Running jib laps on Wildcat, I found spinning the Opus to be as natural as turning the ski left or right. Nose and tail butter 3s and 5s off Punk Rock were also fun and easy, and any botched attempt was the fault of the pilot, not the skis. I also found myself throwing 1s in parts of Eagle’s Nest I had never imagined, and searching out every tree tap I could find. Every single lap anywhere on the mountain felt like a terrain park lap.
Skiing fast in the heavily chopped-up and packed-out snow was my biggest concern about the Opus. While this type of skiing is not the Opus’s true strength, it was manageable. Like other wide, soft, playful skis, speed in chopped-up to bumped-out snow needs to be handled with finesse, not power. The Opus didn’t throw me any quick surprises or buck me, but it was easy to overpower the tips and tails when things got a little rowdy.
Yet as long as I stayed balanced and nice and smooth, I felt comfortable at any speed on just about any terrain. Still, I had to be careful and stay prepared for what was ahead because, as I said before, the Opus didn’t like to be forced around or driven hard in challenging conditions.
Compared to the older EP Pro, the new Opus has definitely stepped up the game in ski-ability, while retaining all of the playfulness you can put to use anywhere on the mountain.
Line also makes the Mr. Pollard’s Opus in a 192 and I can’t wait to try them out, comparing them to the 185s for overall ski-ability and float in the super deep.
If you are looking for a ski that will absolutely change your skiing in a playful sort of way, and change the way you look at terrain features on the mountain, the Mr. Pollard’s Opus is the tool you’re looking for.
I just want to go ‘on record’ saying you guys are gamechangers in the snow-sliding sport industries. Your extremely carefully (well) written reviews shed a flood of light on the very interesting, and often times key, products in the market. It seems as though your review team has been examining the products reviewed through a lens that has not yet been touched by financial benefit or behind the scene sponsors. My only request is that you keep up the tremendously solid work and keep the suits at bay.
I wish I found out about Blister Gear Review at the start of this season as I would have certainly consulted your reviews as a guide for my new skis. Needless to say, without using Blister Gear Review as a tool, I picked up a pair of sticks I wasn’t totally stoked on and will be selling them shortly and sacking away cash for a pair next year.
Anyways, I applaud your work and look forward to reading the consistent stream of reviews posted!
Cheers.
JD – thanks for the generous words and for going on record. And I assure you, we are hellbent on keeping the suits at bay, and keeping our reviews as honest and as thorough as we can possibly make them.
Once again, great review. You guys are the best.
Any chance you guys are going to get your hands on the 2012-13 Bentchetlers? Would love to see a review on those and a bit of a comparison with the Opus and maybe the Bibby Pro.
Thanks
Yeahh, test of BC 2012-13 and comparison with Opus would be great.
Great review, I love my Opus and want also to try the 192s.
Im just wondering if the 185 would be enough ski for me im 6’0 170lbs. did you ever have any problems with your tips diving at all in super deep or stablity in chopped up crud
Ethan,
I’m 6′ 160lbs and only one time have I wished for a little more ski in SUPER deep snow. However, I do feel like it wouldn’t take much more weight or height and the skis wouldn’t be enough. As for stability in crud, like I said in the review, the Opus has a speed limit and a technique for managing the left overs. If you are thinking about pushing it hard, I would wait for the 192.
Cant say it enough, you guys are awesome. No one else provides reviews with the same level of insight and detail. I have read all your reviews for the past 2 years. I am trying to decide between the Opus and the Bibby Pros. What I am looking is in addition to great handling in powder, handling in chop and crud is just as paramount. As I live in the PNW, the snow can get heavy and chopped up very quickly. Ideal conditions can be fleeting and very short lived. I have ridden the Bibby pros and liked them alot, but your reviews of the opus have been glowing. Which would you recommend?
Thanks Jp,
As much as I love the Opus I would have to say that you would probably be better off on the Bibby for what you have described. As I said in the review, the Opus is a blast in pow, and it would be ridiculously fun in your PNW cream. Once things get cut up however, it does require slowing down a bit, and effort in staying really balanced. That being said, I could easily use the Opus as my every day ski here at Alta and be totally happy. The Bibby will make you sacrifice a bit in outright playfulness, but definitely offer more stability and confidence if you want to ski hard in the heavy chop. This is especially true if you’re going with the 190 Bibby over the 184.
Depending on how playful of a ski you are looking for, another ski you might want to consider is the new Squad 7. Definitely more directional, definitely burlier, but with the bindings mounted a few cm forward they are quick and fun, yet still charge adverse snow conditions.
Thanks for the great answer Jason. Appreciate it.
