2 ski quiver blizzard 2 ski quiver blizzard

} Irvine, California is consistently ranked among the USs safest places to live. Gibbons is the President and hardgoods buyer for Sturtevants, a legendary ski shop in Bellevue, Wash. Shes worked in the same shop for the past 20 years; safe to say, this lady knows skis. googletag.defineSlot('/1027394/forums_sidebar_halfpage', [300, 600], 'div-gpt-ad-adHalfPage').addService(googletag.pubads()); Get better, mogols are tough but i know lots of 60+ year olds who shred them on stiff heavy carving skis far better than my early 30s self can (yet). If you plan on spending the colder months in the Bluegrass State, you'll be pleasantly surprised to hear that winter in Kentucky is traditionally mild. I dont think you'll regret a wider ski for your daily touring ski. The performance allows you to forget youre skiing on a lightweight setup during the descent. googletag.pubads().setTargeting("forum_id", "8"); Testers then immediately fill out a ski test score card, rating each ski in eight different criteria, including Stability at Speed, Hard-Snow Integrity, Playfulness, etc. Hero ski! exclaimed one tester. } These are the best all-mountain skis for 22/23. Lengths (cm): 160, 168, 176, 184 Start by asking yourself what type of skis you are looking for, and being honest about your current ability level and goals for the season. Usually if its a good pow day the resort is too crowded so I hit the low angle backcountry, I feel I will miss the security of an alpine binding less in powder then on hard pack. By focusing on creating well-designed, highly enjoyable entertainment experiences, Blizzard Entertainment has maintained an unparalleled reputation for quality since its inception. I'm happiest on a ski that can hold an edge on the icy days, shred a groomer at speed and bounce in and out of the trees or through spring slush. Stoke levels are HIGH on the Mindbender 89 Ti. Looks like a fun resort Pow ski to compliment Goliath. Just be forewarned: The Enforcer 100 isnt the most forgiving and requires strong fundamentals and a willingness to ski hard to unlock its full power; smaller and lighter skiers may have a hard time managing this ski, since it has a tendency to take off on you if you find yourself in the backseat. With that being said, just because our SKI Test crew thought these were the best this year doesnt necessarily mean that they are the best skis for you. But I will follow George wherever he goes to prove that I am still a better skier than him. Between 14-24 pairs of skis were entered into each category. That said, many advanced and expert women, especially if theyre aggressive skiers, still prefer to ski a unisex ski. The Mindbenders are definitely heavy skis. The death is the first at a Vail Resorts property in Lake Tahoe this season. A last piece of advice - if you're aiming for a 2-ski quiver, the best way to do it is not going for two 50/50 skis. Price: $1080.00. Lighter skiers are going to appreciate being able to manipulate this ski in countless types of snow., Lengths (cm): 156, 164, 172, 180, 188 Terrain: all mountain. 2022 Nordica Enforcer 104 Free Review Need help. var sidebar_align = ''; If you are a disabled individual requiring an accommodation to apply for an open position, please email your request to accommodationrequests@activisionblizzard.com. This past season, we clocked in over 30 official test days. Irvine's weather is Bought some 18/19 181 These are the best all-mountain/all-condition skis for 22/23. Note to Recruiters and Placement Agencies: We do not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Has anyone skied both and have thoughts on what I should do? Enough to shut down every resort. These are my favorite skis for the 2022-2023 season. var src = (useSSL ? Maybe you should put the shifts on the Hoji's and use those as the resort ski, save the pin bindings for the truly light skis and big spring objectives. The best part? Pros: Stability at Speed, Responsiveness I'm asking my skis to handle basicallyall conditions so here are my top 5 picks for all-mountain/all-weather skis for 2022/23. Plh on May. Atris vs Jeffrey. Price: $650 (Buy Now) Such an easy ski to flick aroundalmost like it reads your mind, said 5-foot-2 tester Jordan Garrett. WebSlow clap. While many prefer to stay warm and cozy indoors during the winter season, it's also true that venturing outside during the cold months can be quite rewarding. Sam is all smiles on the Ripstick 94 WBlack!! Lengths: 160, 167, 174, 181. Get Directions, Built by Space2Burn | Powered by ignitrPOS, Trip Recap: Burton HQ & Craig's Prototype Facility Tour Burlington VT. waitwaitwaitwaitwaitwaitwaitwaitWait! Price: $800 (Buy Now) | Business Register and Tax Code Everything we do here at TSM is geared towards winter, especially when it comes to testing skis. That being said, I need a ski thats the right balance of playful and stable, providing me with the versatility to confidently tackle the entire mountain. It takes more muscle to swing the Rallybird 104 Ti around in big moguls, where it feels a little sluggish. Ski Team in 2010 to race professionally for six years. CREATE WORLDS: JOIN BLIZZARD AND ENTERTAIN THE UNIVERSE! Looking for some input on my 2-ski quiver. Most days Im out on the hill were shooting photos/videos with Matt our marketing guy. As a former racer, I (not-so-shockingly) prefer groomers. var content_container_margin = parseInt('340px'); Initial thoughts: I have a pair of QST 99s with Shift bindings nearing the end of their life that have functioned as a good one ski quiver for a while. The top-ranked ski within each category (across both unisex and womens offerings) then earn the Editors Choice distinction. Radius (m): 15 Over the weekend, the weather services local office in San Diego issued its first-ever blizzard warning for the San Bernardino County mountains. Height: 5' 11'' Weight: 170 Age: 64. Of course, this varies from year to year, as you just learned by reading about the worst blizzard in Kentucky. And Testing skis isnt easy. Here are some thoughts on the two skis: Powder/touring ski - Would be my go-to for backcountry excursions, but would also take it out on the occasional resort pow day. Tate laying down the law on the Blizzard Sheeva 9. It is available in camber or reverse camber, certainly light enough to tour on, but also damp enough for resort skiing when needed. & { } Blizzard Entertainment is an Equal Opportunity Employer. New for the 2020/21 season and rounding out an increasingly dependable G3 ski quiver, the G3 SLAYr 114 is something to get excited about. & googletag.enableServices(); Also, yes, the buyers guide is definitely worth it and will provide much more in depth info than you'll be able to get from Reddit. to learn more about our veteran hiring efforts. That's especially true if you find yourself in Kentucky. CA Residents only: The Rustler and Sheeva have been top-performing skis for years, but Blizzard is updating them anyway. 2015 All rights reserved. })(); Thank you for your interest. A Warner Bros. Whether you want to practice yoga, get strong attending boot camp or want to bring your pet into work, Blizzard has you covered! Then, use SKIs Gear Guide and extended ski reviews to get an idea of different options in different categories. Check out our How to Buy Skis article to get started. If you have the means to own more than one pair, then it's best to have inbounds skis for inbounds skiing and touring skis for touring. My favorite skis are ones that I can feel confident on if I put my foot on the gas, but dont feel too directional if I want to ski backward or lap the park. wait!!!! It brought what many remember as the worst blizzard in Kentucky, with massive USA. Price: $800 (Buy Now) Ski & Snowboard Team. Will not disappoint, assured Colorado-based tester Keri Bascetta. I dont own the ski, but my understanding is that the Raven isnt ideal for either very firm or very soft conditions. We havent seen a month like January 1978 since that frigid time period. Read more here. I felt like I was talking to MY PEOPLE! Id recommend anything from Jskis, Im loving my all mountain allplays. Weve tested skis everywhere from bulletproof groomers in New Hampshire, to blower powder in Jackson Hole, to glacier skiing in Kitzsteinhorn Austria. The news was filled with stories of the storm. I understand the Enforcer 104 at 179cm is heavier and more stable than the Rustler 10 at 180cm, but the Enforcer still sounds like it would be light and playful enough for powder. By testing skis, we figure out what and what notto buy. I like skis that feel more automatic from edge to edge, offerversatility, andfeelconfident over challenging terrain -basically, skis that areeasier to balance on, this also helps me if I end up skiing more technical terrain. The highest point in Kentucky is Black Mountain, which can be found in Harlan County close to the Kentucky-Virginia state line. It does have a speed limit, and testers noted the ski becomes squirrely when you drive it too hard in anything but deep snow, rewarding playful styles and medium speeds rather than hard chargers. Those are twothings thatare pretty different, so my favorite skis are ones that can do both well. Radius (m): 17.5 Spotty snow cover and a few knee injuries dont always make that possible, so I need something with a bit more