2021-2022 LINE Sick Day 104

by
Jonathan Ellsworth reviews the Line Sick Day 104 for Blister Gear Review
Line Sick Day 104, 17/18 Graphics

Ski: 2021-2022 LINE Sick Day 104, 186 cm

Available Lengths: 172, 179, 186 cm

Blister’s Measured Tip-to-Tail Length: 185.5 cm

Blister’s Measured Weight per Ski: 1848 & 1903 grams

Stated Dimensions: 137-104-121 mm

Blister’s Measured Dimensions: 136.5-103.5-120.5

Stated Sidecut Radius: 19.3 meters

Tip & Tail Splay (ski decambered): 61 mm / 26 mm

Traditional Camber Underfoot: ~3 mm

Core: Aspen

Factory Recommended Mount Point: -10.15 cm from center; 82.6 cm from tail

[Note: Our review was conducted on the 17/18 Sick Day 104, which was not changed for 18/19, 19/20, 20/21, or 21/22, apart from graphics.]

Intro: the New Sick Day Series

For the 17/18 season, Line has revamped their “Sick Day” series, and it will now include the Sick Day 88, 94, 104, and 114.

But a retooling of the Sick Day series isn’t the only change at LINE. We’re saying goodbye to the Supernatural 115 and the Supernatural 108 (which we love), as well as the Line Sick Day Tourist 102, which is one of our favorite touring skis.

We’ve been spending time on three of the new Sick Day models (the 94, 104, and 114), and will be offering our full reviews soon. And you can now also read our Flash Review of the Sick Day 104.

So what’s the story with these new Sick Day skis?

Line says about the retooled Sick Day series: “We took the LINE Sick Day Series, one of the more decorated lineups in skiing, and thought: how can we make this more fun? So we went back to the drawing board and retooled one of our favorite lines of skis. We realized we needed to make them arc better, make them surfier — all in all, we needed to make them…ahem, more funner.”

More funner. Got it.

And about the Sick Day 104 in particular, LINE says:

“This all-mountain, soft-snow beast features a more gradual rocker line and a tail that will break loose with ease. But don’t think of this as a slouch on hardpack, either. This everyday quiver of one offers the snappy, good times vibe that won’t overbear or clap out after half a season.”

So according to their copy, Line is positioning the 104 as an “everyday” one-ski quiver that is biased a bit toward soft-snow conditions.

Interestingly, they make no mention of backcountry skiing / ski touring. But the Sick Day series has always fallen squarely in the “50/50” category of skis, to be used both inbounds and out of bounds.

So the primary question we have of all of these Sick Day skis is whether they really are true “50/50” skis, or whether they are easier to recommend as dedicated inbounds skis or dedicated touring skis?

Weight

At a weight of 1850-1900 grams in the 186 cm length, we really can’t make the call just off of the weight — the skis are on the lighter side for inbounds use, and a touch on the heavier side for a dedicated touring ski. The 186 cm Line Tourist 102 came in at 1720 & 1747 grams per ski.

But in addition to reviewing the 186 cm Sick Day 104, we are also getting time on the 179 cm model, and are setting that ski up with a tech binding for use as a touring ski. And the 179 cm Sick Day 104 comes in at 1755 & 1792 grams per ski, which is only a touch heavier than the 186 Tourist 102.

Flex Pattern

Hand flexing both the 179 and the 186 Sick Day 104, I would describe their flex patterns like this:

186 cm Sick Day 104:

Tips: 6
Shovels: 7-8
Underfoot: 10
Behind the Heel piece: 9-8
Tails: 7

179 cm Sick Day 104:

Tips: 6
Shovels: 7-8
Underfoot: 10
Behind the Heel piece: 9-8
Tails: 8-7

I.e., they are very similar. If anything, the tails of the 186 might go slightly softer at the very end than the 179’s, but the difference is subtle.

So while the Sick Day 104 isn’t a noodle, it certainly doesn’t have a burly flex pattern, and won’t be confused off a hand flex with skis like the Faction Dictator 3.0 or the HEAD Kore 105.

Mount Point

While Line says that they have made the Sick Days more funner, they didn’t do so by giving the Sick Day a “funner,” more progressive mount point. At -10 cm behind center, we are in fully traditional, directional territory, unlike other Line skis like the Mordecai or the Sir Francis Bacon (where the “Eric’s Choice” mark is at – 2 cm). But don’t let the mount point freak you out; Line has proven that they can make some crazy fun, playful skis with more traditional mount points — e.g., the Line Pescado (-10 cm), which has been loved by every Blister reviewer who has spent time on it.

