There’s also an anti-scratch texture to help protect the sick design printed onto the topsheet. One last note on the durability side of things is the anti-chip micro-cap construction that wraps over the top of the powerful sidewall, protecting it from any chips and dinks. It’s great to see Faction upping the durability of their skis, particularly the park focused skis that usually take an absolute beating between rail hits and chairlift punters.

“Faction themselves are of course a proud partner of the global sustainability commitment 1% For The Planet”

One final note is on the methods of construction. The Mana 2s are not only built to roll with the punches in the park, but they’ve also been built with eco consciousness in mind. The fibreglass laminates have been pressed using a bio-based epoxy resin, while the skis are all built in Austria, powered by 100% renewable energy. Then, finally, Faction themselves are of course a proud partner of the global sustainability commitment 1% For The Planet.

Faction Mana 2 Shaping

This build equates to what we’d call a pretty smooth flex, it’s definitely not overly demanding, yet it’s far from soft. You’ve got a relatively soft tip that quickly stiffens up for almost the full length of the ski until the tails soften out again. This flex pattern totally matches the aim to design a symmetrical charger that can take on the lot around the resort.

Faction Mana 2 Shaping

Just taking a quick look at the shaping of the skis, you can tell that these are designed for those with a freestyle bias. You’ve got a symmetrical radius of 20 metres, for the 183 cm length, that allows for easy switch carving and an almost centred mount location for poise in the air, and confident spinning.

Speaking about these mount locations, you’ve got three options of Newschool, Progressive and Classic indicated on the skis, based on the type of rider you are. Obviously Newschool is closest to the centre – best for a freestyle focused ride -, with Classic being the most rearward – suited towards slightly more directional riders, while the Progressive is that Goldilocks middle ground.

Then looking at the rocker, you’ve got quite a lot of splay in both the tips and tails. The tail has been twinned for confident switch skiing, while the camber runs deep towards the tips and tails to help with pop and bite when the skis are laid on edge.

Who Is The Faction Mana 2 For?

The CT 2, and the whole CT range for that matter, left a huge hole in Faction’s quiver, so it’s great to see a progressive new range moving in to define this category. We found the Mana 2 to provide an extremely confidence inspiring ride across the whole mountain with very little speed limit. The skis could tackle chopped up snow, rail carves on the fresh groomers, all while being an absolute treat in the park. The CT 2 might be dead, but there’s a new kid on the block.

What Is The Faction Mana 2 Good At?

Versatility: 9/10

Freestyle: 8/10

Stability: 8/10