the more playful Prodigys build quality has been greatly improved as well so I wouldn’t be worried. Even when they were poorly made they stood behind their products(lots of people had free replacements) but now they should be far better.
 
14257302:Greg_K said:
As others have mentioned, Factions used to be hit or miss but last year they have moved all their ski production into the Fisher ski plant and quality is on another level compared to what they used to be. Very solid construction now and much more robust. The Candide lines are SOLID now.

I’ve got the 2021 CT 2.0 and was so impressed with it that I got the 2021 3.0 which also is a reference standard ski in it’s width. Can’t believe how much both absolutely RIP! Best factory tune I’ve had in the last 31 pairs of skis(own 3 Moments including 2021 Wildcats) was on my new 3.0.

I’m sure the more playful Prodigys build quality has been greatly improved as well so I wouldn’t be worried. Even when they were poorly made they stood behind their products(lots of people had free replacements) but now they should be far better.
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Do you have experience with the prior CTs? I know multiple people who have snapped the 3's but really want a pair of the 20/21's as a sendy ski to start learning backflips, hucking cliffs etc. Glad to hear the new ones are holding up better
 
14257286:animator said:
That’s not at all the answer because they’re two entirely different lines with entirely different constructions. Don’t weigh in on things you have 0 experience with, you’ll mislead the OP.

OP, the Prodigy’s are as durable as any other park ski on the market (essentially they’re not the most durable, but not the least). After 18/19, they added 2.5mm edges and a beefier construction. I have a Prodigy 2.0 as my park ski and it holds up just fine, it’s my second season on it and I have yet to experience any issues at all. The 3.0 is awesome and very capable just about everywhere, park included. As long as you’re not hammering rails all day and doing big impact, disaster-type tricks, they’ll work for you!
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Ya its definitely just the prodigy's that im looking at. Ive heard much worse things about cts. Im just thinking as far as topsheet chips, edge cracks and the smaller things aswell. If i have it in my budget should i just stick with the more reliable brands?
 
14257478:VTSkier21 said:
Do you have experience with the prior CTs? I know multiple people who have snapped the 3's but really want a pair of the 20/21's as a sendy ski to start learning backflips, hucking cliffs etc. Glad to hear the new ones are holding up better
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I have like... 10+ factions, including older 1.0 2.0 3.0 5.0 in candide + misc prodigy

the 2021 3.0 is a beefy 2020 3.0 , the 2020 was a redesign over the 2019

so imho the 2021 is the strongest, with 2019 in 2nd place and 2020 was proven quite weak (but light and fun) the 2020 needs a marker jester/griffon mounting pattern, maybe even with inserts to live. while the 2021 woodcore is just solid, and iirc they added a metal binding retention plate. Soo.. dont mount pivots on a 2020.

I have 2 pairs of the 2.0 2021, (used to have 3) but 1 had too variable weight and was returned

the sale prices on 2.0 and 3.0's theese days.. wow.

I've gone 50-55mph on the 2.0 and 3.0, and carving them hard, I know [tag=249646]@Greg_K[/tag] has gone even faster. the 2021 setup definetly favours the more hard chargying guys, they are not swerve skis, they are straightline that mogulrun while you jump them style. For beeing that heavy, they dont jump/ski that heavy, but you can tell they are indeed heavy the way they crush stuff.

The 2021 2.0 / 3.0 are not a vishnu, its on the opposite side of the specter.

If you kill a set of 2.0s or 3.0s on anything other than rails, you have my respect.
 
14257479:Adtmartens said:
Ya its definitely just the prodigy's that im looking at. Ive heard much worse things about cts. Im just thinking as far as topsheet chips, edge cracks and the smaller things aswell. If i have it in my budget should i just stick with the more reliable brands?
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The Faction CT and Prodigy both have beefier cores and improved building quality than before and both feature semi cap tip/tails to cut down on top sheet issues. Both also feature a rough, matte like finish you will see if you zoom in on pics that hide the usually scratches you get on shiny top sheets. Thick edges on all models that aren’t touring too.

Pics of mine with the semi cap and rounded edges and scratch resistant top sheets.

