The Prodigy 3 2024 is a ski from Faction, designed for Freeride/All-mountain use and intended for experienced skiers.
The skis in the Prodigy range are designed for all-mountain use, but with certain freestyle or freeride specificities depending on the model. All Prodigy models are built in the same way with the same technologies. They have a Twin Directional shape with two rockers at the ends which give it good behaviour and handling on all types of snow, both forward and backward. Only the core and the side cuts vary from one model to another.
With a 106mm waist, the Prodigy 3 is on the borderline between pure freeride and all-mountain. This waist combined with the flex of 7/10 allows for an intuitive, stable ski that will follow you everywhere. Very comfortable in all types of snow, such as crusty and choppy, but it really finds its rhythm in the fresh, thick powder. Nevertheless, it remains very easy on the piste when you're changing terrain, or should you want to ski there all day!
In terms of construction, the side cuts of the
Once off the marked trails, the Prodigy 3 can really show its colours! The middle ground dimensions allow you to have a lot of fun with a ski that has good float. Thanks to its poplar core, it is light, lively and dynamic. Being less exclusive than the
The
Turn radius / Sidecut / weight (per pair):
172 cm: 17 m / 133-106-125 mm / 3820 g
178 cm: 19 m / 133-106-125 mm / 3940 g
184 cm: 20 m / 133-106-125 mm / 4200 g
190 cm: 22 m / 133-106-125 mm / 4400 g
Shape:
The tail is considerably thinner than the tip for increased performance. The twin tip makes them perfect for freestyle and riding in switch.
Construction:
Poplar/Ash core:
Poplar is a soft, light-coloured and strong wood that has good flex and pop, as well as a high capacity to absorb vibrations. Ash is a heavier and harder wood that combines well with poplar because it provides more rigidity and durability. This mix offers excellent edge hold on hard snow and a solid platform for big parties, and plenty of pop and flex to unleash your creativity.
Side cuts with elliptic radii
The sidecuts with elliptic radii consist of a longer radius underfoot and shorter radius on the front and rear parts of the ski. The long radius underfoot allows for faster and easier pivoting, while the shorter radii allow turns to be started more gently. These sidecuts are perfectly suited to a wide range of turn angles and sizes.
XL 2.5 mm Edges
One might think that seven tenths of a millimetre doesn't have much of an effect, but when it comes to edges, everything matters. The 2.5 mm edges are 35% thicker than our standard 1.8 mm edges, which are already very sturdy. This addition of steel allows the riders to have a ski that will resist longer to the "stresses" associated with certain techniques.
Anti Chip Micro-Cap:
The micro-cap is a hybrid construction that combines the sandwich construction with premium edges, which is fused with a lightweight and durable cap construction. Thanks to the micro-cap, the sandwich construction provides exceptional edge hold and torsional stability, while the topsheet partially covers the edge, protecting the fragile edge that could otherwise chip off in the event of impact.
The full strength sidewall is a construction that applies layers of protective material along the edges of the sidewall, between the edge and the topsheet from above. The edges offer the best possible stability and grip when turning, while protecting the wooden core, edges and cover sheet from possible external impacts and damage.
At Faction, there are three possible mounting options: Classic / Progressive (+1.5cm) / Newschool (+3cm). By default, assemblies will be carried out in accordance with the brand's recommendations, i.e. Classic on the Dancer and Agent, Progressive on the Machine and Prodigy and Newschool on the Mana.
The Prodigy 3 obviously performs very well in fresh snow, it lifts off easily and remains very manoeuvrable even in very thick snow.
Where it surprised us was on the slopes! It behaves very well despite its width. It's completely possible to take it for your skin days on the slopes.
Pros: Agile, playful, behaves very well in fresh snow (which is what we ask of it).
Cons: Lack of stiffness for a highly responsive ski that absorbs vibrations.