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Line Blend vs. Line SFB

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Wompuscat
Posts: 818 - Karma: 380
Hey guys. Alright, so right now I have a park ski, bout an 85 waist whatever you know. Its my only pair right now, but I absolutely love skiing so I'm trying to get another pair to be more versatile. I live in Iowa, so we have mainly hills, icy, fake snow type conditions. Its rough, and I know a slimmer waist on the ski is better for these conditions. But I always go out west for 1 or 2 weeks of solid skiing and skiing in some good, powdery conditions out there. Wondering if I should go with the wider sir francis bacon or the slimmer Line blend. I want something that can still tear up on groomers, but is also great in trees and powder. Lemme know what I should be looking at guys!
Dec 25 2012 9:59PM
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Forcillo
Posts: 3801 - Karma: 3,580
If you're going to be using the ski at your local ice hill more than a ouple times a year, I'd go with the Blends. They're a bit more versatile than the SFB but still float in pow, although not quite as well. But if you're using this for only your trips out west, go with the SFB.
Dec 25 2012 10:06PM
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Wompuscat
Posts: 818 - Karma: 380
Thats what I was thinking! Thanks man!
Dec 25 2012 10:26PM
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Dr.Dealgood
Posts: 2587 - Karma: 1,352
I ride the SFB and am from the east. I really like it.

Line has had a real knack for making fun, playful, yet not noodle skis. I'm 185 lbs, type 3+ skier, with 20 years of skiing background. I don't spend a lot of time in pure-park mode anymore, but I do like to hit mach 5 GS turns and float big 180s over rollers.  I ended up going with SFB because I wanted a more playful ski that can handle some speed. Can I lay out a turn with SFB like I can my old Prophet 90s... no, not quite. I can still book it, but it's not the same. Totally different construction and dimensions.

When you compare the skis side by side here are the major differences:

-Mounting: the SFB -2.5cm, the Blend -4cm
-Turn Radius: the SFB: 17.7, the Blend 19.8
-Camber/Profile: SFB more pronounced comparatively than the Blend

So, the differences are not huge. The Blend is a little more alpine design while the SFB is more Pollard-esque, generally speaking. I can't really speak to the Blend because I've never ridden it, but the SFB feels good--you can play with it but when you lay into it on packed snow it doesn't wash out like you might expect. It has good energy when moving through turns or popping. It's a pretty nimble ski, surprised me for what I expected, even in tight spaces. That said, it can be a bit twitchy in rougher conditions, not something a capable skier can't compensate for though. All around a great ski and I'm really happy with my purchase.

Overall, it looks like you're looking at two very similar skis. I think it boils down to your style and honestly, whichever one you can find cheaper if $$ is a concern for you. Either way you won't go wrong!!

Dec 25 2012 10:26PM
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Gmart
Posts: 1634 - Karma: 273
This. They'll both do well on ice though, both have full vertical sidewall. Normally I'd say do the bacon but it makes more sense to get the blend for you. Can't go wrong with either, you're gonna have a blast on both.
Dec 25 2012 10:26PM
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