996857.jpeg
 
14257478:VTSkier21 said:
Do you have experience with the prior CTs? I know multiple people who have snapped the 3's but really want a pair of the 20/21's as a sendy ski to start learning backflips, hucking cliffs etc. Glad to hear the new ones are holding up better
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As [tag=271284]@anders_a[/tag] mentioned above, the CT 3.0 was widened last year with a lighter core and then strengthened and improved with a heavier core and much improved building facilities for 2021. The CT 3.0 was always the best carver of the line with the most even and solid flex. Now the whole CT is on another level for chargers without being demanding.

Haven’t been in fresh snow yet with my 3.0 but very stable and powerful like the 2.0 on soft and chopped up groomers. The 3.0 passes over crud even easier and pivots great in tight spots with it’s increased rocker. Solid flex throughout and nice weight that’s not too light or heavy.

Got my 3.0 for a deal too-under $500 CAN from here. Joined their mailing list for another 10% off for my first purchase and got them 4 days after ordering from the other side of Canada. Not sure if they ship to the States or not.
https://www.skookumgear.ca/faction-21-candide-30.html
 
14257159:gusbus432 said:
I have prodigy 2s they are last years model(the pink ones). They have been super durable besides the top sheet being super easy to scratch and making me want to cry. But the top sheet on the new ones dont scratch as easy
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I have the 1.0s and they are bulletproof
 
Mine prodigys 1.0 19/20 broke up in less than a year. The skis laminate started to delaminate under the boot.
 
I'd say if you're a lighter skier they might hold up. But me being 6'3" 185ish they did not hold up. I went through 3 pairs of CT 3.0s then they switched me to the prodigy and I snapped 2 of those all within one season. We're they really fun skis? Yes, very. But when the fun maybe would last you a week or two you get really tired of dealing with the warranty, even when I lived close to their older Breck headquarters. This did happen about 4 years ago and I know that the did do some subtle tweaks to their core constructions so they might not be as brittle but here are a lot more fun options that are likely more durable and maybe a smidge less expensive out there like the Reckoner series by K2 or Armada's ARV series.
 
14258833:DUKES said:
I'd say if you're a lighter skier they might hold up. But me being 6'3" 185ish they did not hold up. I went through 3 pairs of CT 3.0s then they switched me to the prodigy and I snapped 2 of those all within one season. We're they really fun skis? Yes, very. But when the fun maybe would last you a week or two you get really tired of dealing with the warranty, even when I lived close to their older Breck headquarters. This did happen about 4 years ago and I know that the did do some subtle tweaks to their core constructions so they might not be as brittle but here are a lot more fun options that are likely more durable and maybe a smidge less expensive out there like the Reckoner series by K2 or Armada's ARV series.
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I'm def a lighter skier (5'11 160), but two friends I know (who arent any heavier) snapped their 2019 CT 3's in the same trip and week. I'm currently on the BC Camox (97 under) which I believe are more comparable to the prodigies (super buttery and fun, not very stable at hard charging). I'm looking for a stiffer mid-fat park ski that can charge and float decently and the CT 3 seems like they fit that description but I'm really hesitant due to all the snapping stories. I also usually buy demo condition skis and if they're prone to snapping, I probably would have to pay up to get the warranty. The 21 model seems more durable with metal and a beafier top sheet but I'd be buying them specifically to send bigger. What did Faction ask for when you snapped them? And if they send you a replacement does the 2 year warranty reset or no?

As for the Reckoners I've heard the top sheets fall apart very quickly and the ARV seem like they may be more playful than what i'm looking for.
 
14258839:VTSkier21 said:
prodigies (super buttery and fun, not very stable at hard charging).
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I have the prodigy 2.0 and I would say they are pretty stiff and not buttery. 1.0s are different of so I've heard
 
14258842:gusbus432 said:
I have the prodigy 2.0 and I would say they are pretty stiff and not buttery. 1.0s are different of so I've heard
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Now that you say that I looked at a comparison and you're totally right. Guess I had the wrong impression of them both. My current skis are noodles might look at the prodigies.
 
14258839:VTSkier21 said:
As for the Reckoners I've heard the top sheets fall apart very quickly and the ARV seem like they may be more playful than what i'm looking for.
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Wouldn’t write off the 106s so fast, they’ve been stiffened up this season and seem like one of the stronger chargers in the all mtn twin category
 
14258882:anders_a said:
buttery is just depending on how fat you are :p
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Lol yeah I'm only 140 lbs. I can manual and tail butter decent but nose butters are basically impossible partially because of my crappy 50 dollar ski boots.
 
