Review: Faction Mana 3 Skis · 2024
By Ski Expert
Henry Kvietok
9 photos
The Curated Take
4.6/5
The Faction Mana 3 Skis are well-suited for advanced to expert skiers who blend freestyle and freeride techniques. They excel in high-speed stability and are lightweight for their stout flex profile, making them great for aggressive skiing and hitting jumps. However, they could be better for slow-speed turns and require more effort to carve. They float well in powder with a slightly rockered tip and a wider waist, but their minimal sidecut and stiffer tail limit their playfulness and carving ability. These skis are a good fit for skiers who prefer a freestyle stance and enjoy a mix of resort and backcountry skiing.
Ideal for
- Stable at high speeds
- Surprisingly lightweight, given the stout flex profile
- Switches well and favors a freestyle stance
Not ideal for
- Not ideal for slow-speed turns—feels most engaged at faster speeds
- Lightweight, but not the lightest in its class
Turn Ease
Some skis feel most engaged at slower speeds, but the Mana 3 is definitely the opposite. I find myself needing to get going with medium speeds at least to engage...Read more
Playfulness
I am a bit surprised by the stiffer flex on the Mana 3. I am 6'2" and 190lbs, and I can flex the ski, but it is not an easy...Read more
Durability
From all of my testing of the Faction Mana 3, I have had zero durability issues with these skis. I have also used and owned several other Faction skis, and...Read more
High Speed Stability
These skis have a stiffer flex, so they are stable at higher speeds. Even when carving at faster speeds on a wide-open groomer, the only stability issue I have is...Read more
Carving
At 112 underfoot and with a freestyle-oriented design, these are simply not optimized for carving. I can lay the skis on edge on a groomer and in some icier conditions,...Read more
Versatility
The Mana 3 is a nice option for those looking for a fatter, more off-piste/powder-oriented ski that can be used in resorts and the backcountry. It is not a lightweight...Read more
Flotation
While I have mainly skied the Mana 3 in soft chop conditions versus purely untouched powder, I found zero problems floating with the skis. They have a wider waist at...Read more
Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
Henry Kvietok
About the ski gear
- Model: Faction Mana 3 Skis · 2024
Test conditions
- When I bought these: December 2023
- Where I’ve used them: Loveland Ski Area (Colorado), groomers, moguls, chop, jumps, slush, ice
- How many times I've used it: 3
Expert Reviews of the Faction Mana 3 Skis
Henry Kvietok The Faction Mana 3 is a relatively lightweight yet stiff ski. It comes in right around 2,000g at the 184 length, which puts it on the slightly lighter side (but by no means the lightest) of its freestyle/all mountain-wide class. With a carbon weave and a rubber stomp pad, this ski surprised me with how stiff it feels. It feels comfortable making long, fast turns and straight-lining in variable conditions.
Given its stout flex profile, it does require more work than other freestyle-oriented skis to bend it and engage in a carve. Also, its lack of sidecut gives it a natural propensity towards straight-lining versus turning. However, it makes up for what it lacks by providing a strong backbone for high-speed descents in variable snow. These skis like to go straight and fast. And, at 112 underfoot, these skis have the width to float in some serious powder.
Overall, advanced to expert level skiers (and athletic or heavier intermediate level skiers) with styles that combine freestyle/freeride (hitting jumps, cliffs, and throwing tricks) with aggressive charging will get along best with this ski.
Product Specs
| Age Group | Adult |
| Gender | Men's |
| Includes bindings | No |
| Model year | 2024 |
| Ski type | Freeride, Freestyle, All Mountain |
| Skill level | Intermediate, Advanced, Expert |
Review Ratings
Turn Ease
4/5
Henry Kvietok gave 4 of 5 stars. Some skis feel most engaged at slower speeds, but the Mana 3 is definitely the opposite. I find myself needing to get going with medium speeds at least to engage the ski and make carved turns. It also does not have much of a sidecut so it prefers longer, faster turns. However, given that it is not overly heavy, it can still be slashed around in tight terrain.
Playfulness
5/5
Henry Kvietok gave 5 of 5 stars. I am a bit surprised by the stiffer flex on the Mana 3. I am 6'2" and 190lbs, and I can flex the ski, but it is not an easy one to butter and bend into. However, the approximately 2,000g weight per ski makes up for this flex by allowing me to flick them around more easily.
Durability
5/5
Henry Kvietok gave 5 of 5 stars. From all of my testing of the Faction Mana 3, I have had zero durability issues with these skis. I have also used and owned several other Faction skis, and I believe the Mana is no different regarding quality construction. These also have a carbon fiber weave and a rubber stomp pad for added durability.
High Speed Stability
5/5
Henry Kvietok gave 5 of 5 stars. These skis have a stiffer flex, so they are stable at higher speeds. Even when carving at faster speeds on a wide-open groomer, the only stability issue I have is the tips are a bit floppy. However, this is expected for a wider ski (and carving is not why skiers buy this ski!). In soft chop, these skis blast through without issue. However, they get tossed around a bit more in harder snow conditions.
Carving
4/5
Henry Kvietok gave 4 of 5 stars. At 112 underfoot and with a freestyle-oriented design, these are simply not optimized for carving. I can lay the skis on edge on a groomer and in some icier conditions, and they can handle it all right, but it is not ideal. They are wide to transfer from edge to edge and don't have much of a sidecut, making them less intuitive.
Versatility
4/5
Henry Kvietok gave 4 of 5 stars. The Mana 3 is a nice option for those looking for a fatter, more off-piste/powder-oriented ski that can be used in resorts and the backcountry. It is not a lightweight ski by any means, but if someone is a hard-charging cliff and jump skier, the weight is more than worth it for the performance.
Flotation
5/5
Henry Kvietok gave 5 of 5 stars. While I have mainly skied the Mana 3 in soft chop conditions versus purely untouched powder, I found zero problems floating with the skis. They have a wider waist at 112 and a bit of rocker, which makes them ideal in the soft stuff. These are ready for the deep storms; however, if someone wants an even wider ski, they come in a 119 underfoot version (Mana 4). Or there is also a narrower version: Mana 2 (102 underfoot).
FAQs
What do you love about this product?
Henry Kvietok The high-speed stability in soft chop is what I love most about this ski. It likes speed and has a stouter flex to handle uneven terrain. The sidecut is pretty minimal, which also plays into the ski, preferring longer, faster turns in general.
Why did you choose this product?
Henry Kvietok I chose this product because it plays to my own personal style when it comes to freeride and big mountain skiing. I enjoy skiing hard and fast, but I still like the playfulness of a lighter ski that skis more centered.
Share article:
