It’s really difficult to choose a favorite Line Blade Optic. The 104 makes a solid argument, especially for skiers who spend most of their time in soft snow or in search of it. We’ve loved these Blade Optic skis since they came out last year, and now that they’re returning with only a graphic change, we’re still stoked on the setup. The blend of shape and build in this ski makes a whole lot of sense, providing skiers with excellent edge grip and dampness in the mid-zone of the ski while keeping tips and tails rockered and thin for softer snow and powder. Line makes fun skis, and it’s about as simple as that. They put a ton of emphasis on the ski’s ability to do multiple things for many skiers, and while you don’t have to be an expert or pro to ski on the 104, it does fall on the slightly stiffer and heavier side of the spectrum for resulting performance. Skiers who spend most of their time in softer snow can certainly use this is a one and only ski, but we think most will find it is better served as a snow day ski.

Like the other Blade Optic models that contain metal, the 104 starts with an aspen veneer wood core. By sandwiching these stringers together, they make a smooth and energetic ski that keeps the weight down. Line plays around with the thickness of the core quite a bit, allowing skiers more proper grip and power underfoot and more playful character in the tips and tails. The thinness of the core lines up well with their use of Gas Pedal Metal Overdrive. This laminate consists of a central spine of metal with branches coming off and to the sides. This provides both torsional and longitudinal stiffness to create this desired freeride effect. While it’s a functional metal laminate for sure, it’s not full-width or length, so that does keep the weight down a bit. The 185 tips the scale at 2000 grams, so it’s right at the threshold of heavy.

The shape aligns very well with the build, as they take the rocker and start it where the ski tapers from sidewall to cap. This emphasizes flotation and maneuverability in the ends of the ski while keeping the central portion wide, thick, and sturdy. The rocker profile itself is on the dramatic side, but not overpowering. This rocker is balanced with camber underfoot, and that pairs well with the sidewall to make this 104 a very strong carver. We’ve found that for its width, it’s one of the stronger and more stable skis on the market today. In the 185, we get the 19-meter turn radius—the ski is more than happy to both adhere to, and break free from, this arc. It’s amenable to suggestions at any speed, all while having a high-performance and high-speed ceiling.

The ~104 mm freeride category is pretty stout, so you have to have something that sets you apart from the rest in order to make an impact around here. The Line Blade Optic 104 does so by mixing strong and sturdy on-trail performance with fun and floaty off-trail acumen. The manner in which it does so stands out, as the ski has more than its share of stability and grip underfoot to go along with the flexible and floaty ends. The blend of attributes is what makes this ski stand out. Best when used by advanced and expert skiers, there is some room for progressing intermediates here, just with some extra weight and a bit more of a demanding personality.