2025 Faction Studio 2 - SkiEssentials.com Ski Test Review

[@oreMilic]

I'm close to 6'1, and im thinking to go 183cm of this ski, do you think this is fine for me or perhaps lower? Also i like skiing offpiste as well as park, which mount point do you suggest? Thanks!

[@danielcultz1643]

Studio 2 or mana 2 i am a advanced rider sometimes a little in park some rails and riding powder which is better ? Greets

[@Wbarnabeb]

how is it on hard snow vibration wise ? and is it still capable of fast and good carving or this would be it's limit ? (you recommended me the unleashed 98, how different are those 2 on pist ? ) thanks

[@SkiEssentials]

Not bad! The Studio has some heft to it so it does feel composed on harder snow. The Unleashed does operate at a different level on firmer snow and in a carved turn due to the metal, but the Studio feels quieter overall unless it's very firm.

[@davidtroger1688]

I heard that faction has some durability issues, is this true on this ski or will the Studio 2 last a long time?

[@SkiEssentials]

We haven't seen too many come through the warehouse looking for warranty. The Studio 2 seems like a well-built ski and has a sturdy feel.

[@ericmehling3620]

i put 30 days plus on the prodigy 4 and only have tip chips from hitting edge. I also have 20 days on the mana 3 with the same.

[@vincentst6234]

Really interested in getting into the studio Series! Fell in love with this modell and want to take my skiing to the next level. I‘m thinking about the Studio 2 or Studio 3. I‘m really struggling between these modelles. I‘m quite tall 6,3feet and that’s why I lean to the longer studio 3. But I‘m quite worried that it won’t perform that well anymore on groomers and I‘m in kind of a dilemma stuck between those to Modells. With all your experience could you help me with my decision? Thank you so much you guys are the best!

[@SkiEssentials]

The 2 is just more well-rounded while the 3 is more soft-snow specific. I feel that if you're between widths, the narrower 2 makes more sense.

[@vincentst6234]

Thank you so much, your the best!

[@qwynrissell]

How are these on pow?

[@SkiEssentials]

Not bad! The hangups for me are the more symmetrical shape and stiffer flex. If you can overcome that, they're great, but if you're looking for driftier and smearier pow skiing, there are more flexible and directional options. Armada ARV 100 and Atomic Bent 100 come to mind as good alternatives for powder.

[@carterfan80]

How does this compare to the Kore 105. I owned the kore, the weight was great. I got along with it pretty well off trail. But on trail I had trouble making it bend. (5'5" 160 lbs)I had to have the right combination of speed and concentration to really get the ski to bend. I wasn't crazy about how it performed on the groomers. Studio better on trail? More flexible? I ran the numbers through soothe ski. The studio is only a little bit less stiff. Just wondering if it skis that way, or if the numbers are deceiving. I did not like the BC justice. Too heavy and cumbersome. I'm afraid this will be similar, although this is definitely lighter.

[@SkiEssentials]

I would not say that Studio is better on-trail. It has more symmetrical of a shape so not as directional as the Kore. While some skiers may prefer it, it's generally not going to stack up. Have you skied Elan Ripstick 102 or the older 106 at all? Nice blend of lighter weight, directional shape, and good energy.

[@carterfan80]

@SkiEssentials I have not skied the RipStik 106. But I did own the 88 a couple of years ago. I bought it as a one ski quiver for the East coast. I found it didn't really work that well on New York and Southern Vermont trails... I liked it a lot in the soft snow, but not so much on the firm. You may have just made me answer my own question. I like the RipStik as a soft snow ski, why not just get the wider one?? I think that build makes more sense in a wider ski....time to shop...

[@malthewulff9517]

Hello SkiEssentials. How would you differ these from the head 102 oblivion, they seem very similar. Im looking to pick up the 112 Studio 3 for allmountain, crud, side hits and mostly knee high pow. What are your thoughts? and how would you mount it for riding like mentioned above? Thanks

[@SkiEssentials]

The Oblivion is a very energetic twin, but keep in mind that the 102 doesn't have a lot of rocker or taper, which makes it not as floaty as the more dramatically shaped Studio. I do think the Oblivion is more peppy and energetic due to the carbon, while the Studio is a better soft snow and playful ski. Factory recommended usually works great on both of these skis.

[@ReedOlineck]

Currently on an Enforcer 93 and looking for something a bit wider underfoot. Between the Rustler 10 and the Studio 2, any recommendations?

[@SkiEssentials]

The Rustler will offer more similar vibes to the Enforcer vs. the Studio. I fear you'll miss some energy and pop with the smoother and denser Studio vs. the more powerful Rustler.

[@rustico8386]

Would you rank it over the 2025 atomic bent 110s?

[@SkiEssentials]

The Studio has longer camber and less rocker and splay than the Bent 110's. It's more of a stylistic choice than a performance one. The lighter and more peppy Bent 110 will please more agile and creative skiers while the Studio feels more comfortable in crud, chop, and provides more of a dense and stable feel.