Line Optic 114 Ski - 2025 - Size: 178cm

When Black Diamond says the Impulse 98 Ski is all-mountain, they really mean the whole mountain—both in-bounds and out. It's a versatile all-mountain ski that rides the backcountry as well as the resort. The shape is equally versatile with a solid ability to perform in soft snow as well as firm. We like how stiff the ski feels, and although it's slightly heavier than Black Diamond's more backcountry-oriented skis, the Impulse is still light enough to tour around comfortably. There's even a tail clip for skins on the back, because Black Diamond knows you'll want to ride these skis regardless of the side of the rope.

When kids have seemed to figure skiing out at an absurdly young age, we equip them with the K2 Mindbender Team Boot. These youth boots mimic their adult counterparts with versatile performance for hard charging skiers who like the resort and the backcountry. The 80 or 90 flex (varies with size) allows youth skiers to drive their skis confidently while still offering forgiveness, meanwhile, the 100mm waist width teams up with a moldable liner to trap heat, promote blood flow, and lock your heel in place.

Go hard or go home. When the powder gods don't deliver, there's still fun to be had if you're ripping around on the nimble Stance 88 Ski. These all-mountain daily drivers are easy to reach for on your average day at the resort because they're narrow enough to rip around when the lack of snow has got you down, wide enough to handle any hidden stashes you might chance upon, built with a confidence-boosting sidecut, and stiff enough to charge when skied-out mank is your only option. Do it all—the mountain is your oyster.

What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:“I’ve skied the KORE 85 W in everything from firm corduroy to a few inches of fresh, and it’s amazing how light and quick it feels. This ski gives me the edge hold I want on-piste with the agility I need when I head into the back bowls or skin up for a few laps.”We want a ski that doesn’t ask us to compromise—and the HEAD KORE 85 W Ski delivers. With a featherlight swing weight, this frontside-tuned freeride ski is just as ready for morning groomer laps as it is for big skintrack days. The nimble waist, sturdy edge grip, and poppy energy make it an ideal companion for skiers who seek precision and agility across mixed terrain. At the core of the KORE 85 W is a fusion of performance materials: ultra-light Karuba and poplar wood sandwiched by carbon and finished with HEAD’s revolutionary Graphene in the tip and tail. The result is a ski that’s damp yet dynamic, responsive yet forgiving. A 25% rockered tip and a lightly rockered tail enhance flotation and turn initiation, while a strong 55% camber zone delivers confident edge grip. Lightweight doesn’t mean soft—the KORE 85 W stays lively and stable from first chair to final lap.

What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:"This kit is perfect for refreshing my skins. The durable cord and easy-to-install hardware ensure a snug, reliable fit, even after heavy use. A great way to keep skins performing like new."The Black Diamond Cord Tip Loop Kit is the essential solution for replacing worn-out tip loops and ensuring your climbing skins remain securely attached. Designed with durability and ease of use in mind, this kit includes everything you need to refresh your setup and keep your skins performing flawlessly. Whether you’re upgrading old loops or repairing a favorite pair of skins, the reliable hardware and strong cord offer peace of mind on every ascent. Simple to install and built to last, this kit helps us stay focused on the climb ahead, knowing our gear is ready for the challenge.

The Helio Carbon collection of backcountry skis consists of Black Diamond's lightest planks for alpine touring, and we think the Helio Carbon 104 Ski is one of the most versatile in the bunch. The second-widest Helio Carbon, this ski certainly has a penchant for powder but can rip icy chutes or aprons with variable snow as well as powder. Black Diamond designed it with an early rise at the tip so we can navigate deep powder with ease whether we're on the skin track or the descent, and a bit of camber underfoot works with the slightly rockered tail to employ a versatile performance whether we're edging down icy couloirs or cruising spring crud.

Ready for high-speed skiing in deep snow on big lines, the Armada Locator 112 Ski is our new favorite tool for big mountain skiing. These skis use a 112mm waist width and rocker in the tip and tail to keep you planing across the top of untouched snow. Meanwhile, the long turn radius and stiff titanal layer add stability that encourages high-speed aggressive riding.

Fire up the skillet we have some fresh bacon. The LINE Bacon 108 Ski continues the legendary freestyle legacy of the Sir Francis Bacon but packs it into a uber-versatile all-mountain shape. The 108mm waist shies away from no groomer nor any powder field, while the rocker profile creates a nimble profile that can hold an edge when it needs to. Toss in the Thin tip technology for a low swing weight and the damp aspen and maple core and we have a ski that allows us to express ourselves in any arena.

