Expert Comparison: Line Blade Optic 96 Skis · 2023 vs Line Blade Optic 104 Skis · 2023
VS
Side by side comparison | Out of stock | Out of stock |
|---|---|---|
Price | $408.93 52% off | $374.98 50% off |
User rating | 4.71(17) | 4.86(7) |
The Curated Take | Best for skiers seeking a playful, versatile, and stable ski. | -- |
Ski type | All Mountain, Freeride | All Mountain |
Skill level | Advanced, Expert | Advanced, Expert |
Rocker profile | Rocker/Camber/Rocker | Rocker/Camber/Rocker |
In the world of skiing, the Line Blade Optic 96 and 104 Skis are two of the most exciting products to hit the slopes in 2023. Both skis are designed with the advanced rider in mind, offering a blend of playfulness, stability, and speed that's hard to beat. The Optic 96 stands out for its versatility and accessibility, making it a great one-ski quiver for any terrain or speed. On the other hand, the Optic 104 is a hard-charging ski that excels in all conditions, particularly for those who love to attack the terrain. While both skis share many similarities, they also have their unique strengths and weaknesses. So, whether you're a speed demon or a playful skier, there's a Line Blade Optic ski that's perfect for you.
Line Blade Optic 96 Skis · 2023 summary
The Line Blade Optic 96 Skis are a standout product in the 2023 lineup. These skis are designed to be intuitive, energetic, and poppy, making them a joy to ride on any terrain or at any speed. The Blade Optic 96's playfulness is immediately noticeable, with many skiers finding themselves seeking out side hits, popping out of turns, and jumping moguls. Despite their playful nature, these skis are not light and soft. They come with metal in their construction, which translates to a very smooth and damp ride when riding fast through cruddy snow.
The Blade Optic 96 Skis are also versatile, with a 96mm waist that makes them a great one-ski quiver for almost anywhere in the country. They may not carve as well as other skis, but they more than make up for it with their fun and energetic nature. These skis are ideal for skiers of any skill level who want a versatile and accessible ski that can do it all. They offer a rare combination of playfulness and stability, making them a joy to ride on any terrain.
The blade optics playfulness is what first stood out. It was very energetic and poppy. I found myself seeking out the side hits, popping out of turns, and jumping moguls. Usually when a ski is this playful it means it is fairly light and soft but the Blade Optic 96 does come with metal in its construction that translates to a very smooth and damp ride when riding fast through cruddy snow.
The blade optics playfulness is what first stood out. It was very energetic and poppy. I found myself seeking out the side hits, popping out of turns, and jumping moguls. Usually when a ski is this playful it means it is fairly light and soft but the Blade Optic 96 does come with metal in its construction that translates to a very smooth and damp ride when riding fast through cruddy snow.
Line Blade Optic 96 Skis · 2023
- We price match
- Returnable
Line Blade Optic 104 Skis · 2023 summary
The Line Blade Optic 104 Skis are another exciting product in the 2023 lineup. These skis are designed for the more advanced rider who wants a carvable all-mountain ski that can still rip through crud while maintaining a playful attitude. The Optic 104 Skis are light enough to hop around from turn to turn with a relatively short turn radius, while still maintaining a confidence-inspiring "charge-like" attitude thanks to the gas pedal metal involved in the ski.
The Optic 104 Skis are also designed to be used in both directions and have a 5 cut side radius for a variety of turn sizes. They are very light for their size but still have the chops to hold up to whatever terrain you throw at them. These skis are built for someone who wants to really charge hard, lean forward, and attack the terrain. They are not for the faint-hearted or the beginner skier, but for the more advanced rider looking for a carvable all-mountain ski that can still rip through crud while maintaining a playful attitude.
This ski truly could be a one quiver ski. The gas pedal metal laminate design includes a full length of metal through the tip and tail with torsional supports under the binding. It will hook up hard on groomers and can lay down some hard carves, but also excels off-piste as well.
This ski truly could be a one quiver ski. The gas pedal metal laminate design includes a full length of metal through the tip and tail with torsional supports under the binding. It will hook up hard on groomers and can lay down some hard carves, but also excels off-piste as well.
Line Blade Optic 104 Skis · 2023
- We price match
- Returnable
Similarities
The Line Blade Optic 96 and 104 Skis share several similarities. Both skis are designed for the advanced rider and offer a blend of playfulness, stability, and speed. They both feature Line's unique 'Gas Pedal Medal Overdrive' technology, which involves unique layers of segmented Titanal metal that provide stability and grip at high speeds. This technology also allows both skis to maintain a ton of rigidity and stiffness underfoot, helping skiers bank the sharpest carves.
Both skis are also designed to be versatile and accessible, making them great one-ski quivers for almost anywhere in the country. They are both light enough to hop around from turn to turn, while still maintaining a confidence-inspiring "charge-like" attitude. Lastly, both skis are designed to be used in both directions and have a 5 cut side radius for a variety of turn sizes.
Differences and Who They're Good For
While the Line Blade Optic 96 and 104 Skis share many similarities, they also have their unique strengths and weaknesses. The Optic 96 Skis are more playful and energetic, making them ideal for skiers who love to seek out side hits, pop out of turns, and jump moguls. They are also a bit lighter and more agile, making them a great choice for skiers who want a versatile and accessible ski that can do it all.
On the other hand, the Optic 104 Skis are more of a hard-charging ski that excels in all conditions. They are a bit heavier and stiffer, making them ideal for advanced riders who want to really charge hard, lean forward, and attack the terrain. They also have a wider waist width, making them a better choice for deeper snow conditions.
Analysis on Who’s the Winner
When it comes to playfulness and energy, the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis take the cake. Their light and agile design make them a joy to ride on any terrain or at any speed.
In terms of versatility and accessibility, both skis perform exceptionally well. However, the Optic 96 Skis have a slight edge due to their lighter and more agile design, making them a great one-ski quiver for almost anywhere in the country.
For hard-charging and high-speed performance, the Optic 104 Skis are the clear winner. Their heavier and stiffer design make them ideal for advanced riders who want to really charge hard, lean forward, and attack the terrain.
Finally, when it comes to performance in deeper snow conditions, the Optic 104 Skis come out on top due to their wider waist width.
Conclusions
In conclusion, both the Line Blade Optic 96 and 104 Skis are exceptional products that offer a blend of playfulness, stability, and speed. The Optic 96 Skis stand out for their versatility and accessibility, making them a great one-ski quiver for any terrain or speed. On the other hand, the Optic 104 Skis are a hard-charging ski that excels in all conditions, particularly for those who love to attack the terrain.
Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to your personal preference and skiing style. If you're a playful skier who loves to seek out side hits and jump moguls, the Optic 96 Skis are the way to go. But if you're an advanced rider who loves to charge hard and attack the terrain, the Optic 104 Skis are the perfect choice. Either way, you can't go wrong with either of these skis. So, strap on your boots, grab your poles, and hit the slopes with confidence!
