Why We Chose The Faction Candide 3.0X: Playful, all mountain, classic
Lengths (cm): 169, 178
Sidecut (mm): 140-112-134
Radius: 17m (at 169cm)
Rocker Profile: Rocker-Camber-Rocker
Weight (per ski): 1890g (169cm)
Price: £649
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From Faction’s renowned partnership with Candide Thovex come the CT 3.0 and 3.0x. The legendary freeskier’s signature range has become a go-to for freeskiers across the globe. As the middle ski in Candide’s range, the CT 3.0 and 3.0x hit right at the intersection of park (CT 1.0) and backcountry (CT 5.0), resulting in a freestyle-inspired, freeride ski.
“Faction currently dominates the women’s freeskiing scene”
Faction currently dominates the women’s freeskiing scene by supporting a stacked team of female pros and showcasing their talent (watch The Collective: X Women’s Segment). They also do it by creating skis that perform equally, independent of gender.
Faction’s women’s range – the X series – are identical in build to the men’s range, and differ in only one respect: top-sheets. If you’re into pink, opt for the 3.0x if not, the 3.0 does the exact same job in less rosy colours.
Faction Candide 3.0X Build
Balsa softwood, selected for its impressive strength to weight ratio, and pachacho hardwood form the CT 3.0x’s core. At slightly under 2kg per ski, the 3.0x isn’t the lightest ski around but this seems a worthwhile trade off for the fat 112mm waist and the stability you receive in return: the 3.0x includes a layer of titanal reinforcement plates to bolster rigidity and power, and to ensure bindings hold well to the ski (something to consider if you’re planning on regular high-impact skiing on unpredictable terrain).
“Even though these skis are most at home in the backcountry they will get by on groomers and withstand low-coverage conditions”
This attention to robustness is enhanced by the CT 3.0x’s microcap construction, where the topsheet encases the sidewall for additional protection. Full-strength sidewalls provide decent edge grip, so even though these skis are most at home in the backcountry they will get by on groomers and withstand low-coverage conditions.
