In the world of skiing, the Faction Prodigy 1 Skis and Armada ARV 94 Skis are two top contenders for 2024. Both are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers, with a focus on freestyle and all-mountain performance. The Faction Prodigy 1 shines on groomers and in the park, with a strong edge hold and quick edge-to-edge transitions. The Armada ARV 94, on the other hand, is a playful all-rounder that excels in the park and on the whole mountain, with a poppy feel and solid carving ability. However, neither ski is ideal for deep powder or high-speed groomer runs. The Faction Prodigy 1 is best for those wanting to get into park skiing or those who ski mainly on hard pack groomers, while the Armada ARV 94 is perfect for skiers with a playful style looking for a versatile one-ski quiver.

Faction Prodigy 1 Skis · 2024 summary

The Faction Prodigy 1 Skis are designed for park performance, with tons of camber underfoot and a little bit of rise in the tip and tail. This makes them great for anyone who spends most of their time on hard-packed groomer trails. The Faction Prodigy 1s are super fun on groomers and in the park, with a strong edge hold on hard pack groomers and in terrain parks. They have a poplar and ash core, giving them a medium flex, and Faction's claimed flex rating is a 6 out of 10. The Faction Prodigy 1 has an 88mm waist with tons of camber underfoot, making them super quick edge to edge. They also have superior edge hold due to Faction beefing up their edges on the Prodigy line. The Faction Prodigy 1s are also stable at high speeds and have a great dampness, meaning they don't chatter even at high speeds on groomers or in untracked, choppy terrain.

Armada ARV 94 Skis · 2024 summary

The Armada ARV 94 Skis are an all-mountain twin tip ski that's more than just for park skiing. They have plenty of camber underfoot, allowing them to handle groomers perfectly. However, they are not a ski for beginners or for those looking to develop their carving skills. They are also not ideal for super lightweight skiers. The ARV 94s have a slightly softer flex, making them great for buttering and pressing, and they are built to last with a durable construction. The ARV 94s have a low swing weight and a dramatic camber profile, providing a ton of pop. They are perfect for building confidence on side-hits and park features. The ski is also designed for all-mountain use, except on powder days.

Similarities

Both the Faction Prodigy 1 Skis and the Armada ARV 94 Skis are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and are geared towards freestyle and all-mountain performance. They both have a strong focus on park performance, with a twin tip design and a camber underfoot for a playful and poppy feel. Both skis also have a strong edge hold, making them great for carving on groomers. They are both not ideal for deep powder or high-speed groomer runs, and they both have a durable construction, designed to withstand demanding situations.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for freestyle and all-mountain performance, they cater to slightly different personas. The Faction Prodigy 1 Skis are best for those wanting to get into park skiing or those who ski mainly on hard pack groomers. They have a slightly stiffer flex and are super quick edge to edge, making them great for quick turns in the park or moguls. On the other hand, the Armada ARV 94 Skis are perfect for skiers with a playful style looking for a versatile one-ski quiver. They have a slightly softer flex, making them great for buttering and pressing, and they are built to last with a durable construction. They are also not ideal for super lightweight skiers or those looking to develop their carving skills.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to park performance, both skis excel, but the Faction Prodigy 1 Skis might have a slight edge due to their superior edge hold and quick edge-to-edge transitions. For all-mountain performance, the Armada ARV 94 Skis take the cake with their playful and poppy feel and solid carving ability. In terms of durability, both skis are built to last, but the Armada ARV 94 Skis might have a slight advantage with their impact-resistant edges. Finally, for versatility, the Armada ARV 94 Skis win again, as they are a great one-ski quiver for skiers with a playful style.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Faction Prodigy 1 Skis and the Armada ARV 94 Skis are excellent choices for intermediate to advanced skiers looking for freestyle and all-mountain performance. The Faction Prodigy 1 Skis are best for those wanting to get into park skiing or those who ski mainly on hard pack groomers, while the Armada ARV 94 Skis are perfect for skiers with a playful style looking for a versatile one-ski quiver. Both skis have a strong focus on park performance, a playful and poppy feel, and a durable construction. However, they cater to slightly different personas and have their own unique strengths. So, the ultimate decision will depend on your personal skiing style and preferences. Happy skiing!