When we got on the Mana 2 last season, we were impressed with the round-turning ability of the ski and its playfulness in softer snow. Those feelings have not changed for 2024, as the ski remains largely the same save for a different topsheet. In addition, we also found that the Mana 2 has a stiffer and sturdier overall feel than a lot of other twin tips in this category, allowing for more aggressive skiing while also keeping it squarely in the creative side of the spectrum. It’s sharp and precise for a 102 mm underfoot ski and it allows a good mix of both on and off-trail performance. Park and freestyle are still right here in the mix as well, making fun-loving skiers super happy each and every time they step in to these skis. While they’re relatively easy to turn, the high end of the ski’s performance calls for skiers more in the advanced and expert realm.

Built with a lightweight poplar wood core, the Mana 2 is ready to rip. This wood is light, poppy, energetic, and stable. While it lacks the upper end of power and dampness of other skis in this range with either metal or denser wood, it still holds up to its end of the bargain, especially on the more playful side of the zone. Faction also incorporates their full-strength sidewall which places a protective layer between the inside of the sidewall and the outside of the core. This not only adds durability, but also performance as it’s basically an extra vertical laminate in the build of the ski. Underfoot, we get a carbon and rubber stomp pad that lives on top of the edges. This strip of carbon-infused rubber allows for more damping underfoot, more torsional stiffness in the center of the ski, and a shock absorber for landing huge jumps and tricks. Due to the additives, the ski hits the scale at 1880 grams in the 183 cm length. This is right in the middle zone for weight, blending stability and playfulness with ease and poise.

At 102 mm underfoot, the ski is, again, right in the mid-range for playful and freeridey twin tips. It’s neither too wide for on-trail skiing nor too narrow for powder and soft snow. As a result, it’s got that middle zone covered quite well. The ski is nearly symmetrical, pairing a 131 mm tip with a 127 mm tail that makes some of the cleanest and roundest turns out there. With a twin tip shape and width-appropriate taper and rocker to go along with it, the ski smears and slarves quite easily, adding to the playful freeride personality of the Mana 2. There’s not a ton of taper here, rather it’s pretty wide and straight throughout. The mount point is at the narrowest part, which is darn close to the center, so if yo decide to mount on the line, you’ll be very close to the balance point.

Skiers in the advanced and expert range will have little difficulty in accessing the entirety of the performance in this ski. Intermediates may struggle with the flex, but if they’re on the aggressive side, then it’s not likely going to be a big deal. From the park and pipe to the deep and distant mountain lines, this ski will open up many doors and windows in the ski world.