The Line Sir Francis Bacon or SFB Skis has been one of our favorite skis of the past 4 years. Last year it received tip rocker and the reviews were all for the best!! For 2012 the ski gets a total makeover. Instead of 115mm in the waist the ski is now 108mm and with a totally different profile the ski is actually more versatile then ever before. With an Early Rise and Early Taper that allows the ski to have more effective edge when on groomers the 2012 Line SFB is the perfect one ski quiver ski. If you are looking for just one ski to be able to use in all conditions and terrain the Line SFB is an excellent choice. I tested this ski in multiple conditions and really found that it handled everything with ease. The new 2012 SFB is more responsive then it ever has before and with an AT Binding on it this would make an excellent backcountry setup. The bumps were a ton of fun to do with the new Line SFB thanks to its amazing tip profile and its ability to just absorb each bump. In the powder it floats with ease and snow does not get stuck underneath like it can with some wider skis with rocker that is not well thought out.
The past Line SFB was an excellent ski so if you enjoyed that ski dont be afraid to try and find a pair at a reasonable price. Some people just do not enjoy the rocker setup and that is their perogative, I however dont own a pair of skis with out rocker.
If you enjoy wider skis the Line EP Opus is the best new ski for 2012!! The Line EP Opus is now my everyday ski and and should be yours too if you enjoy having the versatility of a wider waist. If you want 115+ then go with the Line EP Opus it is going to be hard for you to be disappointed. If you want something for skiing a little bit more on trail then the Line Sir Francis bacon is an excellent call.
The review is in line with what I tend to be reading around. However, the fine lines between 3 Line skis are becoming fuzzy. We have the SFB, Prophet 98 and Influence 105 that all have been recognized as a one ski quiver. What gives any of those 3 the final nod? I would imagine it depends on what the condition that one ski would be in most of the time. Care to take your review further?
It is a fine line but they are all one ski quiver skis with very distinct differences for the kind of skiing that you do more. Prophet 98 is more for the All Mountain skier that goes out and enjoys finding soft snow in the trees but also enjoys groomers. The Influence 105 is more of a hard charging all mountain/freeride ski for the skier who wants more energy out of a ski and is hard charging the trees and the groomers and the SFB is more for the freeride skier who is spending most of their time in the trees and off piste and still want a ski that can handle groomers with ease. It really just comes down to application of what you are looking for in a one ski quiver ski. Does that help? If you have a specific question about any of them please feel free to ask.
Been sniffing around for a wider-than-100mm freeride/pow ski that I could take on heli and cat trips, in addition to riding all over resorts if I only wanna pack one pair.
I’m 5’2, 150lbs, and 172cm is the upper limit of what I’m comfortable taking into tight trees, even with a generous amount of tip rocker. My quiver currently includes the following:
–K2 Rictor for carving, cruising
–Rossi S3 for all-mtn fun in soft (but not bottomless) conditions
–2nd gen Mantras (mostly retired these days)
Absolutely smitten with the new Bacons. They look like a million bucks and supposedly the flex is that perfect mid-range Goldilocks smoothness — not too soft, not too stiff, just right.
I’m also diggin’ the new Icelantics but I’m afraid they might be too stiff and too much work for me, kinda like my old Mantras.
You think I should pull the trigger on the Bacons or will they be too similar to my S3s? Any other recommendations?
Great question and thanks for the background that is a huge help as well. For your height and weight the 172cm in the new Bacon is made for you! They should be availble in the next few weeks, but for what you are looking for out of a ski I think you will find yourself skiing the new Line Sir Francis Bacon more than any other ski in your quiver. The flex is so versatile that it will hold on super firm conditions but then when you get in pow they float with ease. So forgiving thanks to the new rocker techology the Pollard is using.
Icelantics are making some awesome skis but at 150lbs I am not sure that is what you ar elooking for unless you went with the Nomad SFT but even that is going to be stiffer than the 2012 Line SFB Skis. They ski totally different than your S3’s as the rocker comes down on a different spot. They are quicer turning and have better edge hold on firmer snow. I really enjoyed the S3, but found the SFB will do everything the S3 will but in a wider ski.
Thanks, Adam. You’ve confirmed both my high hopes for SFB and my fears that it could render the rest of my quiver obsolete.
I’ve also been curious about the JJ, Rossi S6, and K2 Sidestash, all of which offers sizes that would work for me, but all offer different profiles (rocker-camber-rocker, fully rockered and mild tip rocker). It might be comparing apples to oranges, but based on what you know about my intended uses, do you have any thoughts about those or any other potential rivals for the SFB?
Depends on what you are looking for the S6 is also a fun ski but does not have the groomer performance that the SFB has. The JJ is also another one of my favortie skis and if you want something with a very short turn radius that is an awesome ski, but they ski very short and also measure short. JJ has much less surface area on the snow than the Bacon and much less edge contact as well so at higher speed the Bacon will have better edge hold. The Sidestash is an awesome Backcountry Skis and great on firm snow as well, but it is not built as a playful ski it is more of a hard charging ski so it really depends on what you want out of a ski, but it would be hard for me to suggest against the SFB.
a few short questions:
I had seen that the Mr. Pollard’s Opus is rumored to have a longer version for 2013… is this also the case for the SFB?
