Line ski reviews 2010
Like Armada, Line focuses primarily on new school free ride and freestyle. But, we already knew that. . . Retailers indicate moderate interest, with cards on 4 new models, one of which, the Cryptonite, scored a big hit with our skiers.
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Chronic
Line described this as a crossover all mountain freestyle ski, but our test crew found it more limited than that description would suggest. "Definitely," as one tester summed it up, "not for all around skiing." "Ski wanders at high speed," noted another. This is best kept in the park and pipe. Be sure to test this one before purchase if at all interested.
Chronic Cryptonite
Our clear favorite all mountain/big mountain ski in the 2010 Line, er, line. In fact, our testers favorite Line model.
"Hold was amazing." and "Can ski 50% to 100% and still be effective" and "Ripped!" and "Loved it!" are the kind of comments that signify a solid winner. Line hits one out of the park.
Mothership
Great name; "Macho-ship" would work just as well. This is an example of an extremely focused, one-dimensional ski. If power and stability, a solid landing platform and straight line stability are requirements above all else—in other words skiers who are pro or near pro level free riders, this will do it. The cost, however, for anyone who skis any amount of time at all on the groomed, is that the ski does not do well out of its element.
Prophet 100
The 100 is more versatile than the Mothership, except perhaps in terms of "cool factor," and is probably the best choice among Line's 100+ ultra-wides than the MS for most skiers. Like the 90, this even beefier big mountain/all mountain board is surprising nimble for this kind of ski. Still demands energy and skill, but a better back country roamer for those not shooting chutes and landing fakey off big rocks.
Prophet 90
For the all mountain skier seeking a solid crossover biased toward general off-piste skiing, the Prophet is all that the Chronic is not. Versatility is greater, especially in-bounds. Good carver, stable, quick for a ski this wide and not as demanding of energetic input as one would expect. Our male test skiers found it a to have wider suitability envelope in terms of skill than did their female counterparts the Celebrity.
Celebrity
Female equivalent to the Prophet 90. Beefed up construction, still versatile and smooth. Remains a good 1-ski-quiver for strong female skiers who spend time both on and off piste.
