The Dancer 79 is the metal-free version of the Dancer 79 Ti; it's a pure on-trail carver built for skiers who want the snappy, rhythmic feel of a frontside ski without the weight or demand of a full titanal build. The result is a friendlier, more forgiving ride that makes the groomers feel inviting from the first chair to last call, with a modern shape that practically initiates the turn for you.

Why we like it:

Faction made a smart call by giving Dancer fans a non-metal option in the on-trail width. The 79 still has that locked-in, parabolic carving feel, but the simpler build keeps the weight down and the energy required to ski it way lower. It's a great example of a ski that doesn't need to be aggressive to be rewarding.

Who it's for:

Intermediate and advancing skiers who spend most of their time on groomers and want a ski that helps them progress without punishing them. It's also a solid pick for advanced skiers who prefer a lighter, more relaxed carving experience over the full demands of a metal ski.

Highlights:

The construction here is refreshingly simple. A poplar wood core delivers the right balance of energy, dampening, and predictable flex, and pairing it with XL 2.5mm edges means you get the durability of a premium ski without the cost or feel of metal layers. The brushed topsheet keeps the look clean and modern, and the elliptical sidecut translates naturally into the kind of rolling, edge-to-edge carving that makes frontside laps feel effortless. Shape-wise, the Dancer 79 keeps the same parabolic profile as the Ti version, which means lots of sidecut, modest tip rocker, and a flat tail that holds onto the snow at the end of the turn. The 79mm waist is right in the sweet spot for frontside skiing, narrow enough to roll edge to edge quickly but wide enough that you're not lost the moment you step off the corduroy. Flex sits at a 7, which feels just right for the audience; supportive enough to drive into a turn but not so stiff that lower-level skiers will get worked.

Things to consider:

This isn't a ski for charging the whole mountain. The 79mm waist is happiest on groomed snow and around the side of the trail, so if you're chasing soft snow or off-trail terrain regularly, you'll want something wider. The lack of titanal also means the top end is lower than the Ti version; expert skiers who like to push it at speed may find it lacking the damping and edge hold of the Dancer 79 Ti.

Fit & sizing considerations:

Sizes true to length. If you're between sizes and want a more nimble feel for short-radius carves, size down.