versatility. Just remember: ski testing is not an exact science. var sidebar_width = parseInt('300px'); Teton Gravity Research It brought what many remember as the worst blizzard in Kentucky, with massive snowdrifts, icy conditions, and frigid temperatures. Lengths (cm): 163, 171, 178 var src = (useSSL ? Read more here. Gibbons has spent 22 of his 23 years on this earth on skis. My ideal day is honestly spent cruising groomers #nofriendsonagroomerday, but testing skis involves putting them through their paces in variable terrain and conditions. trademarks referenced herein are the properties of their respective owners. Heavenly Mountain Resort, Heavenly Ski Patrol, and the entire Vail Resorts family extend our deepest sympathy and support to our guests family and friends, said Tom Fortune, Vail Resorts vice president and chief operating officer of Heavenly and the Tahoe region, in an official statement. Blizzard; DPS; Elan; Head; Icelantic; K2; Kastle; Nordica; Rossignol; Stockli; Volkl; Boots . I like a ski that feels stable at high speeds, but is also versatile enough to have fun on casual spring days is that too much to ask for? All. I live in the East, so Ive only been able to demo the Rustler 10 in 172cm which was too short and unstable. While it was the top-ranked ski for Overall Impression and Stability at Speed, what stands out most for 2021-22 is that it was first-in-class for both Flotation and Hard-Snow Integrity. Lengths (cm): 148, 157, 164, 172 It also ensures thatour sales staff and customer service teamcan clearly explain the differences andsubtle nuances between all the products we carry. The QST Blank sets itself apart from the pack at moderate speed for its responsiveness and maneuverability, summed up tester and former U.S. World Cup alpine ski racer Brennan Rubie says. 2. Tyler bussin' it down on the Rustler 9s #runitup. 10 User-Friendly Skis That Will Forgive Your Sloppy Skiing Habits, 6 Skis That Will Make Your Life Easier In Moguls. Whats your 2-ski quiver for where you ski most, and why? News of the worst blizzard in Kentucky was so crucial that even Captain Kangaroo was interrupted. else This is a fair point about not have two 50/50s. Current lover of spring skiing. Hoji should be fine. I love playful skis that ooze confidence, by confidence Imean feels solid underfoot. BANG DUDE. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. These are the skis I found best satisfied my needs for the 2022/23 season. If you had to choose a single brand from which to build your 2-ski quiver, which company would you pick? 1. Sego: Big Horn 106 and Wave BC 104 The Big Horn feels like the foundation of my 2-ski quiver, so this is only right. No clue how the Wave BC 104 skis, though. Ski Length Preference: 165-172cm. Read more about our policy. else Dimensions (mm): 137-102-127 When shes not in the ski shop, youll find her ripping up Crystal Mountain. It helps a bit for sure. My plan is that over the next two seasons I will transition to a 2-ski quiver with a powder/touring ski mounted with traditional lightweight tech bindings and an all-mountain ski with the Shifts. I am a habitual frontside skier. Parts of the state saw more than 3 feet of snow in just one day this week. Listing the quiver is for the quiver pic thread. Background: Racer turned freestyler turned all-mountain skier. Privacy Policy. This year, they gave it slightly higher scores in Playfulness than the Enforcer 104 Free, but thought it was significantly less versatile than the Enforcer 104. Do I still want a ski I can dig into a lift-line groomer and feel confidentin the tight New England trees? Wed love to hear about your experiences and memories in the comments! 92618 $700 at REI. A snowboarder died in an on-mountain Do your research. But 43 years ago, our states largest city saw the snowiest month on record. More time on the hill makes any ski tester more honest, which is why we do our best to take our entire staff out skiing as much as possible. }); You wont find it on this list. Suzie is SFGate's Tahoe-based remote editor, covering stories from the Tahoe region and surrounding Sierra Nevada. Pros: Versatility, Crud Performance Cut from the same cloth as Blizzards popular unisex Rustler line but with a lighter core, it features the same construction designed to focus more on performance off-trail than on groomers. G3 Slayr 114 Surfs up! Dimensions (mm): 138-112-127 (186 cm) The Blister Pro 104 is a loose, damp, fun ski that I would be happy to ski as a resort quiver of one, but more than anything, it has proven itself to be absolutely bomb-proof skiing at CBMR, something that really does make it stand out. Whalen was reportedly wearing a