Agent 2X

The Agent 2X is Faction's 96mm-waist backcountry touring ski built for women or skiers who need shorter lengths, sharing the exact same construction as the standard Agent 2 — different sizes and topsheet, same bones. That construction centers on a Karuba woodcore reinforced with a full carbon weave (8–12 unidirectional strips per side woven into the fiberglass), with a titanal plate under the binding zone to add stiffness and damp vibration right where you need it most. Tip and tail rocker make it easy to pivot in tight couloirs and reenter variable snow without wrestling with the ski, while the cambered midsection gives you genuine edge contact and carving grip when the terrain opens up. At 1,330g per ski in 163cm, it's light enough to earn its keep on the skin track but not so stripped down that it feels nervous on the way down. A flat, notched tail clips skins cleanly and keeps the profile low for tight switchbacks. This is a flat ski — bring your own binding, either a tech setup for touring days or a frame alpine if you spend more time inbounds.

This ski suits an advanced-to-expert backcountry skier — someone who already knows how to ski a variety of snow and is looking for a capable, do-more quiver ski that won't punish them on the climb. The carbon-forward layup keeps weight down and gives a lively, responsive feel, but the lack of extensive metal means it rewards active, technical skiing rather than letting the ski do the work. On hard-packed, icy resort groomers it can feel quick and demanding rather than planted. If you want a more forgiving, high-speed resort carver, this isn't that ski. And if you're spending most days at the resort with occasional skin laps, the Faction Dancer 2 or 3 — the all-mountain cousins from the same mold — will serve you better. Go down to the Agent 1 (86mm) if you prioritize climbing efficiency above everything else; step up to the Agent 3 (106mm) if you want more float in softer snow and don't mind the extra weight.