It's pretty similar--the main difference is that Unleashed has full width metal and sidewall in the tips and tails--the Blade Optic gets thinner with less metal in the ends of the skis. This makes it a bit more maneuverable and floaty in softer snow, but there's an all-around performance hit there. I loved the Blade Optic in medium-range turns, trees, and bumps. The Unleashed is a bit steadier overall.
I am looking for a new Ski for resorts in europe. I would say i am like 70% on groomers, but whenever snow is good is like to go off piste in powder. I would consider myself advanced to expert skier. My last ski was a twin tip and i still kind of want that as i still try to improve my backwards skiing and small jumps with landing switch. Now i am looking for more of an all mountain setup(90-100 under foot)with maybe a twin tip. I want to ski it on groomers as well and it should not be bad at carving. After my research i am hovering between: Bent 100, Arv 94, k2 poacher, k2 mindender 99ti and k2 mindbender 96c. For the skis on the lower 90s i am not sure if they will serve me well in powder. And now I have even found the Blade Optic 96, that might as well suit my needs well. And last years model is more than 50% off now. What do you think and what are your thoughts? I am around 180cm and around 75kg. Thanks in advance, love your content
Perhaps simplistic, but the closer you get to 100, the better these skis will float, so if you are looking for a mix of groomer performance and soft snow acumen, it's okay to stick to the mid to upper 90's as there's a lot of great options here. Not on your list, but check out the Nordica Unleashed 98. Great carving twin tip with soft snow potential. We did a thing on it last year--check it out: ua-cam.com/video/vu1dOnu9xyM/v-deo.html
The turn radius sounds like my 2019 Bonafida 97s which I LOVE on piste and cruising. I am seeking something with a softer tip and tails for bumps and perhaps shorter turns in the trees so would be interested to learn if these might work or if I should just keep searching. Headed to Telluride in January but ski 75% of the time in the North Carolina and West Virginia mountains
“Softer tip and tail for bumps…”?? For bumps, you really want a stiffer tip and tail, sounds crazy, but mogul skis are rock hard, you don’t want flex in the bumps. That does not mean you cant ski bumps on a soft ski, I do all the time, but a stiffer ski is better in the bumps. 😊 For a great ALL mnt ski, try the Stockli Stormrider95, they are the bomb in everything, but they are not cheap. However, I have learned they extra money is worth it because they are so well made, they last a long time. Instead of buying 2 or 3 sets of ski’s over 5 years, the Stockli’s will last…..
Softer tips and tails for bumps make it easier to maneuver, I bet that's what they're getting at. These Lines will likely do great for what you're looking to do. If you're looking for something a bit grippier with slightly more of a NC/WV vibe, I'd also check out Salomon QST 92.
How would it compare to the 2023 Rustler 9? I purchased the Rustler 9s last year, but have felt that the 9 needed slightly more width, and that the 9 chattered a little too much even on intermediate trails (not loving it as I hoped). I am looking for that general design found in the Line Optic 96 and a ski that can do multiple types of skiing conditions. I ski east and take trips out west.
It's pretty similar--the metal in the Line extends to the (almost) very tips and tails, so that brings the stability to more of a true length, and hopefully mitigating chatter. You're getting more metal overall and a wider shape, so those things that you weren't crazy about with the Rustler are hopefully assuaged with the Blade Optic 96. The next level up, you're looking at Nordica Enforcer 94, Volkl Mantra M6, or Blizzard Bonafide 97--those take the stability and power to the next level, but they do take a hit when it comes to versatility and well-roundedness when compared to Rustler or Blade Optic.
Great review! What size would you recommend for me? I'm 191cm, 80kg, intermediate level skier. Also doubting between this and the blade optic 92 or atomic bent 90. Any advice would be very helpful!
I'd probably trade my Bent 90 for a Blade Optic 92, maybe not the 96--I really like the energy and fun vibes of the 92, and it's grippier and more substantial than the Bent 90. Based on your stats, I'd say the 92 is a better option than the 90. Versus the 96, that's a different conversation, as the 96 now gets the metal laminate so you're looking at a pretty burly ski all of a sudden. I still think 92 in the 182 is the way to go.
There's not as much metal in the Optic as in the Enforcer, so the Nordica does deliver a more powerful and stable ride. The profile matters here, too, as the Optic has considerably more profound shape to it which makes it more playful and surfy. The Enforcer is a much more capable carver and groomer ski.
@@SkiEssentials did you end up with these @franzschreder9790 ? Black Friday deals were serious so I bought two sizes and will return one. I'm 6ft 205. Line reccos 184, but I felt like 177 might be better. I ride QST 106s for most things, but want something that is better on firm fast trails that doesn't lock me in. .
I just ordered mine. I will check back in after the first run.
Excited to start seeing the reviews rolling in! How would this compare to the Unleashed 98. I know it was really popular with you guys last year.
It's pretty similar--the main difference is that Unleashed has full width metal and sidewall in the tips and tails--the Blade Optic gets thinner with less metal in the ends of the skis. This makes it a bit more maneuverable and floaty in softer snow, but there's an all-around performance hit there. I loved the Blade Optic in medium-range turns, trees, and bumps. The Unleashed is a bit steadier overall.