Is it the case that the Influence 105 (or 115 for that matter) have a stiffer flex than the SFB?
How about recommended mounting point? I currently have a pair of Prophet 100’s (186cm) mounted -1cm and I really have a lot of strong-ass love for the charging power & float of the slightly rear-mount.
thanks for your input!
No problem.
They are working on making a 192cm Mr. Pollard’s Opus for 2013! Also, so everyone knows Line is officially sold through the Mr. Pollard Opus so if you are looking to buy the 2012 version buy now before they are gone for the season!! Bacon is also most likely going to get the longer length as well as real skiers are demanding longer lengths again and I couldn’t agree more if this is the direction they go with these skis.
Influence Skis is still more of a rumor, they are working on getting longer lengths in that as well but they are still seeing what the demand will actually be for a 193cm or so. If you want to hard charge on the MPO Ski I would suggest going to the Suggested line or you could go a cm back if you typically do not ski center stanced. Mounting is 2cm’s back of center and that is the sweet spot on that ski with out a doubt, but I could see where people that enjoy a little more tip would enjoy going back a cm.
I have a question that no body seems to be able to help with.
I am looking at both the Bacon or the K2 Kung Fuja. however I have a small problem that seems to lead to little help. I am A Telemarker and seem to be short of advice on which ski to buy.
Any one with some help
When it comes to tele I really enjoyed the way the K2 Kung Fujas performed. It would smear turns in tight areas easier than the Bacon. Bacon likes to be on edge more than the Fujas which for tele makes it easier in tighter trees and tight situations. Bacon is an awesome tele ski if you are more in open terrain and trees. The sweet spot of the Bacon is furthur up on the ski as well so you would want to mount your tele’s more forward on those.
So I’m an eastern skier, and I’m looking for a ski to deal with some cruddy powder and tight trees. I’m 5’11 165 lb, and I can’t really tell which of these three skies (prophet 98, influence 105, or sfb) is better suited for the eastern tree skier. Any advice, or should I be looking at different skis entirely? I also currently have some older “front-side” Volkl’s that still do great in icy conditions, so I’m really looking for a ski to complement them on snowier days.
Alex, when it comes the Line Skis it is hard to find a ski that does not do well in powder, tight trees and actually also on hard pack conditions. The way I have been explaning it to people is that if you are looking for a frontside ski that does amazing in powder and trees go with the Prophet 98, if you want a ski that you spend a majority of time in the trees and searching out powder but like to take some laps on the groomers at high speed then go with the Influence 105, and if you are a skier that is searching out every pocket of snow in tighter areas, along with bumps in the trees and variable conditions and when you are on groomers you enjoy playing on the sides of the trail and dipping in to the woods then you would want to consider the SFB or the Opus.
Adam! Firstly, thank you for taking the time to answer all the questions in this forum. I live in Germany and ski German and Austrian Alps (Arlberg Region for the storm season and the glacier resorts for early season and spring – 30 to 40 days per season); so all resorts with quite a lot of vert, varying terrain with about 50% above the tree zone and mixed snow conditions.
I currently ski 2010 Scott Mega Dozers in a 185 – dim. 141/119/133 – (myself 175cm, about 84 kg, athletic, more bull-terrier type). The Mega Dozers have moderate tip and tail rocker, some titanal stringers and weight should be about 4,6 kg for the pair in a 185. They got me through the whole last season and apart from very tight and/or bumpy spots they handle well in almost any condition (edge hold is vicious), but are quite burly for a ski in this category. I would give them a 7,5 to 8 out of 10 for stiffness underfoot.
Now I am looking for something fun that replaces 2009 coombacks that I broke. And there the 2012 SFB comes into play (184 length).
I don’t want a flat tail anymore, but rather something for reasonably technical lines that I can also ski switch and that is versatile and enjoyable when the Mega Dozers are “too much of a ski” for the conditions.
Contenders to the 2012 SFB would be:
1. Armada TST in a 183. Light and very balanced flex – I have tested them just a weekend ago; BUT there is not much ski in front of you and the directional shape made it difficult for me to ski switch. Maybe also a bit narrow with 102 in the waist. I am more looking at the 110 to 115 mm category.
2. Armada JJ in a 185. Always sold out early and always on someones feet when trying to test them, so I still have not skied these. I found the TST quite stiff in the middle and the tail (compared to my mega dozers maybe a 6,5 to 7).
– Is the JJ the same? How would you rate the new 2012 SFB as regards flex, also like 6 on a scale 1 to 10 for freeride skis?
– What about the quality – the SFB base is all die cut (which looks nice, but could make the base more vulnerable to shark bites), whereas the JJs/TSTs have die cut elements but most part is a nice and black fast Austrian race base.
