Expert Review: Line Sick Day 104 Skis · 2022


Line sick day 104 on a powder day. All photos courtesy of Nicholas Carnazzo
About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the skis, which I purchased with my own money in February 2022.
My take
The Line Sick Day 104 is the perfect ski for a rider that likes it all. It performs best on steeper terrain and in a little deeper snow; but it always left me with a smile on my face no matter where I was on the mountain.
About the skis I own
- Model: 2022 Line sick Day 104
- Size: 179
About me
- Height: 5’10”
- Weight: 160 lbs
- Experience: 15 years of skiing
Test conditions
- When I bought these: February 2022
- Days tested: 15 days
- Mount position: +1 from recommended
- Boots: Dalbello Lupo 120
- Boot Size: 26.5
- Bindings: Marker Griffon
- Where I’ve used it: Brighton, Snowbird, Alta, Copper Mountain, Targhee
- Terrain: Big mountain, powder, groomers, park
How they perform
What I was looking for
I had my eye out for a ski that can handle high speeds but still be playful—whether on a steep slope or carving groomers on a low-snow week. I wanted a ski that could perform well all-mountain and handle whatever I could throw at it.
Why I chose this gear
The Sick Day has been a staple in Line’s ski offerings for a long time. Actually just until recently, where it has been replaced by the Blade Optic line. The Sick Day still offers a more playful ride while still being super predictable on the downhill. I like to have fun while skiing, and this ski delivers.
What I love about them
- Speed: This Ski does really well at speed. It has minimal chatter with solid responsiveness.
- Edge hold: One word: dependable. I could dig when I needed to, then when I needed a quick snappy turn, I had no issue.
- Turns: Just as I said above the edge hold is great. At higher speeds it feels quite stable while in the turns. On the steeps I could edge easily no matter the conditions.
- Groomers: This ski has a wider platform and will not perform as well as a more groomer-oriented ski. But it still does just fine for most all applications.
- Trees: It is not the quickest turning ski. If I managed my speed I had no problems in the trees. When picking up speed I did manage to initiate quicker turns. Though the average rider may find this a little more difficult.
- Park: I would definitely put this ski in the freestyle category, but it is directional. With 104 underfoot it is not meant for the park, but I put it through the ringer at Brighton and it did great!
- Durability: Line makes super durable skis. I have a pair of first-generation Honey Badgers that I still trash in the park. These Sick Days are no different. I'll be skiing them for years.
- Weight: Right in the description is listed Carbon Magic Finger Filaments combined with a lightweight aspen core. This makes the ski pretty dang light for a 104 underfoot. It’s not the lightest ski in the world, but I never feel the weight.
- Switch riding: This is not a twin tip and has directional flex. I rode it switch with no problem, but it's meant to go forward!
- Stability:Very, very stable. I have no issues dropping larger cliffs and sending bigger jumps in the park. At high speeds, I have full confidence and can really trust the ski.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Moguls: I hate moguls, so these are always an issue for me. I mentioned above that these are not the quickest ski on the turns. It will do fine in moguls, just go super fast and glide over them.
- Backcountry: There are definitely lighter skis for backcountry. It will do okay, but if venturing into the backcountry regularly, I would recommend the Vision line.
Favorite moment with this gear
Brighton had some insane storms last winter, and there was a cycle that dropped so much snow that I even considered getting my larger Line Mordecai’s out. I am so glad I grabbed these Sick Day 104’s instead. They floated great, but had the perfect amount of sink to get those sweet, sweet face shots. After 3 days my legs were done, but the skis could have kept going with no problems.
Value for the money vs. other options
Line as a company is almost unbeatable when it comes to value for the money. The Sick Day line is no exception. It is a tragedy that they have been replaced with the Blade Optic line, so grab them while they’re still available. If you can’t, the Optic is a great ski. Another ski in this category you could look at would be the Nordica Enforcer. All great skis in the freeride category.
Final verdict
Some of the most versatile and fun skis I have ever ridden. I have confidence on all terrain; it is playful enough for the whole mountain and gives me all the ingredients necessary for a sick day. ;)
Line Sick Day 104 Skis · 2022
- We price match
- Returnable