Faction 3.Zero 2010

Overall

I was highly impressed with the 3.Zero, particularly with its versatility and playfulness. Having had some serious problems with a few competing skis, I was happy to see the 3.Zero hold up over the course of my use. I definitely recommend the ski for the all-around shredder who skis the whole mountain.

Performance

The 3.Zero is a pow ski, there's no doubt about it. Bring it into the for jumps and feel its magic; I have them mounted relatively close to center, plus 4 I believe, and stomping landings happened more often than it usually does. Even when ye olde wobbly-leg came into effect at the end of the day, I noticed the ski saving me time and again from back slapping. In the park and on groomers the 3.Zero is also fun; I prefer a stiffer, wider ski than many when I'm on jumps and rails, and this ski made me consider selling off my quiver of park skis as they went largely unused.

Design

The topsheets are neat and simple, nothing to complain about. Same goes for the bases. Like the design, but I wouldn't say it jumps out as much as others. In other words, it's not going to bring you the most attention when gapers on the chairlift are ogling your friends' Hellbents, I'll leave it up to you to decide if that's a good or bad thing.

Value

Definitely an impressively priced ski for what you get. It's manufactured in Europe, so you're getting a quality build for just over 800, quite a bit cheaper than the competing Rossi S7 or Salomon Czar.

Fit

I run the 183cm length, which features the same dimensions as all but the 191, which is slight skinnier at the tip and tail. I am just over 6' and like my skis near the top of my head; the 183 felt appropriate for my skiing.

Characteristics

The ski has a predictable flex pattern that, while stiff enough to maintain stability at speed and in varied snow, is playful on hardpack and has a springy feel. The 3.Zero excels when your shins are against your tongues and you're skiing aggressively.

Durability

As with most skis, the topsheets are susceptible to chips and some scratching, but the damage I inflicted was cosmetic. The bases managed to withstand my abuse, surprisingly.

• Terrain
  Park
  Pow
• Design
  Clean
  Busy
• Durability
  Fragile
  Durable
• Weight
  Light
  Heavy
• Style
  Uncool
  Cool
• Flex
  Soft
  Stiff
• Camber
  Cambered
  Rockered
• Pop
  No Pop
  Poppy
• Stability
  Jittery
  Stable