14258951:gusbus432 said:
Lol yeah I'm only 140 lbs. I can manual and tail butter decent but nose butters are basically impossible partially because of my crappy 50 dollar ski boots.
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yeah, so I got 100lbs on you + probably some height for leverage.. + proper 130 boots, if you add some rocker to skis like revolt 104 etc , all I have to do is lean into the shins and I'm off for slowspeed stuff ;)

For high speed butters and actually useing the butters to build energy you want stiff skis, as you cant really do them on softer ones.
 
14258839:VTSkier21 said:
I'm def a lighter skier (5'11 160), but two friends I know (who arent any heavier) snapped their 2019 CT 3's in the same trip and week. I'm currently on the BC Camox (97 under) which I believe are more comparable to the prodigies (super buttery and fun, not very stable at hard charging). I'm looking for a stiffer mid-fat park ski that can charge and float decently and the CT 3 seems like they fit that description but I'm really hesitant due to all the snapping stories. I also usually buy demo condition skis and if they're prone to snapping, I probably would have to pay up to get the warranty. The 21 model seems more durable with metal and a beafier top sheet but I'd be buying them specifically to send bigger. What did Faction ask for when you snapped them? And if they send you a replacement does the 2 year warranty reset or no?

As for the Reckoners I've heard the top sheets fall apart very quickly and the ARV seem like they may be more playful than what i'm looking for.
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When I snapped the first few pairs they said they wanted them to send back to their claims office. After that they got too used to seeing me in just one season. Great people and easy to work with when you and if you do need to deal with someone. And not going to lie I have no idea about if the warranty resets. Got rid of the last pair so quick and jumped on ON3P's and I'm not looking back. After a few times the guy referred to the skis as freeride/touring which just means they wanted super lightweight instead of durability which I can understand since the touring market has exploded.

This years ARV 106 they made a bit stiffer in the nose and tail to make it less playful as far as flex goes so they made the flex harder for say presses and butters but more stable and burly for the rest of the mountain. I wouldn't count it out.

I'd say that the reckoner 102 and 112 have a much more "playful" flex to that of the ARV 106s so if you're not looking for nice and flexy, possibly avoid them. But they ski sick, especially the 112. And yeah they don't have the best topsheet durability, but the topsheet ain't really doin much besides making you look good.
 
14258882:anders_a said:
buttery is just depending on how fat you are :p
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Boot flex plays a major roll. If you have a -90 flex you're flexing mostly the boot and not the ski. If you invest in a stiffer boot then you get more flex out of the ski, providing more pop out of presses and butters.
 
OP, agreeing with all the answers explaining quality went up since they move to the fisher factory, but the conversation kinda deviate on CTs stuff, I own the Prodigy 3.0 2021 and honestly go for it. As you're probably aware they got updated this year and they're wicked fun, just don't mount them at recommended, it's to far back, I went 2cm back from center (from Anti's recommendation) and it's perfect from me there. Back to durability, they're holding up very well for me so far, comparable to the ARV 106 2020 (ski it replaced in my quiver), durability has nothing in common with the olds CT 2.0 (which I had too)
 
14258995:DUKES said:
Boot flex plays a major roll. If you have a -90 flex you're flexing mostly the boot and not the ski. If you invest in a stiffer boot then you get more flex out of the ski, providing more pop out of presses and butters.
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I've been trying to figure out why I can't nose butter for the life of me, yet I can tail butter/manual pretty good. My boots are old and super flexible haha
 
MMMM i dream of owning on3ps. Only reason I got the prodigys (still great skis) is becauses they were half off so 450 bucks including bindings
 
14260971:gusbus432 said:
MMMM i dream of owning on3ps. Only reason I got the prodigys (still great skis) is becauses they were half off so 450 bucks including bindings
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Damn thats a deal where'd you get that?
 
Evo on black friday. I was wrong it was 500 dollars because I wanted tyrolia attack bindings instead of marker. The thing was it was last years prodigy 2.0 (the pink record player ones) which had a way more killer topsheet than this years anyway.
 
14261019:gusbus432 said:
Evo on black friday. I was wrong it was 500 dollars because I wanted tyrolia attack bindings instead of marker. The thing was it was last years prodigy 2.0 (the pink record player ones) which had a way more killer topsheet than this years anyway.
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I have the same skis and I see people on them all the time lmao, seems like everyone bought last years prodigys for super cheap this year
 
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