TL;DR: Line Skis has been making skiing “more funner” since 1995 and is a great brand choice for skiers looking for innovative, athlete-driven, fun skis. Line is always at the forefront of unique and exciting ski technology. Their skis have tech such as Thin Tip, Carbon Magic Fingers, and Early Rise to enhance performance.

My name is Gunnar, and I am a Skiing Expert at Curated. I have helped thousands of customers find the perfect gear and am a big fan of Line skis! Although I originally started skiing as a kid, the first pair of skis I purchased on my own accord was the Line Anthems in 2008. The Anthems were a super fun pair of twin-tip skis that really helped change my perspective on skiing.

Since then, I have enjoyed watching Line transform as a brand, and I love suggesting their skis to my customers. I ski Lines for my skis as well! I hope to help you understand what makes Line Skis so special and find a great pair of Lines for yourself!

Why Line Skis?

Line Skis is an innovative ski brand founded in 1995 by Jason Levinthal, who originally started building skis in his garage. If you ask Line, skis in the mid-1990s were pretty “un-fun.” They were stiff, straight, and generally uninspiring. However, Line revolutionized the industry with their twin tip skis and enabled freestyle skiers by following their mission of making skiing “more funner.” Now known for its playful, high-quality products, Line caters to freestyle, all-mountain, and park skiers. Combining cutting-edge technology with bold designs, they attract adventurous skiers who value performance and style. I suggest choosing Line Skis for a unique, versatile skiing experience that pushes boundaries, enables progression, and elevates your skills.

What to Consider When Buying Line Skis

1. What Type of Skiing Will You Primarily Do?

Understanding your preferred skiing style helps determine which Line ski model suits you best. Line offers skis tailored for freestyle, all-mountain, and park skiing; a carving ski; and some freeride models. Each type of ski focuses on specific performance characteristics like flex, stability, and playfulness for their specific discipline. Therefore, knowing your skiing preference ensures you choose a model that enhances your experience on the mountain.

2. What Is the Ideal Ski Length for You?

Ski length plays a crucial role in skiing performance and comfort. Your height, weight, and skill level influence it. Shorter skis are more maneuverable and offer better maneuverability in the park, while longer skis provide better stability for higher speeds and bigger airs. Line offers a range of ski lengths, so finding the right one ensures optimal control and enjoyment. Check out our Line Skis size chart here.

3. What Is Your Skill Level?

Line Skis cater to different skill levels, from beginners to experts. Some models are more flexible, forgiving, and designed for easy learning, while others require advanced skills to manage their responsiveness and power. Identifying your skill level helps you choose a ski that supports your growth and maximizes enjoyment on the slopes.

4. How Much Should Line Skis Cost?

Line Skis range from entry-level to high-performance models, with prices generally between $300 and $800. Entry-level skis ($300-$500) offer a forgiving flex and are designed for learning and progressing. Mid-range skis ($500-$700) balance performance and price, offering versatility for various terrains. Finally, high-performance skis ($700-$800) use advanced materials and technologies, delivering maximum performance for experienced skiers. Understanding your budget and needs helps you decide on the right ski for you.

What Are the Different Types of Line Skis?

Line Skis offers a variety of models tailored to different skiing preferences and styles. Here are the main types of Line skis:

1. Freestyle Skis

These skis are designed for skiers who enjoy performing tricks, jumps, and other freestyle tricks both in the park and on the rest of the mountain. They often feature symmetrical or nearly symmetrical shapes and twin tips, enabling skiing in both directions. Examples from Line Skis include the Tom Wallisch Pro and the Chronic models. Benefits:

• Provide excellent maneuverability and the ability to perform tricks and jumps with ease.
• Often have twin tips, allowing for skiing in both directions and enabling switch landings.

Keep in Mind:

• May not perform as well in deep powder or on high-speed groomed runs due to their focus on playfulness and agility.

Examples: Blend, Honey Badger, Blade Optic 92

2. All-Mountain Skis

provide a balance between carving, powder, and freestyle skiing. Line's all-mountain options, such as the Blade Optic and the Pandora series, cater to a wide range of skiers seeking adaptability on the slopes. Benefits:

• All-mountain skis are highly versatile.
• Designed to handle various snow conditions and terrain.
• Strike a balance between carving, powder, and freestyle performance, making them suitable for skiers exploring the whole mountain.
• Provide a good mix of performance characteristics.

Keep in Mind:

• All-mountain skis may not excel in any specific discipline as much as specialized skis do.

Examples: Blade Optic 96, Line Vision 98, Pandora 94

3. Powder Skis

Line's powder skis, such as the Sir Francis Bacon and the Pescado, are designed for deep snow conditions. They feature wider waists and rockered profiles, providing better flotation and maneuverability in powder. Benefits:

• Excel in deep snow, offering superb flotation and maneuverability.
• Wider waists and rockered profiles help maintain speed and prevent sinking in powder.