Shape / Rocker Profile

As you can see from our rocker pics, Line isn’t getting weird with the shape of this ski. There’s no heavy tip or tail taper (I mean, not that we care or anything, but YAY!!!), and the tail rocker on this ski is fairly subtle.

Similarly, the Line Tourist 102 was a really straight-forward design, it’s just that all of its straight-forward parts worked really really well together, making it a phenomenal ski. So we’ll see if Line can once again turn a straightforward design into something really good.

Bottom Line (For Now)

“More funner”? We’ll see. But the Sick Day 104 — like the other skis in the Sick Day series — doesn’t try to achieve its state of more-funner-ness by way of some goofy-ass design.

Stay tuned, and become a blister member to check out our Flash Review of the Sick Day 104 (and get a whole bunch of other perks).

NEXT: The Full Review

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54 comments on “2021-2022 LINE Sick Day 104”

  1. After watching the promo video for the sick day series on line’s website, i’m sold on this skis for my style of skiing EXCEPT being able to use it more like a bacon (buttering, hokie 180s and 360s off side jumps). In that video, however, some of the riders appeared to be riding the sick day more center mounted than -10 cm. Any intel on how this ski would ride at maybe -5cm from center to allow some goofiness on the trail and slackcountry? I imagine there would be hardly any ski in contact with now in front of the bindings because of the generous looking rocker.

    Thanks!

  2. I am trying to find a more versatile ski for the PNW. I have some super wide powder skis for the deep days, but they kinda suck when the cascade cement gets tracked out and choppy. How would these skis do for a heavier guy (245lbs) for a fresh snow resort ski? I mostly ride at Stevens Pass in WA. The snow has a little more moisture content, and after the first hour, the pow gets pretty tracked out and compacted. The trees there are pretty tightly spaced together, so I would prefer something on the shorter side, but at my weight would the 179s be too noodley? Or any other recommendations for a 100-105mm wide versatile, but leaning towards shallow to medium pow days ski?

    • Hi, James – at 6’1″, 245, I think you’d overpower the 186 cm model of this ski in tracked-up heavier snow, and you would almost certainly overpower the 179 model. We really like this ski, but it shines as either a (1) 50/50 ski where you’d really want to save on weight, (2) dedicated touring ski where you’d also want to save on weight (3) fun, poppy ski for playing and jumping — not blasting through heavy chop (and not at your size).

      So go heavier. If you really want to keep things shorter, the 181 cm J Skis Masterblaster checks off a lot of your boxes. My second choice at this width would be the 188 cm Moment PB&J – don’t sweat the length, it’s got a ton of tip & tail rocker. It’s just a bit lighter than the Masterblaster, so pick your weight.

      But you might also check out the 186 cm ON3P Kartel 108, or the 184 cm 4FRNT Devastator – fairly heavy ski, tons of tip and tail rocker makes it easy to pivot in tight spaces.

      • I’m actually in a very similar position to James. I’m surprised you recommended the J Skis Masterblaster instead of The Metal – can you share some background? I’m 6’3″, 190lbs, also ski in the Cascades, and ride on ~5 year old Moment PB&J. I was looking for something a bit wider, a bit more directional, and figured the Metal would be perfect. But, both you and J Lev recommended the Masterblaster. What gives? :-)

        • Afarmer! how do you like the PB&J? I am considering that, along with the 4frnt devastator (super heavy), or the Bibby Pro (much wider) , I know those are all kinda different skis, but I am thinking I would still rather bias my next ski for new snow, then anything else..

          What else have you ridden on our heavy snow out here? Stevens Pass is my main mountain, and by 11am, light snow gets pretty heavy and super tracked out on a sunny day on the back side of that mountain…

          What else out there is great in the cascade concrete?

          • James, sorry I missed your reply.
            I do enjoy my PB&J, but I find them difficult to swing around. That’s probably due to my poor form :-) I was skiing on my backcountry setup inbounds one day, and really enjoyed it. I think I just really like the more directional, lighter weight ski.
            At this point, I’m tossing around the Atomic Backland 109 and the Salomon QST 106 as my new setup. They both get really good reviews from everyone I talk to, they both seem very versatile, and good in powder. The write-ups on these skis in Blister Winter Guide have been helpful, to be honest.

    • Again A Similar situation to JAMES (even the same mountains) though I am looking to get into touring 50/50 ski for next year. I’m 6’2″ & ~215lbs, a0nd my current ski is the enforcer 93 (which I love, except when things get bumpy). Looking to pick between the 18/19 Sick Day 104s or the 18/19 QST 106. is there anything that should sway me one way or the other?

