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Creation and design of La Machine

The creation of the Faction La Machine series required an innovative approach to ski design. The Faction team adopted a safety-oriented approach, including risk assessment and reduction, in accordance with technical design rules and market introduction standards.

Emphasis was placed on robust design to ensure the skis' durability in varied snow conditions. A cooperative design process was used, involving accurate knowledge representation and detailed modelling of design activities.

The use of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) technologies allowed for precise ski modelling, simulating tests before manufacturing. Prototyping, a crucial stage in the process, provided valuable feedback to improve the design.

The design also incorporated elements of industrial innovation, drawing inspiration from machinism and mechanism principles to create a machine capable of dominating powder. Eco-friendly materials such as bio-resin and paulownia wood were favoured, highlighting the importance given to environmental preservation.

The different models: 1 Micro, 2 Mini, 3 Mega, 4 Massive, 5 Max

The Faction La Machine range comes in 5 models (and even a 6th with the 0 Grom version for children): 1 Micro, 2 Mini, 3 Mega, 4 Massive, and 5 Max. While all these skis benefit from carbon reinforcements, each has its specific characteristics:

The Micro. By Micro, don't think ‘small’ but ‘light’ at only 1290 g per ski in size 177 cm. The Micro is the narrowest in the range with a 91 mm waist, designed for long-distance ski touring. It features a light paulownia core which, combined with the carbon reinforcement, promotes excellent manoeuvrability in the backcountry, along with good stiffness.

The Mini model, at 99 mm underfoot, is ideal for touring/freetouring. A bit heavier than the Micro but more versatile and effective in soft snow, it will delight all skiers seeking freedom.

The 3 Mega means business. Its generous 109 mm waist makes the ski decidedly powder oriented. Its ultra-light construction makes it suitable for freetouring. It's also an excellent ski for skilled freeriders. Its pronounced rockers and camber underfoot give the ski a fiery character.

The 4 Massive a bit wide with 117 mm underfoot, a camber, and a profile similar to the other models. Still apt to touring thanks to the very light construction used throughout range, the Massive is a ski ready to take on the mountain. The ski naturally floats and offers an incredible feeling of power.

The 5 Max sits at the top of the La Machine range with 126 mm underfoot and monstrous rockers, giving the ski an extraordinary lift. Naturally, the Max is also the heaviest in the range at 1950 g per ski (in 186 cm), which is quite acceptable for a ski of this size. Faction recommends it for touring and freeride, you just need the legs to take it where you want. It's a powerful, solid ski designed to shred on big powder days.

Review of the La Machine Skis, did Faction succeed?

In our tests, we were impressed by the capabilities of the range. First, it must be said that it is extremely well-designed and covers just about every need a skier could have. From 91 mm to 126 mm underfoot, there's something for everyone.

To best sum up the range, we can say that La Machine skis are quite unique as they have little camber and yet provide impressive grip. They are rather stiff models that require a bit of skill to be fully exploited. We applaud Faction's design which manages to combine ultra-light weight with huge rockers and very powerful skis.

A truly interesting range that deserves to be studied in detail. Don't miss out!

Feel free to check out the other Faction skis we offer.