Our review was conducted on the 2021 Blend, which is unchanged for 2022 and 2023.
Its also one of Lines biggest sellers, with a devoted following that wont ski anything else.
The Line team has been rebuffing any proposed changes to the ski for years too.
So to modify it at all, is kind of a big deal.
The main changes come to the sidecut and contact points, both of which are pushed forward.
The wider contact points are aimed at providing a better platform for buttering.
The core construction and edges remain identical to the previous model and the flex is pretty indistinguishable to me.
They still have a medium flex section under the binding but the tips/tails are as soft as they come.
The skis profile has changed though and the Blend now has lower profile tips/tails.
The rocker is noticeably longer although still minimal in terms of splay.
Thats something Line had a real knack for.
The new Blend continues the trend.
I really enjoyed these for cruising around, especially switch.
I don’t know why I skied this on these, I wouldn’t recommend it.
However, the changes to the ski have hurt the pow performance somewhat.
The older Blend had a more streamlined tip/tail shape.
Yes, its still 100 underfoot, but that is fairly normal for a park ski now.
And so the changes to the new model are unsurprisingly moving it in that direction.
So how do they perform in the park?
Well, they are still soft as fuck.
Its almost harder not to butter than it is to do so.
When you get that balance point right, nothing feels better to play around on.
Thats why the pros loved the flex of the old ski, and its near-identical here.
But when you lean too hard, youre over flexing the ski and youre going down.
Its a tradeoff that works great for some, but I still struggle with it.
Much the same as the old Blend in fact.
I actually like the feel of the Blend on jumps, as long as Im landing pretty bolts.
The flex is smooth on takeoffs and the sidecut feels super nice when carving off the lip.
Land off-center and you quickly run into issues with the flex.
On rails, the low swingweight is super nice for spins on and off.
The 100mm platform gives you a nice, stable platform without being too wide.
Surface swaps and presses are a breeze thanks to the profile and flex.
In fact, rails are where the Blends truly excel.
Durability:
I didnt have any issues to write home about with the durability of the new Blend.
I have no signs of delam or edges cracks.
The topsheet held up well too (Lines new textured topsheet is really good).
The only change to the skis from new is some superficial scratches and perhaps some additional rockering/reduction in camber.
Conclusion:
So, where to start with this one?
Well, the Blend remains a unique ski, but it hasnt changed much.
Correspondingly, I do still find the Blend too soft.
But I did have more fun on these than on the previous model.
I just prefer a more solid ski.
The different compromises on stability vs butteriness work well for different people.
Because depending on your style, the Blend may well work better.
If you loved the Blend before, youll love the new one too.