    • James, my opinion for your size and location is that you definitely want something with some metal in it. Personally I run the enforcer 93s (185cm), but the 100s are also supposed to be great. You definitely give up some agility (especially in medium to large bumps) but, you can plow through basically anything else.

  3. Have you guys had a chance to try the 4FRNT MSP yet? It may be a little more narrow, but seems like it may be what I am looking for as well…

  4. Any idea how these compare to the Atomic Backland FR 102 and 109? I’m looking for a playful directional ski for east coast tree skiing and backcountry use – both the Sick Day and the Backland seem like they could fit the bill

  7. I have now spent a week in Obergurgl on these skis. Skiing mainly off pist in variable conditions some really fast gs slope skiing and some moguls. And I am super pleased with tjena skis. Very versatile (very) and really dependable. Easy to skid around in short turns and a very solid carver in medium to long turns. Surprisingly stable and shines in big turns at pretty high speed. Still very quick and agile. Maybe not the last Word on really hard/ice slopes but not to shabby either. Very nice ski that completely crush my former K2 Pinnacle 105. (In just about everything except slalom like carved turns in good conditions) Thumbs up!

  8. Moved away from skiing a big mountain resort environment every day (Big Sky) to a more 50/50 type of ski plan in the future. (Helena, MT) I’ve been on 182 Rossi E100’s for a couple years as my every day ski, and love them, despite limitations in deep snow and crusty variable pow. 6′, 230+ lbs (right now)

    Looking for a ski to put Shifts on for next season. Would the SD 186 be a good option? Or should I look for something a little burlier? I’m honestly not too concerned about weight going up, as I don’t do a lot of looong approaches. I demo’d the SD Tourists at Bridger Bowl on a soft chop type of day, and found them too noodly for me. I also found that I could easily overpower the original 188cm Soul 7 in roughly 6 inches of pow on a firm base on blue groomers. (Haven’t skied the HD)

    • Even though I find the Sick Days fairly damp and stable I suspect that a heavier/stronger skier could perhaps overpower them. (My weight is just below 80 kilos). To me the Nordica enforcer 100 is close to the Sick Day in overall performance and “feel” but the Sick days are a bit more “Lively and poppy” (and a fair bit lighter) while the enforcer may be a bit more damp and stable.

  10. Nice to read this full review :-). Thanks!

    But did I miss something? Not a word about pow? (I know we’re in April :-D)

    Jonathan if you read this, can you give your opinion on how they behave in pow against the Sakana?

  11. Thanks for great reviews! I just spent 3 days on these last week -186 version. Me= 155#, 6’1, advanced to expert. At +2 the turn initiation was noticeably easier, but I really liked these skis best at +1, especially in the morning refrozen spring conditions at Crested Butte. They like to charge and were really easy to throw around in technical terrain. I liked being able to break the tail free, but in hard snow they felt a bit skittery. I found the vibration of these to be a bit jarring at times and I had to keep on top of them as they could deflect when driving into hard conditions. For me these didn’t dampen anything in the terrain. They felt at home driving off the tips, but I found they liked a lighter touch with more agility rather than full charge mode. As soon as things softened up a little they were much more comfortable. I’d say this is a great ski for fair to good conditions, but not bad conditions. I was looking to replace my aging Nordica Hell and Backs with these, but in the end I’m still looking.

  14. Ive just discovered this site and reviews and Love it. I’m on pair of sick day 95’s from probably 4 or 5 yrs ago and looking to get a bit wider ski for the fewer but better days i get in now that i have a kid. Just can’t decide on this vs 114, and if i want to get a little backcountry in on these or just keep em resort.

    • Thanks, TheB! And apologies for the late reply.

      Short answer: sounds like you first need to get a bit clearer on what, exactly, you’re looking for? But we’re big fans of both the SD 104 & 114. personally, if I were going to pair with the SD 95, I’d be inclined to bump up to the 114 just to avoid some overlap.

  15. I’m looking at a 50/50 ski to put Salomon Shift’s on and am looking at the Line Sick Day 2014, Armada Tracer 108, or 4FRNT Raven. I’m leaning towards the Armada’s but have a buddy that said as a brand the skis seems “fragile.”

    I’m 5 ft. 11 in. tall and weight 155 so I’m not a super hard charger. Let me know what you guys think!

  16. Hi!

    I have been riding the Sick Day 110 (2015 model), 186 as a everyday ski for four years now. For “heavy conditions” I use the Sick Day 125 (2015), 192.