Great review guys. I bought the 11/12 Line SFB’s in 178cm this year and absolutely love them, I think they are a fantastic (wide) all mountain ski. At the time I was torn between them and the Opus but could only afford one pair so went with the SFB’s on versatility. I’m 5’11” and hover around but below the 80kg mark, when I tested the SFB’s in both the 178 and 184 length I found the 184 a little “flappy” during high speed GS turns on fast groomers, so I went with the 178’s, which worked out fine in all conditions, inc. 12 inch powder days.
Now I definitely want to get the 12/13 Opus for this coming winter (crazy it’s only May) as my true powder ski, do you think I should stick with the 178 or move up to the 185cm, I always feel like I’m a big little guy or a little big guy whenever it comes to sizing things. I’m also thinking of putting the Marker Duke binding on them for side/slack country use here in Telluride CO. my home mountain. Do you think the Duke would complement the Opus, the only adverse stuff I seem to be finding online re. the Duke is that it can stiffen the centre of the ski adversely affecting the ski longitudinal flex pattern. I used Salomon 912’s on my SFB’s.
Any hints or advice would be greatly appreciated, keep up the good work here at blistergearreview.com and thanks.
Howie,
As your true powder ski, 185cm no question. As for throwing a Duke on them, egh, yeah it will work. From my experience the Duke definitely takes some fun out of a ski with the added weight, increased stack height, and as you said, adverse effect on the flex of the ski. I guess it depends how much you really plan on walking. Personally, there isn’t an alpine touring system out there that gets me overly excited except for the Green Mountain Freeride set-up, which none of us have been on yet. For sidecountry and short tours I’ve gone back to Alpine Trekkers, carry a couple spare parts and a screwdriver. At least with that set-up it’s always super fun when the skis are pointed down hill, whether inbounds or out.
Jason,
Great candid advice, good call on the Trekkers too. I think I’ll follow through on your advice, thank you.
Hi, I’ve read both this review and the one you wrote about the obsethed. I was wondering if you could give your opinion comparing the two skis? How do they perform in crud? Also is there much of a difference in powder performance since the line has less rise? People always mention ‘planing’ vs ‘plowing’? Thanks!
I`m also really interested in this comparison. I currently ride a Prophet 98@172 and I`m looking for a powder ski for west (Idaho). Thinking about Opus@178 and Obsethed@179, another one I would look at is the Armada JJ@175. This would be my 2 ski quiver. I`m 5’6″@150. Can you comment anything about Opus vs JJ vs Obsethed?
Almeida,
I haven’t ridden the JJ’s, so I can’t compare them. I love the Opus, if you’re looking for a playful pow ski, and you like what you’ve heard about them, don’t even think twice, pull the trigger.
Suney,
Hands down I would choose the Opus over the last version of the Obsethed (there is a new Obsethed for 12/13 which I haven’t been on yet, but the intended use is now different anyway). The Opus feels incredibly balanced in every way from it’s flex pattern, to side-cut, to rocker profile. The Obsethed is a great ski and for someone who is fairly light it can be used as a playful “charger”, where the Opus never really fits that bill. For everything else though, the Opus just feels better. If you are overly concerned about crud performance, neither ski ranks high though they can handle anything with a good pilot. If you want something with more meat for crushing crud while still being playful, I’d look towards the Moment Bibby Pro or the slightly smaller Rossignol Sickle.
Jason, I’ve been riding tele for the last 10 + years and I am looking for a playful/turning ski for powder days. I do live in the PNW where we get some of the heavier snow……and I would probably be doing 50/50 lift/backcountry. I’ve been thinking about the DPS 112 Wailer as well. I currently have some of the Movement Goliath’s and are finding them really too stiff. I’ve done pretty well with the 178’s in tele. I’m 165 about 5′ 11″. Comments?
Cheers, Paul
Hey Jason,
I am another thankful fan of Blister…you guys are by far the best that I’ve seen. Thanks for being awesome!
I’m 6’1, 165-170 lbs. I’m trying to decide between the 185 vs the 192 Opus. I’d say I enjoy a happy medium between being playful vs charging. I’ll be skiing Alta and Snowbird this season. Would you recommend the 192 for me, or do you think the extra 7 cm is not necessary given my height/weight/style? I haven’t been on a ski longer than 185, so I’m just curious how much of a noticeable difference there would actually be between the two skis with with height/weight/style…
Ross
Hey Jason,
I’d also like to see an answer to this question, as I’m in a very similar situation.
Thanks!
Ryan and Peter – you guys might want to see the answer below from Line Skis Engineer, Jed Yeiser, to Jason Schulz’s question re: the flex of the 192 Opus.
Thanks for your article. I am also looking to use the Opus’ as a true powder ski alongside 178cm 2012 SFBs. I am 171cm and 76 Kg. I am also trying to decide between the 178 and the 185s. I do a fair bit of tree skiing in Japan. Can you advise please? Many thanks.
185 all the way Matt. For such big skis these things are incredibly quick on your feet, you will not be disappointed I promise!!!
