Faction Prodigy 2 Capsule Skis 26/27

The Faction Prodigy 2 Capsule is a 98mm all-mountain freestyle ski that pairs the brand's best-seller with a top-sheet by resident artist Elsa Grace. Faction builds it on the same mold and layup as the standard Prodigy 2, so the two ride the same — what you choose here is the artwork, plus a size run that stops at 183cm instead of the standard 189. At 98mm it sits in the middle of the Prodigy family: width for a few inches of fresh, edge for firm groomers, a twin-tip for switch.

There's no metal in it, and no structural carbon either — the core is light poplar wood. The only carbon sits underfoot: a 600mm rubber-and-carbon stomp pad that soaks up landings without adding stiffness. That makes a ski that stays light, lively and easy to press, with pop for switch and butters, at the cost of the planted calm a metal ski holds at speed. Pushed hard past a moderate pace it washes out a little, and on firm ice it grips less than a ski with metal underfoot. An Elliptical Sidecut lets it pivot at low speed yet firm up on edge; the 20m radius in the 183 leans toward long, open turns.

Faction scores it Flex 7, Float 5 and Style 5 — a playful ride pitched at intermediate and advanced skiers, forgiving but not a beginner's ski. It rewards a mixed, feel-first style over charging. It is the wrong ski for deep powder, where Float 5 and 98mm manage only a few inches and the wider 106mm Prodigy 3 makes more sense; for skiers chasing a glued-down feel at top speed; and for anyone who needs the extra grip of metal on firm ice.

The Capsule comes in 159, 165, 171 and 177, up to 183cm; the 189 is standard-Prodigy-2 only. It ships flat — we mount and set bindings for you, and match the length to your height, weight and style. Skiers who spend most days in deeper snow should look instead at the wider Prodigy 3.