Expert Comparison: Faction Prodigy 2X Skis · Women's · 2023 vs Völkl Blaze 106 W Skis · Women's · 2023

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In this comparison, we are looking at two high-performing skis designed for women: the Faction Prodigy 2X Skis and the Völkl Blaze 106 W Skis, both from the 2023 collection. The Faction Prodigy 2X Skis are praised for their versatility, stability, and freestyle-friendly design. They are ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers who want to progress in the park and all-mountain skiing. On the other hand, the Völkl Blaze 106 W Skis are known for their lightness, maneuverability, and excellent performance in powder. They are suitable for advanced skiers who enjoy backcountry skiing and floating through powder. Both skis are highly recommended by experts, but they cater to different skiing styles and preferences.
The Faction Prodigy 2X Skis are designed with a poplar core, which Faction claims makes the skis soft and poppy. They have a rocker/camber/rocker profile, which means they have an early rise in the tip and tail, and are cambered underfoot. This design helps with turn initiation, making the skis snappier when landing or making turns. The rocker in the tips and tails aids in float and park skiing, allowing you to ski switch without worrying about catching a backward edge.
These skis perform exceptionally well in carving, freestyle, and freeride categories. They offer stability in turns and hold up well at high speeds, even in crud conditions. They are freestyle-friendly and have proven to be versatile park skis, performing well on jumps and all over the mountain. In terms of freeriding, they perform decently in light powder and handle uneven terrain well.
The Faction Prodigy 2X Skis are recommended for intermediate to advanced skiers looking for a stable all-mountain park ski. They are not recommended for beginners.
These skis actually held up really well at speed. I could rip them as fast as I wanted and they got through the crud. They didn't really chatter that much, which was super surprising from a park ski that's really a powerhouse of a big mountain ski as well.
These skis actually held up really well at speed. I could rip them as fast as I wanted and they got through the crud. They didn't really chatter that much, which was super surprising from a park ski that's really a powerhouse of a big mountain ski as well.
Faction Prodigy 2X Skis · Women's · 2023
- We price match
- Returnable
The Völkl Blaze 106 W Skis are versatile and lightweight, making them an excellent choice for advanced women skiers who enjoy backcountry skiing and floating through powder. They have a wide waist and a rocker/camber/rocker profile, providing excellent float and maneuverability in deep snow. They handle variable terrain and turn lengths well, making them suitable for all-mountain skiing or touring.
These skis thrive in wide open spaces and ski fields. Their lightness reduces leg fatigue when skiing in crud conditions. They easily float through layered snow and spring conditions, and powder skiing is easy and fun with these skis. However, they are not made for skiing bumps or quick slalom turns.
The Völkl Blaze 106 W Skis are recommended for women who want a playful and responsive ski for off-piste adventures. They are not ideal for slalom turns.
Super versatile ski! Can be mounted with either traditional bindings for on-piste powder days or frame/tech bindings for the backcountry. I chose this as my first backcountry ski and mounted with Black Diamond ATK Raider bindings for a setup that is light but maneuverable and a still pure delight in powder. Does great with the variable snow conditions encountered in the backcountry--from Mt. Shasta to the Rockies. 100% recommend!
Super versatile ski! Can be mounted with either traditional bindings for on-piste powder days or frame/tech bindings for the backcountry. I chose this as my first backcountry ski and mounted with Black Diamond ATK Raider bindings for a setup that is light but maneuverable and a still pure delight in powder. Does great with the variable snow conditions encountered in the backcountry--from Mt. Shasta to the Rockies. 100% recommend!
Völkl Blaze 106 W Skis · Women's · 2023
- We price match
- Returnable
Similarities
Both the Faction Prodigy 2X Skis and the Völkl Blaze 106 W Skis are designed for women and are part of the 2023 collection. They both feature a rocker/camber/rocker profile, which provides excellent float and maneuverability in deep snow. Both skis are praised for their versatility and ability to handle variable terrain and turn lengths well. They are both recommended for advanced skiers and are not ideal for beginners. Both skis are also praised for their performance in powder and their ability to handle high speeds without chattering.
Differences and Who They're Good For
While both skis are versatile and high-performing, they cater to different skiing styles and preferences. The Faction Prodigy 2X Skis are more freestyle-oriented and are recommended for skiers looking to progress in the park and all-mountain skiing. They are also praised for their stability and ability to handle high speeds. On the other hand, the Völkl Blaze 106 W Skis are more suited for backcountry skiing and floating through powder. They are lightweight and maneuverable, making them an excellent choice for off-piste adventures.
The Faction Prodigy 2X Skis would be a great fit for intermediate to advanced skiers who have a freestyle spirit and want a stable all-mountain park ski. The Völkl Blaze 106 W Skis would be ideal for advanced women skiers who enjoy backcountry skiing and want a playful and responsive ski for off-piste adventures.
Analysis on Who’s the Winner
When it comes to versatility, both skis perform exceptionally well. However, the Faction Prodigy 2X Skis might have a slight edge due to their freestyle-friendly design and ability to perform well in the park and all over the mountain.
In terms of performance in powder, the Völkl Blaze 106 W Skis take the lead with their wide waist and lightweight design, providing excellent float and maneuverability in deep snow.
For high-speed performance, the Faction Prodigy 2X Skis are the clear winner. They hold up well at high speeds and handle crud conditions impressively, without much chatter.
Lastly, in terms of suitability for backcountry skiing, the Völkl Blaze 106 W Skis are the clear winner. They are lightweight and maneuverable, making them an excellent choice for off-piste adventures.
Comparison Table
Side by side comparison | ![]() ![]() Out of stock | ![]() ![]() Out of stock |
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Price | $418.93 40% off | $389.99 40% off |
User rating | 5(1) | 5(3) |
The Curated Take | -- | Best for advanced women skiers who enjoy backcountry skiing and floating through powder due to its lightweight and versatility. |
Ski type | All Mountain | All Mountain, Big Mountain, Freeride |
Skill level | Intermediate, Advanced | Advanced, Expert |
Rocker profile | Rocker/Camber/Rocker | Rocker/Camber/Rocker |
Conclusions
In conclusion, both the Faction Prodigy 2X Skis and the Völkl Blaze 106 W Skis are high-performing and versatile skis designed for women. They cater to different skiing styles and preferences, making them suitable for a wide range of skiers. The Faction Prodigy 2X Skis are ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers who want to progress in the park and all-mountain skiing, while the Völkl Blaze 106 W Skis are perfect for advanced women skiers who enjoy backcountry skiing and floating through powder. Both skis are highly recommended by experts, and choosing between them ultimately comes down to your personal skiing style and preferences.