Keep in Mind:

• May not perform as well on groomed runs or hardpack snow due to their specific design for soft snow conditions.
• Might be less maneuverable in tight spaces.

Examples: Sir Francis Bacon, Sakana, Blade Optic 104

4. Women’s Skis

Line Skis offers women's specific models tailored to suit women skiers' needs. Like the Pandora series, these skis often have lighter constructions and adjusted flex patterns, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable skiing experience for women. Benefits:

• Designed to cater to the needs of women skiers, with lighter constructions and adjusted flex patterns.
• Provide a comfortable and enjoyable skiing experience tailored to women's physique and preferences.

Keep in Mind:

• Might not be suitable for heavier or more aggressive women skiers who require stiffer, more robust skis.
• May not offer as wide a range of models as men's or unisex skis.

Examples: Honey Bee, Pandora 84, Line Blade W By understanding the different types of Line skis, consumers can make informed decisions when selecting the ideal product for their skiing preferences and abilities.

Features to Look for in Line Skis

When selecting skis, there are several features and technologies to consider that can enhance your skiing experience. Here are some general features to look for:

1. Rocker/Camber Profile: This refers to the curvature of the ski along its length. Rocker (upward curve) improves flotation in powder and maneuverability, while camber (downward curve) enhances edge grip and stability on groomed runs.
2. Sidecut Radius: The sidecut radius influences the ski's turning behavior. A smaller radius enables quicker, tighter turns, while a larger radius promotes longer, smoother turns.
3. Flex: The ski's flexibility impacts its responsiveness and performance. A softer flex is more forgiving and suitable for beginners, while a stiffer flex provides better stability and control for advanced skiers.
4. Core Material: Ski cores are typically made of wood, foam, or both. Wood cores offer better performance and responsiveness, while foam cores are lighter and more forgiving.
5. Construction: The ski's construction affects its durability, weight, and performance. Popular options include sandwich construction (layers of materials stacked and bonded together) and cap construction (a one-piece shell wrapping around the ski's core).

Specific features and technologies unique to Line Skis include:

1. Thin Tip: Line's Thin Tip technology creates a low swing weight of the ski by thinning out the core in the tip and tail sections, improving maneuverability. (Higher bonding for greater durability.)
2. Fatty Base and Edge: Line uses thicker base and edge materials in their skis, improving durability and longevity, especially in the park and freestyle models.
3. Early Rise: This Line-specific technology features an early rise in the tip and tail of the ski, improving flotation in powder and enhancing turn initiation.
4. Carbon Magic Fingers: Line's Carbon Magic Fingers technology integrates carbon fiber filaments into the core of the ski, enhancing stability and energy transfer without adding significant weight.
5. Symmetric Flex: Some Line skis, particularly freestyle models, have a symmetric flex pattern, allowing consistent performance when skiing forward or switch.
6. Directional Flex: Softer tips float and offer greater turn initiation, while stiffer tails provide power, stability, and control.
7. Thick-Cut Sidewall: By extending the amount of sidewall that stretches into the core of the ski and adding more material over the steel edges, Line can increase the total bonding surface area and make skis more resilient to hard impacts.
8. Bio-Resin: Better bonding, improved cold temperature toughness, and a 20% decrease in carbon footprint.
9. 5-Cut Multi-Radius Side Cut: By blending five turning radiuses into the length of the ski, skis with this technology can make a wide variety of turn shapes and have an intuitive feel.
10. Gas Pedal Metal: Titanal focused across the width of the ski increases edge grip and torsional stability while maintaining a lively feel.
11. Carbon Ollieband: Pre-stretched carbon down the center of the ski adds pop and play.
12. Overdrive: Vertically focused titanal extending through the ski's tip and tail adds stability, power, and precision.
13. THC Construction: Triple-Hybrid Construction combines aramid, carbon fiber, and fiberglass into a proprietary stack laminate that creates a hyper damping ski without adding weight.
14. CapWall Construction: Combining a precision sidewall underfoot and a lightweight and durable cap construction in the tip and tail of the ski.

Understanding the general ski features and technologies and those specific to Line will aid with making a decision when selecting the ideal pair of skis for your needs and preferences.

How to Choose the Right Line Skis for You

I compiled a few personas based on some of the most common customers I get here at Curated who I think benefit most from skis like Line to help give you a better sense of how I typically qualify customers based on their needs, what features they should consider, and a few products that they would enjoy!

Freddie: Freestyle Fanatic

Needs: A freestyle ski to hold up to daily abuse and progression. Something that won’t hold them back from learning new tricks in the park but also will provide confidence and stability when sticking to familiar tricks and natural terrain.

