This is my review of Prodigy 2.0. In my opinion, it is a fun ski that, while lacking durability, gets high marks due to its strong performance, versatile nature, and striking look.
Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of this ski, who it is best for, and other similar alternatives to consider.
Contents
Quick Summary
- Where to buy: Amazon
- Best for: Intermediate to advanced skiers who want a single quiver item. Also great for experienced riders used to navigating through shifting conditions.
- Pros: Sturdy and floaty design. Excellent downhill performance and the ability to move through different weather and climates. Enough traits to serve as a one-quiver option. Good in the park. Bold appearance.
- Cons: Could be much more durable. Not the longest lasting skis around. The swing weight also leaves something to be desired. Takes some work to use in the park.
- Alternatives: Faction Candide 2.0, Armada ARV 96, Line Chronic
What is the Prodigy 2.0’s turning radius?
These skis come with a turning radius of 20 meters.
What is the mount on these skis?
The Prodigy 2.0 has a true center mount.
How much do the skis weigh?
Each individual Prodigy 2.0 ski weighs just under four pounds.
Why Trust Me
I’ve been hitting the slopes since I was a kid. I enjoy getting out in the snow and have hands-on experience with a wide range of different skiing items. I spent ample time researching these skis, analyzing each of their various attributes, and talking to people who used them across a range of different conditions.
Detailed Review of Faction Prodigy 2.0
The Prodigy 2.0 is a tried and true all-mountain ski. Though it’s not perfect, especially considering its rather lackluster durability, there’s a lot to like about the design. The wider underfoot base can handle a lot of different elements, and the construction is floaty without being too light. That creates a fun model you can easily use as a one-quiver option if you’re looking for a daily driver.
On Snow Performance
Downhill performance is the shining star of the Prodigy’s design. The ski is an all-mountain option, and you see that when zipping down a run. It can shred with the best of them, and it manages to stay stable no matter what you’re powering through. Being able to keep in control even at extremely high speeds is a boon for any hard-charging rider, and it’s one of the best reasons to take this out into more challenging settings.
The ski also has a quick response time, especially when on edge, and allows you to hit turns nicely without losing your grip. There’s a lot of float, and you can cruise through deep powder thanks to the ample rocker built into the tip. The extra stiffness goes a long way here because it means you get a mid-fat/rockered ski that’s a lot more stable than the rest of the competition. It has what it takes to push through tough stuff and helps you stay on top.
Surprisingly Proficient in the Park
The Prodigy is not a park ski. Even so, it does a nice job in that area, which is a nod to its fantastic versatility. This ski is made to hit a wide range of terrain and obstacles, and you see that in how it handles jumps, obstacles, and rails. The stiff construction offers a lot of pop, while the tip and tail flexibility enables you to hit features with ease. You need to work to get up onto rails, but you should be able to ride across them with no problems once you’re up there.
The swing weight is a bit heavy, but the 98mm underfoot platform works with the raw power to hit switch-ups or recover easily. The skis do exceptionally well on jumps, providing you a true go-big option that you can take on both small and large jumps with ease. Not only do they allow you to get some serious air, but the sturdy bases will enable you to land from various heights without any issues.
Handling Crud
As mentioned, these skis do a good job in soft snow and deep powder. They also hold their own when pushing through crud or hard pack as well. To me, that duality is one of their most impressive traits. The wider platform and stiff build work together to give you the power you need to slam through slush or fresh ice. If you’re someone who sees a lot of refrozen snow, these will go a long way in the park and on the mountain.
Middling Durability
Faction, while well-known in the ski world, has never been known for their durability. The ski isn’t going to come apart in your hands, but it won’t take too many runs until you start to notice some wear and tear. If you push it, there’s no doubt that you’re going to have to conduct some repairs on the edges or sidewalls. Not enough to impact the performance, but it’s still something you’d rather not have to deal with.
The ski’s topsheet doesn’t quite have the same durability issues, however. The bases will also hold up through most environments, including hard snow and rocky runs. How long they will last mainly comes down to how you like to ski. If you’re using them mostly on the slopes, they should stick around a while. If you primarily hit features in the park, they’re going to wear down pretty quickly.
Price and Value
The Prodigy is a solid ski, but the lack of durability hurts the overall value. It’s mid-priced and has a lot of versatility that you won’t always see in similar models. That mixed bag means you’re getting a good amount of value in everything but the construction. If you don’t mind wear and tear, this option is worth the price.
What I Like
I think the best part about these skis is their general performance. If you’re looking for an option you can break out no matter what it looks like outside, this is it. The stability is something else I also appreciate. There are many great pairs of skis that, while reliable, lose a lot when you get up to speed. Being able to stay smooth is always a plus.
I don’t usually pay too much attention to general appearance, but the Prodigy 2.0 definitely is a stunner. The dual design built against a striking background looks wonderful in just about any color scheme. If you’re someone who wants to be noticed as they ride, the Prodigy 2.0 checks that box.
What I Dislike
My biggest knock against the Prodigy 2.0 is the general lack of durability. I prefer my snow gear to handle the winter easily, and these, while serviceable for the short term, don’t quite have what it takes to stand up to multiple seasons of skiing. They will start to break down right away. While that premature wear won’t hurt them when it comes to performance, I’d still prefer my skis to stay completely intact for as long as possible.
The Alternatives
The Prodigy 2.0 is a well-rounded ski, but if you want something with more sturdiness or other traits, there are plenty of great choices. All of these models will provide you with good results:
- Faction Candide 2.0 – While a bit on the expensive side, the Candide 2.0 is a solid all-mountain ski with many useful features and traits. Though the skis look a little busy, their sturdy design and unique profile shape enable them to excel in hard and soft snow. The core also has a nice pop for those who like to catch air wherever they can.
- Armada ARV 96 – If playful is what you want, the ARV 96 (review) is the all-mountain option for you. These enable you to cruise thanks to their sturdy construction and fun poplar ash wood core. You get a good amount of stability and a durable build that can hold up in a multitude of conditions. While they aren’t the best on soft snow, they are still serviceable.
- Line Chronic – The Line Chronic (review) is a bit different in that it is a freestyle all-mountain model. However, it still gives you a lot of versatility on top of a poppy construction. The core is fun, and the thick base provides you a lot of extra durability for those tough days.
Final Verdict
The Prodigy 2.0 is an all-mountain ski that gives you reliable on-snow performance. It doesn’t entirely provide what more premium models will in terms of durability or park functionality, but it still holds its own.
The taper and rocker in the tips and tails provide a nice floaty feel, but there’s enough stability and power to be used in much tougher conditions.
If you want a more affordable ski that you can use across ice, slush, and powder, the Prodigy 2.0 will deliver.