Anybody get on the Line Blade Optic skis yet?

[kc_7777]

So surfy. So smeary. So fun! 🤩

Attachment 482527Attachment 482528

Hey bandit,

The 114 is a pretty good inbounds pow ski eh?

I’m loving mine in the last week at Whistler with all the new snow. The Rasta pivots do look sweet.


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[phatty]

I'm glad I'm rubbing off on you with the Pivot selection [emoji28]

[Bandit Man]

Hey bandit,

The 114 is a pretty good inbounds pow ski eh?

I’m loving mine in the last week at Whistler with all the new snow. The Rasta pivots do look sweet.


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100%!! Conditions were amazing today and nobody was there, so that helps. I can't get over how "special" this ski is. It's like someone took the DNA of a Blizzard Rustler 11, ON3P Billy Goat, and Dynastar MFree 108 and spliced them together. Solid underfoot but somehow so playful and smeary. These may be the best powder day tree in my quite bloated quiver...and that's saying something. The pivot-ability of these things is unreal. My buddy asked me "How are you skiing so fast in the trees?" and "How are you able to make those things turn and pivot so quickly?" Totally blown away with how good these things are. More to follow when I can gather my thoughts and stop gushing.

[Bandit Man]

Initial Impressions - Blade Optic 114 - Bandit Man's 1 day review


Ski “tested” - 2023 Line Blade Optic 114 - 186-cm, mounted with Pivot 15 on the recommended line

Boots - 2020 Tecnica Cochise 130 Dyn

Skier Info - 5’ 8’”, 205-lbs, 45-years skiing in Sierra Nevada, Wasatch, and Cascades

Ski preferences - Damp chargers (Volkl Katana and Mantra lines), Playful chargers (OG Cochise, MFree 108), Stout but smeary powder skis (Shiro, Billy Goat) somewhere in the 185 to 190-cm length


Location and Snow Conditions - Stevens Pass, WA; 12-24’ of low to medium density powder with some occasional crust and variable due to wind scour. Typical “deep” PNW powder day conditions. Groomers with 2-3” of fresh.


Initial Impressions


Right out of the gate, I was quite surprised that these didn’t feel heavy and planky given that they are over 2,300-grams per ski and mounted with P15’s. In fact, given the depth of snow that I was about to ski, I was a little worried about not having enough ski to float. First run was a bit medium to low angle to figure out the conditions and the ski and I felt like I was having a hard time settling into the ski. I had to fight the urge to ride the tails/my heels to get the shovel to float. I could tell the ski was stout under foot, but I was a bit unsure about the tips and tails and was worried about finding a hinge point because of the taper in the metal layer. My buddy was riding his 193 Volkl Shiros and appeared to be having a better time than me. I fought the urge to go back to the car and get my trusted BG116’s, even though the snow conditions were perfect for them.

The backside had now opened, so I figured I’d give them a gun on some steeper slopes before heading back to the car and swapping out for a more appropriate ski. On the steeper slopes, something started to click. I found the sweet spot and got comfortable pushing the ski from a more centered stance, trusting that the shovel would plane and not fold. The 24-m radius started to show up and the tails started to feel magically loose, yet reliable and predictable. I was starting to see the merits of the Optic, but was still jonesing for my Billy Goats and we decided to take a run down Wild Katz (steep tree run which is nicely gladed) so I could get back to the car. In those steep trees, I unlocked the magic of the Optic 114. My 186 2014 Billy Goats are my favorite tree ski, followed closely by my 192 Mfree108’s. After one run down Wild Katz, I realized that I found a ski that rivaled those two in terms of the stability and ability to be pushed hard blended with playful agility and that magic “pivot and smear” factor those of skis exhibit in soft snow. Fair to say, I decided to not swap out my skis and spent the rest of the day playing in the trees and open bowls surfing and smearing on the Optic 114.

Trees and Tight Spaces


Is it the “Gas Pedal Metal”? Is it the 24-m turn radius? Is is the just sturdy enough tail that still breaks loose so easily? It is probably all of those things working together and they make for one heck of a playful, loose and smeary ski, especially in tight spaces. I just turned the big 5-0 a few months ago and the Optic 114 made me feel like I was skiing in my 20’s again. My buddy was amazed at how quick I could turn them. I was smearing and slashing with ease and popping off of wind lips and moguls. These things just crave being tossed sideways or to have the tails slid out to change direction. So much fun!

