Twin-tips can take some getting used to, particularly if they’re symmetrical as several Factions are. But the Prodigy isn’t a typical twin, although it retains some of the surfy sensations often associated with skis with turned-up tails. Noticeably lightweight, the Prodigy holds so well underfoot that the traditional skier quickly adapts to its slurve-carve-slurve turning traits. As Bob Gleason from Boot Doctors declaims, “Easy release from turn – blends New School smudge with Old School mid-ski grip. Easy at low speed; holds up on steeps.”

The 2018 Prodigy 2.0 has a new family around it, but underneath its new topsheet beats the heart of the original Prodigy. The overall shape is significantly slimmed down compared to the first Prodigy, not just the 96mm waist. Part of Faction’s special sauce is how it handles the transition zones between the rockered tip and tail and cambered center section; the multiple contours of this junction are responsible for how well connected the Prodigy feels despite a well-rockered (350mm of front rocker), tapered forebody and a slightly twinned tail (with 300mm of tail rocker).