Faction’s Mana 3, at 112 mm underfoot, is a wide and sturdy twin tip that’s meant to unlock the deep and steep backcountry zones in a creative and aggressive manner. Faction has been at the forefront of the modern freeride movement for some time now, and the Mana 3 is a perfect example of a freeride ski done right. This one has all you need to stay afloat in some seriously deep snow, all the while adding playfulness and creativity to the mix. By combining a fun-loving shape with a rather business-like build, the Mana 3 stands up and holds up when compared to its counterparts, and the ~112 mm zone is pretty robust these days. We’re big fans of the sharp looks, stiffer flex, and highly maneuverable personality that this ski puts out there.

Built with a lightweight poplar core, these skis are built to rip. Faction does a great job in putting different thicknesses of wood and other material in strategic zones so that the stiffness is properly distributed. While some other skis in this width range go for more flexible tips and tails to create a more playful powder experience, Faction’s Mana 3 uses stiffer ends of the skis in order to absorb more vibrations and keep the ski on its intended path. In addition to the wood core, we also get thicker edges, a full-strength sidewall that places a barrier layer between the sidewall and the core, and a rubber/carbon stomp pad underfoot that both stiffens the torsional flex as well as adding a new level of absorption when it comes to landings and impacts. These are some nice upgrades to the build of the ski, and even at 112 mm underfoot in the 184 cm length, the ski sits right at 1990 grams. There are certainly other skis out there at this width that are well above 2000 grams, so Faction is providing skiers with a nice alternative here.

Surely on the wider side of the freeride spectrum, the Mana 3’s 112 mm underfoot width is plenty of ski to float through the deepest snows. Thanks to the blend of build and shape, though, it also stands up to some rigorous skiing. The 184 produces a 21-meter turn radius, which is on the long side but not too long. This allows skiers to dictate the shape and duration of the turn with relative ease. It also makes it more fun with the increased playfulness. The shape is pretty straight and somewhat symmetrical overall, with the 112 mm middle bookended by 140 mm tips and 134 mm tails. This mere 6 mm drop in taper makes the ski create very clean and round turns, but since it’s pretty well rockered, it also helps with more smeary and surfy styles of skiing in deeper and softer snow. If you’re spending most of your time in the backcountry or using this ski on the deeper days in the resort, the blend of symmetry and stiffness is pretty darn nice to have.

Best suited for advanced and expert skiers who aren’t scared of a relatively wide ski, the 2024 Faction Mana 3 is a wonderful example of a proper and modern freeride ski. While the intent is somewhat specific in that it’s not terribly versatile, in its realm, it is a very accomplished ski. Wide twin tips are a ton of fun, and when you get the right day or the right conditions, they create a wonderful ski experience that you won’t soon forget. The Mana 3 is more than capable of creating those long-lasting memories.