Open Bowls


The wind had scoured most of the wide open bowls, but we found a wind protected area outside the boundary lines that had been loaded up with 18-24” of just about perfect low-density snow. Now that I had figured out the sweet spot, I was able to let the ski run. It floated fine and was confidence inspiring at speed. I could drive the ski from the center and get some powerful pow turns out of it. Now, these are a Bodacious but any means and I think the more firm and variable conditions get the more I would have to throttle back a bit, but they mixed float, stability, and looseness in a way that allowed for either a full attack mode or active playful style, which was a unique trait. I kept thinking that the Optic 114 would be a good alternative for people who want a ski like the Bent Chetler 120 but need something a bit more stout. The surfiness despite being 114 underfoot was impressive.

Groomers


I was only skiing groomers back to the lift and those groomers had a few inches of snow on them from the active storm, so I could feel that they were decent on groomers, but didn’t get to do any high speed runs or deep arcs to truly put them to the test. I did get enough of a feel to believe that they would be fine as a resort based powder ski for my little mountain or a place like Whistler-Blackcomb were guys like KC seem to dig them.

Ice/Firm Snow


The few icy/wind scoured traverses I skied them on helped me gain an appreciation for the edge to edge metal layer under foot. No problem finding and holding an edge on firm, icy stuff. I wouldn’t choose them on a firm/variable day where something narrower and more stout would get the nod.

Size/Length


The 186 length felt perfect most of the day for the conditions and terrain. Despite being 2,300 grams per ski, they never felt heavy and the mass of the skis felt like an asset more than anything, blasting through denser piles and holding their own when the occasional icy chicken head or death cookie would be found under the deep layers of goodness. That being said, on a bigger mountain or someone or larger size/stature, I could see sizing up to the 192. I suspect they would feel like a good bit more than the 186, giving up some quickness and agility and gaining stability, especially at the top end.
Final Thoughts


I said it in an earlier post, I felt like someone took the best parts of the OG Rustler 11, MFree108, and Billy Goat and combined them to make this 50% freeride, 50% freestyle ski that blends playfulness, stability, and power in a very balance and unique way. Looking for many more days on these. I hope my Billy Goats don’t get jealous.

[altabrig]

Great review Bandit.



The new graphics are less polarizing. The monster varicose metal is a mountain dew extreme statement. The new Optics look a bit more toned down with the neutral earth tone and shade Faction Mana Prodigy look that mutes the varicose metal under the cap wall topper.

The dew the dew look has the green bases - a plus. I am all about the price and utility, so I will live with the rad caffeine vibe.

[Kya]

Picked up some new 104s a few weeks back, and they delaminated near the heal piece after only a few hours of skiing. Totally lame. Most disappointing was having to eat the cost of the mount and shipping back to Line skis. They refused to reimburse the cost of shipping.


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[Robik]

Picked up some new 104s a few weeks back, and they delaminated near the heal piece after only a few hours of skiing. Totally lame. Most disappointing was having to eat the cost of the mount and shipping back to Line skis. They refused to reimburse the cost of shipping.


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That's weird to hear. My 104 are among the most durable skis I've been on. Considering a pretty shallow start of the season and the fact that I don't baby them since they were among the cheapest new skis that I got. Got some pictures?

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[altacoup]

I blew up my pair of 190s at the bird yesterday. I did hit something but doubt it would’ve completely blow out other skis. Pulled the sidewall off the core. Sidewall and edge didn’t break so I’m pretty sure I can epoxy it back in and put a base weld in. I really like how they ski, but not sold on durability.


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[altabrig]

Picked up some new 104s a few weeks back, and they delaminated near the heal piece after only a few hours of skiing. Totally lame. Most disappointing was having to eat the cost of the mount and shipping back to Line skis. They refused to reimburse the cost of shipping.


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Bummer four you and Altacoup. Hope Line takes care of you and the epoxy and clamps do the job.

Hope my China skis dont fall apart. Sounds like a ride til it dies rockski especially if they get the reputation for being poorly built. You won't be able to give them away. Line overestimated demand on these heavy playful chargers? Maybe next year there won't be the massive leftover inventory.

