Expert Comparison: Rossignol Blackops 98 Open Skis · 2024 vs Line Blade Optic 96 Skis · 2023




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Side by side comparison | ![]() ![]() Out of stock | ![]() ![]() Out of stock |
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Price | from:$479.97 40% off | $408.93 52% off |
The Curated Take | Best for discerning skiers seeking a versatile, all-mountain, playful ski. | Best for skiers seeking a playful, versatile, and stable ski. |
User rating | -- | 4.71(17) |
Ski type | Freeride | All Mountain, Freeride |
Skill level | Advanced, Expert | Advanced, Expert |
Rocker profile | Rocker/Camber/Rocker | Rocker/Camber/Rocker |
In the world of skiing, the Rossignol Blackops 98 Open Skis and the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis are two top contenders for the 2023-2024 season. Both skis are designed for all-mountain versatility, but each has its unique strengths and features. The Rossignol Blackops 98 is a more directional, freeride-oriented ski, perfect for off-mountain fun. It's snappy, responsive, and great at dumping speed. On the other hand, the Line Blade Optic 96 is a playful, energetic ski that's light yet stable, making it a joy to ski on various terrains. While both skis are excellent choices, the Rossignol Blackops 98 is better suited for skiers who prefer off-mountain adventures, while the Line Blade Optic 96 is ideal for those who enjoy a playful, energetic ride.
The Rossignol Blackops 98 Open Skis are a fantastic choice for skiers looking for a more directional, freeride-oriented ski. These skis are not specifically designed for park skiing, but they are more freeride-oriented, making them a great choice for off-mountain fun. They are snappy edge to edge and are responsive, turning right with you whenever you're ready. They are also great at dumping speed and are happy to go straight and fast for the most part.
When it comes to carving, these skis are a high-radius turn machine. They make short turns very easily and hold far better on ice. The radius and precision of the turns that you can carve are more precise, making them a great choice for a twin-tip carver. They are also stable underfoot and are a bit of a charger, making them a good option once the powder is tracked out.
These skis are fairly stiff and damp underfoot compared to the tips and tails, which are quite soft. This means that they are likely to give you a fair amount of chatter and feel unstable on ice and hardpack. However, in softer conditions, such as slush, end of season when it's warm out, or even soft snow, these skis are going to be totally fine.
In terms of freestyle, these skis are not marketed as park skis, and they are not recommended for park skiing. However, they are very maneuverable and can swing around pretty easily. They are not super heavy, but they're also not super light.
When it comes to freeriding, these skis are not going to be awesome powder skis. They will do well in up to six to eight inches of powder, but they're not going to excel in those conditions. However, they carve well in softer conditions and are recommended for use in the trees, on groomers, and on spring days.
[Daryl] These are going to be a great ski for someone who's looking for an all-around ski for the East Coast, the Midwest, or a low snowfall ski for out West.
[Daryl] These are going to be a great ski for someone who's looking for an all-around ski for the East Coast, the Midwest, or a low snowfall ski for out West.
Rossignol Blackops 98 Open Skis · 2024
- We price match
- Returnable
Line Blade Optic 96 Skis · 2023 summary
The Line Blade Optic 96 Skis are a standout choice for skiers who love a playful, energetic ride. These skis are light yet stable, making them a joy to ski on various terrains. They are very energetic and poppy, making them perfect for side hits, popping out of turns, and jumping moguls. Despite their playfulness, they come with metal in their construction, translating to a very smooth and damp ride when riding fast through cruddy snow.
While these skis do not carve as well as other skis, they are definitely more fun and energetic. With a waist width of 96mm, they are the perfect one ski quiver almost anywhere in the country. They are also equipped with Line's "Gas Pedal Medal Overdrive," a partial layer of titanal that's split into segmented sections and tapers to a point near the ends of the skis. This design aims to get some of the benefits of a titanal layer, such as added damping and torsional rigidity, while still creating skis that aren't super stiff and produce energy when bent.
The Blade Optic 96 experiences strong edge grip on hard snow with a powerful smooth ride but can also handle cut-up snow and chop with relative ease. They are also more agile and lighter than their predecessors, making them a perfect all-mountain ski for starting to dabble in some off-trail terrain, while still providing fantastic turns on piste.
Tomasz 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.
Tomasz 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.
Line Blade Optic 96 Skis · 2023
- We price match
- Returnable
Similarities
Both the Rossignol Blackops 98 Open Skis and the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis are designed for all-mountain versatility. They are both equipped with features that allow them to perform well in a variety of conditions and terrains. Both skis are also designed to be responsive and stable, providing skiers with a smooth and enjoyable ride.
Both skis also feature unique technologies that enhance their performance. The Rossignol Blackops 98 features a more directional, freeride-oriented design, while the Line Blade Optic 96 features Line's "Gas Pedal Medal Overdrive," a partial layer of titanal that's split into segmented sections and tapers to a point near the ends of the skis.
In terms of carving, both skis perform well, offering strong edge grip and precision. They are also both capable of handling different snow conditions, from soft snow to ice and hardpack.
Differences and Who They're Good For
While both skis are designed for all-mountain versatility, they cater to different types of skiers. The Rossignol Blackops 98 Open Skis are more directional and freeride-oriented, making them a great choice for skiers who prefer off-mountain adventures. They are snappy, responsive, and great at dumping speed, making them perfect for skiers who love to carve and make quick turns.
On the other hand, the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis are more playful and energetic, making them ideal for skiers who love a fun, lively ride. They are light yet stable, making them a joy to ski on various terrains. They are also equipped with Line's "Gas Pedal Medal Overdrive," a partial layer of titanal that's split into segmented sections and tapers to a point near the ends of the skis, making them a great choice for skiers who want the benefits of a titanal layer without sacrificing flexibility.
In terms of persona, the Rossignol Blackops 98 Open Skis are perfect for the adventurous skier who loves off-mountain fun and quick, responsive turns. The Line Blade Optic 96 Skis, on the other hand, are ideal for the playful, energetic skier who loves a fun, lively ride on various terrains.
Analysis on Who’s the Winner
When it comes to versatility, both skis perform well in a variety of conditions and terrains. However, the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis edge out the Rossignol Blackops 98 Open Skis due to their playful, energetic design and unique "Gas Pedal Medal Overdrive" technology.
In terms of carving, the Rossignol Blackops 98 Open Skis take the lead. They are snappy, responsive, and great at dumping speed, making them perfect for skiers who love to carve and make quick turns.
For freeride performance, the Rossignol Blackops 98 Open Skis are the clear winner. They are more directional and freeride-oriented, making them a great choice for off-mountain adventures.
Finally, in terms of playfulness, the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis are the clear winner. They are light yet stable, making them a joy to ski on various terrains. Their unique "Gas Pedal Medal Overdrive" technology also adds to their playful, energetic ride.
Conclusions
In conclusion, both the Rossignol Blackops 98 Open Skis and the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis are excellent choices for all-mountain versatility. The Rossignol Blackops 98 Open Skis are perfect for skiers who prefer off-mountain adventures and quick, responsive turns, while the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis are ideal for skiers who love a playful, energetic ride on various terrains. Both skis offer unique features and technologies that enhance their performance, making them a great choice for any skier. So, whether you're an adventurous skier who loves off-mountain fun or a playful, energetic skier who loves a fun, lively ride, there's a ski for you. Happy skiing!