Thanks for the review. How you think opus will work with Salomon guardians? I’m afraid that they stiffen up the skis and take some of the playfulness off.
I would love to have a comparison between the Opus and JJ if you can. I would be looking to get a ski in the 185 range. Also, what are the differences between the 12′ model and the 13′ model for each? It would be awesome if there was no difference and I could get them on the cheap. Let me know!
I am wondering if anyone has been able to try out the Klint KRYPTO. If so, how is the comparison to the Mr Pollard’s Opus? I’ve been hearing a lot of good things about Klint skis recently, but have not been able to demo any yet, so I’m hoping to get Blister’s opinion on them! P.S. you guys rock!
Just a quick question: Have you guys heard of the 192 Opus being significantly stiffer than the other sizes?
Hey Jason – this is probably the most asked question on BLISTER these days, so we went right to the source: the guy who created the flex of the 192 Opus, LINE Skis engineer, Jed Yeiser. This is what Jed had to say:
“When we started talking to Pollard about moving the Opus up into a 192 size, we spent a bunch of time discussing if we wanted to beef the ski up a bit. A lot of work went into getting that pattern just so, but we figured that it would be the bigger guys on the 192, and they’d probably want something a bit stiffer. Pollard agreed, and after a few days of banging my head against walls, I got a profile that was stiffer than the 185, but matched the stiffness profile of the 185 perfectly (think of a graph of % overall stiffness vs. % length). So yes, the 192 Opus is stiffer than the 185.”
Obviously, Jed doesn’t attempt to quantify here exactly “how much” stiffer the 192 is than the 185, but stiffer, Yes.
So. Freaking. Stoked.
You guys rock! Thanks for the investigative journalism! It’s made my choice harder(between these, the Rocker 115, and the Norwalk), but I thank you nonetheless. I rode the 185 Opus towards the end of the season last year and loved its playfulness, but wished it had just a little more stability so to hear this about the 192 is awesome!
Cheers guys!
I am considering either the Line MPO or the Atomic Automatics for my powder ski. I currently own 2010 Line Prophet 100 in 172, 2012 Line Influence 105 in 179 and 2013 Blizzard Bonafide in 180. I am 5′ 6″ and weigh 165. I was pretty set on getting the Automatics for my powder ski but keep coming back to the MPO. The one thing I am worried about is when I first bought my Line Influence I had them mounted a tad in front of the mid sole line. So basically between traditional and center mount. When I skiied on them mounted like that I hated the way they skiied. I took them back and had them remount them right at the mid sole line and when I took them back out to ski them I loved them. So I am concerned if I get the MPO since the mount is more towards the center of the ski I will not like the way they ski. Is this a logical assumption? I want a really playful powder ski to use for resort powder days. There will be hiking involved but want the ski capable of skiing some skiied off powder runs as well.
Thanks,
Chuck
Chuck,
There are a few things that I think are important here.
The Mr. Pollard’s Opus is designed with a “modern”, centered, balanced mount location AND stance in mind. Your Influence 105 however is not, therefore by mounting further forward than the mid-sole line you are standing ahead of the intended “sweet spot” for both the sidecut and flex pattern. This is not to say that the Influence can’t be ridden ahead of that mid-sole line, but someone with a more traditional “driving” skiing style may not find the support from the front of the ski they are accustomed to.
Now, taking a look at your current quiver, I see three very directional skis, with “traditional” mounting locations (giving you much more tip than tail), and fairly strong flex patterns. To me the Automatic seems to be the better fit for you. It will offer more support through the tips than the Opus, which will allow you to drive your skis like usual rather than having to change to a more balanced stance. The Automatic will still provide that fun, playful, slashy pow ski feeling you are looking for, and they will conquer the left over chop with a bit less effort.
I am 5’9″, 160 lbs. I particularly like skiing the trees so I need skis that are quick-turning. Would you recommend 178cm or 185 cm?
Alan,
I recommend the 185, no question. These skis have a short sidecut radius and are lightning quick for a ski of this size. I loved the 185 in the SUPER tight trees we commonly skied in Japan.
Hi! Thanks for the great review! I don´t want to replicate Alan´s post… but I am also 5’9″, but slightly lighter (145 lbs) and I am also looking for an agile pair of skis, that is amazing in powder, but still can handle all conditions. I´m not sure about the appropriate size…178 or 185 cm ???
And…how do the mr pollards opus perform compared to K2´s Pettitor or Armadas JJ and Magic J – any idea about that?
Greetz
Hi!
