Line Optic 88 — Review

Big picture

The Line Optic 88 is the narrowest, frontside‑leaning member of Line’s Optic series. It blends a directional shape, Capwall construction, and targeted metal (Gas Pedal Metal Overdrive) to deliver confidence on groomers and hardpack, while Early Rise tips/tails keep it maneuverable in bumps and trees.

Key takeaways

Stable for its width: heavier‑than‑average feel (1720 g at 177 cm) adds damping and calm at speed.
Versatile turn shapes: 5CUT sidecut and a 16.3 m radius make short to medium arcs easy and intuitive.
Solid edge hold, not a race knife: grips well on firm snow but won’t match full‑on carvers on boilerplate.
Directional but not punishing: supportive tail with modest rocker—rewarding for active skiers, forgiving enough for long days.
Best for strong intermediates to experts who spend most time on‑piste and want something that punches through afternoon chop.

On‑snow performance

Groomers / carving: Snaps into an edge cleanly and stays composed at medium‑high speeds. Prefers medium radius turns; thanks to 5CUT, it adapts to shorter carves without feeling hooky. Not as explosive or icy‑sure as a Blizzard Brahma 88, but friendlier and more versatile.
Mixed conditions & crud: The weight plus targeted metal quell chatter and tip deflection. It’s not as steam‑roller damp as a Nordica Enforcer 88 (two full sheets of Titanal), yet it rides smoother than many lighter 88s.
Bumps & trees: The 9‑2‑6 rocker profile pivots easily, and the tail provides support if you stay forward. It balances forgiveness with drive better than most metal‑laden frontside skis.
Powder: At 88 mm, it’s fine for 10–15 cm; beyond that you’ll want more surface area.
Ice: Respectable bite for the class, but not the tool for blue‑ice racing—keep edges fresh and consider a precise tune.

Build & tech

Capwall construction: Sidewall underfoot for bite and precision with cap in the tips/tails for durability and lower swing weight.
Aspen veneer core: Consistent, lively flex without harshness.
Gas Pedal Metal Overdrive: Strategically placed Titanal boosts torsional rigidity and underfoot power while keeping total weight reasonable.
5CUT multi‑radius sidecut: Multiple radii let the ski flow between turn shapes naturally.
Fatty base & edge + sintered base: Durable edges and a fast, wax‑friendly base.

Comparisons

Blizzard Brahma 88: Stiffer and more precise on ice; demands more input. Optic 88 is more approachable and a touch livelier, with slightly less max grip.
Nordica Enforcer 88: Heavier and damper with two sheets of metal; plows through anything. Optic 88 is lighter on its feet and better in bumps/trees.
K2 Mindbender 89Ti: Similar brief; the K2 feels a bit damper with a longer feel to its turn. Optic 88 has more turn‑shape flexibility via 5CUT.
Salomon Stance 90: Strong frontside edge hold; Optic 88 is more maneuverable when the grooming fades.

Mounting & sizing

Length: Choose near your height for balance; size up for max stability in crud and higher speeds, or down for bumps/trees.
Mount: Recommended line (~57 mm back) suits directional skiers. +1 cm forward livens the tail without sacrificing much stability.

Who is it for?

Strong intermediates to experts who want a stable, frontside‑biased daily driver that still feels composed in chopped afternoon snow.

Potential drawbacks

Not the quickest edge‑to‑edge carver or an ice specialist.
Weight may feel demanding for lighter or newer skiers.
Limited float in deep snow.

Specs and what they mean

Rocker profile (tip 9 mm / camber 2 mm / tail 6 mm): Modest Early Rise for easier initiation and release; low camber keeps energy and edge hold.
Tip / waist / tail (121‑88‑111 mm @177): Directional shape with slight taper; stability and grip on edge without feeling grabby.
Radius (16.3 m @177): Sweet spot for medium arcs; with 5CUT it readily adapts to shorter/longer turns.
Weight (1720 g @177): Above average for the class; brings damping and high‑speed composure, not a featherweight.
Lengths (149/156/163/170/177/184): Wide size run to match rider size and intent.

Frequently asked questions

Q: How does the Line Optic 88 handle on icy groomers?
A: It offers solid edge hold for an all‑mountain ski thanks to Capwall and Titanal inserts, but it won’t rival a race‑bred carver on boilerplate. Keep edges sharp for best results.

Q: What bindings pair well with the Optic 88?
A: A stout all‑mountain binding like a Marker Griffon 13 or Salomon Strive 12/14 complements its stability without adding too much weight.

Q: What size should I choose?
A: Around your height is the all‑round pick. Size down if you prioritize bumps/trees or are lighter; size up if you charge fast or ski lots of afternoon crud.