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PTO Review
We know them. Here's how they stack up.
These skis span 2 categories (Freeride, All-Mountain Freestyle). Scores reflect each ski's intended use — direct comparison across all dimensions may be misleading.
Agent 3 — intermediate-to-expert backcountry and side-country skiers who want one touring ski that leans freeride — where a stable, confident descent in soft snow, chop and variable conditions matters more than pure uphill efficiency.. Bent 100 — intermediate and better skiers who value a light, quick, playful ride and drive the ski with finesse rather than muscle.. Check the radar chart below to see where each one wins.
Each row compares all skis on one dimension. 🏆 marks the highest score.
| Dimension | Agent 3 | Bent 100 |
|---|---|---|
| Carving | 6🏆 | 6🏆 |
| Park | 1 | 7🏆 |
| Playfulness | 5 | 9🏆 |
| Forgiveness | 5 | 8🏆 |
| Stability | 8🏆 | 5 |
| Powder | 7🏆 | 6 |
Intermediate-to-expert backcountry and side-country skiers who want one touring ski that leans freeride — where a stable, confident descent in soft snow, chop and variable conditions matters more than pure uphill efficiency. The skier who earns their turns but still wants the ski to plow and stay planted on the way down.
Resort-only skiers who never earn their turns — a carbon tourer is not a lift-served all-mountain ski. Efficiency-first ski mountaineers chasing minimum weight for big vertical, who should go narrower (Agent 1) or to a race-weight tourer. Firm-snow-only carvers, who want a narrow ski on ice. Skiers who love a light, snappy feel and find damp skis dead. And beginners — the Agent line starts at intermediate.
Intermediate and better skiers who value a light, quick, playful ride and drive the ski with finesse rather than muscle. It rewards people who like to press, slash and ride switch, plus lighter or less aggressive skiers who do not want to fight a heavy ski, and anyone after one do-it-all ski that still floats on a soft day. It also makes a light resort-to-sidecountry option.
Skiers who want a metal ski's hard-snow bite and race-like precision: with a light woodcore and no metal laminate, the Bent 100 handles a groomer but will not match a metal ski's edge hold on firm snow or feel as locked-in on ice. Heavier, aggressive skiers who charge through cut-up crud will feel the light build deflect - a metal all-mountain ski like the Nordica Enforcer 100 tracks that line better. True beginners should skip it too; independent reviews place it at intermediate and up. And if deep powder is the priority, the wider Bent 110 or Chetler 120 is the better tool.
Agent 3 is best for intermediate-to-expert backcountry and side-country skiers who want one touring ski that leans freeride — where a stable, confident descent in soft snow, chop and variable conditions matters more than pure uphill efficiency. Bent 100 is best for intermediate and better skiers who value a light, quick, playful ride and drive the ski with finesse rather than muscle. The right choice depends on your terrain, ability, and riding style.
Faction Agent 3 has the highest Stability score in this comparison at 8/10. That score compares composure; it does not by itself mean the product is the most versatile choice.
Faction Agent 3 leads Carving in this comparison with a PTO score of 6/10.
Atomic Bent 100 has the highest Forgiveness score here at 8/10. Forgiveness is one factor in progression, not a claim that every beginner should choose it.
Not sure? Ask us.
