Line Blade Optic 104 Freeride Ski 2022 – 2023 | Review - Mpora

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Line Blade Optic 104 Freeride Ski 2022 – 2023 | Review

A great ski that covers a great deal of skiing, there's so much to like about the Blade Optic 104

Why we chose the Line Blade Optic 104: Powerful, versatile, fun 

Lengths (cm): 171, 178, 185, 190
Sidecut (mm): 132 / 104  / 123
Radius: 19m
Rocker Profile: Rocker-Camber-Rocker
Weight (per ski): 1,890g
Price: £610

More Info

The Line brand marketing team is unquestionably one of the finest in the ski game but does the talent of  their engineers match up to the hype cooked up by their promotional team? We, here at Mpora, reckon it totally does.

There are four skis in the Blade Optic Collection coming in at widths of 92, 96, 104, and 114mm. All of them have their uses but this 104 covers the all-mountain freeride category. I’ve witnessed, through my very own eyes, talented Line Team member and New Zealander, Ben Richards go to town on these bad boys (day in, day out).  Claiming the title as the most versatile ski in the range, the 104 covers all corners, crevasses and couloirs of the mountain. It’s the business. 

Line Blade Optic 104 Build

If you’re after a do-it-all day everyday freestyle ski then now is a pretty good time to be alive. Park skiers have asked for fatter skis so they can leave the piste, while freeriders want to spin and trick off drops. What’s so cool is that all the big brands have confident answers. K2 have the Reckoner 102, Atomic have the Bent Chetler 100, Armada have the ARV 106 and, right there in the locker alongside them, Line have the Blade Optic 104.

To keep the weight down, Line has thinned out both the sidewall and the lightweight Aspen Veneer core at the tips and tails to bring each ski down to just 1,890 grams. That’s shockingly light considering the type of skiing these skis are capable of.

While Line have looked to save on weight towards the tips and tails, they’ve also looked to increase mass. This has been done by beefing up the base material by 30% and strapping some bigger edges on to increase tuning life and general durability. High density polyethylene sidewalls contribute to a powerful energy transmission, and help absorb vibrations so you feel in control at mach 10.

The 104 also has Line’s Gas Pedal Metal for more torsional stability, a factor that provides good edge grip and a bit of extra energy. If you’re unaware, Gas Pedal Metal is a powerful and responsive Titinal layer that’s focused to specific points of the ski (towards the edges) to enhance power and stability even further.

The tips and tails rise early so you can be floating in the deep snow and initiate turns quickly on hard pack. Speaking of turning, the Optic has a five point radius resulting in a wide variety of turns and easy turn initiation, depending on the speed and forces you’re putting on the skis.

So, who should ride the 104 Blade Optic? Well it would be easier to answer who shouldn’t quite frankly. From parks rat to Mr. Slalom, these skis cater to a wide range of skiers on the mountain. The Blade is made for people who want to rip the whole resort and don’t want to be slowed down by their skis. A great ski covering a great deal of skiing. Line’s really done something special here. 

What Is The Line Blade Optic 104 Good At?

Power: 9/10
Carving: 8/10
Freestyle: 8/10

Topics:

All-Mountain Skis Line Skis Ski 100 2022/23
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