GoPro during the incident, which may provide additional information. My top contender right now is the 4Frnt Raven (104), but I wonder if I will wish for something wider given that this is my dedicated pow ski? Blizzard Hustle 9 might be a good pick here. Overall score: 7.91/10 P.S. 2015 All rights reserved. EVER WONDER WHY WE LOVE TO CALL ORANGE COUNTY HOME? Out of the 200-plus skis that were tested at SKI Test at Sun Valley Ski Resort, only the top-ranked skis make it into SKI and Outsides Gear Guide and earn our Official Selection award. These skis have adapted constructions, usually to make the ski a little lighter, less stiff, and to move the mount point forward to improve a womans ability to drive a ski. googletag.cmd.push(function() { California Did you encounter any technical issues? Horoscope for Friday, 3/03/23 by Christopher Renstrom, Wife of Jeffrey Vandergrift issues somber update, No seriously, dont drive up to Tahoe this weekend, The best fried chicken is at a San Francisco strip club, Scream publicity stunt floods Bay Area dispatch with 911 calls, Snowboarder dies at Tahoe ski resort following historic blizzard, Arrest in killing of woman seen running through Tahoe campground, Rain reenters Bay Area forecast: Have an umbrella near you, The Warriors broke Russell Westbrook, just like old times, Two more Shake Shack restaurants head to the Bay Area, Mochi muffin bakery closes SF cafe after just 4 months, Wife of missing San Francisco DJ Jeffrey Vandergrift issues somber update, Officials warn Bay Area travelers to avoid Tahoe this weekend, expect delays, Amazon to shutter all Amazon Go stores in San Francisco, Publicity stunt for 'Scream VI' floods Bay Area sheriff's office with calls, Grapevine closed indefinitely due to snow and ice, authorities say, California woman dies after snow porch collapses in storm, Avalanche slams into Tahoe apartment building. Irvine, Weighing in at a not pudgy 1660 grams in the 185cm length thanks to a Balsa core and carbon layup, this ski offers performance for the deepest of days without breaking googletag.defineSlot('/1027394/forums_sidebar_mpu', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-ad-adRectangle').addService(googletag.pubads()); I'm looking to lean out my quiver from 3 down to 2. While you may need to bundle up more than usual, hiking during the winter can prove to be nothing short of exhilarating. This year, they gave it slightly higher scores in Playfulness than the Enforcer 104 Free, but thought it was significantly less versatile than the Enforcer 104. Getting back into skiing this season after a fairly long hiatus due to reoccurring knee injuries (outside of skiing). We take gear testing very seriously, which is why we devote so much time and resources into testing. console.log('NSFW NOT in title'); if (document.title.indexOf('NSFW') > -1) Our Gear Experts Weigh In, Heres What Gear Testers Are Looking For When They Rank and Review Skis, We Cant Wait For These 5 New Skis to Hit Shelves in the Fall. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Climbing out of the narrow wells can be extremely difficult, and skiers and snowboarders are generally advised to avoid skiing lines under tight trees immediately after storms. What type of skier is this product best for? How to Buy Skis WebBlizzard Entertainment is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software. Sign up for Outside+ today. Not merely a container for arrows and bolts, the quiver often contains mystic properties. He loves the increased rocker in the tip and tail because it makes the ski easy to maneuver in bumps and tight, technical terrain. { Wesley Whalen, a 46-year-old New York man, died after an incident at Heavenly Mountain Resort in South Lake Tahoe on Wednesday, resort officials said. This post contains affiliate links, primarily provided by our priority partner REI.com. Dimensions (mm): 119-88-107 further than Factions new Mana 2.0 the brand's replacement for their crowd-favorite CT 3.0 and a true one-ski quiver." Overall score: 7.5/10 Lengths (cm): 178, 186, 194 A last piece of advice - if you're aiming for a 2-ski quiver, the best way to do it is not going for two 50/50 skis. According to tester Peter Nestor, a Sun Valley local, Its the benchmark of the category. The Mantra 102 was voted the best all-mountain wide ski of 2023 after impressing testers across all nine scoring categories, but particularly in the Versatility, Stability at Speed, and Responsiveness departments. After getting some tweaks for the 2023-2024 season, the new Blizzard Sheeva 9 rides smoother and feels more confidence inspiring in variable snow. this ski belongs in your quiver. If you ski