How do you think this compares to the Locator 96?
Both seem to have a fair bit of tail rocker (for a <100 mm ski).
Wondering if it would be worthwhile to replace my (120 lbs) daughter’s Tracer 88, to give her some easier skiing in low angle, tight trees with deep powder, without adding to much weight or width on the uphill.
Faction La Machine Mini Ski
Built to make all the other skis in your quiver jealous, the Faction La Machine Mini has a quiver-killer mentality with a penchant for all snow types. Thanks in part to its healthy rocker profile, the Mini can effortlessly pivot on-demand, allowing you to shut things down on a moment's notice if things get too rowdy. With its moderate girth (width), the oh-so-versatile Mini is prepared to handle both inadvertently found sastrugi or blower pow. Faction has put an emphasis on environmental responsibility lately, which starts with the creation of a durable product that can last season after season. With their made-in-Austria vibes, we think they’ve nailed it. When you're having a hard time deciding on which ski to grab for the next day, reach for the quick-turning, playful Faction La Machine Mini.
- Faction recycles scrap base, sidewall, and top sheet material, helping find a use for material that would have been discarded.
- Austrian construction is durable and made to go season after season.
- Full Carbon Layers ups performance and decreases unnecessary weight.
- Biobased resin lessens the environmental footprint of the ski.
- Made with 100% renewable energy.
| Specifications | |
| Lengths (cm) | 164, 171, 177, 183 |
|
Weight |
1325g [164] 1425g [171] 1455g [177] 1490g [183] |
| Weight (pair) | 2650g [164] 2850g [171] 2910g [177] 2980g [183] |
|
|
124-99-116 [All sizes] |
|
Turn |
17m [164] 18m [171] 19m [177] 20m [183] |
|
Skin |
Round tip and tail |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
tip rocker, minimal camber, tail rocker |
|
|
Ellipical sidecut |
|
|
Full strength sidewall, carbon layers, mustache flex |
|
|
Paulownia wood core |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Freeride touring, all conditions |
| Notes | Backed by the finest Austrian construction |
| Bottom Line | Ultra rockered shape allows easy smearing |
| Compare to other High-fat Skis | |
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Questions & Reviews
9/23/2023
9/23/2023
Hi Tjaard, I think there will be a noticeable difference in powder going from the 88 to either of the skis you're considering. The Faction has a longer tip rocker and significantly more tail rocker than the Locator 96, so I would lean that way if you'd like something easier to slarve and turn sideways in deeper snow. The Faction is also a fairly stout ski so I would definitely not go larger than the 164cm. If you'd like to discuss further feel free to email help@skimo.co!
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I really wanted to hate this ski because of the added camber (the original design was entirely flat base/subtle reverse camber). Volkl has shown for years that reverse camber is viable in all conditions-with the legendary BMT series and the Katana v werks.
Subtle reverse camber+ straight shaped ski (high turn radius) is just a winning combination all around. You still get edge contact, but the ski that can still charge massive turns down the fall line also becomes easily maneuverable and predictable in tight spaces.
Anyway, this ski isn't a return of the BMT 94. It isn't as damp, isn't as stable in longer turns, and isn't quite as slippery manueverable. But it's close. And it can take any bindings, can be sized down because of the camber, and has a better width. the ski seems pretty durable and well made. It's not a v werks, but it's half the cost. It's about as light as I want in a ski, skis lighter than it tend to deflect easier instead of having some material mass help move heavier snow around. They also track better through mank. They ski super intuitively i think mostly due to the rocker profile in conjuction with moderate stiffness and straight shape. They arent super stiff, but they have a backbone. Bottom line, faction cares more about skiing than uphill, and this is evident in a good way. This is the lightest ski I'd want that still makes skiing fun in a variety of conditions rather than just the best conditions. It's also easily skied with a weenie boot, but also wouldn't be overpowered by a beef boot.
So TLDR, the la machine series isn't the BMT reincarnated which would be the best option, but they are solid skis that I would recommend to someone who cares about skiing. They feel predictable, they ski well, aren't crazy expensive, and are well made. If the performance of a bmt 94/109 is 10/10, this is a 7-8/10 which considering the cost and availability of bmts, is pretty good.
Faction I'm still mad that you didn't commit to flat camber, but I will admit, having a slightly shorter ski with camber is a lot nicer for carrying and flicking around on jump turns.
Subtle reverse camber+ straight shaped ski (high turn radius) is just a winning combination all around. You still get edge contact, but the ski that can still charge massive turns down the fall line also becomes easily maneuverable and predictable in tight spaces.
Anyway, this ski isn't a return of the BMT 94. It isn't as damp, isn't as stable in longer turns, and isn't quite as slippery manueverable. But it's close. And it can take any bindings, can be sized down because of the camber, and has a better width. the ski seems pretty durable and well made. It's not a v werks, but it's half the cost. It's about as light as I want in a ski, skis lighter than it tend to deflect easier instead of having some material mass help move heavier snow around. They also track better through mank. They ski super intuitively i think mostly due to the rocker profile in conjuction with moderate stiffness and straight shape. They arent super stiff, but they have a backbone. Bottom line, faction cares more about skiing than uphill, and this is evident in a good way. This is the lightest ski I'd want that still makes skiing fun in a variety of conditions rather than just the best conditions. It's also easily skied with a weenie boot, but also wouldn't be overpowered by a beef boot.
So TLDR, the la machine series isn't the BMT reincarnated which would be the best option, but they are solid skis that I would recommend to someone who cares about skiing. They feel predictable, they ski well, aren't crazy expensive, and are well made. If the performance of a bmt 94/109 is 10/10, this is a 7-8/10 which considering the cost and availability of bmts, is pretty good.
Faction I'm still mad that you didn't commit to flat camber, but I will admit, having a slightly shorter ski with camber is a lot nicer for carrying and flicking around on jump turns.
7/6/2023
Thanks for that informative review.
Too bad they only come in such short lengths! This sounds like my perfect Allround ski.
Too bad they only come in such short lengths! This sounds like my perfect Allround ski.
7/6/2023
I think they are expanding the size range? They are on some of them at least next year. Fwiw I found them to ski slightly longer compared to full rocker. Ie I mostly ski 186-191, I bet the 183 feels like the volkl 186. And like I said I saw some products getting a 190 for next year.
7/20/2023
Hey Anthony, did you mount on the "newschool", "progressive", or "traditional" line?
7/20/2023
I've skied factions before and like progressive which is what I used.
Comment on this review:
1/9/2023
Do you think we can get some rocker profile pics?
1/11/2023
If you would like more images, please reach out to help@skimo.co! It should be noted that Faction originally intended this to be a zero-camber ski, however, they have since added camber which should be shown in the picture.
1/11/2023
Damn that's regrettable, a ski that was actually unique changed back to just like every other ski on the market
Answer this question:
11/30/2022
I'm really curious about a zero-camber ski. Does this make any sense for less-than-expert skiers?
12/1/2022
Hi Dauwhe,
Zero camber makes the ski really surfy, easy to maneuver, and quite forgiving. I think this ski makes a lot of sense for skiers of any level or ability who want an easy-turning, versatile ski!
Zero camber makes the ski really surfy, easy to maneuver, and quite forgiving. I think this ski makes a lot of sense for skiers of any level or ability who want an easy-turning, versatile ski!
Answer this question:
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