The 2027 Line Optic 88 with Salomon Strive 14 GW Bindings gives hard-snow performance the Optic treatment in an all-new package. An aspen veneer core, Gas Pedal Metal Overdrive titanal layup, and a tighter turn radius come together for the narrowest member of the Optic Collection, built for ripping corduroy and charging through crud. We paired the Optic 88 with the Strive 14 because of this binding’s well known reputation for safety, reliability, and ease of use. Featuring an LDN toe piece that optimizes contact and response, these bindings integrate seamlessly with boots and skis, allowing for a natural flex and balanced stance, making them the perfect choice to pair with this ski.

Why we like it:

Bringing chevron titanal construction down to this width gives skiers a metal-laminate ski that actually carves like a frontside ski. Most all-mountain skis at this waist skip the metal in favor of lighter constructions; this one doubles down on edge grip instead.

Who it's for:

Intermediate through expert frontside skiers who want a freeride ski's stability in a width that carves like a real frontside ski. A great fit for skiers in firm-snow regions or for anyone who prioritizes edge grip.

Highlights:

The rocker profile is the giveaway, more conservative than the wider Optics with less tail rocker and a flatter overall shape that locks the ski onto its edge through a carve. At an 88 mm waist, this is the narrowest member of the Optic Collection, and the on-snow feel is meaningfully different from the wider members: quicker shape, tighter carve, closer to a true frontside carver than an all-mountain ski. An aspen veneer core carries the snappy, alive feel running through the line, and Gas Pedal Metal Overdrive supplies edge grip and stability without flatlining the ski's energy. That tight turn shape is what you want in a frontside ski, and the twin tip still brings freestyle versatility along with it. At the core is the three-part heel, which delivers the secure boot retention the Strive line is known for while keeping weight reasonable. Salomon's elastic travel keeps the binding planted through chatter and cut-up snow, so it does not get knocked offline easily. The LDN toe spreads lateral input across an extra-wide pedal for crisp edge-to-edge power transfer, and a sliding toe pedal lets the ski bend underfoot for a more natural flex. The whole assembly rides on a low-profile chassis that drops the stance and centers the skier over the ski. It accepts both standard alpine and GripWalk boot soles, and the binding is TUV certified.

Things to consider:

This waist is not ideal for skiers who see real soft snow regularly. If your skiing involves regular powder days, look at the wider Optic 96 or 104. On firm snow is where this ski is at its best.

Fit & sizing considerations:

Length is true to size, so pick your usual number for an all-mountain or frontside ski, going up if you want more stability at speed.