I’m skiing in the european alps area, on the line chronics. As they are mostly a freestyle park ski there is no way to ski anything more than 15 cm of soft snow. Opus seems to be exactly what im searching for, as i want good floating, effortless, wide pow ski. i had several knee injuries past seasons and wouldnt want skiis that will force me to use power. QUESTION: I am aware of great ability of opuses in trees, but are opuses stable enough for those speedy open face runs and some medium sized airs/drops? Also, what size ( i am 182cm in height and weight 70 kg(about 155pounds)? any help would be greatly appreciated
Matija,
You are definitely on the right track picking the Opus as your next ski. It matches all the qualities you are looking for. As for your questions, the Opus does ok at speed as long as conditions are soft and you remain balanced. It does not like to be driven like a stolen car, it likes to be finessed. The same goes for taking airs, the bigger the air the more balanced you will need to be. I haven’t ridden the 192 yet, but I have had it in hand. It is definitely stiffer than the 185, so if you are more concerned about ripping big, open faces and drops it might make sense to opt up to the 192.
With that said, we are about the same size and I ride the 185 a ton. I love it for everything here at Alta.
Hey I am 16 years old, 6’4″ and about 155 pounds. I am wondering which size to get 192 or 185. I plan on using this as a fun powder ski that I can have fun on as well as do 360’s off booters. I am still growing so any ideas would help. I have another pair of skis that I will be using for park and groomer/hardpack if that influences you at all.
Austin,
It depends on your ability and how maneuverable you need the skis to be. With your size, and the fact you are still growing I’d aim for the 192, unless you feel totally uncomfortable with a ski that long.
Hi there,
Awesome review. I have decided to get the Opus but I am on the fence as for the size. I am 6′ and approx 170lbs, have been skiing since I was a small kid. I would consider myself advanced level. I currently own the Rossi Phantom 80s for my daily ski in 175cm but want to get a powder ski with some versatility.
I plan to do some tree skiing, mostly soft snow, no real backcountry stuff but at the same time doing groomers and hard pack as well. I live on the west coast and would be skiing Whistler and the local mountains.
As for bindings, I’m looking at getting the Marker Griffons.
Would you recommend the 185 or 192 for me?
Thanks!
Ken
Ken,
Given your size, ability level, and choice in resort I normally wouldn’t think twice about recommending the 192. What has me second quessing that recommendation is the fact your current ski is a 175. So, I’m going to go with this; if you ski slower and super balanced go with the 185, if you sk fast and want more stability (at the cost of manuverabilit) go with the 192.
Opus vs. Bent Chetlers? Which is more capable in the trees, powder, and groomed?
Alan,
I’m just now getting on the Bentchetler, look for a review in a few weeks! So far I can say both are very capable and fun in trees, and pow. The Opus is more fun on groomers and in tight trees because of the tighter sidecut radius.
Hello. I, like many, am on the fence about 185 vs 192. I feel like I already have the answer but I need someone to push me over the edge. I am 5’11.5″ , 175 ish lbs.. advanced to expert skier. I ski mainly western Canada. I love to shred everything from open bowls to tight chutes but I am most definitely a tree skier. I LOVE BEING IN THE TREES!! My only concern is if the 192 will be too long for the trees. Correct me if I am wrong. Please help me decide!!!!!!!!!! Thanks. Awesome review, btw!
Hello,
1. I was wondering if you ever wished for not so aggressive sidecut while skiing Opus? It has the same 17m sidecut as Obthesed and while skiing Obthesed I felt I spent too much energy on avoiding too small turns, especially in deep powder.
2. Can you compare Opus to Obthesed and Sickle in terms of groomers. Unfortunately, we all get to ski them on some days and it is better then staying home.
Jason,
In your review of Salomon 108 you write about insecurity at speed on firmer snow… How is the Opus in this respect?
Thank you very much for your reviews – they provide exactly the prospective I am looking for – light touch+efficiency. Very difficult to find in carving/charging/power/pressure building skiing lately. Thanks!
Valerie,
I prefer the feel of the Opus over both the R2 108 and Obsethed.
The Obsethed’s huge tip rocker plays a big part in making them feel too turny in deep pow. The Opus is actually easier to smear out longer turns in the deep than the Obsethed.
Now for groomers and high speed stability, of the R2 108, Opus, and Sickle, the Sickle is the best. The Sickle is the best “all-around” ski of the bunch as well. But, I do love the Opus, and it is fun on groomers. It also does well on off-piste hardpack, you just need a more relaxed approach.
First off I am 6’0 and 155lbs. My local mountain is Mammoth. I like to ski all conditions from carving fast on the groomers to threading the trees and I like to ski playfully. I have a pair of 178cm Line Prophet 100s that I have been skiing for the past 5-6 seasons. I love these skis, especially how well they carve big Super G turns but sometimes find them a bit too stiff to be playful. I was thinking of replacing them with a pair of SFB’s but since I am making a trip to BC to play in the deep fluffy stuff I was also thinking of getting 178 MPO. Can you comment on how the SFB and the MPO compare in fresh snow as well as all around? Thank you!
