The Prodigy 2 is Faction's all-mountain freestyle workhorse and one of their best-selling skis for good reason. It sits at a versatile waist width that's wide enough to handle softer snow with confidence but narrow enough to carve cleanly on firm groomers. The shape is a directional twin with a freestyle-friendly tail that lets you ride switch when the mood strikes. For 2027, the ski returns with the same proven build wrapped in a new design language called CHASM by Parade Studios.

Why we like it:

The carbon and rubber stomp pad underfoot is the unsung hero on this ski. It does two things really well: absorbs vibration when you stomp landings off booters or natural features, and adds just enough stiffness to the binding zone to make hard charging feel composed instead of nervous. Most all-mountain freestyle skis make you choose between playful and precise; the Prodigy 2 actually pulls off both.

Who it's for:

Intermediate to advanced freestyle-leaning skiers who want a single ski that can lap the park, hit side hits, butter, and still hold an edge on the morning groomers. If you're the kind of skier who ducks ropes, sends side features, and likes the feeling of a directional twin underfoot, this is a near-perfect daily driver.

Highlights:

The poplar core is the heart of this ski. Poplar is light, energetic, and damp enough that you don't get pingy chatter at speed, and Faction's tuning of the flex pattern means the ski feels poppy and forgiving without going noodly. The carbon and rubber stomp pad bonded under the binding mount adds vibration damping right where you need it, and it also protects the core from heavy compressions on landings. XL 2.5mm edges are a real durability win for park skiers; rails and boxes chew through standard edges, so the extra steel goes a long way toward making this ski last more than a season. The directional twin shape is the sleeper feature. The tip is a touch wider than the tail, so the ski has more drive and stability skiing forward than a true symmetrical twin, but the tail is still elevated enough to land switch and ride away clean. The 98mm waist is a sweet spot for the kind of skiers who want to do everything; wide enough to handle a few inches of fresh, narrow enough to carve, and right at the threshold where you can still throw the ski sideways without it feeling like a barge. Rocker profile is balanced, with longer tip rocker than tail rocker, which keeps you driving forward but lets the tail release when you want it to.

Things to consider:

The flex sits at a 7, which is plenty firm for advanced freestyle skiing but might feel like more than some intermediates need. The tail is more directional than truly symmetrical, so dedicated park skiers who spend most of their time switch will probably prefer the Studio 1 or Prodigy 1.

Fit & sizing considerations:

Sizes true to length. Pick your usual length; if you ski more switch than forward, size down for a quicker, more centered feel.