I am looking for a new Ski for resorts in europe. I would say i am like 70% on groomers, but whenever snow is good is like to go off piste in powder. I would consider myself advanced to expert skier. My last ski was a twin tip and i still kind of want that as i still try to improve my backwards skiing and small jumps with landing switch. Now i am looking for more of an all mountain setup(90-100 under foot)with maybe a twin tip. I want to ski it on groomers as well and it should not be bad at carving. After my research i am hovering between: Bent 100, Arv 94, k2 poacher, k2 mindender 99ti and k2 mindbender 96c. For the skis on the lower 90s i am not sure if they will serve me well in powder. And now I have even found the Blade Optic 96, that might as well suit my needs well. And last years model is more than 50% off now. What do you think and what are your thoughts? I am around 180cm and around 75kg. Thanks in advance, love your content
Perhaps simplistic, but the closer you get to 100, the better these skis will float, so if you are looking for a mix of groomer performance and soft snow acumen, it's okay to stick to the mid to upper 90's as there's a lot of great options here. Not on your list, but check out the Nordica Unleashed 98. Great carving twin tip with soft snow potential. We did a thing on it last year--check it out: ua-cam.com/video/vu1dOnu9xyM/v-deo.html
Thank you for your review! I wonder how you compare this ski to Salomon QST 98? And which one do you finally consider the One ski to do it all?
I consider the QST to be more versatile and user-friendly than the Line. The 96 is pretty stiff underfoot and not as floaty as the QST 98.
The turn radius sounds like my 2019 Bonafida 97s which I LOVE on piste and cruising. I am seeking something with a softer tip and tails for bumps and perhaps shorter turns in the trees so would be interested to learn if these might work or if I should just keep searching. Headed to Telluride in January but ski 75% of the time in the North Carolina and West Virginia mountains
“Softer tip and tail for bumps…”?? For bumps, you really want a stiffer tip and tail, sounds crazy, but mogul skis are rock hard, you don’t want flex in the bumps. That does not mean you cant ski bumps on a soft ski, I do all the time, but a stiffer ski is better in the bumps. 😊 For a great ALL mnt ski, try the Stockli Stormrider95, they are the bomb in everything, but they are not cheap. However, I have learned they extra money is worth it because they are so well made, they last a long time. Instead of buying 2 or 3 sets of ski’s over 5 years, the Stockli’s will last…..
Softer tips and tails for bumps make it easier to maneuver, I bet that's what they're getting at. These Lines will likely do great for what you're looking to do. If you're looking for something a bit grippier with slightly more of a NC/WV vibe, I'd also check out Salomon QST 92.
How would it compare to the 2023 Rustler 9? I purchased the Rustler 9s last year, but have felt that the 9 needed slightly more width, and that the 9 chattered a little too much even on intermediate trails (not loving it as I hoped). I am looking for that general design found in the Line Optic 96 and a ski that can do multiple types of skiing conditions. I ski east and take trips out west.
It's pretty similar--the metal in the Line extends to the (almost) very tips and tails, so that brings the stability to more of a true length, and hopefully mitigating chatter. You're getting more metal overall and a wider shape, so those things that you weren't crazy about with the Rustler are hopefully assuaged with the Blade Optic 96. The next level up, you're looking at Nordica Enforcer 94, Volkl Mantra M6, or Blizzard Bonafide 97--those take the stability and power to the next level, but they do take a hit when it comes to versatility and well-roundedness when compared to Rustler or Blade Optic.
Great review! What size would you recommend for me? I'm 191cm, 80kg, intermediate level skier. Also doubting between this and the blade optic 92 or atomic bent 90. Any advice would be very helpful!
I'd probably trade my Bent 90 for a Blade Optic 92, maybe not the 96--I really like the energy and fun vibes of the 92, and it's grippier and more substantial than the Bent 90. Based on your stats, I'd say the 92 is a better option than the 90. Versus the 96, that's a different conversation, as the 96 now gets the metal laminate so you're looking at a pretty burly ski all of a sudden. I still think 92 in the 182 is the way to go.
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Hello i m 46 years old 186cm height 93 kg and an expert agressive skier! Which height of blades optic 104 or 114 should i buy????
I'd go with the 185/186 in those skis. Have fun!
How does this compare to the Enforcer?
There's not as much metal in the Optic as in the Enforcer, so the Nordica does deliver a more powerful and stable ride. The profile matters here, too, as the Optic has considerably more profound shape to it which makes it more playful and surfy. The Enforcer is a much more capable carver and groomer ski.
Which lenghth should i chosse if i am 5,11“.
I'd lean to the 177 unless you're uncommonly aggressive or if you know you prefer longer skis.
@@SkiEssentials did you end up with these @franzschreder9790 ? Black Friday deals were serious so I bought two sizes and will return one. I'm 6ft 205. Line reccos 184, but I felt like 177 might be better. I ride QST 106s for most things, but want something that is better on firm fast trails that doesn't lock me in.
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