Features to look for:

• Symmetric Flex: Skis with Symmetric Flex will help Freddie perform tricks while skiing both forward and switch and will make a consistent feel on both ends of the skis
• Carbon Ollieband: Skis with a Carbon Ollieband will give Freddie needed pop for bigger boosts off of jumps.
• Fatty Base and Edge: Skis with Fatty Base and Edges will provide added durability to keep Freddie’s skis like new when skiing rails or hitting rogue shark teeth.
• Thick-Cut Sidewalls: Skis with Thick-Cut Sidewalls will give Freddie added impact protection to keep him jibbing all season long.

Products to consider:

• Line Blend: A 100mm wide ski with an incredibly playful feel, this ski is the softest offering in Line’s lineup and is perfect for skiers hoping to butter, wheelie, and nose block their way down the mountain.
• Line Honey Badger: Strength, ferocity, and toughness in an affordable package, this 92mm waist park ski is perfect for the developing freestyle skier who wants a do-it-all option that isn’t too stiff or too soft.
• Line Chronic 95: The dopest all-mountain freeski with over a decade in the game, this 95mm wide ski is stiffer than the above options and is perfect for freeskiing the entire mountain.

Maddie: Mid-Mountain Machine

Needs: An all-mountain ski that will provide fun and playfulness but also the necessary stability and dampness needed for more aggressive skiing in variable terrain. Some freestyle prowess would be nice, but most of the freestyle skiing this person will do is on natural terrain across the mountain.

Features to look for:

• Thin Tip: Skis with Thin Tip will give Maddie reduced swingweight and added maneuverability while also increasing the bonding strength of the ski.
• 5-Cut Multi-Radius Side Cut: Skis with a 5-Cut Multi-Radius will give Maddie a wide variety of turn shapes so she can perform at her best no matter the speed or terrain.
• Gas Pedal Metal Overdrive: Skis with Gas Pedal Metal Overdrive will add stability and dampness when Maddie is skiing aggressively.
• THC Construction: Skis with THC construction will be light and playful but still damp enough for hard-charging.

Products to consider:

• Line Blade Optic 96: For high-speed skiing and immense edge grip on firm snow, yet a powerful and smooth ride in cut-up and chop. This ski harnesses Gas Pedal Metal Overdrive to make a stiff, damp, playful, and inspiring ski.
• Line Vision 98: A featherweight ski that doesn’t compromise downhill performance, this ski brings all-mountain versatility in a lightweight package. This ski uses THC construction to shed weight yet maintain power, precision, and control.
• Line Pandora 94: A lightweight ski that loves ripping groomers, cruising through chop, or getting fresh track in a few inches of new snow. This ski uses Carbon Magic Fingers to add stability while still keeping the weight of the ski in check.

Whit: Whiteroom Wonder

Needs: A powder-focused ski that can still deliver if the snow doesn’t fall. Something that is made for scoring fresh tracks but still doesn’t feel like a boat when the pow turns to chop. Floatation in the soft snow, yet performance when things get firm, are primary concerns.

Features to look for:

• Thin Tip: Skis with a Thin Tip will reduce the swingweight of wider skis allowing Whit to have more surface area for greater float.
• Early Rise: Skis with Early Rise have more rocker in the tip of the ski, giving greater floatation in softer snow.
• Directional Flex: Whit can choose skis with either a Symmetrical or a Directional Flex, but Directional Flex skis will give White greater turn initiation due to softer tips, yet more power and stability thanks to stiffer tails.

Products to consider:

• Line Sir Francis Bacon: With a versatile 107mm waist, this ski floats with ease yet has symmetrical flex to make stomping tricks a breeze. This ski loves to butter the powder but doesn’t sacrifice hardpack performance.
• Line Blade Optic 104: The Blade Optic 104 blurs the line between a big mountain mixed powder charger and an all-mountain groomer cruiser. Directional Flex, Gas Pedal Metal Overdrive, and an Early Rise Tip make this ski versatile in any type of snow condition.
• Line Sakana: An award-winning and head-turning ski, this 105mm wide option is great for skiers who want to rail turns on hard snow but still surf through deeper powder. An Early Rise tip, back-mounted stance, and a wide shove provide flotation, while the mostly camber design and swallow tail allow hardpack shredding.

Conclusion

Line skis are for skiers wanting to make their time on snow “more funner.” Although originally a freestyle brand, Line’s ski offerings are diverse and offer a wide range of technology for different types of skiers. I hope I was able to help demystify some of the different technologies and types of skis for you to make your purchasing decision easier! As always, feel free to message a Ski Expert here on Curated anytime you need help choosing the perfect Line ski for you.