2022 Line Sakana

The response we get from the Line Sakana was surprising at first, but then we kind of got used to it. For something that looks as strange as it does, it really works well, and that just catches a lot of skiers off-guard. There’s nothing wrong with that, it’s just really interesting. With a strange shape and a unique construction, the Sakana doesn’t really fit into a particular category, and we’re just as likely to call it a freeride ski as we are to call it a front-side cruiser. At 106 mm underfoot and with a gargantuan 150 mm shovel, the ski is strange in the top half, but in the bottom, it gets even weirder. The swallow tail is pretty darn unique, and this allows the ski to float effortlessly through fresh powder while retaining strong edge grip on the groomers. They stiffen the flares of the tail with metal, and it does feel a lot more substantial than it looks. The shape combines to create a 15-meter turn radius, and for a ski this wide, that’s on the short side for sure. We get a Partly Cloudy core with the Sakana, which is a blend of paulownia and maple woods for a nice combination of light weight and stable performance. This “fish” shape of ski is borrowed from the snowboard world, and it allows for a more playful and maneuverable feeling in the fresh, while keeping the ski glued to the snow in an on-piste realm. Call them or label them what you will, the Line Sakana is a surprising performer, and one of our favorite skis in the test.

Matt McGinnis was on the 181 and notes that it skis true to size, or whatever that may be in Sakana world. He gave top scores of 5’s out of 5 for flotation, versatility, and overall impression while 4’s dominated the rest of his scorecard. Pretty high average for a ski with a 150 mm shovel, so let’s see what Matt has to say about it: “This is a ski that has so much to offer, it would take at least a dozen days to really tap into the full picture. When I first sized these things up, my instinct was that their primary purpose was to carve. Paired with a relatively massive 150mm shovel, so I figured line wanted to make an exceptionally powder-capable carving ski. While that is what this ski is, that take is a bit too simplistic. Right from the jump, I realized I’d slightly misjudged these skis. I expected a tight radius, but upon entering my first turn, I quickly realized that the radius was longer than expected. I also noticed the shovel just dominating any slush in its path, suggesting these skis have both definite stability as well as flotation potential. So, most of the rest of my run was medium-long arcing carves and popping off any bump I could find. Oh, and that’s another thing- these skis don’t mind a little hang time, and their pop helps you achieve it. Finally, towards the end of my run, I was running low on speed and figured I’d give ‘em a little wiggle test. To my surprise, they wiggled with ease, transitioning edge to edge much quicker than I’d expected. Like I said, I could spend a considerable amount of time on these skis and still find myself surprised by their abilities. As for recommendations, I think I’d put the entry requirement at advanced intermediate. A true intermediate skier could likely ski these no problem, but they wouldn’t be doing the ski justice and it’s likely there’s a more suitable option for them out there. For confident skiers though, this ski is an excellent choice. Frontside capable and carve ready, while also offering a shovel wide enough to charge crud and offer floatation potential, these skis have serious one-ski-quiver potential.” I don’t think there are many skis out there with this shape and profile that have one-ski quiver potential, and that’s pretty impressive to see here. Dana Allen was also on the 181 and shares that “For a ski that looks like a Powder Skis, surprisingly great hard snow and chop performance. Though the tip is a little soft, it is stiff under foot and will definitely hold an edge and rail a turn. At 1:05 mm under a foot, it’s not an overly difficult Ski to manage. But the absolutely giant shovel will give you plenty of flotation and soft snow. While the swallowtail looks weird, it actually finishes a turn quite well. Overall, a surprisingly versatile ski.” Again with the surprisingly versatile comments, and we’re all about it.

Matt McAlary felt his 181-cm test length “felt true to size due to its longer effective edge. I own the 174cm version of this ski, which is the size I would recommend for most people of average or less than average height. This is a ski that has so much to offer, it would take at least a dozen days to really tap into the full picture. When I first sized these things up, my instinct was that their primary purpose was to carve. Paired with a relatively massive 150mm shovel, so I figured line wanted to make an exceptionally powder-capable carving ski. While that is what this ski is, that take is a bit too simplistic.” Perhaps not initially intuitive, the Sakana has treasures to unlock, much like your favorite video game. Marcus Shakun warns: “Don’t Judge a Book By Its Cover The was such a great experience and all makes sense now. Got to ski it to believe it. adv through expert skier wanting a bit of everything. Lay it on edge and feel that swallow tail digs in and trench out long turns. Oh, you want to snuggle out some short ones to no problem. No question its float through soft snow, but last through the spring corn with ease. nailed it!!” Marcus skied the 181, and while most taller skiers might think that would be a short length, it works well given the shape and build of the Sakana.

We hesitate to label the Sakana or place it in only one of our ski test categories, but that’s just how life is sometimes. I’m calling it a freeride ski mostly because I’m just not sure where else to put it. I’m claiming that it’s best for expert skiers, only because they’re going to be able to find all the hidden easter eggs and hints in the ski, rather than an intermediate who will use it more for just a powder ski. It’s not too demanding, but there’s a ton of untapped potential in the ski, and it’s one of the cooler skis we’ve been on in quite some time.