conservatively at the resort and are willing to restrain yourself from crashing and jumping, I would just get lightweight tech bindings for both sets of skis. Kinda like the QST Blank but cooler graphics. It takes a confident skier with advanced skills to unlock this skis full potential. Background: Fair Weather Skier, Spring Break Extraordinaire. Located in Orange County, and packed with distinguished schools, colleges & universities, Irvine is a nexus of business and technology local and global. Terms of Use 2 ski is a wider waisted frontside ski that can crush groomers as well as the crud. While it was the top-ranked ski for Overall Impression and My focus is less on speed and more on perfecting my technique. WebCarbon Flipcore D.R.T. $700 at REI. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. I think George left his snorkel back at the hotel pool - Jackson Hole, WY. Heavenly delayed opening lifts March 1 after the extreme snowfall, citing extreme winds for several days and the need to dig out high-elevation lifts. Testers were impressed with how much energy it displays for those willing to ski fast and aggressively, both on- or off-piste, although the group agreed that the latter is where the ski really shines. Pros: Flotation, Responsiveness Is this ski predictable? Radius (m): 17 Correction: A previous version of this report included incorrect snowfall totals from Oregon. Pros: Crud Performance, Stability at Speed Is the Blister Winter buyers guide worth the $16? googletag.pubads().setTargeting("forum_title", "Tech Talk"); Dig below the surface and check out the detailed scores for each ski, the reviews and scores of other skis in each category, and remember the basics of how to buy skis in order to determine what pair is right for you this winter. If something is not skiing well, could it be due to a bad tune? Unless you agree with the above that I wouldnt regret a wider ski for the backcountry? Heavenly ski patrollers found Whalen while responding to reports of a snowboarder in a tree well off Round-a-Bout, an intermediate trail on the resorts westernmost boundary. As part of the Outside+ membership, SKI readers get full access to the SKI Gear Concierge Slack channel, where our gear experts chime in to answer your gear questions while other community members weigh in with their own two cents. Take a look back over four decades ago to the Kentucky Blizzard of 1978, one of the worst storms our state has ever seen. In early 2022, Truckee resident Rory Angelotta was found dead 3 miles from the Northstar California boundary, more than a week after he was reported missing while skiing in whiteout conditions. The tragic incident happened less than a day after the historic snowfall that blanketed areas of the Sierra Nevada in more than 100 inches of snow, with Heavenly reporting 72 inches of snowfall between Feb. 24 and March 1. Im looking for my skis to feel confident, stable and easy to initiate a turn in almost any snow condition. 78175 R.E.A. The San Bernardino Mountain Range could see between 1 and 3 feet of additional snowfall, with gusts up to 75 mph. '); We test mens and womens skis separately in five different categories: Carving, Frontside, All-Mountain, All-Mountain Wide, and Powder. Lengths (cm): 162, 170, 178 var sidebar_width = parseInt('300px'); Cons: Crud Performance, Versatility. We are winter 365 days a year, no patio furniture or tennis racquets here. Dimensions (mm): 127-82-115 Kara absolutely shredding the Serpos #textbook, Background: Started skiing as a teenager, haven't looked back since. Cons: Forgiveness, Responsiveness. Testing skis and winter gear is hard work (just ask our boot testers)but someone's gotta do it. Overall score: 8.59/10 Radius (m): 14 Boston, MA 02114 Tester Dustin Cook, former Canadian World Cup alpine ski racer and Olympian, noticed a considerable improvement from the QST line last year. 16215 Alton Pkwy, Radius (m): 16.5 How does the ski initiate turns at variable speeds? Can the shovels blast through crud with confidence? Accommodation Request: We are committed to working with and providing reasonable assistance to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. WebLocated in Orange County, and packed with distinguished schools, colleges & universities, Irvine is a nexus of business and technology local and global. Bent Chetler 110s are pretty light but my top recommendation is to check out the Moment deathwish or wildcat. Snowfall tops 6.5 feet and rainfall tops 5 inches across southern California, Last week, the National Weather Service in Los Angeles issued its first blizzard warning since 1989. Another storm is expected to hit the Tahoe region again early