LINE Bacon Shorty (Sir Francis Bacon Shorty) — Review

Overview

The LINE Bacon Shorty is a playful, wide‑platform all‑mountain freestyle ski built for youth and smaller riders who like to turn the whole mountain into a park. With a 107 mm waist, Early Rise tip/tail, and a fully symmetric twin shape, it skis loose and surfy, pivots easily, and feels natural riding switch. It’s a “mini Bacon” that rewards creativity: sidehits, butters, switch takeoffs/landings, and soft‑snow days.

On‑snow performance

Groomers: The 5CUT multi‑radius sidecut and shortish turn radius (13–15.5 m by length) make short to medium turns intuitive. On hard, icy mornings, edge hold is adequate rather than elite; the 107 mm waist and soft‑to‑medium, symmetric flex favor playfulness over high torsional stiffness. If carving precision is your top priority, narrower junior skis (e.g., Armada ARV 84/88 JR, Salomon QST Ripper) feel more locked in.
Park & sidehits: This is home turf. The symmetric shape/flex makes switch skiing feel truly centered, and the lightweight Aspen Macroblock core keeps spins easy. The 4D Fibercap layup is forgiving and durable for youth use, though cap topsheets can chip cosmetically faster than full sidewalls if you live on rails.
Soft snow / powder: Excellent float for a junior ski. The 107 mm waist and Early Rise keep the tips up and deliver a surfy feel. In heavier chop it stays composed at moderate speeds; push it very fast and you’ll feel some flap/chatter, which is expected at this weight and flex.

Who it’s for

Youth/smaller riders who want a playful twin‑tip for all‑mountain freestyle
Skiers who ride switch often and like butters, jibs, and natural features
Anyone who wants real soft‑snow capability without a dedicated powder ski

Potential drawbacks

Less precise edge hold and high‑speed stability than narrower, piste‑focused junior options
Cap construction may show cosmetic topsheet chipping with heavy rail use
Can feel a bit nervous on boilerplate and at very high speeds

Construction & tech

Aspen Macroblock core: 100% aspen wood; light, lively, and consistent flex.
4D Fibercap: Four‑direction fiberglass over the core; forgiving and durable with a playful feel.
Symmetric Twin + Symmetric Flex: Identical shape and flex fore/aft; switch skis as naturally as forward.
Early Rise tip & tail with Early Taper: Easier turn initiation, less tip hook in variable snow, better float.
5CUT multi‑radius sidecut: Blends several radii so the ski adapts intuitively from short to medium arcs.

Specs (what they mean for performance)

Rocker profile: 6 mm tip / 1 mm camber / 6 mm tail (Early Rise) — Effortless turn start, playful pivoting and float; the light camber maintains rebound and edge contact on firm snow.
Dimensions (mm): 133 / 107 / 129 — Wide waist boosts float and stability at moderate speeds; the rounded twin tail keeps things loose and switch‑friendly.
Sidecut radius (m): 13 (145), 14 (155), 15.5 (165) — Quick, intuitive turn shapes for lighter riders; best from short to medium arcs.
Weight (per ski, approx.): 1540 g (145), 1645 g (155), 1750 g (165) — Light for the width; helps with spins and reduces fatigue.
Lengths: 145 / 155 / 165 cm — Covers a broad range of youth and smaller adults.

Sizing & mounting

Length: For all‑mountain, aim around brow/forehead. For park emphasis, size slightly shorter (shoulder/chin) for quicker spins. Lighter beginners can size down with confidence.
Mount: Park‑forward? Go closer to center. All‑mountain mix? A touch behind center for extra tip support. Have your shop confirm the brand’s line for your length.

Comparisons

Armada ARV 84/88 JR: Quicker edge‑to‑edge with stronger hard‑snow bite; less float and surf than the Bacon Shorty.
K2 Reckoner 102 JR: Also playful with a twin‑tip; a bit narrower underfoot. The LINE offers a looser, butter‑friendlier ride and more soft‑snow support.
Faction Prodigy 2 JR: Capable all‑mountain twin with park chops; often a touch more directional feel versus the Shorty’s symmetric, switch‑honest stance.

Key takeaways

Surfy twin‑tip : Built for butters, sidehits, and switch progression.
Real float for youth : 107 mm waist brings legit soft‑snow performance.
Playfulness over precision : Not the carviest pick for icy days.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is the LINE Bacon Shorty good for beginners?
A: Yes, if the beginner wants a forgiving, playful feel. Early Rise and a short radius make turn initiation easy. On icy groomers, a narrower ski will feel more confidence‑inspiring.

Q: What length should I choose for the Bacon Shorty?
A: Park focus: go shorter (shoulder/chin). All‑mountain: around brow to forehead. If between sizes, choose shorter for mostly piste/park and longer for soft/variable snow.

Q: How does it handle rails and jumps?
A: Symmetric flex and low swing weight aid spins and switch landings. The cap layup is durable for youth, but expect some topsheet nicks with heavy rail use.

Q: Is 107 mm too wide for everyday use?
A: If carving precision is all you do, yes—narrower is better. For all‑mountain freestyle kids who chase bumps, soft snow, and features, the extra width is an advantage.