In the world of skiing, the Faction Prodigy 2 and the Dynastar M-Free 99 are two top contenders for the title of the ultimate all-mountain ski. Both skis are designed to handle a variety of terrains and conditions, from groomed runs to off-piste adventures. The Faction Prodigy 2 is praised for its versatility, with a full poplar core that provides a balanced flex and a 98mm waist that offers a good mix of float and edge control. The Dynastar M-Free 99, on the other hand, is known for its playful and surfy feel, thanks to its hybrid foam and wood core and its soft tail and elongated tip. Both skis are suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers, but the Faction Prodigy 2 is particularly recommended for freestyle freeriders, while the Dynastar M-Free 99 is a great choice for those who want a ski that can handle a mix of freestyle and all-mountain skiing. In the end, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and skiing style.

Faction Prodigy 2 Skis · 2024 summary

The Faction Prodigy 2 Skis are designed to be an all-mountain shred tool, ready to take on any terrain the mountain has to offer. The skis feature a full poplar core, which is different from the Prodigy 1s, but still provides a similar ride flex. Faction rates the flex at about a 6 out of 10, which is right in the middle of the spectrum, making it a versatile choice for a variety of skiers.

The Prodigy 2 is slightly wider than the Prodigy 1 and skinnier than the Prodigy 3, coming in at 98mm in the waist. This width, combined with some early rise, plenty of camber underfoot, and some early rise in the tail, helps the ski float in a bit of powder.

When it comes to carving, the Faction Prodigy 2 makes turning super easy. Despite being under 100mm underfoot, transitioning from edge to edge is not too hard. The skis also perform well in freestyle skiing, with a good amount of camber underfoot providing plenty of pop. The twin tip with an early rise in the tail makes skiing switch a breeze, and the skis handle jumps well, with a low swing weight that's ideal for park skiers.

In terms of freeride skiing, the Faction Prodigy 2s excel. They perform well in powder, uneven terrain, and in the trees, thanks to the early rise and the shovel width paired with the 98mm underfoot. However, they may not be the best choice for skiers who stick to groomers or don't get many powder days.

Dynastar M-Free 99 Skis · 2024 summary

The Dynastar M-Free 99 Skis are marketed as a twin-tip all-mountain ski that can be used in pretty much any situation. The skis feature a poplar and beech wood core, which strikes a balance between lightweight maneuverability and solid stability. This combination allows for quick and responsive turns while maintaining a solid feel at higher speeds.

The M-Free 99 has a waist width of around 98mm, making it well-suited for all-mountain skiing. This width provides excellent edge-to-edge control on groomed runs, while still offering enough floatation for lighter powder days. The ski's camber underfoot ensures reliable edge grip and precise carving on hardpack, while the slight rocker in the tip and tail enhances maneuverability and float in soft snow.

The ski's twin-tip design allows for easy switch skiing and effortless maneuvering in the park. The medium flex rating provides a good balance of stability and playfulness, making it suitable for jumps, rails, and butters.

Overall, the Dynastar M-Free 99 skis are a fantastic choice for skiers who enjoy a mix of freestyle and all-mountain skiing. Whether you're hitting the terrain park or exploring the mountain, these skis offer a versatile and enjoyable ride.

Similarities

Both the Faction Prodigy 2 and the Dynastar M-Free 99 are designed to be versatile all-mountain skis that can handle a variety of terrains and conditions. They both have a waist width of 98mm, which provides a good balance of edge control and floatation in powder. Both skis also feature a twin-tip design, making them suitable for freestyle skiing and allowing for easy switch skiing.

In terms of construction, both skis feature a wood core, which provides a balance of lightweight maneuverability and solid stability. This makes both skis responsive and capable of quick turns, while still maintaining a solid feel at higher speeds.

Both skis are also designed to be playful and fun, with a good amount of camber underfoot for pop and a softer tail for a surfy feel. They are both recommended for intermediate to advanced skiers who enjoy a mix of freestyle and all-mountain skiing.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While the Faction Prodigy 2 and the Dynastar M-Free 99 share many similarities, they also have some key differences that make them better suited to different types of skiers.

The Faction Prodigy 2 is particularly recommended for freestyle freeriders. It has a full poplar core, which provides a balanced flex, and it's praised for its versatility. This ski is ideal for skiers who like to explore off-piste and enjoy a mix of freestyle and freeride skiing. However, it may not be the best choice for skiers who stick to groomers or don't get many powder days.

On the other hand, the Dynastar M-Free 99 is known for its playful and surfy feel, thanks to its hybrid foam and wood core and its soft tail and elongated tip. This ski is a great choice for skiers who want a ski that can handle a mix of freestyle and all-mountain skiing. It's particularly recommended for skiers who enjoy carving on groomed runs but also want to be able to explore off-piste and ski in powder.

In conclusion, the Faction Prodigy 2 is a great choice for freestyle freeriders who want a versatile ski that can handle a variety of terrains and conditions, while the Dynastar M-Free 99 is ideal for skiers who want a playful and surfy ski that can handle both freestyle and all-mountain skiing.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When comparing the Faction Prodigy 2 and the Dynastar M-Free 99, it's clear that both skis excel in different areas.

1. Versatility: Both skis are highly versatile, but the Faction Prodigy 2 takes the edge here. Its full poplar core and balanced flex make it a great all-around ski that can handle a variety of terrains and conditions.

2. Playfulness: The Dynastar M-Free 99 wins in this category. Its hybrid foam and wood core, along with its soft tail and elongated tip, give it a playful and surfy feel that's perfect for freestyle skiing.

3. Stability: The Faction Prodigy 2 comes out on top in terms of stability. Its full poplar core provides a solid platform that can handle high speeds and rough terrain with ease.

4. Carving: While neither ski is specifically designed for carving, the Dynastar M-Free 99 holds an edge well and offers nice camber underfoot, making it the better choice for skiers who enjoy carving on groomed runs.

In conclusion, the Faction Prodigy 2 and the Dynastar M-Free 99 are both excellent skis, but they cater to different types of skiers. The Faction Prodigy 2 is the better choice for freestyle freeriders who want a versatile and stable ski, while the Dynastar M-Free 99 is ideal for skiers who want a playful ski that can handle both freestyle and all-mountain skiing.

Conclusions

In the end, the choice between the Faction Prodigy 2 and the Dynastar M-Free 99 will come down to personal preference and skiing style. Both skis are designed to be versatile all-mountain skis that can handle a variety of terrains and conditions. They both offer a good mix of stability and playfulness, making them suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers.

The Faction Prodigy 2 stands out for its versatility and stability, making it a great choice for freestyle freeriders who want a ski that can handle everything the mountain has to offer. On the other hand, the Dynastar M-Free 99 is known for its playful and surfy feel, making it a great choice for skiers who want a ski that can handle a mix of freestyle and all-mountain skiing.

So whether you're a freestyle freerider looking for a versatile ski, or a skier who wants a playful ski that can handle both freestyle and all-mountain skiing, both the Faction Prodigy 2 and the Dynastar M-Free 99 are excellent choices. Just remember to consider your personal skiing style and the conditions you'll be skiing in when making your decision. Happy skiing!