Achieve top speed and lock your edges into snow of any condition with the K2 Mindbender 99Ti Ski. These titanal-reinforced all-mountain rippers boast a torsionally-rigid sandwich construction, damp aspen core, and versatile 99mm waist. Meanwhile, camber underfoot promotes even more edge hold, while rocker in the tip adds versatile float and rocker in the tail adds forgiveness when going from one edge to the other.

Created for all-mountain versatility in an exceptionally lightweight package, the LINE Vision 98 shares the same build and featherweight feel as the Vision 108 and 118 straight down to the THC Technology. Whether you're looking to rally through the freshies, arc on groomers, or motor-up skin tracks, the LINE Vision 98 is up to the task. It may be one of the lightest skis you'll get your hands on, but don't let that fool you; the Vision 98 will rip whatever you throw at it.

Due to popular demand the unchanged lightweight Volkl Blaze Ski is back for another year. This ski makes our explorations off-piste more playful. With easy handling and maneuvering, a solid edge grip, and the ability to take quick and short turns relative to the ski's length, the Blaze was made for finding new terrain just off the groomers and out of the resort.

With a sweet spot for the terrain park, the LINE Honey Bee Ski is what we count on for confident freestyle performance on big jumps and endless rail lines. The early rise tip and tail encourage buttering all over the park, and also work to provide us with enjoyable float in deeper snow while maintaining edgehold on hardpack. LINE's Symmetrical Flex provides an equally balanced feel forwards or switch, and the lightweight aspen wood core keeps the ride soft, playful, and responsive to easily throw around on features. Fiberglass near the core, along with thicker edges and bases, add durability and increase its tuning life so we can spend more time perfecting 360s and less time in the shop.

What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying: "My kid has been using the Legion Jr poles all season—they’re light enough for small hands, but still sturdy enough to handle a few spills. The grip is easy for kids to hold, and the steel tip gives solid traction, even on icy terrain." For the youngest shredders in our crew, the Armada Legion Jr Ski Poles are built to keep up with every twist, turn, and tumble. Made from lightweight 6061 aluminum and sized just right for junior riders, the Legion Jr strikes the perfect balance between low swing weight and rugged durability to stand up to season after season of learning and progression. The 16mm shaft is slim and manageable for small hands, while the kid-specific grip makes holding on easy, even with mittens. With a 50mm basket for reliable versatility and a steel tip for firm snow traction, these poles are ready for whatever adventure the mountain throws their way.

Whether we are headed into the backcountry or harvesting some fresh snow at the local resort, we trust the SCOTT Superguide 95 Alpine Touring Ski. This ski calls on a versatile combination of early ride and camber called Pro-Tip Rocker 320, while a medium turn radius promises an impressive balance of stability and maneuverability. Toss in the aramid and carbon laminates that shed weight without sacrificing torsional rigidity and we have a ski we can trust to take us there.

We have found that modern skis are getting more and more versatile by the year and the Blizzard Hustle 10 Ski is no different. This ski focuses on downhill backcountry performance to create a ski we can trust both in bounds and out. The TrueBlend core balances powerful beech stringers often found in inbounds skis with lightweight paulownia stringers that are often found in backcountry skis. Add in the powerful carbon laminate and a versatile rocker profile and we have a ski that we can fully trust on early morning tours or mid-afternoon groomer laps.

We have found that modern skis are getting more and more versatile by the year and the Blizzard Hustle 10 Ski is no different. This ski focuses on downhill backcountry performance to create a ski we can trust both in bounds and out. The TrueBlend core balances powerful beech stringers often found in inbounds skis with lightweight paulownia stringers that are often found in backcountry skis. Add in the powerful carbon laminate and a versatile rocker profile and we have a ski that we can fully trust on early morning tours or mid-afternoon groomer laps.