Marc,
I would recommend the 185 Opus for you, you will find the 178 to feel too short. They are incredibly easy to ski, are an absolute blast in pow and soft chop, and can hold their own in any conditions. With either the SFB or Opus you have to keep in mind you are getting a super playful, fairly soft ski, so you won’t be “charging” through anything necessarily; a soft touch is required. I prefer the Opus over the SFB because it provides more stability without much of a loss in maneuverability. Get the Opus then go play in BC, you will not be disappointed!
Jason, thanks a lot for the answer. I unerstand Opus is a very playfull ski, but how does it do with absorbtion in moguls? Does it let you stay glued to the snow when you do not want to be sent in the air?
Valerie,
Yes, the Opus does offer pop when you want it, but it is easy to control and will not send you soaring if you inadvertently slam into a firm mogul. It is soft however, so you do need to stay balanced while skiing bumps.
Jason, have you skied Salamon rocker2 122? How does it compears with Opus? I am looking for 178cm – 180cm length, so for me they are the same width.
Have you skied the 12/13 Influence 115? I did a demo this weekend on the Opus 178, true is the conditions were not even close to ideal… spring slush, some refrozen snow and crud. Even though I did love how the Opus is easy to turn and manageable, but I was looking for something that would fix the problem I have with the Prophet 98 which is stability and tip chatter on variable conditions. The size seems fine for me 5’5″ / 150, I’m trying to get a hold of the Influence 115 @ 179 to demo and see how it goes… unfortunately didn’t have a chance to demo on same conditions to compare :-( Do you think the Influence 115 would be at least close to how easy to ski the Opus is, but offers a little bit more stability and get rid of some of the tip chatter.
Hey Jason,
First off, this site is awesome. I found it about two hours ago and haven’t been able to pull myself away. Thanks to all of you for the interesting and thorough reviews.
For a little bit of background information, I snowboarded for about 6 years and switched back to skiing two seasons ago. I’m 6’2″ and weight about 210. I live outside Seattle and ski here mostly, but I usually get down to Colorado or Jackson once a season. I’ve gotten to the point where I want to invest in my own pair of skis, and am really looking for a ski that’s at it’s best in pow, but can also cruise on groomers and hold it’s own in the trees. I ultimately want to start dropping medium sized cliffs in the backcountry, but probably won’t get there for at least another season or two depending on how many opportunities I get to ski.
I’ve demoed the Rossignol S7’s as well as the K2 Side Seth’s, and wasn’t a big fan of either. I took the 185 Line Opus up one day this winter and absolutely loved them. I was teaching a friend how to ski at the time, so I wasn’t on any kind of advanced terrain for most of the day, but when I got a run to myself the skis seemed to handle really well on groomers and rocked the powder. I noticed in some of the chopped up, heavy snow the ski definitely struggled, which is pretty much in line with your review. I was wondering if you think an option like the 184 Bibby Pro would give me a little bit more versatility, and if you had any other skis that might be worth looking into. I also was reading up on the On3p Caylor, but it looks like it’s no longer in production, and seemed like they might be a little slow on groomers. Thanks!
Cal,
Considering your size, you might find the 192 Opus to work better than the 185 when it comes to tackling crud. With that said, part of what makes the Opus so fun on groomers, pow, and playful terrain is also what makes it struggle a bit with speed in challenging snow conditions. It is always a balancing act of finding a ski that is playful enough, while still being strong enough to satisfy the speed fix. Personally I usually go the playful route, because it is fun!
I haven’t skied the 184 Bibby, but the 190 is definitely far better at crud busting, though not nearly as fun, turny, easy to ride, or playful as the Opus. The 184 might be a good compromise somewhere in the middle.
One ski that I’ve really enjoyed this season in the same category is the Atomic Bent Chetler. It is not as fun carving up groomers, however, so that may be a no-go for you; but it is exceptionally smooth in pow, trees, and crud so those characteristics may catch your eye. You will be able read my review of it soon.
Thanks a ton! My father demo’ed the 11-12 bent chetler last season and had great things to say as well – if it’s good in the trees thats probably more important to me than the groomers, so I’ll be sure to read your review!
Jason,
Great review of the Opus! Based on your writing I bought mine last week. I’m 37 been skiing since I was three I’m about 5’7, 160 lbs and never owned a true pow ski. I bought the 2013 178 Opus based on this article. I’d been looking for a pow ski with more float as opposed to my Prophet 100’s (165). I ski a lot of terrain from groomers and beginner runs with my daughter to the Hike-to terrain in Telluride. The prophets had been geeat in most places but just not good enough in the pow. We’ve got three days in Telluride followed by three days in Utah then back to Telluride to close the season. I’m pretty stoked to get 9 days in two states between March 28 – April 7th on the Opus! Thanks again for a detailed review and a follow up.
