Twenty-five years ago, Jason Levinthal began making skiboards, skis just long enough to make room for a primitive, non-releasable binding. Because they were first, foremost and forever about tricks, they had curled-up tips at both ends. It wasn’t long before Jason graduated to making full-length twin-tips, which attracted the attention of kids who wanted to take skiing in a new direction. Little by little, Line infiltrated the mass market, not by adopting its rules, but by being change agents who would help redefine the sport.
Just how high Line has climbed in market share is hard to say since online sales bypass monitored retailing, but it’s safe to assume Line has been the most successful start-up since its inception. Because the kids who continue to be its principal patrons are all about breaking the rules and taking the party to the slopes, its communications focus on fat, smeary powder skis and terrain-park twins.
But Line might not have made it to 25 if it hadn’t been for skiers over 40. For several seasons it cultivated quite a following for its Prophet series, all-mountain tools with an oddly trimmed topsheet of metal that gave them power that a lightweight skier could engage. This same principle is what helps the Supernatural 92 strike a balance between Power and Finesse properties that tilts slightly towards the latter because of its off-trail personality.
Like the kid inside all of us, the Supernatural 92 prefers powder over hardpack. Its glass laminates provide the springy rebound that energizes the turn transition, while its latticework of metal muffles the buffeting delivered by motoring through crud. Despite its relatively slight weight it handles chop well, and its almost square tail makes it supportive in those nervous moments when your weight shifts rearward. Strictly speaking, the tail on the Supernatural 92 is rockered and tapered, but its widest point is almost at the very end and the rear rocker is lifted all of 1mm. All the extra rear support comes in mighty handy if you’re planning to air it out.
Line’s communications don’t stress the technicity of its skis but the fun you’ll have on them. So don’t get hung up on how well the Supernatural 92 is made, just go ski it. It’s most definitely a lot of fun, and so simple to ski we again award it a Silver Skier Selection.
