2027 Line Optic 104

The 2027 Line Optic 104 gets a graphic update but otherwise returns unchanged. This 104 makes a solid argument as being the most versatile Optic, especially for skiers who spend most of their time in soft snow or in search of it. We’ve loved these Optic skis since they came out, and we’re still stoked on the setup. The blend of shape and build in this ski makes a whole lot of sense, providing skiers with excellent edge grip and dampness in the mid-zone of the ski while keeping tips and tails rockered and thin for softer snow and powder. Line makes fun skis, and it’s about as simple as that. They put a ton of emphasis on the ski’s ability to do multiple things for many skiers, and while you don’t have to be an expert or pro to ski on the 104, it does fall on the slightly stiffer and heavier side of the spectrum for resulting performance. There’s a surprising amount of power here to go along with a relatively nimble feel.

The Line Optic 104 starts with an aspen wood core. By sandwiching these stringers together, they make a smooth and energetic ski that keeps the weight down. Line plays around with the thickness of the core quite a bit, allowing skiers a more proper grip and power underfoot and a more playful character in the tips and tails. The thinness of the core lines up well with their use of Gas Pedal Metal Overdrive. This laminate consists of a central spine of metal with branches coming off and to the sides. This provides both torsional and longitudinal stiffness to create this desired freeride effect. While it’s a functional metal laminate for sure, it’s not full-width or length, so that does keep the weight down a bit. The 185 tips the scale at 2000 grams, so it’s right at the threshold of heavy. Tester Jose Darias notes that “It’s incredibly stiff and powerful while still offering great responsiveness for the type of ski it is. You can drive a turn from the front of your boots and still air over features with playful balance and style. The ski does it all if you have the skills to pilot it.” It is a relatively demanding ski, at least to get the most out of it.

Optic 104 blends and blurs the lines between freeride and freestyle. This Optic 104 relies heavily on the innovative footprint on which it stands. The shape aligns very well with the build, as they take the rocker and start it where the ski tapers from sidewall to cap. This emphasizes flotation and maneuverability in the ends of the ski while keeping the central portion wide, thick, and sturdy. The rocker profile itself is on the dramatic side but not overpowering. This rocker is balanced with camber underfoot, and that pairs well with the sidewall to make this 104 a very strong carver. We’ve found that for its width, it’s one of the stronger and most stable skis on the market today. In the 185, we get the 19-meter turn radius—the ski is more than happy to both adhere to, and break free from, this arc. It’s amenable to suggestions at any speed, all while having a high-performance and high-speed ceiling. Tester Matt McGinnis states that “While the skis were more capable of making tighter, surfier turns than I’d previously given them credit for, I really unlocked their personality when I popped off a mogul and found myself straight lining out of the mogul field. That’s when it clicked. These skis are insanely stable and crave speed. Typically, when you find yourself on a mandatory straight-line mission, the chattering skis and lack of stability of the tips enter your mind as a concern. Not with the Optic 104 though. With these, I felt completely comfortable at speed on uneven know, as I knew they were up for it. Overall, I found a new appreciation for this ski this year, as I now see it for the straight-line, high-speed charger that it is.” That makes a lot of sense and does make this ski lean more to the freeride side of the spectrum.

The Line Optic 104 attracts its audience by mixing strong and sturdy on-trail performance with fun and floaty off-trail acumen. The way it does so stands out, as the ski has more than its share of stability and grip underfoot to go along with the flexible and floaty ends. The blend of attributes is what makes this ski stand out. Best when used by advanced and expert skiers, there is some room for progressing intermediates here, just with some extra weight and a bit more of a demanding personality. While it’s a bit overlooked in the mid-100's range, it’s got all the ingredients for a powerful and floaty ski.