Jason, thank you for wonderful review. I have bought 178 Opus and spend 5 full days on them in Vail bowls and Breck. It is amazing and very different ski! They do change my skiing. Perform like GS ski on ice and keep me completely on snow surface in powder. They carve tight turns and smear big radius turns with easy. One problem: when I am making closed fully finished turns and bring skis across the fall line, they suddenly engage edges and carve me uphill. That happens with every turn shape as soon as skis cross the fall line and in tight moguls. Is it tunning/detuning issue? Any other trick to handle it?
Hi!
Im looking for new powder skies for this season, I´m doing half the season in Canada and the second half in Kebnekaise Sweden!
I have been looking around and Im considering this ski Line Mr Pollards Opus or Atomic Automatic And I cant really decide.
I ski quite Aggressive and like quick turns in the narrow steep parts but also the long wide open lines. I´m 183cm and 85kg. Been looking at the 192 Opus, But maybe just the 186 Automatic? whats the diffrences between the skies?
And in Kebnekaise its no lift so it hiking so do you think it a good ide to mount a Speed radical Dynafit binding on them? or do i need the Radical FT binding?
Just posted this a few days ago on the other Opus’ review page and would really appreciate a reply:
I only stumbled upon your guys site today and I would just like to reiterate the above comments – thoroughly enjoying the insightful and balanced reviews.
My SFB 2011s are sadly on their last legs and pretty sold on the Opus’ – heard nothing but positive things about them – but I’m unsure whether to go for the 178s or the 185s and more specifically do you think the 178s, like my Bacon’s, would be too short? I’m 21 and 6ft but light (73 kg’s which is around the 160 pound marker I think) and looking for a playful responsive ski through the trees and bumps etc and which I’m 100% confident to turn on a sixpence when skiing couloir’s etc. I’m not huge into my park skiing but enjoy the occasional spin or backflip but don’t want to sacrifice stability and float in the pow? I will mainly be skiing in the Alps if this has any bearing.
Also would you recommend any particular bindings, so far looking at the Marker jester’s, Atomic FFG 16 TEAM or the Salomon STH16?
Thanks a lot,
Will
Will, I am the same size as you at 6ft, ~160 lbs and I would’t dream of going shorter than the 185 Opus under any circumstance. That being said, I wouldn’t want to spend time on the SFB shorter than 184 either, so if you are happy with your shorter SFB’s you may feel okay on the shorter Opus. My recommendation would be to go 185, but in the end it’s obviously up to you.
All of the bindings you’ve listed are great, I’d say whichever you find the best deal on is what you slap on the new Opus. Enjoy!
Thanks for the quick reply Jason and I’ll definitely take your advice and go for the 185s. I was only really hovering because I’m on a pretty tight budget and found a cheap pair of last season’s 178s and, although I loved them, I always found my bacon’s too short in the deep stuff and only ended up with them as they were a friend’s cast-off’s. Thanks again and enjoy your season! Will
Jason, one last question – do you know anything about the Head Attack 13 bindings? Cheers, Will
hello Jason! I bought a mr.pollard but I’m not sure where to mount the bindings. I do not ski switch or do freestyle. you think? -20 Or -60?
thanks!
I definitely recommend mounting on “Pollard’s Line”, which is the -2 line. The skis were designed around that mount point. The new line that K2/Line has placed at -6 on both the Bacon and Opus serves only as a point of confusion and should not be labeled on the ski.
Hey Jason, I know this is an older review, but I feel like your reviews are most on-point to the way I ski and area I live. I ski Alta, am 5’9, 150lbs, and would like a ski to take on powder days and basically do it all on in-between days at Alta. I currently have Shogun 182s, which are great everyday besides pow days. I am more freestyle oriented and ideally would like to go switch whenever I choose.
My question is what ski would you most recommend (the Opus is what I have my eye on, or Line SFB), what size (178 or 185cm), and what position to mount specifically this ski if I were to buy it?
Thanks a ton! Your reviews are all, by far the most helpful I can find! Thanks!
Jason, thank you so much for the quick response last year on mount position and ski (opus vs. sfb). I got the Opus in 185, and it couldn’t have been better for what I wanted. I skied it 60 or so days at mostly Alta, and never wanted another ski! For me, the Opus is the ultimate playful, everyday ski for the Cottonwoods. I’ve never had more fun on skis and never thought a ski this wide could be so awesome for all conditions. For those debating whether it’s too wide or heavy, that was never an issue for me and I’m smallish (5’9 150lb), I don’t think think there could be a more ideal ski for those who want a playful one-ski quiver for the Cottonwoods. Thanks!
