With a product portfolio that includes a “Supreme Roller Skate Split Monoboard,” it’s clear that Faction isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo. So, when Faction created a low 90’s underfoot ski with free-skiing spirit, we couldn’t feign too much surprise. Built to move with the agility of a cat through off-piste terrain, the La Machine Micro is made to be easily handled, allowing itself to effortlessly pivot through areas where maneuverability is essential. While being the harder snow-oriented ski in the La Machine lineup, the Micro, with its deep rocker lines and progressive shape, floats well above other brands' skis in this category, simplifying your decision of which ski to grab in the morning. With the Faction La Machine Micro, it's not the size that matters, but how you use it.
Bio-based resin helps reduce the environmental impact of the ski.
Faction recycles scrap base, sidewall, and top sheet material back into their production line.
Full Carbon Layers allow Faction to control the flex without adding unnecessary additional weight.
Austrian construction is durable and made to last.
How do these compare to the Armada Locator 88s? Hoping to find something light enough for spring missions ideally with easily releasable tails & not overly demanding to ski.
Hey Rachel! Both skis of interest are fantastic options but are quite different than one another. The Micro features a progressive shape with a notable amount of rocker while the Locator 88 takes on a more traditional profile. These shape differences play a big role in the way they ski. The Micro is highly maneuverable with little edge working against you. Continuing, their shape lends to great soft snow performance, working hard to keep you afloat. The Locator and its more traditional nature make for a versatile choice performing well in a broad range of conditions and terrain types. It particularly shines in firm snow, which may be a more logical choice for typical spring conditions. Neither ski is particularly demanding and both tails release easily. The Micro's tails will release easier, but that may not prove to be beneficial in firm snow or steep terrain. In any case, both skis are great options and would make for a great springtime ski! Thanks!
Answer this question:
1/6/2024
Question from
Chris
I really wish these were just a touch lighter. I’m really looking for something in that 1250-1300 gram range which is what Faction claims on the website. I want something in that 88-90 underfoot range and in the target weight specifically for ski mountaineering and traverses, where I want to primarily prioritize weight but go often end up skiing a range of weird snow. There’s options out there that hit the numbers I want, but none of those incorporate tail rocker which I just simply don’t understand. Maybe I’m weird in my preferences here but I had a custom pow ski made with a relatively flat tail because I love that feeling in soft snow. But, when it comes to consequential terrain I just want the ski to release as easily as humanly possible in the tail! This ski seems like the closest to what I want that I’ve found, but hoping they make a version that knocks 150 grams off that 177 length! Does anything else jump out at anyone as a possible alternative that’s got tail rocker and is lighter than this??
I feel your pain! I wish there were more rockered options in this width range as well, at better weights. A 1250 gram flat/full rocker profile ski, at 88-90mm, would crush variable snow and big days.
There are a few other options that meet the dimensions and profile, but none that will offer a significantly better weight (that I know of). The Ski Trab Neve springs to mind, but itś the same weight. I do think the Neve would be more damp and powerful, but the tail rocker (while present) is not quite as exaggerated as the Faction. Heritage Labs makes the BC90 which is modeled after a V-Werks full rocker profile, and also looks like a really good ski, but itś heavier. If you really want that profile, I would personally get these and throw a fixed race mount on them for the lightest weight possible.
Sorry, I asked this on the ‘Mini’ page by mistake. I meant to ask about this one (91mm).
Does the Micro still have deeper rocker than the Locator 96?
Both seem to have a fair bit of tail rocker (for a <100 mm ski). Wondering if it would be worthwhile to replace my (120 lbs) daughter’s Tracer 88, to give her some easier skiing in low angle, tight trees with deep powder, without adding to much weight or width on the uphill.
Hi Tjaard, Yes, the Micro still has deeper rocker lines than the Locator, on both the tip and the tail. It flexes pretty similarly to the Mini as well. The big difference I see is the Micro has a bit more camber so I would expect a bit more energy out of turns. It has quite a bit of rocker for the width. 88 to 91mm underfoot isn´t a huge jump, but I do think the tip, and especially the tail rocker would make the Faction more usable and fun in soft snow. It might be worth going wider for truly deep conditions. To discuss skis more in depth, feel free to shoot us an email at help@skimo.co!
Is this ski in the 177 available to demo? Also, I'd love to see a pic of the rocker profile for these. A 90mm underfoot, de-cambered ski sounds like a dream!
Very interested in trying these. Its about time somebody made a fully rockered ski with a reasonably light weight (R.I.P. Volkl BMT 94). Will you have these available for demo?
Hi Ben, you are mirroring our thoughts. We do have at least one pair scheduled for the demo fleet. Let us know what length you'd be interested in testing and we'll see if we can't make it that one.
I normally like skis between 170 and 177 but considering the full rocker shape 177 will probably be the best choice. The 176 BMT 94 was the best touring ski of all time, I sold it while in a weight-weenie phase and I regret that decision every day. I hope to try these and the "Mini," but I'm leaning towards the Micro because I already have full rocker Beast 108s in the quiver and don't need 2 pairs of ~100mm+ skis