If you’re looking for a ski that smoothly blends freeride capability, park playfulness, and allmountain versatility, the Faction Mana 2 deserves a close look. With a 102 mm underfoot waist, it offers enough surface area for powder float without sacrificing edge control on groomers. Created for intermediateadvanced skiers who want a onequiver ski capable of everything from tree laps to switch landings, the Mana 2 consistently earns praise for its balance of stability, lightness, and pop.
102 mm Waist: Why It Matters
The Mana 2’s 102 mm underfoot makes it a sweet spot for mixed conditions. This width provides strong flotation in powder while still delivering crisp performance on harder snow. Many allmountain skis aim for 100105 mm, and the Mana 2 hits right in that sweet middle ground.
Performance in Varying Snow Conditions
- Groomers & Cut Up Snow: The camber underfoot gives solid edge hold and stability for carving.
- Powder Runs: Rocker tip and tail aid float, making powder skiing playful rather than plowing.
- Park & Switch: Progressive twin tip design balances switch skiing and aggressive freeride landings.
Construction & Core Design
The Mana 2 features a lightweight poplar wood core and a carbonrubber stomp pad underfoot. This combination gives it a blend of pop, vibration dampening, and stability ideal for skiers who want responsiveness without harshness.
Key Technical Features
- Poplar Core: Offers flex, weight savings, and vibration absorption.
- CarbonRubber Stomp Pad: Reinforces strength and soaks up shock during landings.
- XL 2.5 mm Edges: Increased edge durability for aggressive skiing.
- Microcap Sidewall: Balances edge hold and impact resistance.
Rocker, Camber & Shape
The Mana 2 features a rocker-camber-rocker profile. The camber underfoot provides pop and stability, while the tip and tail rocker make the ski playful and floaty. Its progressive twin shape with a slightly narrower tail than tip makes directional carving intuitive but still supports switch skiing.
Performance Edge
- Rocker Tip & Tail: Enhance flotation and ease of turn initiation.
- Underfoot Camber: Improves edge contact on hardpack and groomers.
- Twin Tip Shape: Designed to accommodate park-style and switch techniques.
Intended Skill Level and Feel
Rated for intermediate to advanced/expert skiers, the Mana 2 has a flex rating around 7/10. Reviews highlight its forgiving playfulness and solid stability even for those pushing speed or venturing into varied terrain.
Build & Feel
- The ski feels lightweight and nimble, yet powerful when pushed hard.
- It absorbs chop and crud well, thanks to its damping core design.
- Provides pop and rebound for jumps without compromising edge hold on descent.
Comparisons to Sibling Models
Within Faction’s lineup, the Mana 2 offers a narrower waist than its 3.0 and 4.0 siblings, making it more agile and groomer-friendly. Compared to the Dancer 2 (96 mm waist) it offers more versatility off-piste, yet is stiffer and more park-oriented than broader freeride skis.
Why Choose the Mana 2?
- Perfect blend of freeride versatility and freestyle edge.
- Ideal for skiers who want one ski to handle groomers, powder, park, and switch riding.
RealWorld Reviews
Reviews consistently highlight the Mana 2’s responsiveness and confidence-inspiring character. Powder7 called it a preferred allrounder with a lot of character, noting its stability at speed, playfulness in bumps, and suitability across terrain types. SkiEssentials praised its damping and stomp pad design, emphasizing its ability to handle landings and chopped snow.
Summary of Specs
- Waist width: 102 mm
- Flex: 7/10
- Weight: approx. 1800 g per ski (178 cm)
- Rocker-camber-rocker profile
- Poplar core, carbonrubber stomp pad
- XL edges and microcap sidewall
This technical blend makes the Mana 2 highly capable across big-mountain, park, powder, and everyday groomers.
Who Should Consider the Faction Mana 2?
If you’re an intermediate to advanced skier seeking one ski that does it all with confidence at speed, playfulness in trees, and switch capability the Mana 2 is built for you. Its 102 mm underfoot gives powder float without sacrificing groomer control, and its construction supports jumps and aggressive skiing without feeling too stiff or unforgiving.
- Freestyle-influenced freeriders
- Allmountain skiers wanting onequiver simplicity
- Skiers who value light weight without losing power
- Those who like to jump, butter, and switch ski occasionally
The Faction Mana 2 stands out as a versatile, funloving ski with serious performance chops. Its 102 mm waist and progressive twin shape make it nimble in all conditions groomers, park, powder, and beyond. Built with a responsive poplar core, carbon stomp pad, and quality edge construction, it strikes a harmonious balance of playfulness, stability, and durability. For skiers seeking one ski to rule it all, the Mana 2 is a compelling choice.
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