2023 Line Blade Optic 92

The 2023 Line Blade Optic 92 is a fantastic choice for advanced and expert skiers who want something unique, interesting, and a whole lot of fun. Line is very creative with their ski construction and shaping, and this 92 is no different. Built with an Aspen Veneer wood core and fiberglass laminates, the 175 cm length, the skis generate a 17-meter turn radius and weigh 1540 grams, so they’re pretty light and maneuverable. Tip and tail rocker make it float pretty well for its width and the fact that it has metal, adding to the well-rounded nature of the ski.

On the 182, Marcus Shakun notes that the length was okay, but he’d have preferred longer. No such luck for Marcus, though, as the 182 is as long as the 92 comes. Regardless, he gave the ski high scores of 4 out of 5 for overall impression, versatility, forgiveness, playfulness, quickness, maneuverability, stability, and flotation. The few threes were given for torsional stiffness and edge hold, so it’s a nice and high overall baseline average of scores from Marcus here. He calls it “The ski that touched Bob’s Optic Nerve. Ski for the solid progressive intermediate to advanced all-mountain skier. It’s solid from the mid body of the ski to the tail. Tip is a bit lighter and seems to get deflected. That was the weak point to the ski. Super light and can initiate the turn quick within the softer shovel. Able to stand mid foot and finish the turn in thicker snow.” Sounds like good performance in most of the ski when it comes to aggressive skiing.

Joshua Matta was also on the 182, noting that it “feels right for New England tree skiing, but short if wider-open and snowier zones.” Joshua gave the ski a top score of 5 out of 5 for playfulness with 4’s going for overall impression, quickness, and maneuverability. Due to the lighter shovel, Joshua gave it a lower score of 2 for stability. 3’s line the rest of the card, so like Marcus, a nice overall score range here. Joshua calls it “Really fun and playful. Nimbler than others around this width but a larger skier can over power on hard snow when steep, but never scary light on its edges. Good Stowe and jay tree skis.” That maneuverability and quickness certainly come in handy in our tight Vermont trees for sure.

While there was nothing wrong with the outgoing Sick Day series of skis, it’s nice to see some new technology and construction techniques in the mix. With the lighter wood core, there’s a lot to like about Blade Optic, starting with the fun and ending with the performance.