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Never mind the Bollocks! Here comes the Vision 96s!

By

Peter Vordenberg

For your inner and outer playfulness, Line's Vision 96 can be many excellent things.

For your inner and outer playfulness, Line's Vision 96 can be many excellent things.

  You know that place where you’ve had just enough beer to be really good at pool? That’s where Line’s Vision 96 lies. Just drunk enough to be loose and confident but sober enough to sink the next four shots in a row. It’s a hard place to stay—right in that pocket. The sweet spot.…

Responses

  1. Whit

    Amazing (much more than a) review.

    Only adding to the punk rock influence of the graphics, it reminds me of the old Vision skateboard graphics, especially the Mark Gonzales gripper model. Line was influenced by snowboarding which was heavily influenced by skateboarding so this fits well.

    Did you notch the tails or have they added skin clip cutouts? I have always thought they should do that with the Vision line.

    I’ve been slowly learning the benefit of tail rocker and twin tip skis for ski touring and trying to find skis like this that are light but not chattery, they’re the future of touring skis IMO – easier to release and pivot in challenging snow, and just fine for carving (when do we really carve in the BC except on spring corn maybe?). Manuverability is king. I love Volkl’s long low rocker but want it in a lighter package than the Blaze and not such a traditional mount point.

  2. Peter Vordenberg

    Thanks Whit! They do have a really nice notched tail for skin tail clips. I should have mentioned them. It’s so nice to have them. They fit amazingly well with the big sky mtn products tails – https://www.skiskinsonline.com/ – and I’m sure others as well. Thanks for reading and for the comment!

  3. Alex Reed

    Setting the bar VERY high with this incredible review. Thank you.

  4. John Berner

    Most enjoyable review I’ve ever read, and I read a lot of them.

  5. Lukasz Michalek

    Very interesting and informative review indeed!
    I’m very close to buying this skis. I have only two concerns:
    – Are they too narrow (maybe wider version 104 would suits me better)?
    – I never tried skis with tail rocker so is it what I need? Are they going to serve me wall even on icy terrain?

    I’m looking for versatile skis to do-it-all. From icy steep terrain, random powder couloir to (most common) slushy, crispy, bad condition days. Like I want to go abroad for skiing (non resort, just backcountry) and I do not know what snow conditions I should expect so I want to take ski which will do it all if needed and do it all with fun. Currently I’m using some superlight Hagan boost94 but they are to soft, too narrow and too short for me so I’m looking for something bigger.

    I’m 187 lb and 5,10 tall

    Other skis which I’m considering are ZAC UBAC 102

    1. Peter Vordenberg

      Hi Lukasz, Jason and Gavin are also going to reply with their ideas. I would say these skis are versatile and capable, and I do think they could work well for you. But I agree with you that maybe you could try a wider ski. I have not tried the Vision 104, but based on their description of it, and that it is based off the Blade Optic 104, it sounds like it could be a good match for you. There is a rocker in the Vision 96 that is pretty long and low until the real tail rocker – which you can more easily see in the photos. Me, I like the tail rocker because I feel like the ski is more maneuverable. Some people do not like it because it means the ski is less secure. As I say above these are not a traditional ski. So it might depend a bit on your style of skiing as well as the (icy, slushy, crispy!) conditions. Let’s see what Jason and Gavin have to say. I hope that is helpful.

    2. Gavin Hess

      Hey Lukasz,
      104 vs 96mm I would say depends on where you plan to ski. Western US and Canada – probably worth bumping to the 104. Eastern US and Europe, the 96mm is probably about right. The 96 has enough rocker to be reasonable in powder that isn’t super deep.

      As far as tail rocker, I don’t view this as a big issue for firm snow, Turn radius and rocker height play a much bigger role here – the vision checks the box of relatively low rocker lines but the short radius could feel a bit hooky in steeper firm snow.

      I don’t think the current Ubac 102 would be an improvement from your Hagans from a stiffness perspective. They are notoriously noodly. The Moment Deathwish, 4FRNT Nevar, or Heritage Labs BC100 would all be on my list to check out.

      1. Lukasz Michalek

        Thank you guys for such a detailed response! Unfortunately I’m limited to skis available in Europe online stores so no Moment, 4FRNT or Heritage Labs for me 🙁

        1. Peter Vordenberg

          I’d say go for it with the Line 96 or 104!

        2. SHJ

          Blacksheepsports in Munich has moment skis. I would email them and hear if they can send. Great shop with great people

        3. SHJ

          And VPG in Norway has 4frnt. But maybe harder to send to your location.

        4. Peter Vordenberg

          What did you go with Lukasz? I was reminded of this because I was out on the Vision 96’s today – had a real blast. They’re a dang good ski.

          1. Lukasz Michalek

            Peter, finally I did go with Icelantic NATURAL 101 😀 but due to snow conditions in Europe I will give them a try in the next season.

            1. Peter Vordenberg

              Right on! I’ve heard good things. Let us know how they are.

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