Don’t let the bright pink topsheet of Faction’s Dictator 2.0x fool you; these stiff, directional skis are designed to plow through variable terrain and snow with the utmost ease, rocketing you down the mountain at Mach speed and in complete control. Made with a paulownia and poplar wood core for a mix of weight savings and energetic character, the Dictator 2.0x is further strengthened by strips of Titanal that run the length of the ski and full sidewalls for maximum stability when laying trenches. Oh, and don’t count these skis out when it comes to playfulness—they scored highest in this category—due to “surf zones” toward the tip and tail that provide a smooth ride in all conditions.