Faction pulls off a couple of coups with the Dictator 2.0’s, feats of illusion that contribute substantially to its charms. First, it somehow feels early to the edge at the top of the turn, yet the tip is tapered and rockered like an off-trail ski. The ski feels like it sets every edge right on cue, as if it has been taking lessons from a slalom ski.

Its second trick is to feel light and playful on the snow despite a wood-and-metal construction. Almost all great Frontside skis use some variation on this theme, but they don’t end up this light. The lower mass has the added advantage of making the Dictator 2.0 feel zippier on and off the edge, as if it were narrower than its 95mm waist width.

The Dictator 2.0 probably seems narrower because it is narrower, at tip and tail, than any other ski in the AMW category. This would make for a pretty long turn radius if it weren’t for a dual radius sidecut in the Dictator’s forebody that starts the turn on a tighter arc. The advantage of trimming away the extra shape that’s customary in the category is the ski maintains a more consistent level in the crud, a key component to off-trail tranquility. The Dictator 2.0 happens to excel in ungroomed terrain.

If there’s one word that captures the Dictator 2.0’s personality it’s “combi.” It feels quick edge to edge like a slalom, yet as you increase turn radius and speed, it morphs into a GS ski. No matter how you like to ski, you don’t have to change to love the Dictator 2.0. You can just go ski.

Bob Gleason of Boot Doctors pinpoints the Dictator 2.0’s profile: “A bit more traditional in feel than other Faction models. Smooth and substantial. Strong at speed. Powerfully predictable yet not overbearing.”