Ski Canada Test 2019 On-Slope Reviews
SURF LIKE A FISH
Last winter Line’s Pescado took the fishtail from surfing and snowboarding and applied it to powder skiing. The rooster-throwing Y-shaped tail and 125mm waist were so much fun the company decided to follow it up with a narrower version. The Sakana looks similar, but at 105mm underfoot it’s more all-mountain friendly. Line added a carbon-flax tape for increased stiffness and a damp, lightweight feel for firm conditions, while the directional shape and loose tail encourages turning the ski hill into a playground. ($800; line.com)
LINE SAKANA
$800 * BEST FOR: Skiing like a snowboarder.
LENGTHS: 174, 181 * RADIUS: 15@174 * SIDECUT: 150/105/138
You’ll definitely draw attention in the lift line with this ski. Line borrowed the V-shaped tail from surfing and snowboarding. First it was applied to a 125mm dedicated powder ski. This year Line is making the playful, rooster-tailing shape in a 105mm all-mountain width. With a wide tip and moderate waist, the Sakana’s still prefer fresh snow, but testers were surprised by its versatility. “The Sakana is a wonderful treat,” said Caitlin Burge. “The big scooped tip means effortless gliding through deeper powder. This fish is floaty and playful in the trees, gracefully leaping from turn to turn. On more open terrain, it was chargey but not bossy. This ski’s natural environment is in deeper snow climates, like the Coast or the Kootenays, but it will acclimatize to a serious variety of conditions and terrain.” Indeed, George Terwiel tried the Sakana on a soft, but not fresh, snow day at Big White: “It feels solid and beefy, performing well on softer groomers and soft snow.” Whether it’s the way it looks or the way it skis, the Sakana seemed to make skiing more fun.
