, producing large-scale video works making their presence felt in competition scenes such as the X Games and the Beijing Olympics and announcing the end of their partnership with Candide Thovex after 10 years together
FACTION has made many model changes for the 2022-2023 season, showcasing unique and ambitious skis, creating a lineup that feels like a new beginning. We spoke to Alex Simpson, FACTION's International Sales Manager, about the products for the 2022-2023 season
Alex Simpson Alex Simpson
is based in Annecy, France, and travels around the world to share the joy of skiing. Of course, he also skis in mountains all over Japan. His favorite Japanese food is okonomiyaki. His hobbies are cycling (road and mountain biking) and surfing. His favorite FACTION skis are Agent 3 and La Machine 5 Max. Born March 17, 1988
Editorial Department: Can you give us an overview of the lineup changes for the 2022-23 season?
Alex: The new premium twin tip line "MANA" will replace the CT series, and the freeride touring ski "La Machine" will be added to the lineup as a new series. In addition, the Dictator series will be renamed "Dancer." The "Prodigy," "Agent," and "OUTCAST" series will continue. In addition, the graphics of some skis have been updated.
Editorial Department: For the past two seasons, "La Machine" has been quietly included in the "OUTCAST" series. But for the 2022-2023 season, it has become an independent series, and is even featured at the front of the catalog. What is the reason for this?
Alex: In 2020, we created the ultra-fat, lightweight "La Machine" ski, perfect for deep powder. This ski features a large rocker and tapered shape in the tip and tail. The flat camber, which is rare these days, provides incredible float in deep powder and allows you to glide freely over undulating terrain. This construction was developed with input from veteran heli-ski guides with decades of experience, resulting in a ski that allows all types of riders to easily glide through powder.
Despite this size, it is light, weighing just 1950g for a 186cm person. The series lineup consists of four types: "MICRO" with a waist width of 91mm, "MINI" with 99mm, and "MEGA" with 109mm.
Given the success of this ski, it was only natural to create a series with the same design and shape.
The flat camber allows for surf-like riding in all snow conditions, from deep powder to spring corn snow. The low grip gives you great float and allows for effortless pivoting. The carbon layer also provides excellent edge hold when carving on packed slopes. It's also the lightest ski in the collection, making it ideal for backcountry tours.
Editorial Department: The lineup of narrow waist models with flat camber is interesting and not found anywhere else. I test rode them in the spring, and was impressed by how light and easy to handle all the models were, and how easy they were to ski on stream terrain. Please tell us about your other models.
Alex: The MANA series is a lightweight twin-tip ski made with premium materials. The MANA2 and MANA3 are designed for skiers looking for a high-performance twin-tip.
The MANA4 features a flat camber with generous rocker at the tip and tail. It's a fat ski that's easy to pivot and slash in any deep snow. It's also great for freestyle maneuvering in powder.
Incidentally, the MANA3 features a "Stomp Pad" reinforced with carbon and rubber near the edge of the ski. This not only increases durability and protects the wood core, but also absorbs and stabilizes impacts from landings and jibs.
All MANA models feature a unique "boat flex" flex pattern. This means the ski is soft in the center and stiffens toward the ends of the tip and tail. It's the opposite of a regular ski. It provides firm grip at the beginning of turns and powerful maneuvers, even in varied snow conditions. It also absorbs impacts well, even during air landings.
That said, the flex of the "MANA" is on the stiffer side of the FACTION lineup, so it doesn't feel too soft. Rather, the popping sensation when you load the skis firmly is very pleasant.
The DANCER series has not undergone any major changes, including in terms of concept. The name "DICTATOR" may have put off some people, so we changed the name. The graphics were also changed accordingly. These skis are lightweight yet offer a hard-hitting performance. Two titanium sheets are placed on a lightweight poplar core, providing stability and edge hold even at high speeds. Not only are they suitable for experts, but intermediate and advanced skiers who enjoy turning will be able to ski aggressively on any terrain within the ski resort. The DANCER is also an ideal tool for guides and patrols
Editorial Department: What about "PRODIGY" and "Agent T"?
Alex: The " Prodigy" series is a super fun, surfy twin tip ski that allows any skier to easily improve and express themselves on the mountain. There are no changes to the lineup, just the graphics. The "AgentT" series is a free-touring ski that is durable, climbs easily, and glides well. It can also be used by skiers who prefer lighter all-mountain or freeride skis. It's the ideal choice for riders who want one ski to do it all.
Editorial Department: I see, now I understand the whole thing. By the way, FACTION continues to make skis in categories such as mogul skis and monoskis. Why do you continue to make them when major brands are withdrawing from those areas?
Alex: The reason is simple. Mogul skis are synonymous with the birth of freestyle skiing, and we respect its roots. That's why we'll keep making them, no matter how many there are. Monoskis are skis designed for the modern freeride experience. The freeride flat tail and full rocker are unlike anything else. You might find it gives you a new sensation that you'll be hooked on.
Editor: Has the completion of your partnership with Candid had any impact?
Alex: We are incredibly grateful for our strong partnership with Candide over the past decade. We will continue to cherish the fun times and great skiing we've had together. However, when one door closes, another opens. We believe our 2022-2023 lineup is our strongest yet, and we're excited about what the future holds.
Editorial Department: There are new additions to the lineup, too. Thank you very much for your time, Alex.
Alex: Thank you very much. FACTION will continue to inspire all types of skiers to get out and enjoy the mountains. Please check out the various information we provide.
Interview cooperation:
Lollipop
759-9 Nojiri, Shinanomachi, Kamiminochi District, Nagano Prefecture
Lollipop is a ski, snowboard and outdoor shop located in Shinanomachi in the Myoko area. It also doubles as the office for FACTION JAPAN, so you can see and touch on the entire lineup. When FACTION JAPAN manager Takai Nobuyuki is there, you can hear about the details of skiing and discuss a variety of topics. They also have a wide selection of boots, clothing and accessories, so it's a great place to stop by if you're in the Myoko area. Many people also come to enjoy the rampage, which has just the right height and radius. It can also be used as a playground in bad weather.
Instagram: @lollipop_shinanomachi