Faction Agent 2 Review

The Faction Agent 2, with 96 mm at the waist, adopts a clearly freeride approach applied to ski touring, designed for those who focus on the quality of the descent without sacrificing the possibility of exploring independently. The modern profile, with generous rocker, Surf Zones, and elliptical sidecut, makes it intuitive, fluid, and easy to carry, especially on soft, loose snow and in complex alpine environments.

Structure prioritizes maneuverability and control, maintaining predictable behavior even when the terrain becomes uneven or variable. The reinforced construction—with thicker edges and a stiffened binding area—increases solidity and confidence on the descent, without compromising the ski’s lightweight nature or overall efficiency.

Technical features of Faction Agent 2

• Model: Faction Agent 2
• Type: ski touring / all-mountain freeride
• Tested size profile 177 cm: 127 – 96 – 117 mm
• Turn radius (177 cm):≈ 18 m
• Weight: approx. 1490 g per ski (177 cm)
• Flex: 7/10 (medium-stiff)
• Profile: 350 mm front rocker, 4 mm camber, 210 mm rear rocker
• Recommended level: intermediate and expert
• Main technologies: Karuba wood core, Full carbon weave, XL edges, Elliptical Sidecut, Anti-chip micro-cap
• Colors: blue and pink
• Country of manufacture: designed in Verbier, Switzerland, manufactured in Austria.
• List price: €829

Test mode

I used these skis at the beginning of the season in the Alps, alternating between ski touring, freeriding, and piste skiing, tackling very different conditions: from the sparse, compact snow typical of early winter to the deep snow of the Western Alps, to natural snow on the piste, even on steep slopes with gradients of over 50%. The setup included Plum bindings, Tecnica G Pro boots, and an 85 kg skier.

First impressions were immediately positive. Ski stands out for its well-distributed lightness, which never feels hollow or fragile. Aesthetics are clean and modern, with understated yet recognizable graphics, while flex is progressive: softer at the tip, well supported underfoot, and solid at the tail. The very first few meters, the ski emerges as balanced and intuitive, easy to control but with enough structure to be pushed decisively when the terrain or speed requires it.

Faction Agent 2 on-site test

Uphill behavior

When climbing, the overall lightness and progressive flex immediately stand out: the Karuba core and carbon reinforcements facilitate prolonged use of the skins and help reduce fatigue on long ascents.

The structure proves to be efficient even on steep slopes, thanks to good traction from the camber underfoot, which is not overly pronounced, making the ski almost flat in its basic setting.

The width of 96 mm at the center represents a successful compromise: sufficient stability and float without compromising cross-country skiing, which remains manageable even on more technical slopes.

Downhill behavior

Downhill, the Agent 2 is a ski that needs to be “interpreted”: it always responds consistently to input and adapts well to both dynamic, fast skiing and a more relaxed approach. It is a ski that adapts to the skier’s style, without imposing a forced handling.

Medium-thick powder (approximately 50 cm)

In these conditions, Agent 2 really shows off its playful side. It is intuitive, forgiving, and easy to handle, allowing for any type of turn even with light pressure and at low speeds.

Deep powder (over 100 cm)

This is where the compromise of freerando construction comes into play: to maintain good floatation, you need to increase speed. The moderate front rocker means that the tip does not immediately rise out of the snow when skiing neutrally. It is not a “super powder” ski, but its performance remains consistent with its all-round vocation.

Compact, lumpy, or hard snow

On difficult terrain, the Agent 2 surprises in a positive way. The structure provides a feeling of solidity and support, with a stable front end even in fast turns. It remains precise and reliable, allowing for decisive skiing even on uneven snow.

Overall feel, responsiveness, and performance

The overall feeling is that of a balanced, responsive, and predictable ski that maintains precision even when pushed at high speeds on packed snow.

During testing, it was put through its paces in a variety of styles: wide, fast turns on open slopes, serpentine turns in more technical environments, advanced skiing on the piste, including a few jumps and tricks. In all these situations, the Agent 2 demonstrated a solid structure and a good ability to absorb and return energy, without ever feeling nervous.

Geometry and technique

Geometry with a medium radius and balanced sidecut facilitates both quick edge changes and technical turns in narrow off-piste terrain or couloirs. Construction never overwhelms the skier, allowing fine control even in variable conditions.

The rocker tip helps you stay on top of the snow, promotes smooth turn initiation, and prevents unwanted snagging, especially on soft or uneven snow.

Slight rocker tail makes the ski easier to drift and maintains a smooth, forgiving ride on fresh snow, while still allowing a few tricks thanks to its solid construction.

Sostenibility

The construction reflects Faction’s stated environmental commitment, which uses recycled materials and renewable energy in its production processes. The brand works closely with its partners to reduce waste, reusing scraps and integrating them into raw materials, while maintaining the same standards of quality and durability.

Faction is also part of 1% For The Planet, donating 1% of its sales to projects dedicated to mitigating climate change.

Recommended for

The Agent 2 is designed for intermediate to advanced skiers looking for a versatile, reliable, and playful ski that is suitable for both ski touring and all-mountain use.

It is ideal for freeriders and ski tourers who prioritize downhill performance without sacrificing uphill efficiency, and for those who want a ski that can adapt to different skiing styles and a wide range of conditions.

It is not a specialized tool for extreme conditions, but a hybrid and versatile ski, perfect as a companion for more complete freeriding outings.