Faction Skis new Prime series is not only pleasing to the eye, but as we discovered on the snow, to the feet as well - but there is a downside.
The Prime 1.0 is the narrowest of the range that includes four models and therefore naturally the lightest. They are not true touring skis in the sense of others in their class - but more inclined to day tours than multiple hut to hut style trips and with Factions freeride pedigree built in to the skis, they feel happy when riding over rough terrain.
Going up feels easy and the 90mm width is a dream to deal with in soft, cut-up and hard snow. Not too wide as to put unwanted pressure on the knees on harder snow and not too narrow as to sink into everything, making them hard to push and pull through the variable snow conditions you often experience whilst touring.
In powder snow, the Prime 1.0 perform as you would expect from Faction skis, giving you confidence to let them go through the turns - they feel stable too, adding to the enjoyment levels. We think they're ideal skis that are balanced perfectly for going up and down, though they have a sting it their tail. Yes, that back end is surprisingly stiff which makes them harder to handle in cut up snow or varied and bumpy terrain - they have a tendency to throw you out of the turn and want to take full control of it. For the most part they are great fun to ride, but we believe the tail makes them more suitable for aggressive skiers.
Faction have raised their prices for the 2017-18 winter season too and we feel they are a little on high side for skis of this caliber.
