Line Bacon 115 — Review

Overview

The Line Bacon 115 is a playful, powder‑biased freestyle/all‑mountain ski that blends surfy float with enough edge hold to get you back to the lift. A centered stance, symmetric flex, and a 115 mm waist make it easy to butter, ski switch, and pivot through trees, yet the maple/aspen core and beefy edges give it durability and landing support. Weight sits in the middle class: lively without feeling flimsy.

On‑snow performance

Powder & trees

Loose, surfy, and very pivot‑friendly; Thin Tip helps keep the shovel planing.
Switch takeoffs/landings feel natural thanks to the nearly symmetrical shape.

Crud & chop

Enough damping for moderate speeds; Thick‑Cut Sidewalls and the wood core tame vibration.
Not a full‑on charger: at very high speeds in heavy cut‑up snow, tips can get lively.

Groomers & firm snow

5‑Cut sidecut makes short to medium turns intuitive. Edge hold is respectable for a 115, but limited on ice and at high edge angles.
Overall feel is loose and playful rather than locked‑in.

Freestyle & natural features

Symmetric flex and twin tip make butters, presses, and switch riding straightforward.
Swing weight is moderate; not ultralight for spins, but supportive and forgiving on landings.

Build & design highlights

Maple Macroblock core with aspen: blend of pop, durability, and damping.
Thin Tip: reduces swing weight and quickens turn initiation.
Fatty Base & Edge: thicker base and edges for longer life on rails/rocks.
5‑Cut sidecut: multi‑radius shaping for versatile turn shapes.
Stance around −40 mm: recommended mount is fairly centered, suiting a freestyle stance.

Mounting & sizing tips

Mount: park/freestyle → on the recommended line or within 0–1 cm; all‑mountain/freeride → go −1 to −2 cm for a bit more tip support.
Length: 168 cm for lighter/smaller riders or tight trees; 178 cm as the all‑rounder for average builds; 188 cm for more float, stability, and jump landings.
Bindings: robust alpine or hybrid; touring is possible but this is not a weight‑focused ski.

Comparisons

Armada ARV 116 JJ: looser/surﬁer in deep snow; Bacon 115 offers a touch more edge hold and landing support on groomers.
K2 Reckoner 112: softer and a bit lighter‑feeling; Bacon 115 is wider and feels more substantial/stable in chop.
Völkl Revolt 114: stiffer and more composed at speed; less forgiving for butters/jibs than the Bacon 115.

Specs explained

Rocker/camber (12–2–12 or 13–2–13 mm): generous tip/tail rocker for float and slarving, with a small underfoot camber for edge hold and rebound.
Dimensions 148‑115‑143 mm: wide ends for float and switch stability; 115 mm waist hits the powder/freestyle sweet spot.
Radius (168/178/188: 14/16.2/18.4 m): shorter lengths favor quick turns; 188 offers more stability at speed.
Weight (approx): 168 ~1947 g/ski; 178 ~2140 g/ski; 188 ~2340 g/ski. Middle‑weight: agile but not flimsy.
Construction: maple/aspen core + thick base/edges for durability; Thin Tip lowers swing weight; Thick‑Cut sidewall adds damping and bite.

Key takeaways

Playful and surfy: built for powder and natural features.
Enough damping: stable up to moderate speeds.
Not an ice carver: acceptable grip, not a racer.
Freestyle‑ready durability: thick edges/base and a solid core.

Frequently asked questions

Q: How heavy is the Line Bacon 115?
A: Depending on length and source, expect roughly ~1.95–2.35 kg per ski. Some listings quote pair weights—always confirm per‑ski vs per‑pair when comparing.

Q: Is it a good daily driver?
A: In snowy regions, yes. On firm/icy days, a narrower all‑mountain ski will be more efficient. The Bacon 115 shines in soft snow, trees, and mixed pow/crud.

Q: Where should I mount my bindings?
A: For freestyle, stay on or within 1 cm of the recommended line. For more directional all‑mountain use, go 1–2 cm back for added tip support.

Q: How does it compare to directional chargers?
A: It’s softer and looser, with less top‑end damping than skis like a Katana or Wildcat 118, but far more playful for butters and switch skiing.