4frnt Devastator vs Line Blade Optic

PBR2-D25’11 160lbs advanced-expert skier. Skied surface give’rs for ~2 seasons as a one ski quiver but transitioning them to rock skis + felt they get too shaky going fast through chunk. My top two right now are the devastators in 179 (108 underfoot) and the Blade optics in 178 (104s). Advice or other skis recs appreciate.

if youre looking for chop busting, its most important to increase length. I am your height and have always ridden 186-194. I currently ride 192 dynastar mfree 108s and they eat chop for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I've heard great things about the optics and have many friends that ride them.

snowmosexualif youre looking for chop busting, its most important to increase length. I am your height and have always ridden 186-194. I currently ride 192 dynastar mfree 108s and they eat chop for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I've heard great things about the optics and have many friends that ride them.

Definitely on the fence about blade optic in 185 or 6 whatever it is. For the devastators though, I can save $250 by getting the blemished 179s.

PBR2-D2Definitely on the fence about blade optic in 185 or 6 whatever it is. For the devastators though, I can save $250 by getting the blemished 179s.

That’s not worth it.

those are very different skis tbh, are you debating between which style of ski you should go with or do you just want a head to head comparison ski to ski? the blade optic will be a much better all mountain ski and groomer ski especially given it has camber and metal while the devastator has neither. if you want it slidy surfey slashy floaty than go with the dev, if you want alittle less of all of those things but more of everything else (carving, crud busting, stability, etc) than go blade optic. the dev can charge really well but it’s a more stylistic ski than the blade optic and the blade optic likely will charge alittle better.

PBR2-D25’11 160lbs advanced-expert skier. Skied surface give’rs for ~2 seasons as a one ski quiver but transitioning them to rock skis + felt they get too shaky going fast through chunk. My top two right now are the devastators in 179 (108 underfoot) and the Blade optics in 178 (104s). Advice or other skis recs appreciate.

I would say for either choice go up a size to the 180s range, I had the 184 or 186 version of the old version of the devastators and really liked them. They were one of those skis that got its stability more from weight rather than stiffness, but I know when 4frnt switched up the devastator design they are alot lighter. I never wished that they were shorter though and I am similar height and weight. If your goal is to have a chop slow-stroke demon ski length is pretty key, went up to 189 wrenegades after I fucked the devastators up and like them even more.

I think some of the like "standard" big mountain skis would be good options too, Mindbenders, Kores, Rangers etc. Ranger 108s and Kore 111s felt like you could go fast as fuck on them however a less lively ski because they are so stiff. Alot more directional and less jibby but would be best for stability in the chop if thats your main goal.

flavourtownI would say for either choice go up a size to the 180s range, I had the 184 or 186 version of the old version of the devastators and really liked them. They were one of those skis that got its stability more from weight rather than stiffness, but I know when 4frnt switched up the devastator design they are alot lighter. I never wished that they were shorter though and I am similar height and weight. If your goal is to have a chop slow-stroke demon ski length is pretty key, went up to 189 wrenegades after I fucked the devastators up and like them even more.

I think some of the like "standard" big mountain skis would be good options too, Mindbenders, Kores, Rangers etc. Ranger 108s and Kore 111s felt like you could go fast as fuck on them however a less lively ski because they are so stiff. Alot more directional and less jibby but would be best for stability in the chop if thats your main goal.

Kore 111’s are very much in my 3 spot right now. I wouldn’t say stability in chop is my main goal, as I do tend to whip around the mountain and jib everything that I can - just that the faster and more technical lines started feeling sussy on the givers. I skied the old 4frnt vandals for 3.5 seasons and loved them so I think that’s why I have this notion towards the more playful devs.

Rad ski vs. dad ski

Rossi sender free 110 is in between those two skis. Super stable and can go mach loony while still holding on to the playful aspect of something like a devastator. To me it feels like a bent 110 with metal. Takes everything I love about that ski and gives it more beans.