In the world of skiing, the Faction Prodigy 2 and Armada ARV 100 are two standout products for 2024. Both skis are designed for all-mountain shredding, with a focus on freestyle and freeride capabilities. The Faction Prodigy 2 is praised for its versatility, carving ability, and freestyle performance. It's a ski that can handle a variety of terrains and conditions, making it a great choice for skiers who like to mix things up. On the other hand, the Armada ARV 100 is a freestyle ski that excels in the park and can handle a bit of powder. It's a playful and nimble ride that's perfect for creative skiers who want to play all over the mountain. While both skis have their strengths, the choice between the two will ultimately come down to personal preference and skiing style.

Faction Prodigy 2 Skis · 2024 summary

The Faction Prodigy 2 Skis are designed as an all-mountain shred tool, ready to support you no matter where you are on the mountain. The full poplar core on the Prodigy 2s provides a pretty similar ride flex, with Faction claiming it’s about a 6 out of 10 for the manufacturer’s flex. The Prodigy 2, slightly wider than the Prodigy 1 and skinnier than the Prodigy 3, comes in at 98mm in the waist. This design, combined with some early rise, plenty of camber underfoot, and some early rise in the tail, helps this ski float in a little bit of powder.

Carving on the Faction Prodigy 2 is super easy, with the ski's design making it easy to get from edge to edge. 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 perform well with jumps, having a low swing weight for park skiers.

In terms of freeride skiing, the Faction Prodigy 2s were great freeriding all over the resort. They performed well in fresh powder, uneven terrain, and in the trees. However, these skis wouldn’t shine if you're just skiing on the groomers and not exploring off trail.

Armada ARV 100 Skis · 2024 summary

The Armada ARV 100 Skis are a new addition to Armada's lineup, designed as an all-mountain jammer that can handle everything from park to peak. The ARV 100s have the AR Freestyle Rocker, Karuba core, beefier 2.5mm edges, and an all-new feature: “wedgewall”. This 3D printed feature is integrated into the core during the pressing of the skis, creating a very durable ski.

The ARV 100s have a turning radius of 18m and tons of camber underfoot, making them great for carving on hard pack. They also hold an edge well, despite being softer than the ARV 88. The freestyle capabilities of the ARV 100 are limitless, with the skis loving the park and side hits. They are a twin-tipped ski, making skiing switch easy, and they are stable on takeoffs and landings.

In terms of freeride skiing, the ARV 100s were super fun in the trees, did great in the moguls, and were easily maneuverable. They can handle more than about a 6+ inch powder day, but they're not the best option for deep powder. The terrain that these really thrived in was a couple of inches of tracked pow all over the mountain. However, if you're only skiing park or you ski the East Coast or Midwest where the powder days aren't as frequent, these might be a little wide for you.

Similarities

Both the Faction Prodigy 2 and the Armada ARV 100 are designed as all-mountain skis with a focus on freestyle capabilities. They both have a twin-tip design, making them great for skiing switch and performing well in the park. Both skis also have a good amount of camber underfoot, providing plenty of pop for jumps and a solid platform for landings. They are both versatile skis that can handle a variety of terrains and conditions, from groomed runs to fresh powder. Both skis are also praised for their carving abilities and edge hold, making them great options for skiers who like to mix up their skiing style.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for all-mountain and freestyle skiing, they cater to slightly different personas. The Faction Prodigy 2 is a great choice for skiers who like to mix things up and explore different parts of the mountain. It's a versatile ski that can handle a variety of terrains and conditions, making it a great choice for skiers who like to mix things up. It's also a great choice for freestyle freeriders and those who want to start experiencing a little bit of hang time and hitting jumps.

On the other hand, the Armada ARV 100 is a freestyle ski that excels in the park and can handle a bit of powder. It's a playful and nimble ride that's perfect for creative skiers who want to play all over the mountain. It's also a great choice for skiers who want a playful ski that can handle all types of terrain. However, if you're only skiing park or you ski the East Coast or Midwest where the powder days aren't as frequent, these might be a little wide for you.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform well, but the Faction Prodigy 2 might have a slight edge due to its ability to handle a wider range of conditions and terrains.

In terms of freestyle capabilities, both skis are designed with freestyle in mind, but the Armada ARV 100 might have a slight advantage due to its softer flex and more playful nature.

For carving and edge hold, both skis perform well, but the Faction Prodigy 2 might have a slight advantage due to its full poplar core and design that makes it easy to get from edge to edge.

In terms of durability, the Armada ARV 100 might have the edge due to its “wedgewall” feature, which is designed to create a very durable ski.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Faction Prodigy 2 and the Armada ARV 100 are excellent choices for skiers looking for a versatile, all-mountain ski with a focus on freestyle capabilities. The Faction Prodigy 2 offers a bit more versatility and carving ability, making it a great choice for skiers who like to explore different parts of the mountain and mix up their skiing style. The Armada ARV 100, on the other hand, offers a bit more freestyle performance and durability, making it a great choice for skiers who want a playful and nimble ride that can handle the park and a bit of powder. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and skiing style. So, whether you're a freestyle freerider or a park enthusiast, both of these skis are sure to deliver a fun and exciting ride on the slopes.