Lead Photo Credit: Colton Jacobs
LINE Skis is certainly no stranger to creativity when it comes to their ski designs. They have long been a pioneer in the park and freeride category, producing skis like the popular Sick Day and, more recently, Sakana, which are unique and fun. However, LINE’s newest endeavor, the Blade, is different from anything we’ve seen before from them. As the ski technician at my local ski shop said when I brought them in to get mounted, “Those are some funky-looking skis.” That’s putting it mildly. One look at the LINE Blade and its massive shovel and long sidecut and you’ll be highly intrigued and ready to talk about what a unique ski design like this can do for you.
“Out of the ordinary is kind of ordinary for LINE, ” says Steven Hartl, Global Brand Director for Line Skis. “LINE was founded back in 95’ on a pretty unusual idea with the invention of ski boards, then the full-length twin tips, the Prophet, Afterbangs, Pescados/Sakanas. We’re always looking to push into unknown territory when it comes to ski design.”
The Blade definitely qualifies as an ‘unknown territory.’ Only 95mm under foot seems fairly normal. However, where the Blade really gets interesting is when that 95mm waist morphs into a 154 MM tip. A shovel like this is nothing short of powerful, plowing through any snow type the trail throws its way. Crud, fluff, corn, pow…they are no match for its massive width. With those obstacles out of the way, the tight sidecut takes over and will have you making turns with the ease of an Olympian.
The Blade offers skiers a ton of power in all conditions but at the same time does not sacrifice the playful pop that LINE skis are known for. This combination of power and pop can be attributed to the Gas Pedal Metal construction. Hartl explains, “the unique chevron shape to the metal drives power laterally to the edges of the ski for stability and grip, but allows the ski to flex tip-to-tail like a fiberglass ski. This is important in that, the power is there, and much easier to access for the skier. Aside from making the Blade intuitive and accessible, this is also where the Blade gets its inspiring freestyle feel.”
Photo Credit: Colton Jacobs
Ultimately, LINE has come upon a ski design in the Blade that makes it incredibly easy to carve a turn while not locking you into it. Essentially, skiers can get up on their edges but certainly skid out of it if the need arises. This type of design increases the accessibility of the turn making The Blade an excellent ski for skier types.
“The Blade absolutely rips up the groomed runs with a really intuitive access to the turn, and is wide enough to be really fun off-piste when there is some fresh snow. All the while, it’s combination of power and playfulness speaks to that more creative skier who is freestyle at heart,” explains Hartl.
Simply stated, the LINE Blade is like nothing else out there on the market. It’s design is not only eye-catching but also effective. “With LINE going into its 27th season and freestyle skiing as our foundation, there are a lot of skiers who grew up with LINE as the freestyle/park brand. Many of these skiers are now taking their turns to the rest of the hill.” says Hartl. Ultimately, the Blade is the unique combination of power and personality that they are looking for while making for some interesting conversations along the way.
Rich Stoner is the founder of the après-ski lifestyle clothing and media brand, All About Après, and the co-host of the Beyond the Après podcast. No stranger to the ski and après-ski scene, Rich has been a long time contributor for many publications on topics like skiing, gear, beer and food. However, his passion is on the slopes and enjoying good times with good people. You can find him perfecting his craft carving turns and drinking beers in the Green Mountains of Vermont. @allaboutapres