Line brings back its Blade Optic 92 for 2024 with only a graphics refresh. It keeps the light, fun, energetic nature while sharpening the look. When we first got on this ski last year, it was apparent that it made for a versatile, well-rounded ski that could operate in a wide variety of conditions and terrain, all while remaining accessible to a number of different skier types, from progressing intermediates through aggressive experts. As the narrowest of the Blade Optic skis, it’s also the only one that doesn’t have metal in it, keeping the weight light and the personality energetic. Skis like this in the low to mid-90's make a lot of sense when it comes to all-mountain versatility, and when you add a moderate twin tipped shape to the mix, it also brings the freestyle aspect into the fold. For emerging freeriders looking for a narrower yet floaty ski, the Blade Optic 92 is an amazing ski.

Built with an aspen veneer wood core, this ski is pretty darn smooth and quiet. These stringers of aspen combine to make good energy, manageable weight, and a lot of fun. There’s not a whole lot else going on with these skis in terms of construction. While the wider skis in the line get the Gas Pedal Metal Overdrive laminate, the 92’s do not, separating themselves from the rest of the Blade Optics, but not in a bad way—it makes sense in this width. Like with Line’s Vision series, they don’t come out and tell you that it can be used for a touring or hybrid ski, they let you figure that out for yourself. At 1630 grams per ski in the 175, it’s certainly light enough for sporadic touring, and while we wouldn’t necessarily say it’s a great ski for a daily uphill ski, the weight speaks on its own.

As for shape, the ski is nice and well-rounded, emphasizing versatility in both on and off-trail formats. With measurements of 125/92/115, this ski can handle it all, from early morning hard pack to powder and crud. The profile allows for good flotation, with moderate tip and tails splay to go along with mid-range underfoot camber. In the 175, we’re getting a turn radius of 16-meters, creating a short to mid-range carve for skiers that love to make a variety of turn shapes and styles. With rounder taper in the tips and tails, the flotation is smooth and predictable. We’ve found that it’s equally at home on groomers as it is in the trees, but with more of a lean towards the off-piste, mainly because it’s so agile and quick.

With thinner tips and tails and a sturdy underfoot zone, the Line Blade Optic 92 is an excellent choice for modern day freeride skiers who are looking for something on the narrower side of the spectrum. Conversely, if you’re looking for a wider all-mountain ski that’s agile and a whole lot of fun, this ski fits that bill as well. Thanks to Line’s commitment to keeping things fun out there on the hill, skis like the Blade Optic 92 should be at the forefront of many skiers’ decision-making process. While it’s not quite a mainstream model as of yet, it certainly has the performance and character to make it a skier favorite.