large-scale video productionsproducingtheir presence felt in competitions like the X Games and the Beijing Olympics, makingending their 10-year partnership with Candid TovexFACTION had a busy 2021-22 season,
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, based in Annecy,
France, travels the world, sharing the joy of skiing with others. He also skis in various mountains throughout Japan. His favorite Japanese food is okonomiyaki. His hobbies include cycling (road bikes and mountain bikes) and surfing. His favorite FACTION skis are the Agent 3 and La Machine 5 Max. Born March 17, 1988.
Editorial team:Could you give us an overview of the lineup changes for the 2022-2023 season?
Alex:The CT series will be replaced by a new premium twin-tip line called "MANA," and the freeride touring ski "La Machine" will be added to the lineup as new series. In addition, the Dictator series will be renamed "Dancer." The "Prodigy," "Agent," and "OUTCAST" series will continue. Also, the graphics on some skis have been updated.
Editorial Team:For the past two seasons, the "La Machine" has been quietly included in the lineup as one of the models in the "OUTCAST" series. However, for the 22-23 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 "La Machine," an ultra-fat, lightweight ski that's great for deep powder. This ski features a large rocker and tapered shape in the tip and tail. By adopting a flat camber, which is becoming less common these days, it has incredible buoyancy in deep powder and allows you to ski freely on uneven terrain. This construction incorporates feedback from veteran heli-skiing guides with decades of experience to create a ski that makes powder riding easy for all types of riders.
Despite its size, it weighs a light 1950g for a 186cm ski. The series lineup includes four models: the "MICRO" with a waist width of 91mm, the "MINI" with 99mm, and the "MEGA" with 109mm.
The success of this ski made it a natural progression 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 minimal catching provides a feeling of floating, and pivoting is effortless. The carbon layer also offers excellent edge hold when carving on groomed slopes. Being the lightest ski in the collection, it's also ideal for backcountry touring.
Editorial Team:The lineup, with its narrow waist width and flat camber, is quite interesting and something you don't see anywhere else. I tried them out in the spring, and I was impressed by how light and easy to handle all the models were, and how well they handled streamlined terrain. Could you tell us more about the other models?
Alex:"MANA" is a lightweight twin-tip ski made with premium materials. The MANA2 and MANA3 are models for skiers who want a twin-tip that delivers superior performance.
The MANA4 has a larger rocker at the tip and tail and a flat camber. It's a fat ski that makes pivoting and slashing easy in any deep snow. It also allows for freestyle movements in powder.
Incidentally, the MANA3 is equipped with a "stomp pad" reinforced with carbon and rubber near the edge underfoot. This not only increases durability underfoot and protects the wood core, but also absorbs and stabilizes the impact of landings and jibbing.
Furthermore, all models in the "MANA" series use a unique flex pattern called "boat flex." This means the center of the ski is soft, and it gets harder towards both ends of the tip and tail. It's the opposite of a normal ski. Even in snow conditions that change frequently, it grips firmly at the start of a turn and allows you to cut through powerfully. It also absorbs impacts well when landing airs.
That being said, the "MANA" flex is on the stiffer side within the FACTION lineup, so it doesn't feel too soft. Rather, the popping sensation when you put proper weight on the skis is very satisfying.
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 team:What do you think of "PRODIGY" or "AgentT"?
Alex: TheProdigy series is a super fun, surfy twin-tip ski that makes it easy for any skier to improve and express themselves on the mountain. There are no changes to the lineup, only graphic changes. The AgentT series is a highly durable, easy-to-climb, and high-performance free-tour ski. It can also be used by skiers who prefer lighter all-mountain or freeride skis. It's an ideal choice for riders who want to do it all with one pair of skis.
Editorial Team:I see, that gives me a good overall understanding. By the way, FACTION continues to manufacture skis in categories such as mogul skis and monoskis, right? Why do you continue to manufacture them when major brands are withdrawing from that field?
Alex:The reason is simple. Mogul skiing is synonymous with the birth of freestyle skiing, and we pay homage to its roots. That's why we continue to make skis, no matter the number. Monoskis are designed for enjoying freeride today. The flat tail and full rocker for freeride are unlike anything else. You might find yourself getting hooked on a surprisingly new sensation.
Editorial team:What impact will the completion of your partnership with Candid have?
Alex:I am incredibly grateful for the strong partnership we've had with Candido over the past decade. I will cherish the fun times and great skiing we've built together. However, when one door closes, another opens. I believe our 22-23 season lineup is the best we've ever had, and I'm excited about the future.
Editorial team:We've added some new items to the lineup, too. Alex, thank you very much for your time today.
Alex:Thank you too. FACTION will continue to inspire skiers of all types to go to the mountains and enjoy them. Please check out the various information we share.
Interview cooperation:
Lollipop,
759-9 Nojiri, Shinano-machi, Kamiminochi-gun, Nagano Prefecture
Lollipop is a ski, snowboard, and outdoor shop located in Shinano-machi in the Myoko area. It also houses the FACTION JAPAN office, allowing you to see and touch their entire product lineup. When FACTION JAPAN manager Nobuyuki Takai is present, you can ask about ski details and engage in conversations on various topics. With a wide selection of boots, apparel, and accessories, it's a great place to stop by when you're in the Myoko area. Many people also come specifically for the ramp, which has a moderate height and radius. It's also a great place to play in bad weather.
Instagram:@lollipop_shinanomachi