21-22 season will be full of news, such as producing large-scale video works , showing a presence in the competition scene such as the X Games and the Beijing Olympics, and the expiration of the partnership with Candid Tovex, who has walked together for 10 years. FACTION that was not there.
The 22nd-23rd season FACTION has many model changes, and the lineup is finished with a new beginning, such as appealing ambitious skis like no other. So, I asked Alex Simpson, FACTION's international sales manager, about the products for the 2022-23 season.
Alex Simpson Alex Simpson
Based in Annecy, France, travels around the world and shares the joy of skiing together.
Of course, mountains all over Japan are also slippery. By the way, my favorite Japanese food is okonomiyaki. His hobbies are cycling (road bike, mountain bike) and surfing. His favorite FACTION skis are the Agent 3 and La Machine 5 Max. Born March 17, 1988
Editorial Department: Could you give us an overview of the line-up changes for the 22-23 season?
Alex: The new premium twin tip line "MANA" that replaces the CT series and the freeride touring ski "La Machine" will be added to the lineup as new series. In addition, the Dictator series was renamed to "Dancer". The series "Prodigy", "Agent" and "OUTCAST" continues. Also some skis have updated graphics.
Editorial department: For the past two seasons, "La Machine" has been quietly lined up as one model of the "OUTCAST" series. It became an independent series for the 22-23 season, and is even listed at the beginning of the catalog. Why?
Alex: For 2020, we created the 'La Machine', which is super fat, lightweight and slippery in deep powder. This ski features large top and tail rocker and a tapered profile. By adopting flat camber, which is becoming rare these days, it has amazing buoyancy even in deep powder, allowing you to freely glide over undulating terrain. This construction takes input from decades of veteran heli-ski guides to create a ski that's effortless in powder for all types of riders.
The dimensions are 148-126-139mm, making it the thickest of all FACTION skis. Despite this size, it is 186cm and weighs 1950g. The series lineup includes 4 types of waist width 91mm "MICRO", 99mm "MINI", 109mm "MEGA"
With the success of this ski, it was only natural to create a series with the same design and shape.
Flat camber allows for surf-like riding in all snow conditions, from deep powder to spring cones. Because there is little catch, you can fully enjoy the feeling of floating, and you can freely pivot. The carbon layer also provides the best edge hold when carving on compacted snow slopes. It's also the lightest ski in the collection, making it ideal for backcountry tours.
Editorial Department: The lineup of flat camber models with narrow waist widths is an interesting one that you won't find anywhere else. I took a test ride in the spring, and it was impressive that all the models were light and easy to handle, and the swamp terrain was slippery. Please let me know about other models.
Alex: The "MANA" is a lightweight twin-tip ski with premium materials.
The MANA2 and MANA3 are models for skiers looking for twin tips with excellent performance. MANA4 has large top and tail rocker and flat camber.
A fat ski that's easy to pivot and slash in all depths. You can do freestyle moves even in powder. By the way, the MANA3 is equipped with a "stomp pad" reinforced with carbon and rubber near the edge of the foot.
This not only protects the wood core with increased durability underfoot, but also has the effect of absorbing and stabilizing the impact of landings and jibs. Also, all models in the "MANA" series use a unique flex pattern called "Boat Flex".
This is where the ski is softer in the center and stiffer towards the top and tail ends. It's the opposite of normal skiing. It grips firmly at the beginning of the turn even in varying snow conditions, and can be powerfully cut through. It is easy to absorb the impact even when landing in the air. Even so, the flex of "MANA" falls into the hard category in the FACTION lineup, so it doesn't feel too soft. Rather, the feeling of popping when the ski is fully loaded is very pleasant.
The "DANCER" series has no major changes, including the concept. The naming image of "DICTATOR" may shy away from many people, so the name was changed. I changed the graphics accordingly. Although this ski is light, hard gliding performance is the point. Two titanium sheets sit on top of a lightweight poplar core to provide stability and edge hold at high speeds. It's not just for experts, but intermediate skiers and above who want to enjoy turns will be able to ski aggressively on any terrain in the ski resort. "DANCER" is also an ideal tool for guides and patrols.
Editorial Department: How about "PRODIGY" and "AgentT"?
Alex: The Prodigy series is the most fun and surfing twin-tip ski that any skier can easily learn and express themselves on the mountain. There is no change in the lineup, only a graphic change. The "AgentT" series is a durable, easy-climbing, high-glide free-touring ski. It can also be used by skiers who prefer lighter all-mountain or freeride skis. An ideal choice for riders who want one ski to do it all.
Editor: I see, I understand the whole thing well.
By the way, FACTION continues to make skis in categories such as mogul skis and monoskis. Why do you keep creating when the big brands are pulling out of that space?
Alex: The reason is simple. Mogul skiing is synonymous with the birth of freestyle skiing, and we pay tribute to its roots. That's why I keep making skis regardless of the number. Monoskis are skis designed for modern freeriding. Flat tail and full rocker for freeride are unrivaled. You might get addicted to unexpected new sensations.
Editorial department: Will there be any impact from the completion of the partnership with Candid?
Alex: We are incredibly grateful for our strong partnership with Candido over the past decade. I would like to cherish the fun times and wonderful skiing we built together. But when one door closes, another door opens. I think the lineup for the 2022-23 season is one of the most fulfilling to date, and I am excited about the future.
Editorial Department: A new lineup has also been added. Alex, thank you very much for this time.
Alex: Nice to meet you, thank you. FACTION continues to inspire all types of skiers to go and enjoy the mountains. Please check out the various information we send out.
Interview cooperation
Lollipop
759-9 Nojiri, Shinano-cho, Kamiminochi-gun, Nagano Prefecture
Ski & snowboard + outdoor shop "Lollipop" in Shinanomachi, Myoko area.
It also serves as the office of FACTION JAPAN, so you can see the entire lineup. When Nobuyuki Takai, the manager of FACTION JAPAN, is there, you can hear the details of skiing and touch on various topics. Boots, clothing, and accessories are also available, so you'll want to stop by when you go to Myoko. In addition, there are many people who come to play for the rampage with moderate height and R angle. It can also be used as a playground in bad weather. Instagram: @lollipop_shinanomachi