The edges are burlier on these than the blanks. My blanks edges are a joke. Must be the thinnest I have ever owned. Like tinsel. Looks less than 1.5mm thick.

I would have expected maybe a topsheet cap issue in the tips if anything. The seem solid, but time and hits will tell.

Tuned and waxed the 104 optics. Factory tune was not awesome. Base edges were ok, sides were not a uniform 2. Lotsa lime green.

Not sure the tune matters so much on the 114s. Different days and purpose.

[MD12]

I may sound like a broken record but check out j skis hotshot 189. Think it’s the closest thing to the optic 104 and is bomber.

[altabrig]

I may sound like an enthusiatic owner or grass roots marketer but check out j skis hotshot 189. Think it’s the closest thing to the optic 104 and is bomber.

The original line before k2China. Supacool graphics. Hard to hit those giveaway overstock prices on the Optics with the USA small batch skis.

Are the Leventhals cap/wall like the Optics or full sidewall?

[MD12]

The original line before k2China. Supacool graphics. Hard to hit those giveaway overstock prices on the Optics with the USA small batch skis.

Are the Leventhals cap/wall like the Optics or full sidewall?

hear that. They’re full sidewall.

[snowaddict91]

I may sound like a broken record but check out j skis hotshot 189. Think it’s the closest thing to the optic 104 and is bomber.

It sounds like you've skied both? That's good to know as I'm optic curious and also have a pair of 186 metals that I picked up last year that I've been digging.

[Robik]

Has anyone been on Optic 114 and Vision 118 and can compare? I'm pretty happy with BO104 190 this year when things get tracked out at the resort and it's pretty much my daily driver unless it's a dry spell or dumping like a crazy. Was thinking of getting 114 for deeper days but could also use Vision 118 with something like Duke PT as 70/30 setup and switch back to 104 if it gets knocked around too much. Both can be had fairly cheap from one well known online store.

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[MD12]

It sounds like you've skied both? That's good to know as I'm optic curious and also have a pair of 186 metals that I picked up last year that I've been digging.

took one run on my buddys blade optic 104 which confirmed what others have told me but wasn’t enough time to make an independent assessment, just wasn’t enough for a test and skid it mostly in firm conditions on the east coast. it was a better size for me than the 183 hotshot (which is actually 180). now that i have the 189 hotshot (which is 186.5 actual length) i have zero interest in the blade optic 104. to me the 189 hotshot has significantly better suspension, is more forgiving of sloppy technique (particularly if thrown a tiny bit backseat), swingweight feels about the same, i can lean into the shovels a bit more on the hotshot and feel its more supportive while also being more forgiving. just as easy to ski centered but the hotshot lets you ski a little more forward too. I also like the mount point being a cm back on the hotshot. optic 104 reminded me more of a looser 187 masterblaster than the 189 hotshot, but that might have been mostly because of mountpoint (also didn’t like it as much as the masterblaster). only downside to me (if there is one) is that the blade optic feels a tiny tiny bit looser than the 189 hotshot. most notable thing to me was the suspension underfoot - you just don’t feel harsh bumps on the hotshot like you do on even the optic. I can ski the 189 hotshot faster and be more comfortable than the optic.

[Bandit Man]

took one run on my buddys blade optic 104 which confirmed what others have told me but wasn’t enough time to make an independent assessment, just wasn’t enough for a test and skid it mostly in firm conditions on the east coast. it was a better size for me than the 183 hotshot (which is actually 180). now that i have the 189 hotshot (which is 186.5 actual length) i have zero interest in the blade optic 104. to me the 189 hotshot has significantly better suspension, is more forgiving of sloppy technique (particularly if thrown a tiny bit backseat), swingweight feels about the same, i can lean into the shovels a bit more on the hotshot and feel its more supportive while also being more forgiving. just as easy to ski centered but the hotshot lets you ski a little more forward too. I also like the mount point being a cm back on the hotshot. optic 104 reminded me more of a looser 187 masterblaster than the 189 hotshot, but that might have been mostly because of mountpoint (also didn’t like it as much as the masterblaster). only downside to me (if there is one) is that the blade optic feels a tiny tiny bit looser than the 189 hotshot. most notable thing to me was the suspension underfoot - you just don’t feel harsh bumps on the hotshot like you do on even the optic. I can ski the 189 hotshot faster and be more comfortable than the optic.