– What about the tip profile – I thought the Armadas’ five dimensional design with the pointy tips is supposed to reduce resistance in soft snow. Does the shortening of the early taper in the SFB not make them more hooky?
– And what about the weight – the SFB in a 184 would be about 4,38 kg; not that much lighter than the supposedly much burlier mega dozers. I’d probably put the barons on it that I had on the coombacks.
– Finally, I like all kind of turns shapes and ways to turn – carve, slarve, skid/pivot and smear. Your entry under 10 reads in a way that the SFB likes to be more on edge?
Sorry, for all the words, but it is unlikely that I will be able to test either the bacons or the JJs and you seem to have a high opinion of both skis, which may help me to render my decision before they are both sold out. Your thoughts are much appreciated. Thank you in advance!
PS: I have finally found some weight specs. on the JJ (pls. see link below). It appears that the JJ in a 185 is about 75 grams lighter per Ski than the SFB in a 184. However, you say, the JJs measure short (183) – any impressions on the SFB as regards measurement?
http://global.skipass.com/gearguide/ski/2011/armada/jj-2.html
http://global.skipass.com/gearguide/line/sir-francis-bacon.html
Finally, when further searching the forums I have come across the dps wailer 112 rp in the hybrid version. In 184 cm it weighs about 4,2 kg per pair. I have two concerncs about those:
– Although they have slight tail rocker they seem more of a directional shred stick and look a bit like TSTs on steriods and I want something that is good for skiing switch. Yet, other than that, the dimensions are pretty perfect on paper. Plus quality is probably awesome (black base with only a small die cut logo – the way I like it).
– All the reviews and comments were either written by people working for dps or skiing for dps, but there is no “neutral” opinion available. They scored a 17 something in the freeskier magazine test where the JJs scored 18 (and the SFB did not get any rating yet).
Would the wailer rp 112 be a worthy alternative if I cannot make up my mind between the SFB and the JJ. When looking at dimensions and features, it would fall right in the middle.
Your thought process is well layed out and all of your questions are valid that is for sure.
1. Armada TST, like the JJ, because of its 5 Dimmensions skis extremely short with too much tip, thus they did move the mounting point back a littie on the ski. That being said you have to get the longer length to have any kind of tip at all on the TST while on the JJ the 185cm is the best selling length and it is the most versatile size for most skiers, it however does not ski switch that well, it does alright though. TST while being a great ski is very hooky and always wants to be on edge thus making it harder sometimes to ski lines switch.
2. TST is stiff in the middle where the JJ in the 185cm has a smoother flex pattern, if you put your Barons on anything it will stiffen that ski up. The JJ and SFB have very similar flexes, it has a lot of tip flop at high speed but rocks in the powder.
The SFB’s new tip design does amazing things. It does not have the powder drag of the EP Pro and it will rip on variable conditions. If you are looking to replace your Coomba I would say go with the Line SFB.
As for quality I put 30 days on Opus’s and had no issues at all. One thing about Line is they use a very hard base and their edges are thicker than just about anyones in the industry which gives you a huge advantage in rocky areas. The JJ Base will certainly be faster there is no doubt about that. As for length tthe Line measure a little over a cm short typically in this ski. Not much lighter but it is much more playful of a ski. If you want versatile turn shapes again you want to go SFB, Love the JJ for cranking out turns but they really enjoy doing a very quick turn most of the time where the SFB will make more of a variety of turns.
Correction on the measurement of the SFB the 181cm measures about 180cm when you do pull chord method. DPS are great skis and very light, only issue I have been told is unless you are excellent at switch they can be very tricky with that tip and tail design. High quality skis though and do ski very well everywhere on the hill. They ar emore directional. Becareful with any Magazine review… sometimes you will find a ski of the year one year gets a 15 rating the next… really just depends on who is sponsoring what sometimes or who actually tested the ski.
Thank you very much Adam. I have also talked to two guys who run freeski shops in the German Alps that both sell line and armada. Both guys’ comments were pretty much in line with your above statements.
They have also said that the SFB was a testers’ favourite when the ski magazines have tested the 2012 season skis last spring. Finally, they have said that they had no quality/warranty issues with line in the past and that they sell them for a couple of years now (as both, the JJs and the SFB sell for exactly the same price in Germany, I have no reason not to believe them).
As I do have a tip & tail rocker 119 mm waisted ski with the mega dozers already, I am more and more tending towards the SFB. I have now also read that they are really fun in crud and windpack and have less of a speed limit. Actually I am going to place the order tomorrow. I’ll let you know my thoughts when I have skied them for the first time. Thanks again!
