2025 Faction Studio 2 Skis Review
By: evo Employees | Last Updated: March 15, 2024
Review Summary
Avg. Tester Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5)
The 2025 Faction Studio 2 is a fun and versatile all-mountain freestyle ski that balances playfulness and performance. Our testers have diverse all mountain and freeride backgrounds and lauded the ski's ability to handle a variety of conditions. It shines in choppy conditions, the tail releases out of turns easily, and it delivers a natural, responsive pop. Its evolution from the beloved Candide model is clear, with features that cater to an aggressive and playful riding style.
Our tester James from Mission Ridge, WA praised its agility and responsiveness and summed it up well:
"The Faction Studio 2 is a fun all mountain freestyle ski...It held well through choppy conditions, was quick to break the tail free when you wanted to slash, and had a natural, responsive pop."
Technical Details
"The Studio 2, with its versatile 102mm waist, is the ideal tool to transition from all-mountain to backside to park. This is a high-quality, high-performance craft that effortlessly responds to your movements and your commands. Its lightweight Poplar Core construction and carbon stringers helps the ski to pop off booters, butter over rollers, and whip effortlessly between turns. Yet the Rubber/Carbon stop pad keeps it strong enough to take hit after hit. Enjoy the finest, most durable Austrian construction, powered 100% by renewable energy."
| Available Sizes (cm) | 166, 173, 178, 188 |
| Shape | Symmetrical Twin |
| Rocker/Camber Profile | Rocker - Camber - Rocker |
| Flex Rating | 7 (Medium - Aggressive) |
| Core | Lightweight Poplar |
| Laminates | Carbon / Rubber Stomp Pad and Carbon Stringers |
Expert Testers & Methodology
Why should you trust evo's Field Tested Reviews? Great question! Over this past winter, evo employees from our various locations across Washington, Oregon, Utah, Colorado and Whistler were selected to provide long-term testing of next year's hottest new skis and snowboards. Employees were also invited to attend exclusive multi-day demo events where brands — like Faction — showcased their upcoming products for the 2024/2025 winter season. By collecting unbiased, in-depth reviews from our most experienced skiers and snowboarders, we hope to help you find the best gear to maximize your fun in the mountains!
Testing the 2025 Studio 2 Skis:
In assessing the 2025 Faction Studio 2, we enlisted three of our evo employees with a mix of advanced to expert skiing abilities and styles that include all mountain, freeride, and freestyle. These testings took place at 3 mountains in various conditions: Mission Ridge, WA; Loveland, CO; and Brighton, UT. The testers' varied experiences provide a comprehensive and unbiased perspective, making this guide a reliable resource for those considering the Faction Studio 2. Read on for each tester's perspective.
James Pulse
Customer Care Representative
Tester Rating: 5-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Advanced
Size Tested: 178
Testing Location: Mission Ridge, WA
Natural Feel and Playful Ski
"The Faction Studio 2 is a fun all mountain freestyle ski. It takes after the previous Candide model and its easy to see how the features that serve his riding style shine through. It held well through choppy conditions, was quick to break the tail free when you wanted to slash, and had a natural, responsive pop. At 5' 10", the 178 felt a bit short and I would have preferred something closer to 184 for cruising around a PNW mountain. It was great at pushing you out of the back seat and into the driver's seat, where this ski thrives."
Max Silverstein
Customer Care Representative
Tester Rating: 5-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Expert
Size Tested: 183
Testing Location: Loveland,CO
Great ski for all
"A revamped classic from faction. The studio 2 is an excellent everyday choice for people looking for a slightly wider all mountain ski, capable of everything from skiing park to skiing powder. Extremely fun ski, very playful while still being extremely responsive."
Jonah Callister
Data Specialist
Tester Rating: 3-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Expert
Size Tested: 183
Testing Location: Brighton, UT
Awesome time for your intermediate to expert riders.
I am a playful and creative rider. I like soft skis to have fun all over the mtn. This ski was fun and I could go anywhere with it. It's a bit stiff for my liking. But it held an edge great on groomers, while being able to go off piste and chop through the leftovers.
Pros
- Versatility: The Studio 2 performs across a wide range of conditions, from park to powder, making it an excellent all-around choice for adventurous skiers.
- Playfulness: The ski's design encourages a playful yet responsive ride. The asy tail release and natural pop are great for creative riders.
Cons
- Stiffness: It's personal preference, but some testers found the ski a bit stiff for their liking. This could affect those who prefer a softer ski for more forgiving landings and buttering.
- Learning Curve: The Faction Studio 2 might present a slight learning curve for intermediate riders transitioning to more advanced skiing styles.
Who Is It For?
The 2025 Faction Studio 2 is best suited for advanced to expert skiers seeking a versatile and playful all-mountain freestyle ski. It's designed for those who enjoy a responsive, agile ride capable of handling a mix of conditions and terrains, from park laps to off-piste terrain. The ski's stiffness and quick tail release favor skiers who like to actively engage with the mountain, using the terrain to express their creativity and skill.
However, its aggressive nature and stiffer flex may not be ideal for beginners or those who want a ski they don't have to work as hard to ski. Skiers looking for extremely soft skis or those just starting out might find the Faction Studio 2 challenging.
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