What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying: "This blue version is a kid-favorite—super vibrant and beginner-friendly. It rides smooth and steady, and the Roces boots adjust effortlessly as kids grow. It’s one of the most versatile junior packages we stock, and parents love the value it offers."Big smiles and steady progress start with the right setup, and the Defiance Flash Junior Blue Ski Package makes skiing approachable and exciting for young riders. The Flash skis are designed with a lightweight, forgiving construction that makes it easy to learn the basics while building confidence. A bold blue graphic brings a cool, playful vibe to every run—and helps make your kid easy to spot on the mountain. Paired with Roces Idea Up Adjustable Ski Boots, this package offers long-lasting performance that grows alongside your child. The boots adapt in size, width, and height to match their developing feet, saving you from buying new gear each year. A comfy liner and simple two-buckle closure round out the fit with warmth and convenience. Whether they’re learning to pizza or beginning to carve, this setup is built to inspire and support their journey.

What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:"This is one of the smartest setups for kids just starting out. The skis are light and forgiving, and those Roces adjustable boots? Total game changer for growing feet—no more new boots every season. It’s a long-term win for families and confidence-building for kids."Sparking a lifelong love of skiing starts with the right gear, and the Defiance Flash Junior Pink Ski Package is just that. Designed to help kids feel confident and have fun, the Defiance Flash skis bring lightweight construction and a stable feel that make learning to turn intuitive and exciting. The vibrant pink design adds a playful splash to every run and helps your young ripper stand out on the slopes. Paired with the Roces Idea Up Adjustable Ski Boots, this setup takes long-term value and comfort seriously. The boots use a patented adjustable design that lets them grow along with your child's foot, extending the life of the boots over multiple seasons. A cushioned liner, easy entry, and two-buckle closure make getting ready a breeze—and every run more enjoyable. From bunny hills to blue runs, this package was made to build skills and memories.

What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying: "I recommend this red version just as often as the pink—it’s the same great setup, perfect for young skiers just starting out. The Roces adjustable boots are clutch for fast-growing kids, and the skis feel smooth and stable underfoot. It’s everything a young ripper needs to start strong."We believe a great day on the slopes starts with great gear, especially for young skiers just finding their groove. The Defiance Flash Junior Red Ski Package gives kids the tools they need to build confidence, explore the mountain, and have fun doing it. These skis are lightweight and forgiving, ideal for learning the ropes with balance and control. And with vibrant red graphics, they’ll stand out on the hill and look good doing it. The Roces Idea Up Adjustable Ski Boots are one of our favorite long-term solutions for families. With an innovative six-size adjustment range, these boots grow right along with your kiddo’s feet—eliminating the need for constant upgrades. Their easy-entry design and cushioned liner ensure comfort and warmth, even on chilly mornings. This package sets them up for a successful start to a lifelong love of skiing

What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying: "I recommend this red version just as often as the pink—it’s the same great setup, perfect for young skiers just starting out. The Roces adjustable boots are clutch for fast-growing kids, and the skis feel smooth and stable underfoot. It’s everything a young ripper needs to start strong."We believe a great day on the slopes starts with great gear, especially for young skiers just finding their groove. The Defiance Flash Junior Red Ski Package gives kids the tools they need to build confidence, explore the mountain, and have fun doing it. These skis are lightweight and forgiving, ideal for learning the ropes with balance and control. And with vibrant red graphics, they’ll stand out on the hill and look good doing it. The Roces Idea Up Adjustable Ski Boots are one of our favorite long-term solutions for families. With an innovative six-size adjustment range, these boots grow right along with your kiddo’s feet—eliminating the need for constant upgrades. Their easy-entry design and cushioned liner ensure comfort and warmth, even on chilly mornings. This package sets them up for a successful start to a lifelong love of skiing

What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying: "This blue version is a kid-favorite—super vibrant and beginner-friendly. It rides smooth and steady, and the Roces boots adjust effortlessly as kids grow. It’s one of the most versatile junior packages we stock, and parents love the value it offers."Big smiles and steady progress start with the right setup, and the Defiance Flash Junior Blue Ski Package makes skiing approachable and exciting for young riders. The Flash skis are designed with a lightweight, forgiving construction that makes it easy to learn the basics while building confidence. A bold blue graphic brings a cool, playful vibe to every run—and helps make your kid easy to spot on the mountain. Paired with Roces Idea Up Adjustable Ski Boots, this package offers long-lasting performance that grows alongside your child. The boots adapt in size, width, and height to match their developing feet, saving you from buying new gear each year. A comfy liner and simple two-buckle closure round out the fit with warmth and convenience. Whether they’re learning to pizza or beginning to carve, this setup is built to inspire and support their journey.