Saturday morning, bringing more than 2 feet of additional snow to areas of South Lake Tahoe above 8,000 feet, including much of Heavenly. Rachelle D., Lead Software Engineer, Activision Blizzard military veteranspage, accommodationrequests@activisionblizzard.com. Below, SKIs gear nerds weigh in on whats better for someone looking for an all-mountain ski that can handle powder as well as the groomedthe Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, or the Blizzard Rustler 10? Dont be afraid to jump in and go for it! })(); Moment Deathwish: Really leaning towards the Deathwish. console.log('NSFW in title'); Indoor/Outdoor Fitness Center with Lockers and Showers, On-Site Classes Including Boot Camp, Aikido, Swordsmanship, Yoga, and More, Massage Therapist, Chiropractor, Acupuncturist, and Physical Therapist, Blizzard Library - Games, Books, and Movies, Adjacent Running and Bicycle Trail System. SKIs editors then crunch the numbers to see which skis come out on top of each category and to determine each skis strengths and weaknesses. Especially when there are 23 brands, 27 testers, and over 150 pairs of skis that need a fair shake. Privacy Policy, "Alpine rock and steep, deep powder are what I seek, and I will always find solace there." In the longer lengths, the Sheeva 9 packs a punch best suited to experts willing to dial it up to 11. The weight of a skier can cause the snow to collapse, creating a well surrounded by denser and higher snow. I dont ski park and am more into improving my ability to take on challenging steep/narrow/tightly treed lines than going fast (but I guess I do go fast on open groomers when Im at the resort). And playful enough to slash and pop off side hits., Wiegand added to the conversation: Our gear testers also rave about the Rustler 10. Read the full Nordica Enforcer 104 Free review here, While the technology and shape of Blizzards Rustler line havent changed much over the past few years, its worth pointing out that the skis function extremely well for freeride-oriented all-mountain planks. Blizzard Entertainmentis a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software. Maybe Im biased, but ski season is easily the best time of year. WebQuivers Off-Hand Demon Hunter Only. googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); On3p vs black crows. Currently have 2015 Blizzard Bonafide 180cm which I love, but are all skied out, he writes. Burly enough to drive down the fall line regardless of conditions, writes tester Jon Sexauer. 60 Canal St, Harkinsgrew up ski racing, starting on the icy slopes of New England and finishing at the University of Colorado at Boulder. We test mens and womens skis separately in five different categories: Carving, Frontside, All-Mountain, All-Mountain Wide, and Powder. (function() { For the third year in a row, Nordicas Enforcer 104 Free has topped the All-Mountain Wide category. 2 ski quiver (Poor snow coverage or mix of longer tour + resort days). She attended Vail Ski and Snowboard Academy for high school and joined the U.S. So do your research. Dimensions (mm): 124-92-114 In the Experience 82 Ti, Rossignol has created a true frontside ski, utilizing two sheets of metal to establish stiffness, while still delivering a lightweight, forgiving ride. Im more excited skiing off-piste vs groomers, but love to arc a longer radius turn at speed. This years No. Irvine's weather is temperate, warm and otherwise comfortable year-roundappropriate for a company named Blizzard. After establishing the Blizzard Entertainment label in 1994, the company quickly became one of the most popular and well-respected makers of computer games. For instance, testers might ask themselves:How stable does the ski feel in multiple conditions? #mangoskigang, Background: Ice coast native, off-piste enthusiast. googletag.defineSlot('/1027394/forums_sidebar_mpu', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-ad-adRectangle').addService(googletag.pubads()); var sidebar_align = ''; I think 10% off on ON3P. 2-3 Ski Quiver for the PNW. document.write(''); var useSSL = 'https:' == document.location.protocol; Please do not forward unsolicited agency resumes to our website or to any of our employees. If I had it my way, Id be skiing in the trees all day. One Skeptic Aims to Find Out. It's quite a bit lighter than the Hoji but if you plan to use it on the occasional resort pow day than the Hoji might be the better compromise. Seriously, we got you covered. After establishing the Blizzard Entertainment label in 1994, the company quickly became If I wasnt so vain I would probably be talking more about the QST Blank + Line Blade Optic 96, but here we are Recommendations or thoughts?