Hi guys, I was just looking from some advice for you. I’m going to be doing a season this year with the aim of passing my instructors license. This means a fair amount of on piste tests, but while I’m out there I want to be able to develop my freestyle skiing, and also spend lots of time off piste. From what you guys have said the SFB is a great ski (especially off piste) but at 108 underfoot is it going to be a bit heavy and cumbersome for all the short turns/carving. I have also looked at the Line Blend and the Nordica Soul Rider and the Volkl Mantra, but would love some more feedback about those skis if you have any thoughts (or on any other skis you might recommend). So I guess I’m looking for that ‘one ski quiver’ that can handle piste really well (to pass all the tests) but that can also hold its own off piste and will be pretty playful in both areas. Thanks, Will
Hi Will,
Great questions. The Line SFB may be 108mm in the waist however it is also amazingly light for its size and will make short turns with ease thanks to the Early Rise and Early Taper that is on the SFB. You will be amazed at how quickly they will turn and also because the ski has no metal they are actually lighter than the Mantra even though they are wider so if you want to save weight go with teh SFB and just put a Marker Griffon on it to stay lightweight. Mantra is a versatile ski and the new one is excellent in all conditions. Can’t really say anything bad about them just that they are not going to turn as quickly as the Bacon because of the design of the tail. It is more of a GS style turning ski. The Nordica Sould Rider was fun but I found it to be heavy and the Line Blend is more of a Backcountry Freestyle ski so if that is what you are looking for that is a great choice, but if you want one ski that will do it all then stay with your though of the Line SFB.
Thanks,
Adam
Hi Will,
If you are going to do a season, I would go SFB, among all the skis you mention. I just got mine two weeks ago and have skied them for the first time on a glacier in Tirol, Austria, a few days ago. The start of the season is one with the least snow fall in years, so I had plenty of crud, wind-blown, ice and groomer time on them.
Firstly, I am not a big fan of the 98 to 100mm ski category. They do reasonably fine everywhere, but are too much of a compromise. If you are a good skier, do not worry too much about on piste performance. 1 cm in the waist will not make that much of a difference on piste, but it does off. If you start your season in December with a 100mm ski, I guarantee you, that in January you are going to say: “had I only gone wider”.
There are other options in the 102 to 110 mm category (Armada TST, Atomic Blog, Atomic Coax, Völkl Gotama, salomon czar, etc.), but you mention “freestyle” and this is why it is hard to argue against the SFB. I ski it in a 184 and quickness and agility is awesome. Among all skis I have skied in this category I only found the Armada TST in the 183 cm a bit quicker, but they are more of a directional ski, which is why I went for the SFB.
So I would say that the strengths of the SFB are: performance on soft and firm – but not icy – groomers, performance in moguls, performance in softer crud, performance in steeps (surprisingly good in billy goating down steeps for a ski with such symmetrical shape, i.e. wide tail profile), general soft-snow performance, quickness when initiating a turn, edgehold – as long as you get the edge in, skiing switch, pop, stability under foot, swing weight, stability in tip and tail at higher speeds(by rocker ski standards)
only weakness imo: ice
conditions not tested: park, man-made jumps or kickers, deep powder as there was none (only few day old stashes of untracked soft snow).
Hannes,
All excellent points and I couldn’t agress more! SFB for freestyle versatility is amazing. Excellent quiver ski that is for sure and one that is selling quickly!
Adam
Hi Adam,
I’m an Intermediate – Advanced Skier 181cms 190lbs, I ski mainly on the resorts but am looking to get into a good backcountry setup. Because most of my skiing is overseas travelling (I’m from Australia) I can really only have 1 ski to do it all. I ski on Salomon Lord 177cm but find that at 87 underfoot they don’t ski the pow at all. They also get a lot of chatter on the groomers at high speed. I’ve been looking around at the K2 Kung Fujus or Coombacks, Rossi S3. I have just come across the Line SFBs and think they might just be right for me with Marker Barons.
I do ski a lot on the groomers but need something that will float in the pow, would you suggest the SFBs or is there some thing else you would suggest. Really appreciate the advice
Thanks Shaun
Or maybe Blizzard Cochise?
Question here: I’m 5’9 180lbs. I prefer powder and off piste in and out of trees. I bought the Line Sir Francis Bacons 2012 in a 184 length but haven’t mounted them yet because I’m thinking of switching to the 178’s.
The 184’s look really long and I’m looking for something that will be quick in the powder and trees. Any suggestions?
Also how should I mount these? I don’t ride switch but I would love to learn.
Hi,
Thanks for a great site.
I just came across the great words of Line SFB skis.
However I’m thinking of getting a pair of Shiro’s.
I’ve heard a lot of good about those.
I really want to try a pair of full rockers but are a bit unsure..
The ideal stuff for me is to put skins on and go out in the backcountry, but also on the groomers and around various conditions when the pow isn’t good enough.
My old rig is a pair of Salomon Lord with Baron on them, they have been great but a little to skinny and a bit too soft for me now.
I’ve started to charge a bit more and play more on the way down.
Therefor I was thinking of the Shiro’s, but will I lose too much of the allround performance and back country adventures, (steep,hard,soft etc) eventhough they’ve got great allround reviews?
Last week I tried the Nordica Girish, heavy and sturdy and a bit too stiff for me I guess. I liked the long radius, same as Shiro’s I think, and yet a good feeling in tight turns.