Hi I’m looking for help deciding on a pair of skis for next season. Currently I’m riding a pair of 12-13 178cm opus. I’m 5’10” 170lbs, advanced to expert level skier. I ski mainly at Schweitzer mtn in N. Idaho. I mostly ski in trees and chutes, and try to find natural jumps and drops. I’m on groomers too but maybe only 20% of the time. I like my skis but they do seem a bit short and soft. I’m trying to decide whether to just go with the 185 opus or is there maybe a ski that would work better for me? I’d still like a ski that can be skied switch and stay with a wider ski but nothing wider than the opus. Do you have any recommendations? Thanks in advance for any help.
Hi,
I’m looking at buying a pair of Opuses for my next pair of skis, my only problem is that I’m quite short (5’5 135lbs) and the Opus doesn’t come shorter than a 178. I was wondering if that would be too much ski for me, since I can’t get the Opuses to demo until late March. If it’s not a great fit, would you be able to recommend any other playful powder skis around a 172 length?
Thanks for any help.
I’m 5’5″ and 150 and had no problems handling the opus during some demo laps! you should be good to go with the 178. line skis measure short, the opus should be a good 3cm short tip to tail tape measurement
Hi!
Great review. I just wanted to add: After two weeks of experience on the 192cm Opus – but having never used the shorter ones – I can add that I feel very comfortable skiing very fast on most conditions.
In comparison to my K2 DarkSide they are not as floaty, but I have yet to experience very deep powder. I would assume that I will adjust the bindings position more backwards for that (now -3 cm, I think -4.5 or even -6 would be better).
But they are very playful given the length of the skis, much easier to turn than my K2. And even in crud I had no problems at all.
And I am just 5.84 tall…
I will take them to the Monte Rosa backcountry in three weeks and can hopefully report on deep powder after that…
Kind regards,
Arndt
I forgot to write the follow-up to my first post…
Having used the opus on some very deep powder days (we had to hike up the first three days to our cabin (the orestes hut, great place to stay…) from 2100 to 2600 m because the cable cars weren’t running on the upper slopes due to excess snowfall ;-) ), I can say the I was not pleased on the first day.
In very deep snow but not very steep conditions I had the problem that I had to put all my weight to my back to stop them from going under. On the first evening I reset the binding to my maximun (-6), and the next day all was fine.
Yes, they are not as floaty (and “bouncy”…) as my DarkSide, but much more versatile and easier to steer.
Hey guys,
I am currently on the the 11/12 obsethed but am looking to upgrade to either the opus or the new moment bibby. I am on the east coast so those conditions are self explanatory but travel to the Austrian alps every year and like to slash in the powder and trees whenever given the chance. I want a one quiver ski that can be be used in all conditions and am torn between which would be the better choice. Can you also comment on the build quality of line opus as I have read they don’t hold up well and scratch easily. Which would you recommend. Thanks
I can only speak for Opus, as i have not ever riden obsethed, or bibby… The Opus feels very playful ; and while I use it all year round in alps and Croatia(mini Mountains, similar to east coast conditions), they do get a bit unstable at higher speed when not in consistent pow. If you like to charge and are more of a straightliner guy, I’d say Bibby. I like trees and throwing some spins, so Opus makes a great ski for me.
Hi, how do you compare the MPO with the Head Cyclic 115?
This was my first experience with these new (to me) wide “rocker” skis, but certainly not my first experience with Lake Tahoe’s spring skiing conditions.
It took me all of two short runs to get used to these skis, and found they could handle anything I could throw at them with ease. Love the 185cm length, I am 5′ 6″ 175lbs former PSIA.
So, I must concur with the other reviewers.
The Mr Pollard’s Opus is the “Ron Popeil” of powder /soft snow all mountain skis.
They dice, they slice, they rip powder, they mash the mashed potatoes, and kill the crud.
Even when I accidentally ventured onto some icy bumps they maintained their stability. Whether on the steeps or on the groomers, the Opus turns effortlessly validating their “playful” character.
I can’t wait to further evaluate these skis.
-MO-
Hi there – love the reviews guys.
As a family we have 3 sets of Lines but we don’t seem to have the bindings mounted in the correct place….
I have a set of 11/12 Pollard Opus (red & white model) at a 185cm and have mounted them as per Line’s recommended point. Im an expert level skier and generally ski traditional mounting placement. I use these for Japan powder and have found that it always feels like I’m heading over the handlebars. I’m not interested in switch skiing so where should I re-mount to make them feel right?
My son has a set of 12/13 Opus (black / red model) at 185cm. Same again – he’s an Advanced skier and isn’t into switch and over the handlebars is the feeling he gets. Where should he mount?
My wife has a set of Celebrity 90 at 160cm. She’s an intermediate to advanced and spends most of her time on groomers and ventures into side country. She hasn’t used these yet due to a knee reco but I want to mount them so they feel traditional for her but also allow her to move into some powder trees next Japan season.