Thanks for the Blade Optic 104 and Hotshot comparison. I've really been enjoying the 190 BO104, but am "Hotshot curious". Coincidentally, I helped Phatty mount his 189 Hotshots last night, so got a chance to handle/fondle a pair. I'm not as concerned about the weight after seeing them in person and looking forward to Phatty's input from use in our local snow-pack/terrain.

Also, you are a bad man for making me look for more skis!!

[snowaddict91]

^x2, thanks for the thorough comparison MD12!

[waxoff]

PSA: sport-bittl.com (Yurp) have the 22/23 Optic 104 and 114 at 57 % and 54 % off. All lengths. Also 23/24 discounted but to a lesser degree.

[MD12]

Thanks for the Blade Optic 104 and Hotshot comparison. I've really been enjoying the 190 BO104, but am "Hotshot curious". Coincidentally, I helped Phatty mount his 189 Hotshots last night, so got a chance to handle/fondle a pair. I'm not as concerned about the weight after seeing them in person and looking forward to Phatty's input from use in our local snow-pack/terrain.

Also, you are a bad man for making me look for more skis!!

Looking forward to phatty’s thoughts. 189 hotshots don’t feel heavy at all to me on my feet, i haven’t noticed the weight once while skiing and was focused on it because that was my hesitation as well. the metal is mostly underfoot and tapers to a point at the tip and tail. i think there’s something very nice about the weight distribution - don’t notice the weight at all or any hookiness even in cement. was kind of surprised about the complete lack of hookiness given it doesn’t have the most tapered tips in the world, but i think the heft in the center of the ski must help keep the tips right where you want them without you feeling it (does the work for you).

I’m really interested in how the 189 friend skis. blister says its sort of like a qst blank in different sizing. im expecting that’s the case and feels like a blank between 186 and 194. picking up the 189 hotshot and 189 friend, the hotshot is a bit heavier, but the friend doesn’t have metal. haven’t skid em yet (had to cancel my trip out west this past week) but can’t wait. i may just rip them on the east coast this weekend for a few runs.

[phatty]

Looking forward to phatty’s thoughts. 189 hotshots don’t feel heavy at all to me on my feet, i haven’t noticed the weight once while skiing and was focused on it because that was my hesitation as well. the metal is mostly underfoot and tapers to a point at the tip and tail. i think there’s something very nice about the weight distribution - don’t notice the weight at all or any hookiness even in cement. was kind of surprised about the complete lack of hookiness given it doesn’t have the most tapered tips in the world, but i think the heft in the center of the ski must help keep the tips right where you want them without you feeling it (does the work for you).

I’m really interested in how the 189 friend skis. blister says its sort of like a qst blank in different sizing. im expecting that’s the case and feels like a blank between 186 and 194. picking up the 189 hotshot and 189 friend, the hotshot is a bit heavier, but the friend doesn’t have metal. haven’t skid em yet (had to cancel my trip out west this past week) but can’t wait. i may just rip them on the east coast this weekend for a few runs.

Getting the Hotshot out for a second day today and will post thoughts in the J Skis thread since I haven't skied the Blade. After initial night, I'm impressed. Can definitely haul the mail thru rough snow.

[kc_7777]

Getting the Hotshot out for a second day today and will post thoughts in the J Skis thread since I haven't skied the Blade. After initial night, I'm impressed. Can definitely haul the mail thru rough snow.

Naw keep posting Hotshot stuff here. And to be consistent you should post Line Blade Optic stuff in the J Ski thread.