A friend has the Sidestash for back country and has been happy with those. I’ve also tried the Coomback.
What’s your take on ObSethed?
So, as you hear I’m a little bit all over the place right now and would love to get some input.
I’m a bit worried I will loose too much grip with no camber in the Shiro’s in harder conditions.
I’m 5’10 and 175lbs and a good allround skier.
Thanks, Carl
@Shaun and Carl
1. Shaun
The skis you mention are all quite different. Out of these I would recommend the following:
a. If you are looking for a versatile fun ski that is stable, but easy to ski and you like to ski fast and smooth, but with a playful and creative attitude go SFB. I have just returned from another shortbreak in Hintertux Austria. We have skied all conditions you can imagine with a guide, as not all the crevaces are completely filled with snow yet. I was really amazed again, how balanced the flex is and how quick it initiates turns due to the very low swingweight. Medium and fast long turns are also fun and the ski remains stable. It only has a speedlimit when it comes to boilerplate or when there are very icy chunks in the shopped up conditions.
b. Blizzard Cochise. I have not skied it, but a skimate has purchased it and raves about it. However, he is more of a charging guy who spends most of his season in resorts like Verbier or Chamonix. If stability and predictability in tricky conditions is your preference this might be your ski. I had the ski in my hands in a 185 and found it light. The Rocker is very low profile with no extra bend in the tip (like 4 frnt ehp, coreupt slasher, salomon rocker 2 or the nordica backcountry skis).
See the link below for the rocker profile
http://www.epicski.com/t/101637/2012-blizzard-cochise/90
2. Carl
It seems you are looking more for a charging ski with more waist than the 108 mm in the new Bacon.
a. My personal big mountain ski is the scott mega dozer in a 185 (2011 version) and I keep telling people how amazing this ski is. It floats, carves, pivots, does long and short turns and has vice-like edge grip for a ski this wide. The only weaknesses are moguls and very tight tree spots or chutes. It also takes a little more effort to ski all day than the bacons. This ski would in my opinion outski every ski you mention above.
b. If you are more on the playful side, it will be hard to argue against the SFB, which is now my everyday quiver and the more I ski it, the more I love it.
c. When you read Adam’s posts on the Opus in this forum, it may also be a worthy alternative. I have not skied it, but if it skis like the “bacon’s big brother” it is going to be an amazing ski.
Hope this helps!
Hello, everyone!
Tommy from Norway here, and let me first say thanks to all the posters here your valuable input on this site.
Anyways, I ordered myself a pair of 2012 Line SFB the other day from Sport Conrad in Germany, and they’re just a few days away. I am really exited, for sure! 🙂
Still, as I’ve gotten some feedback on another site that the SFB might be way too soft for me, I wanna ask some of you people here about your opinion on the matter, as you really seem to know your stuff.
My techincal data, so to speak is this:
180 cm’s tall (5’11), and weight 100 kg (220 lbs)
My on-piste technique is quite good (very strong intermediate/semi-advanced), and I ski about 60-40% on-piste vs off-piste.
My one quiver ski of choice the past three years has been the Völkl Mantra (2008-model, so no tip rocker)
I love the Mantra for the groomers, but in the softer snow/powder, it just feels a little too stiff, and it’s nose dives too easy. Oh, and yes; it can’t really be seen as a very playful ski either. I find it to be a little bit too stiff.
I love to cruise, line up turns and play around, and I am in no way a hard charger. My idea of having fun on the mountain, is not to get to the bottom in the least amount of time. I’ll let the downhill skiers handle that.
Well, to get to the point:
With my 0,1 metric tons of body weight, have I made a terrible mistake going for the SFB?? (BTW, I went with the 184 cm version, which is the same as my Mantras.)
I really hope not, as it truly sounds to be an awesome all-mountain ski who can do about everything there is.
Thanks in advance for any feedback. 🙂
Tommy
Hi Tommy,
I weigh around 84 to 85 kg at 175 cm, which is also not the lightest and had no stability issues so far. The SFB is not a charging ski, yet it has a very even and balanced flex that makes it pretty stable. It should be perfect for the type of skiing you mention.
As for skiing in Norway, I have so far only skied in Stryn in May/June so I do not know average winter snow conditions in Norway, but for the mixed spring/summer snow with soft parts, crud some icy patches and really wet snow at the bottom the SFB would be perfect. Lovely country that you guys have up there by the way…
If there was a longer length like 190cm I would have suggested this for you, but you should be fine with the 184 as this is the longest available.
I know the people from Conrad quite well and have also talked to them about the Bacon – I have then bought it at bittl because they could deliver earlier. Both guys from the shop have told me that up to 110 kg the SFB should be fine. I put marker barons on mine, because I like the backcountry touring option and it stiffens the ski.
IMO you made a good pick. Have fun skiing with your new bacons.