    Any insights if the current Sick Day 104 would be an even better everyday-ski than my old SD 110?
    Everyday skiing ist about 60% on piste for me, in all kind of conditions.
    BTW, I am 5.8ft tall, 160 lbs weight…

  17. I’ve been scouring Blister for some more info on the 179 version. I am 5’8″ (5’9″ on an excellent day), 165lb and feel like the 186 might be a bit long, especially considering I will be using it as a 50/50 ski with Shifts. I demoed the 184 Moment Death Wish and felt really comfortable on it in soft conditions. I demoed the 184 Wildcat a week later in some deep, heavy snow and felt a bit awkward on it. The conditions did not help, but I don’t think I could get the ski going fast enough to make it feel loose, and in that regard it started to feel like the 184 was too much ski to throw around. I also demoed the 180 Brahma in Spring conditions and felt pretty good on it as well (awesome ski for spring conditions!). My current ski is a 173 Bonafide (16/17) and I have always regretted not buying them in the 180 length. So long story short, I am kind of torn between the 179 Sickday 104, the 181 QST 106s (18/19), or to hold off and wait tell some more info comes in on the Line Vision 108, Armada Tracer 108, and the Moment Wildcat 108. Any/all advice from Blister or readers would be appreciated! I might just have to take a chill pill and demo a few more skis hahaha.

    • Couple things:

      (1) if you are getting along well with a 180 cm Brahma, I don’t feel like the 186 would be too much ski for you. That said, for touring purposes, I understand why the 179 might be intriguing … though Sam Shaheen and Luke Koppa both weigh less than you, and they like the 186. Plus if a 184 Deathwish felt good … that further points to the 186 SD 104.

      The Line Vision is a *much* lighter ski that we wouldn’t seriously recommend for 50/50 use — especially not to someone who likes a 180 cm Brahma. 181 cm QST 106 could be a good choice, and we’ll be saying more about the 181 QST 106 soon, and also the 180 Tracer. Wildcat 108 will be a ways out, but we’ll be getting on those in a 184 & 190.

    • I’ve got about 10 days on the 186 Sick Day 104. I will tell you that it skis “short.” Super easy to pivot on at low speed, and easy to make tight radius turns on in steeps. Much easier than say the blizzard Cochise, Salomon QST 106, or Moment Wildcat.

      The other big thing I notice with the Line is that it is harder to make high speed long radius turns on the ski without skidding the tails. It still feels stable at high speed, but the tail washout takes a little getting used to if your coming from a more directional ski. Also it feels like I am leaning way over the tips when skiing like this.

      Bottom line, if you feel like you are between sizes on this ski, I’d consider sizing up.

      • Hello!

        Im 5’10, 155, and currently skiing the M5. Love to charge and go fast, but wanting to slow it down a bit sometimes to jump natural features oh and primarily as a 50/50 with either shifts or marker Duke pt.

        I’m currently between the 179 Sick Day 104 or the 181 QST 106.

        Any secret insight? Thanks!

    • Definitely *not* 172. 179 could be good, but honestly, if he is skiing in more open spaces, I wouldn’t steer him away from the 186.

      So all that said, 179 seems like a pretty safe choice … and you shouldn’t be considering the 172 at that height and weight. This is a lightweight, easy ski. Go too short, and you will sacrifice too much stability.

      • What length would you recommend for me (adult athletic, former ski racer, 5’7″, just under 150#, skiing NM and CO mostly) for a 50:50 set-up (more realistically 75 inbounds:25 BC)? I’m currently skiing 177 Mantras. Am leaning towards the 172’s but for the times I like to rail turns on groomers am wondering about the 179’s.

        • Did you decide? I’m pretty close to the same size and wondering the same thing. 5’8” 145#, skiing utah, 75:25 inbound:BC. Leaning towards 172s.

  19. Hi Jonathon-

    Thanks! Looking to pick-up a pair for my son as a BDAY gift. Just started this season on got about 12 days of skiing in (Colorado, Park City and Mammoth). Looking for a 1-ski quiver for him. Quickly progressing and likes to play around bumps and jumps. Any other recommendation for him?

  20. I’m really torn between the Bent Chetler 100 (180cm) and the Sick Day 104 (179 or 186cm) for a 50/50 one ski quiver mounted with Shifts to be used mostly in the French Alps.
    I’m 6’1 for 165 lbs and enjoy going fast on groomers, poping off small features and looking to progress in Pow / trees.
    Any advice on ski and size Blister readers ?