Hopefully you can help.
Cheers
H
Hey Jason,
I am struggling to choose between the SFB 190 and Opus 192 and was wondering if you could help. I am 20 years old 6’5″ and about 220lb. I am currently more of a traditional hard charger who is looking to start becoming a playful skier. Right now I’m skiing a lot with my family and friends and while going mach schnell on my 11/12 186 Influence 115′s is really fun, its not super fun waiting at the bottom for everyone to catch up. So because of that I am now looking more at something where I can slow it down, have fun all over the mountain, learn some tricks and pretty much screw around. What worries me about the SFB is that it will lack sufficient float on the deep days and what worries me about the Opus is its less versatile and less agile than the SFB to work in bumps and more technical terrain.
Thanks
Kevin
Hi jason:
I’m looking to improve performance of my current rossignol S7 2013 with the purchase of a new ski. I measure 188 and weight 82 kg. Do not want to give up the ease of S7, but want to improve their performance in mixed snow. I like to ski at moderate speeds and keep control. I prefer to make turns around the mountain instead of making broad lines, I do some jumps when I can. I’m going off track almost at all times, looking for different lines throughout.
I ski mostly in the south of Chile.
My candidtos are:
Line mr pollard opus (185 cm)
Atomic automatic (186 cm)
Salomon Quest 115 (188 cm)
Moment Bibby Pro (186 cm
Moment Blister Pro (190 cm)
I have not skied any of these models and I have a chance to test
Please help.
And now the Atomic Bentchetler 192
Hi,
I’m planning on going with the Opus pollard, i’m 5’7, 160 lbs, skiing pow close to groomers, forest, steep but short linesn some fast, most not really coz of lack of space. will be a pow’ day ski only (from huge pow to low pow though)
You’d say 178 or 185?
What mounting point would you recommend? I’m a freestyler but not too much into swith skiing. -2 (pollard), -6 (recommended) somewhere inbetween like -4?
Thx for the review
ti
I’m about your size, a little shorter / 10 lbs lighter at 5’5″ / 150 lbs. Demoing for just a few runs I felt the 178 wasn’t enough ski if there is any rough snow in the way, for any sign of crud the Opus isn’t good enough in my opinion.
I’d go 185 if you don’t mind the extra length and this is really only for soft snow, remember that line skis are very short compared to the stated length!
If you want the ski to handle difficult conditions I’d look elsewhere (old Bent Chetlers 183, Blister Pro 184 or Jeffrey 181 (the 114 seems to be ideal) )
Thx Marcel
I can also see these skis are super heavy (like 5kgs a pair), do you feel that weight while skiing? is funny such a super heavu ski can be so soft!
I wasn’t really bothered by the weight at all. But I felt that the Bent Chetler 183 (13/14) had much more pop and much more playful despite being longer and wider!
The first pair of skis I liked enough to keep around and use daily were the Rossi Sickles. Now the Opus has replaced all of my powder skis. Both thanks to Jason Hutchins. You are the man, keep up the good work.
I’m buying my first pair of wide skis and didn’t even consider this and it may be a dumb question, but what size bindings did you use?
Hi Jason
I liked your review, I was reading this while waiting for my new 2015 line opus skis.
I asked for the Eric Pollard the line pro settling 20mm (2CM) back from the centre. They mounted them on the recommended setting 60mm (6CM) back from the centre. I only realised this at later on at home.
I have read ” bloggers “where the old school (ers)were a bit set back with bindings mounted forward and held back a bit rather than ski forward. So Line introduced the alternative mounting.
So they had a second setting so there was slightly more “ski in front of the skier”. Some bloggers said unless you switch on the ski, skiing or in jumps it wouldn’t make too much difference.
I will be travelling to Alta from Australia in two weeks, I know that I can get them refitted there, if necessary. I see where your setting in the review was the 6 cm mark, will there be much difference in the settings for a non pro skier, probably lower advanced level.?
Robert
I’m an accomplished old school mogul skier raised at A-Basin and spend most of my turns in the air. While I’ve learned to carve and keep my tips down and edges on the snow, I like snap and camber and power. I depend on the tails when I get over aggressive, screw up, or have grabbed too much. I’m moving to Mr Bachelor and need some new style and equipment for this new terrain. Right now I’m skiing old Dynastar Legends and enjoy them in moguls and crud. I did Silverton during good powder in the first gen K2 Darksides and absolutely loved them. I did Crystal in Blizzard Bonafides and hated them, even in the lift line. I’m not a techie, I don’t think about my skiing, I just do it. The way you describe these as playful versatile and switch really appeals to me. I have a hard time interpreting reviews, love Blister reviews. I need big fat powder skis and want to roll and fly the wind lips and dance with trees. Do you think these may be good choice for me?
I wear Full Tilt Bumblebee boots. A softer bump boot.