2023 Line Vision 98

The difference between picking up the 2023 Line Vision 98 and actually skiing on it is pretty darn surprising. When you see it on the shelf and pick it up, you’d think there was no way this ski could perform in an alpine setting. The reality of it is quite different. In the 179, the Vision 98 weighs in at just over 1500 grams, so that’s right in the zone of being able to be a pure 50/50 touring/resort ski, putting more emphasis on you, the skier, to determine the proper application and format for this ski. Line uses a blend of maple and paulownia to get the energy while keeping it light, and they also add their carbon, aramid, and fiberglass laminate to the mix to boost performance. Whether you want to use this ski as an exclusive touring ski or never leave lift-served terrain is totally up to you. The light weight, yet snappy feel make this ski an amazing choice for intermediates who are looking to get into the freeride scene as well as advanced and expert skiers looking for a versatile stick for a variety of applications. At 98 mm underfoot, the ski is very well-rounded in terms of being able to ski powder, soft snow, crud, or groomers. If you decide to ski in the trees, you’re in luck, as the Vision 98 is about as quick and maneuverable as it gets.

On the 179, Bob St.Pierre noted that “I’d rather ski the longer length, but was pretty surprised at how well the 179 handled my 225 pounds. Taking the light weight into account, I would generally say the Vision 98 skis true to size.” He gave the ski top marks of 5 out of 5 for quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, and forgiveness. Lower scores of 3 out of 5 were seen for stability, torsional stiffness, and edge grip. “While I certainly have the capability of overpowering this ski, I didn’t feel like I had to in order to generate energy and pop out of the ski. I couldn’t just push into it as hard as I could, but still found a lot to like about it at medium speeds and mid-range turn shapes. It’s obviously insanely quick from edge to edge, and likely the lightest ~98 mm underfoot ski I’ve been on in a while. I love the flex for fun skiing, but I think I’d have a hard time using this ski as my personal daily driver. For someone who is lighter or less aggressive, I’d leave the Vision 98 squarely in the conversation.” Skier type does have a lot to do with the attractiveness of the ski for sure.

Jeffrey Siegel also skied the 179, and he noted it was true to size. Mostly 4’s and 5’s on Jeffrey’s scorecard, including 5’s for versatility and overall impression. “Any ski that’s poppy enough to put me in the air puts a smile on my face. This ski is all about the surf and about the pop. I’m sure it tears up soft snow. It certainly ripped through the spring bumps. I was either plowing through them or flying over them. The ski definitely likes to be airborne. It has a confidence inspiring level of stability and a surprisingly smooth and solid feel. I like the way the ski carves too, it actually has a nice balance of surfiness to carvability which works well for a 98 mm do everything ski.” That lighter weight certainly makes the Vision 98 easier to get in the air, and that’s what Jeffrey’s keying in on here.

Light enough for a hybrid touring ski, while remaining strong enough for in-bounds hammering, the Line Vision 98 is an interesting option for intermediate through expert skiers who are looking for light weight, quickness, and a ton of fun.