  21. Hey guys, I heard a rumour that the recommended mount point was further forward on the 19/20 topsheet model. Do you know if this is true, and if so is the +2 recommendation from Luke based on the old mount line or the new one?

    • We have not heard that they changed the mount point, but everything we said about the ski was based on our measured mount point (listed at the top, around -10 cm from true center).

  22. Hi there,

    I am looking for a 50/50 ski (more like 65 resort / 35 touring) for New Zealand and a trip to France.

    The Line Sick Day sounds great, but I am 6’2″ and 190lbs so worried I might need a longer ski? Or would the 186 sick day still perform well? (any other suggestions)

    Currently on an old pair of 185 Line Blends. Looking for a playful ski that can still handing technical terrain and the variable snow conditions in NZ.

    Juist having issues at the moment being able to purchase the Blister Membership without the hard copy buyers guide option so any info would be greatly appreciated while I get that sorted.

    Cheers

    Glen

    • Don’t know if you made it to NZ as the borders shut but the Sick Day isn’t damp enough for here. Ruapehu is ice and the S Island is what I call deep crud on steroids. You need metal here. I keep my Sick Days in Montana and use Kastles and Nordicas here. The Volkl Mantra, Blizzard Bonafide or Cochise or a stiff Black Crow works too. All those would be great in the Alps too.

  23. On the fence between 179 and 186. 6′ 165# former high school racer, now rad dad skiing about 70 days/season. QST99 in 188 were too long, liked it but I ski very tight trees in the east and just didn’t feel zippy. QST106 in 181 I really liked but did not like the shift bindings so sold the whole thing. Did not miss the length at all on groomers. These will be used as a one ski quiver for trips to the west and fresh snow days in the east. Next ski down is 91 wide Black Crow orb.
    I should just get another pair of QST106 in 181, but I like trying new skis because I am a ski whore.
    I just keep going shorter on skis and liking it, a guilty pleasure like listening to Liz Phair.
    Snowblades?

  24. I am skiing across Sweden and Norway(occasional Alps) and looking for a replacement to my Atomic automatics 102s at 188. I got the Automatic Backland 107 at 189, but found these were strictly big pow day skis only and tough for the side, glades, and on piste where tighter turns are needed. At 6 feet, 245 / 183cm, 112kg looking at the Line Sick Day 104 at 179 for the mixed days when I am on/off piste. Thoughts?

  25. Skiing 188 Soul for years and absolutely loving them on moguls, trees, couloirs, pretty much everywhere from Cham to Revy. Thinking of adding another pair of skis but from a different brand – would 186 Sick Day 104 have a similar easy feel like Soul ? Any other suggestion from you guys that come as close to Soul as possible ? Reviews typically focus more on the differences between the skis and less on similarities….

  26. This might be my next one-quiver ski! I am planning to set it with tech binding. I am only worried about the size. What size would you recommend for 5’10” and 180lb ex-racing skier? I mainly ski couloirs, trees, not much of a big mountain. Won’t 179 be a bit shorty to give me good float on powder days?
    If not Line, what else should i look at? Thought about the new Volkl Blaze 106, or Head Kore 105. Could you guys recommend any other similar skis that i should look at?

  27. I’ve been skiing the 179cm Nordica Enforcer 104 Free for the last season and a half but am looking for something similar but that has a lighter feel, easier/less work to swing around in tight terrain, trees, and bumps, and feels more balanced and comfortable in the air. Would you suggest the Sick Day 104 as suitable replacement or is there anything else you would recommend that might be a better option?

  28. I started skiing last year after snowboarding for years and got about 39 days in on a pair of Soul 7s 186 that delaminated. Live in the PNW so see a lot of denser pow that can be punishing by mid-day (Mostly at Crystal). Also, I’m 6’2″ and about 205 with no gear. I have a friend who LOVES the wildcat, but I tried the 191 last year and felt like maybe it was just a little too much ski for me, but that could also be the conditions I was riding it in (firmer, end of season). I would like something I could tour in but I would say 90% of what I’m doing is resort riding so I think I would prioritize “ease of use” and “help me progress” over “can tour with it” considering “can tour” and “good in dense chop” are at odds with each other. I’m mostly between the Sick Day 104 186, the QST 106 188? (maybe the 181?), or at a distant 3rd, the wildcat 108 184. I’m also open to any other suggestions. I like the idea of a 184 length but your review of the wildcat 108 gave me pause because I would consider myself a weak intermediate right now. Please help and thank you.

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