London and Verbier based Faction Skis has replaced its Dictator range with the new Dancer collection and the women's specific 3X is 106mm under foot and one of the widest skis on the women's market. The Dictator's divided opinion, but essentially if you aren't a professional freeride skier, then best avoid them (in our opinion).
Fortunately the Dancer's seem a little more accessible, but they are still a full-on, hard charging, powerful freeride ski that demand respect from riders of any level. Despite the skis power, they are playful enough in all conditions, all over the mountain - but when it comes to dancing, think more mosh pit than ballet.
The double titanal plate and Poplar wood core is the same construction as the men's (unisex) models, providing a hugely solid ride. The tip and tail rocker does help to make turn initiation pretty easy and if you're the sort of skier that enjoys a more pivoty style of turning on piste and off, then happy days. You can get them onto an edge, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realise that with these dimensions and construction, they need work to perform smooth carve turns.
But that really doesn't matter if you're looking for a ski that will handle high speed descents on virtually all kinds of terrain, including epic deep powder days. Stronger, aggressive women freeride skiers only need apply.
The Dancer offers a more sensible approach to a full on freeride ski that feels skiable and more manoeuvrable than the Dictator, but don't be too fooled by its name - these skis still want to remain in full control and voting out won't change its tune.