To Hannes:
Thanks a lot for your input/feedback, man! 🙂 Your conclusion is the same that I’ve made up myself after reading dousins of different reviews and tests of the 2012 SFB. I’m sure they’ll make me a happy skier.
Thanks for the nice words about Norway too, by the way. Yeah, sure, we have beautiful nature, but when it comes to skiing in Europe, nothing beats the Alps in my opinion.
In mid-January this year, I was one week in St.Anton, Austria with some friends, and the massive ski areas in the Arlberg-region, surrounded by massive mountains everywhere you look, just gives the skiing a whole new dimension. And the after-ski atmosphere is priceless; memories from Mooserwirt are still really fresh in mind!)
This coming January, it’s back to Austria for one more week of skiing holiday, this time the destination is Ischgl. Needless to say, I’m as exited about that holiday as a 7 year old kid is before opening his/her Christmas gifts! 😀
Snow conditions in Norway varies slightly depending on which part of the country you’re in.
The Stryn-area on the Norwegian west coast, where you visited, is kinda right smack in the middle of the “powder-region”, as there are usually massive snow falls there, and also the part of Norway which gets the most snow during the season. Still, as it’s near to the coast, temperatures are likely to switch from rather mild, to cold, resulting in very icy, boiler-plate-like conditions from time to time.
Myself, I’m not a touring skier, so I ski lift-based from resorts located inland in the eastern/central part of Norway. Winter temperatures in the mountains here are usually very stabile from -5 to -20 Celcius, and therefor the snow is mostly dry but still soft. So, thankfully skiing on the groomers here means that icy pistes is something you rarely see. (Except the World Cup downhill run at Kvitfjell, which isn’t really fun for my taste anway, no matter what kind of skis I have strapped on. he he)
Anyway, according to UPS, my new SFBs will be arriving tomorrow, and next week I’ll be trying them out in my season premiere.
Have a great season everyone! 🙂
PS: for anyone still considering the SFB, I have found some pictures of the topsheet, base and rocker profile. If this is still not enough to get a proper impression, I could take pictures of mine and email them.
http://jonnyjay.blogspot.com/2011/10/new-addition-to-jay-peak-quiver.html
Hi Shaun,
Thanks for the background information that is very helpful. Salomon Lord was kind of a planky ski and does not do well in powder at all as I am sure you found out quickly. Where you need one ski to do it all the SFB is absolutely an excellent choice. All the skis you are looking at are extremely versatiel and would all be good options but they are more around 100mm in the waist and the amount you gain by going to the SFB is well worth it, you get added waist and float while not giving up edge hold and stability on groomers. Marker Baron with them would be a great match for sure.
As for the Cochise it is an awesome ski but not what you are looking for where you spend so much time on the groomers.
Thanks,
Adam
Don’t go short!! These Line SFB turns so quickly in the trees which is where I spend most of my time as well. They may look long but they certainly do not ski long because of the design of both the Early Rise and Early Taper, this allows the ski to get on edge more quickly while the length gives you stability and added flotation when you need it. I am 5’6″ and about 185lbs and would never consider the 178cm length inthis ski. If you are more of a high level intermediate to lower level advanced skier then maybe consider the 178cm, but if you are Advanced/Expert then stay with the 184cm length you will be very happy you did.
Thanks,
Adam
I got my new Line SFBs delivered last Friday, and today it was finally time to try them out.
This was also my season premiere, as I haven’t been skiing since late March. So, it would be an understatement to claim that I was a little bit exited. I was VERY exited about how the SFBs would be to handle…:)
AND, as they’re quite soft, I was even more exited (concerned, to be honest) regarding if they would handle my weight (as I’m a 220 lbs. skier)
I had NOTHING to worry about! 😀
Just after skiing them for one single day, and only on groomers with OK conditions (a bit hard snow, borderline ice a few places) I am allready incredibly happy that I bought the SFB!
Despite so many reviews, and forum posts praising the 2012 SFBs agility and versatility (herunder it’s all mountain prowess) I guess I really had to see for myself how such a wide ski (which it really still is, to be honest) could be fun skiing groomers.
And, it is!!!! It really is! I could carve out short turns, medium/GS-turns, I could mix up turns…I could pretty much turn the way I wanted to, whenever I wanted to! Without any difficulty, at all! The ski has a snappy, lively feel to it, and is really just FUN. Even after the first run, which is usually somewhat shaky due to many months without skiing, I had a big smile on my face!
I didn’t really push the envelope with todays skiing, but even if I had gone for my top speed, I don’t see any problems with this ski. The ski simply feels very solid and stabile, but without the heavy freight train feeling that my Mantras kinda give.
Of course, at the parts of the slopes with very hard snow (borderline ice) I could tell that the edges don’t grip all too good. I also gotta admit that the fastest I’ve ever skied, was between 60-70 kmh, and I usually don’t even ski at that speed.
So, this ski put on a downhill racer, on an icy slope, and there’s no doubt that the SFB would struggle.
But really, who gives a damn?? This ski wasn’t made for downhill on ice no matter how you look at it!
