Line Chronic Review

This is my review of Line Chronic. In my opinion, it is a solid freestyle ski that, while prone to wear and tear, provides versatility both on the mountain and in the park.

Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of this ski, who it is best for, and other similar alternatives to consider.

Quick Summary

• Where to buy: Amazon, The House
• Best for: Skiers who want a versatile option they can take out just about anywhere.
• Pros: Decently tight turning radius. Excellent for carving. The core offers a lot of pop and power, and they are stable when landing. The design is sleek and eye-catching as well.
• Cons: Could be more durable, especially when it comes to the top layer. Not the best turning or gripping in icy environments.
• Alternatives: Chamonix Dominion, Atomic Vantage 97, Icelantic Nomad 95

Why Trust Me

I’ve been hitting the slopes since I was a kid. I enjoy getting out in the snow and have hands-on experience with a wide range of different skiing items. I have spent ample time researching this ski, analyzing its characteristics, and talking to riders who used them across many different winter conditions.

Detailed Review of Line Chronic

The Line Chronic is a trustworthy ski that offers a lot of pop. The Maple Macroblock core creates a lot of fun, and you’re going to get a lot of flexibility whether you want to jib on natural features or get decent air. Though the ski won’t always hold up at higher speeds and has a few limitations on ice, the Chronic offers reliable versatility in a relatively attractive package.

A Solid Shape and Construction

The Chronic comes with a unique build thanks to the early rise tips and tails. It has a low splay and low angle as well. The rocker/camber/rocker design works well, but you should note that the camber underfoot gives the midsection a stiffer feel while you’re on snow. Even so, the flex profile is smooth and generally more predictable than models that are much softer in tough conditions. I’m a big fan of the 16m turn radius too.

However, durability is the one aspect where the Line Chronic doesn’t match up with the competition. While it is durable, especially for a higher-end park ski, there are some weak points. They handle rails with ease, but the top sheet can chip away and expose the core. They also don’t have the longevity you might expect. They will hold up over time, but they’re going to show some decent wear and tear if you use them heavily.

On-Snow Performance

Here is where the Chronic shines. Despite their faults in other areas, the skis are incredibly fun to take just about anywhere on the mountain. The short turn radius works with the flex to give you an easy-to-handle model that can take on hardpacked groomers without any issues. They also carve exceptionally well. While the Chronic does seem to struggle with turning at higher speeds or in icy conditions, everywhere else will give you truly impressive results.

These are an excellent option for skiers who like to jib. They offer great control at lower speeds, and their turning radius allows you to change your direction in tight, confined spaces quickly. As such, they’re especially useful for riders who spend their time bombing around the resort. The low tip profile cuts through soft powder, but it’s not great in heavy, cut-up snow. You’re also not going to be great going sideways, but those are small setbacks here.

Pop and Park

These skis, quite simply, deliver a ton of pop. The generous camber and wide surface area in the tip and tail mean you’re going to have a lot of fun while out jibbing on the mountain. On top of that, they are also stable when you land. That combination makes them a good choice for jumping. They aren’t the best air option on the market, but they should be able to hold their own no matter how you go up or how high you come down.

If there’s one problem with the park, it’s the low-profile tips. They can easily dig in whenever you land in tight transitions or cut up snow. That’s especially an issue if you’re landing switch. The skis do a good job on rails, but the general fun is cut a bit short by the lack of comfort. They are also nice to butter on, and they do well enough in the park, but at the end of the day, they are more of an all-mountain option than anything else.

Price and Value

For the price point, I’d say the Line Chronic is a decent-value ski. It’s not the cheapest ski out there, but it isn’t going to be so expensive that you can’t afford other items. The biggest issue is that you will see some wear and tear, which can increase over time. Even so, the internal construction is solid. You should be able to ride these for many seasons without much issue. That’s always a bonus for those who want a good deal.

What I Like

My favorite part of these skis is how fun they are to use. The freestyle design is incredibly responsive, and you get a lot of pop from the core. They are also perfect for riders who like to seek out features on the mountain. Anyone who actively jibs will have a great time using these on different terrain.

The control and carving are also worth mentioning. The ski’s design works perfectly with the tight turning radius to ensure you’re able to navigate with ease. I like the steel edges on the tip, which help you carve nicely. I’m also a big fan of how stable the pair feels when landing a jump. The thick base amps up impact resistance and is something all park rats will be able to appreciate.

What I Dislike

I wish these skis were more durable. They will definitely hold up, it’s not as if they’re going to entirely fall apart after a single season, but the top layer will chip and wear down much more quickly than I would like. The exterior also scratches much too easily for my taste. That combination won’t be the end of the world for those that just want a solid item, but it will matter if you like your equipment to remain pristine.

The other issue with these skis is that they don’t do a great job on icy terrain. The grip there is definitely lacking. I also don’t like the Chronic’s limitations at higher speeds. As stable as they are for jumps, they aren’t great at holding an edge when things get fast. That won’t matter for a lot of skiers, but it’s something to be aware of if you really like to get going.

The Alternatives

The Chronic is a versatile ski that does well in different settings. However, if you want something that offers different options or gives you a different feel, these are all worth a long look:

• Chamonix Dominion – Another all-mountain ski, the Dominion is a tough model that excels on groomers. You’re able to quickly turn with these, and the mix of Bi-Ax glass and urethane sidewalls create a forgiving flex. These aren’t the best for more advanced skiers, but beginner to intermediate riders will have a lot of fun taking these out onto the mountain. The strong construction and steel edges are also nice to have.
• Atomic Vantage 97 – The Vantage 97 (review) is a great all-mountain ski that’s a bit more versatile than the Chronic. If you’re looking for a one-quiver option that can transition from on to off-piste, this is a good way to go. Thanks to the special Prolite construction, it’s lightweight and has a blended color scheme that looks great.
• Icelantic Nomad 95 – If you want a versatile option that does a bit more in the park, look no further than the Nomad 95. This ski utilizes an hourglass shape with a rocker/camber/rocker profile that’s easy to ride. The poplar/paulownia core also lends itself to carving as well. Great for true freestyle skiers.

Final Verdict

The Chronic is a strong ski that works quite well as an all-mountain option but also does well in the park. They do nicely on jumps, are good for jibbing, and are generally a lot of fun to ride.

You’re going to see certain limitations at high speeds and on ice, but if you’re someone who skis in more pleasant conditions or who sticks to the resort, these are a solid investment. That’s especially true if you value carving as well.