Review: Line Blade Optic 92

Model year: 2022-2023
Sidecut: 125-92-115
Size: 182
Radius: 17 m
Technology: wood core, partial sidewall, tip and tail rocker, camber underfoot

About this ski

Blade Optic is Line’s all mountain-freeride line. They are directional skis in 92, 96, 104, and 114 mm underfoot. The three widest skis have metal reinforcement. The 92 does not. It is a lightweight ski that should be nimble, alright on hardpack, and quite reasonable in softer snow, bumps, and what have you.

Even though the name of this range – Blad Optic – might suggest otherwise, the range is in no way connected to the Blade skis. Other than they’re both manufactured by Line, that is. So, the Blade Optic 92 should in no way be compared to the Blade. That soft, weirdly wide carving ski that carves wobbly lines in softer snow. It SHOULDN’T be compared. Right?

Wrong

Wrong! This Blade Optic 92 without metal is every bit as scary and unstable as that Blade thing. One big difference: the Blade Optic 92 doesn’t carve. Of rather, it doesn’t grip anything. It’s floppy, slidy, as if there is no edge. 

If you’re having confidence issues, don’t buy this ski. If you want to pick up some speed? Don’t buy this ski. If you want some edge hold? You guessed it: don’t buy this ski. This ski should only be used as a training tool for flat ski pirouettes and butters. 

Conclusion

Unless you’re the new butter master (and even then, I suppose), don’t get this ski.

Characteristics

Playful		Stable
Forgiving		Punishing
Lively		Damp
Skidding		Carving
Low speed		High speed
Short turn		Long turn
Soft snow		Hard snow