In my opinion, Line has really hit a homerun with this ski! Cause when I, at my upper intermediate level, can have so much fun skiing it only on groomers (so far) in conditions that is defintely not optimal for what this ski is made for, I can only imagine how good it’ll feel in soft snow and powder.
When I’m going to Ischgl, Austria in mid-January, I’m allready considering to only bring my SFBs. They really are that good as a one quiver-ski! Still, I probably will be bringing my Atomic Nomad Blackeyes, just in worst case conditions will leave me forced to only be skiing hard/icy snow for a whole week.
But, as great as the SFB really seem, I have a feeling that the only thing my Blackeyes will be seeing of Ischgl, is the hotel’s ski storage area… 😀
Best regards,
Tommy (happy owner of a pair of SFBs)
Tommy,
Glad to hear you like your new SFB.
One thing about Ischgl. It is a huge resort with good side country opportunities and nice, varying terrain (and one of the best party scenes in the alps – nice memories from the legendary fire and ice bar and the “Kuhstall”).
But! It is high alpine terrain that almost goes up to 3000m. Every season Ischgl gets hit by huge avalanchees. Ischgl and its neighbour resorts are one of the top ten places in the alps as regards avi danger.
This winter, with the long and warm period in the alps it gets even worse. I have skied a couple of days with a guide in November and December and he showed my that there is a lot of ice underneath the new snow coverage, due to the melting snow when we had this warm period in November. this ice forms a pefect slide for the snow.
Therefore: before you ski back- or side country go with a guide for at least one day. It may appear expensive (they charge about EUR 75 to 80 per day, depending on the size of the group), but what is this compared to the objective danger you are putting youself through if not. Please listen to all the warnings. This winter will have much more avi danger until the snow has sufficiently linked with the ice underneath. Ski with care!
I love both the SFB and Opus… Im having trouble deciding which one to go with though. How much difference is there between the two on the groomers? I do ride there but I do love to go big in the back country. I want to make sure I get a ski that can handle both terrains just fine. Can charge hard on the hard back but also can handle any back country conditions. I just dont know which one to get!!! Help
I also dont know what size to get… Im 5’8″ about 165lbs and an upper advanced skier. I dont know if I should go with the 178’s or 184/5’s. Ive decided I want to go with the opus, I need something more for powder to add to my Line Blends. Should I go with the 178 opus since they are wider than what im used to? I just want to make sure I have a length that is super quick for me and can make tight turns in the trees, but also stable enough so when im cruising down the groomers I dont feel like the ski is too short… ha Thanks Adam!
Thank you for the input.
I will try to get my hands on a pair of SFB’s and try them out.
Cheers, Carl
@ Eric:
Don’t go too short, especially when you’re an upper advanced skier.
I was really surprised by how short my 184 SFBs felt skiing them on the groomers. This is naturally due to the rocker-taper design, and if I should make an assesment, I’d say that on groomers/hard snow, only about 174 cm’s of the ski is in contact with the snow. So, they ski short for sure.
The rest of the ski, with especially the rockered tip and tail, will come into play in deeper snow, especially soft snow and powder.
When it comes to what ski to chose, SFB vs Opus, you really have to ask yourself what you desire the most. A ski that floats better in off-piste/powder, or a more versatile ski that is also fun on the groomers.
The way I see it (although I haven’t skied the Opus) the SFB is a very good 50/50 all-mountain weapon, while the Opus is a better choice for a skier that mainly stays off-piste, and only takes an occasional run down the groomers.
My other input (and this is in no way a scientific statement) is that if it is a hard charging ski you’re looking for, I feel that neither the SFB or Opus are your best options. They’re playful, funny, awesome skis, but just be looking at their flex and softness, it goes without saying that they’re not hard chargers.
BUT, I gotta say that you shouldn’t take my word for a fact, as I read in some forums that I’m a much too heavy of a skier to use the SFB…and those who said so were simply wrong…
So, if I were you, I’d take both skis for a test run (if possible)
Good luck, and Merry Christmas.
Tommy
Thanks Tommy that is very helpful! I do already have the Blends for kind of an all mountain ski, so thats why im thinking I should go with the Opus to fill my quiver a little more. Even though I KNOW I would Love the bacons, I wants to fill the powder area with the MPO. And I guess when I say hard charging I just mean a ski that can handle itself when im getting back to the lift in a hurry or something like that. I like to play thats why im looking at the MPO and not the Influence 115’s. And from everything ive been reading the Opus can handle the grommers just fine. which Is what im looking for. I do ski the groomers, but nothing serious. So if it can get me down without too much difficulty thats what im looking for. Thanks for all the imput, now if only it would snow that would be great! ha
You will truly enjoy the MPO and it will make a great quiver ski since you already have a Blend. MPO will handle the groomers with ease and once you get on the MPO you wil never want to go back. SFB is an awesome ski but the MPO does everything and more if you are willing to go to the 118mm waist.
