Burly, fat, and kind of rugged, the Line Blade Optic 114 is a big ski that operates well at higher speeds and in longer turns. As the widest of the all-new Blade Optic line from Line, the 114 features similar construction as the narrower models, but since it’s all placed in a wider-bodied format, the mass and stiffness increase accordingly.
ROCKER PROFILE
Rocker / Camber / Rocker
CORE MATERIALS
5-Cut Multi Radius
PREFERRED TERRAIN
Powder, Big Mountain
Built with an aspen wood core, the Blade Optic 114 also gets their Gas Pedal Metal Overdrive laminate that delivers power to the edges and stability to the central portion of the ski. The metal that extends to the edge in the mid-foot area and slightly beyond helps to get torsional stiffness and edge grip to the ski while the central spine keeps vibrations to a total minimum. You’re going to pay for it a bit in the weight department, with the 186 coming in at about 2160 grams per ski. Combined with a 24-meter turn radius and these skis are straight and forward-thinking sticks that want to rip and hustle over any and all conditions and terrain.
On the 186, Bob St.Pierre noted that “due to the burly construction and heavy weight of the ski, it feels a little long. If I skied in wider-open spaces, I’d likely go to the 192, but if I were forced to ski this thing here in VT, I’d stick to the 186.” He scored it 5 out of 5 for stability, and another 5 for flotation, but all other scores were 2’s. This sounds like a more specific tool for a particular job versus a well-rounded all-mountain ski. Bob states that “the Line Blade Optic 114 is a pretty rugged ski. It wants to go straight and fast. A lot. And that’s about it. There’s really no maneuverability with this ski, even in the 186, so be prepared to put some work in when you click in and head out. It’s actually kind of scary in the tighter trails around Stowe, but I’d imagine it would be a lot of fun in more open zones, bowls, and deep snow. If you’re a strong skier that wants something on the burlier side of the spectrum in a wider shape, this is a good ski for you.” There is something for everyone out there, so it makes sense to build a ski like this for those skiers.
In the right area, on the feet of the proper skier, and with wider room to run, the Line Blade Optic 114 has a lot going for it. If you’re looking for something floatier and more playful with a nimble and quick nature, you may want to look elsewhere.
