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Expert Comparison: Line Blade Optic 96 Skis · 2023 vs Faction Prodigy 2 Skis · 2024

Published on 02/11/2024 · 5 min readCompare Line Blade Optic 96 Skis · 2023 and Faction Prodigy 2 Skis · 2024. Get expert insight below!
Tomasz Macieik, Ski Expert
Hayden Wright, Ski Expert
Sam Baevsky, Ski Expert
Contributed By Ski Expert Tomasz Macieik, Hayden Wright, Sam Baevsky, Jake Renner, Phil Chandler and others

VS

 

Side by side comparison

Out of stock
Line Blade Optic 96 Skis · 2023
Out of stock
Faction Prodigy 2 Skis · 2024
Price
$408.93
52% off
from:$299.48
50% off
User rating
5(2)
5(3)
The Curated Take

Best for skiers seeking a playful, versatile, and stable ski.

Best for intermediate to advanced skiers who enjoy a mix of freestyle and all-mountain skiing due to its versatility.

Ski type
All Mountain, Freeride
All Mountain, Freeride
Skill level
Advanced, Expert
Intermediate, Advanced
Rocker profile
Rocker/Camber/Rocker
Rocker/Camber/Rocker

In the world of skiing, the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis and the Faction Prodigy 2 Skis are two standout products that have been making waves. Both skis are designed for all-mountain skiing, but each has its unique features and strengths. The Line Blade Optic 96 Skis are known for their playful and energetic performance, making them a favorite among skiers who love to explore different terrains and speeds. On the other hand, the Faction Prodigy 2 Skis are praised for their versatility and freestyle capabilities, making them a top choice for skiers who enjoy a mix of freestyle and all-mountain skiing. While both skis are excellent in their own right, the choice between the two ultimately depends on the skier's preferences and skiing style.

The Line Blade Optic 96 Skis are a standout product in the skiing world, known for their playful and energetic performance. These skis are designed to be intuitive to ski, no matter the terrain or speed. They are very energetic and poppy, making them a favorite among skiers who love to explore different terrains and speeds. The Blade Optic 96 comes with metal in its construction, translating to a very smooth and damp ride when riding fast through cruddy snow.

The skis are designed with a 96 waist, making them a perfect one ski quiver almost anywhere in the country. They are ideal for skiers who want a versatile and accessible one ski quiver that can do it all. The skis are also known for their rare combination of being playful and stable, and they are very poppy. However, they do not carve as well as more specific skis for it and have less float than its bigger 104 width brother.

It was immediately intuitive to ski no matter what the terrain or speed was. 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.

Tomasz Macieik
Ski Expert

The Faction Prodigy 2 Skis are another standout product in the skiing world, known for their versatility and freestyle capabilities. These skis are designed to be a reliable and fun companion for skiers looking for a versatile and enjoyable ride. They are designed with a poplar and beech wood core, providing a balance of lightweight maneuverability and solid stability.

The Prodigy 2 Skis have a waist width of around 98mm, making them well-suited for all-mountain skiing. This width provides excellent edge-to-edge control on groomed runs, while still offering enough floatation for lighter powder days. The ski's camber underfoot ensures reliable edge grip and precise carving on hardpack, while the slight rocker in the tip and tail enhances maneuverability and float in soft snow.

The ski's twin-tip design allows for easy switch skiing and effortless maneuvering in the park. Medium flex rating provides a good balance of stability and playfulness, making it suitable for jumps, rails, and butters.

My overall impression was that it is spot on with what Faction is claiming. We had these in the park, in the trees, and a little bit of pow; and they were a true pleasure to ride.

Hayden Wright
Ski Expert

Similarities

Both the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis and the Faction Prodigy 2 Skis are designed for all-mountain skiing, making them versatile and suitable for a variety of terrains and conditions. They both have a waist width of around 96-98mm, providing excellent edge-to-edge control on groomed runs and enough floatation for lighter powder days. Both skis also feature a twin-tip design, allowing for easy switch skiing and maneuvering in the park. They are both known for their playful and energetic performance, making them a favorite among skiers who love to explore different terrains and speeds.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for all-mountain skiing, they each have their unique features and strengths. The Line Blade Optic 96 Skis are known for their playful and energetic performance, making them a favorite among skiers who love to explore different terrains and speeds. They are ideal for skiers who want a versatile and accessible one ski quiver that can do it all. However, they do not carve as well as more specific skis for it and have less float than its bigger 104 width brother.

On the other hand, the Faction Prodigy 2 Skis are praised for their versatility and freestyle capabilities, making them a top choice for skiers who enjoy a mix of freestyle and all-mountain skiing. They are designed with a poplar and beech wood core, providing a balance of lightweight maneuverability and solid stability. They are ideal for skiers who prioritize playfulness, maneuverability, and freestyle capabilities.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to playfulness and energy, the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis take the lead. Their design allows for an intuitive and energetic performance, making them a favorite among skiers who love to explore different terrains and speeds.

In terms of versatility, both skis perform well. However, the Faction Prodigy 2 Skis have a slight edge due to their freestyle capabilities. They are designed to be a reliable and fun companion for skiers looking for a versatile and enjoyable ride.

In terms of construction and stability, the Faction Prodigy 2 Skis come out on top. Their poplar and beech wood core provides a balance of lightweight maneuverability and solid stability, making them suitable for jumps, rails, and butters.

Finally, in terms of carving, neither ski excels. However, the Faction Prodigy 2 Skis have a slight edge due to their camber underfoot, which ensures reliable edge grip and precise carving on hardpack.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis and the Faction Prodigy 2 Skis are excellent choices for all-mountain skiing. They each have their unique features and strengths, making them suitable for different types of skiers. The Line Blade Optic 96 Skis are ideal for skiers who love to explore different terrains and speeds, while the Faction Prodigy 2 Skis are a top choice for skiers who enjoy a mix of freestyle and all-mountain skiing. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on the skier's preferences and skiing style. So, whether you're a speed demon or a freestyle enthusiast, there's a ski out there that's perfect for you!

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Shop Skis on Curated

Line Blade Optic 96 Skis · 2023
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