Hey, all
I’ve been having a tough time picking between the 178 and 184 sizes for the SFB…
I’m 5’9 and weigh 145lbs… the main questions i’m having are whether or not the skies are true to size. And also, whether or not the 184 would be too much ski for someone of my stature. I definitely like to charge, but i prefer a ski to be playful and able to jib around. thoughts?
Hello,
Great question. As for actual length the 178cm is 174cm and the 184cm is 181cm so with that being said go for the 184cm length ski as it sounds like you are a good skier. If you enjoy shorter skis you can certainly get the 178cm length and it will be easier for you to play around in the bumps and park. They are amazingly versatile skis and will do everything you want them to do.
Hi Guys,
I’m from Romania and i want to thank you all for the great reviews on the SFB. I’ve beeing searching for reviews regarding the lines for several weeks already and by far here I found the best.
I’m 188cm and 90 kg and now i ski the Mantras like Tommy – 2008. i love them. Last year was my first year on skies over 80 something cm and it really felt different. I consider myself almost an expert although I don’t do jumps and tricks in the park. I’m more an old style skier, not too much of an carver.
I used to ski on 205-210cm k2 in big snow and bumps and everything else some years ago – a lot of work…..
Now coming to the questions:
1.) Tommy how do you feal the SFB compared to the Mantras 184cm – i’m concerned they are too short for me.
2.) has anyone had any experience with the marker schizo – would I ever need the 6 cm playground?
3.) if schizo is not for me than how do you feel hiking with the barons? I never did it but i’m thinking what if i’ll start doing it one day and than if i’ll put some Jesters, I might regret not being able to hike…i have Griffons on the Mantras.
4.) being an old style skier -i like to work alot and i guess I’m charging quite hard, but i like to do a lot of very short turns combined with long GS style and I do ski quite fast.
I was actually thinking of 2 shies: influence 105/115 and SFB/MPO
And so every day I read more and more and can’t decide. Soon the season will be over…..
By the way have you seen this movie? :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivG4ZHt5e4c&feature=youtube_gdata_player
I guess you did……love the song, great sking.
Thanks guys for your help,
Steve
One more thing:
Most of the time I’m on the slopes, although the fun i find off piste, and I would really love to learn some jumps and switch and so on…
You were right on the length…
my 178s came today and were around 174.
Returning them for the 184s(181s)…
Get those 184’s before they are all sold out they are going quickly.
Just to make my review under comments 20 and 26 above complete:
I have just returned from the Ziller Valley Austria (where the nimbus en route Austria was shot) and had a couple of days of awesome snow storm skiing. I took to SFB out although I have wider powder boards to test them in the last condition I hadnd’t so far. Huge amounts of fresh powder!
I skied lots of steep tree lines and gladed runs with up to 70 cm of fresh and nice pillow lines. In the steep tree lines the SFB was amazing even with that much of fresh. The mountain guide I skied with – who was on 2012 pontoons – said it was ridicoulous how effortless my skiing looked with such “narrow” boards and how aggressively I stood on the ski even in the deepest stuff.
Only today, when the sun came out from time to time and we also skied some faces where you could open it up there were a few times where I had wished for a wider ski.
Conclusion: although there may be better skis for these conditions the SFB also does amazingly in powder.
PS: I ski on the 184 and I would take them even to the tightest of tree runs. Unless you are really small and light do not go any shorter. This ski is amazingly maneuverable in the 184.
Hey, living in new england we dont see much pow. I love the design of these skis so much, though ive never skied a fatter ski like the bacon. How would these hold up on groomed snow, and park?
@Bill
On groomers they hold very well for such playful ski.
Well, I don’t know how the snow is in new england as I have only skied West Coast and they have more regular storm cicles than we do in the alps. Yet I would say that 50% of my ski time is fresh powder or stashes of a few day old powder. The rest is everything from blue ice to bumps and lots of wind blown as we have lots of skiing above the treeline (2200 meters and above) and therefore the faces are exposed wo wind. For this, the SFB is perfect and it is my narrowest ski.
It has very good edge hold even on firm snow. Only on blue ice they tend to wash out a little, but you still get an edge in – it is just that they have to be skied at slower speed on ice. But they are fun on groomed runs overall.
As for park: I have only been airing off natural features so far and what I can tell you is that the swing weight is very low. Therefore it should not be to bad in the park.
If you envisage to do more off piste skiing, but you do not want to commit to a real pow ski, look no further. If you spend less than 30% off-trail and you do lots of technical tricks in the park and if you like rails, there may be better options.
Hi.
I’m considering upgrading from the Prophet 90 to the SFB.
I’ve started skiing a year ago (been boarding for the last 10 years), and really found the prophets the perfect ski, but i’m thinking I’ll like to try something more playful and floaty (I ski mostly Whistler and Baker).
Do you think this is a good idea? What would be the ideal length?
I’m 5,7 and 190 lbs, currently in a Prophet 90 165, and I’ll say I’m intermediate skier.
Thanks in advance.