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[SnowMachine]

took one run on my buddys blade optic 104 which confirmed what others have told me but wasn’t enough time to make an independent assessment, just wasn’t enough for a test and skid it mostly in firm conditions on the east coast. it was a better size for me than the 183 hotshot (which is actually 180). now that i have the 189 hotshot (which is 186.5 actual length) i have zero interest in the blade optic 104. to me the 189 hotshot has significantly better suspension, is more forgiving of sloppy technique (particularly if thrown a tiny bit backseat), swingweight feels about the same, i can lean into the shovels a bit more on the hotshot and feel its more supportive while also being more forgiving. just as easy to ski centered but the hotshot lets you ski a little more forward too. I also like the mount point being a cm back on the hotshot. optic 104 reminded me more of a looser 187 masterblaster than the 189 hotshot, but that might have been mostly because of mountpoint (also didn’t like it as much as the masterblaster). only downside to me (if there is one) is that the blade optic feels a tiny tiny bit looser than the 189 hotshot. most notable thing to me was the suspension underfoot - you just don’t feel harsh bumps on the hotshot like you do on even the optic. I can ski the 189 hotshot faster and be more comfortable than the optic.

Hotshot is one of my all-time favorite skis. Surfy and fun, but with some backbone. J Skis are the most durable skis I've found. This year has been brutal and my Hotshots keep on trucking.

I loved the Friend, also. 183 wasn't quite enough ski and I didn't want to go 189. I might revisit that.

[SnowMachine]

Just picked up some of those $360 BO114's in 186. These are to replace my Praxis Jedi Mind Sticks that I can't get on with.

The 186 isn't much shorter than the 190 Mind Stick. It is a "true" 186, for sure. These two skis have a nearly identical rocker profile front and rear. BO114 is mounted a couple of CM's further back. BO is the softer ski with a very round flex profile. The Mind Sticks are stiff and have a hinge point under the bindings.

They're getting mounted today. I'm very excited to ski the 114's. The Mind Stick's were very close to being that resort pow/chop charger that I wanted, but they were a handful in tight spots (I think they're too stiff for me). Fingers crossed.

[SnowMachine]

Ok, I got a chance to get on the 186 BO114's. Here are my thoughts:

Weather was perfectly ideal for this ski. Windy and cold. The groomers were delightful with blown in fluff on top of fantastic snow. We caught a lift opening and had multiple untracked laps ~12" of pow. Plenty of resort chop on hand from the previous powder days this week.

It's a pretty stout ski. Enough so that from my first turns I was nervous. When you look at the rocker profile it screams playful, but they ski a bit more serious. The edges came from the factory sharp. The flex is stiff, but round from end to end.

Pretty typical of a 114, you really have to roll them up onto edge. Once you do, you're rewarded with an absolute rocket ship. These skis love to go fast and they'll make turns over anything in their path. After a couple of laps I was darned near dragging hips running back to the chair as fast as I could. These are not the skis to noodle with the kids on. Granted, conditions were perfect. You could dig the edges in as hard as you wanted.

That said, when you wanted to shut it down, they were easy to pick up out of the turn and put the brakes on hard.

Soft chop was darned near the same as groomers. Pick your line and go. Make giant turns right over the chop.

Untracked pow was interesting. After a few laps on the groomers I started thinking this ski would be pretty serious. What I found was a very capable ski that lets you ski it a lot of different ways. I could slide it around or dive hard into the fall line. I think it works really well. I got the same impression as Blister that this ski doesn't love to stop and start. It wants a bit if momentum, but as long as you have a bit of speed it turns and pivots easily.

Deep moguls isn't where I want this ski, but it's also not where I Iike to ski. It's big, heavy and pretty stiff for those conditions.

My impression is that this will be a great addition to the quiver. It's a resort pow ski with a lot of flexibility. It rewards good form and will smack your peepee for backseat skiing. I might still have a slot in the quiver for a really playful pow stick, but between this and the Renegade I feel darned well covered for soft snow.

I'll get them out into some more variable conditions are report back. If you can ski the 192, good on you. I bet that ski is a beast.

Edit: I just went back and read Bandit Man's review. I think I feel mostly the same. My lack of posting about the skis float is a result of me not having to think about it. They float, at least at my weight... FWIW, I'm 6' 160lbs.

[Bandit Man]

SnowMachine - while reading your review (which I appreciate and agree with) I kept thinking, “He’s got to be a lot lighter than me.” After seeing you posted your physical specs at the end, I think what you stated about the 114 is accurate. The 40-lbs I have on you makes them feel a bit easier to ski. Also, I’ve felt that I could enjoy the 192, but I’d be concerned about losing the versatility of 186. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.


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