Most versatile pair of skis I have ever owned is the all new 2012 Line EP Opus skis. The Line EP Opus skis does whatever you want the ski to do in any conditions and terrain. With the float of the EP Pro and the maneuverability of the Sir Francis Bacon the Line EP Opus skis are the ultimate one ski quiver ski. Although the ski is narrower than the EP Pro it still has amazing float thanks to where the Early Taper and Early rise have been located. Eric Pollard designed these skis as his masterpiece and as someone who has not only skied every ski that Pollard has designed but also has been skiing with the man himself he has combined all the best of his creations into this one ski. If you are looking for an excellent AT ski but don’t want the waist width of the Opus then I would suggest the Sir Francis Bacon.
If you are looking for a ski to help you poach your favorite places then this is my weapon of choice. It will ski the deepest of powder with ease while attacking the windblown snow with very little effort. 2 places the EP Opus excels in where many others in this 115mm+ waist category does not is on the groomers and bumps/moguls. I was able to make full pull bump runs with very little effort or adjustment. When it came to skiing glades there was no other ski I would rather be on than the Opus. If you are charging hard and enjoy a stiffer ski than you would want the Prophet 115 or Influence 115, but if you enjoy a ski with tons of playful energy and one that just enjoys everything in front of you then the Line EP Opus is a ski that you really should not pass by with out buying. It looks like untracked.com or Al’s Ski Barn has these in stock right no and ready to sell!!
Enjoy! I know I enjoy my 192cm Opus skis!!
Hey Adam, Im looking for that all mountain ski that will thrash the groomers and kill the pow. Im a pretty decent skier and looking to get more into the back country but still kill the groomers. I ski mostly out west. Im 6’4 260 pounds is the opus for me or should I be looking at another ski? What length? Thanks
You certainly want to be looking at the Mr. Pollard Opus for what you want the ski to do. As for length you should be on the 192cm length or the 185cm length. If you are an expert go with the 192cm length. At your size it was made for you. If you are not sure about that much ski you can certainly ski the 185cm length. These sksis do ski on the shorter side.
Adam, I see you are still here. I am currently skiing older Prophet 100’s, no rocker etc, and before that Mantras. I have absolutely loved the Prophets, great in crud, super quick. They do fall short in more than 6″ of new, especially if it is less than perfect, which happens here in the PNW. They bog down. I ski at Crystal 25+ days, hike the side country, plus the yearly trip out of state. I have spent 3 days on the S7 and adore them in powder but felt like I was being shook up and manhandled in crud and uneven terrain to the point I was miserable. Also a couple of days on last years Influence 115’s. I had almost the exact opposite feeling about the 115’s. They absolutely blasted through crud, uneven terrain and nailed the groomers. I did feel like they were not as quick, playful and surfy as I would like in the deep stuff. I would like a super quick and playful powder ski that has enough backbone/dampness to handle the rough stuff. I have considered the Patron (which a skiing partner raves about) the new 115’s, The Blizzard Gunsmoke and the Opus. I am 6′ 175, ski hard but am strictly directional and have long ago lost any desire to have my skis leave contact with earth. Given my comfort level with Line’s I am leaning strongly toward the Opus in 185. What do you think? Great reviews by the way.
thanks
Hi Rick,
Certainly have to agree with you on the Prophet 100. It is a great All Mountain ski and does very well up to a small amount of fresh snow. When in deeper snow though it is not a playful ski. If you want playful thne you certainly want to go with the Opus in the 185cm length. The Influence 115 is a great ski but I would not consider ti a playful ski it is more of a hard charging ski which is great for PNW skiing especially in the deep snow and crud, but it can be a lot of work, as where the Opus will still plane above the crud and will be less work and more playful of a ski.
Adam, thanks for the response. I am ready to go with the Opus. I see you reviewed the Icelantics. My cousin raves about his Keepers, and the Nomad RKR sounds like a great ski, maybe one I could put a touring binding on. What do you think of those two skis compared to the Opus?
Honestly they are all amazing skis. I love everyone one of them. The Opus is still my one ski quiver go to ski. The RKR is awesome but I would consider that more towards an All-Mountain ski because of its waist width. The Seeker is a little bit more Big Mountain oriented of a ski, makes very tight turns and is versatile. If you were going to put a touring binding on and skin then the Icelantic does save you a little bit of weight which is nice. It really comes down to what ou are going to be using the skis for the most. The RKR just does not have the float you would be looking for.
Hey Adam, has anybody tired the 192 length on the new 2013 opus ? I am 6’1 225 and bought these skis last year in the 185 length and I had problems with tip diving in deep pow days. I am wondering if I would have better luck with the 192s or maybe I just need a stiffer ski.
Hi Dave,
I have skied them in the 192cm and it is a different ski. It is stiffer and a thicker sidewall as well. The 192cm will certainly help you with float. I really liked the slightly stiffer flex pattern as well for bigger lines.
Hi Adam,
I’ve decided on the Opus, but don’t know what size to get. I’m 14 yrs, 5’8″ and 140 lbs and growing. I would consider myself an advanced skier, and like to ski all over the mountain, including through variable and heavy crud. How well does the Opus do in these conditions? And should I go for the 185 or the 178?
Thanks,
Ian
Hi Ian,
The Opus is incredible in all those conditions and with the rocker design on the ski it skips right over the crud. As for length because of your weight you can easily do either the 178cm or the 185cm length. If you feel you are going to continue to grow more then you should certainly consider the 185cm length. The 178cm might be good for a year or two but if you are growing you will probably grow out of it.
Thanks,
Adam
Hi Adam,
Im a kiwi, 52 now. Skiing all my life. Had lots of alpine, telemark racing, ex NZ Speed ski team.am still fit and haven’t slowed down much. I like hard charging long radius turns but also need a ski for in the trees and on piste, allrounder really. I have presently got an old pair of 189 Obseths,about 2007 model I think. The model before they came out with rocker, yellow bases, blue tops, about 100mm waist. I am off to BC early Feb. Reve, Red as well as Fernie so thought I would shout myself a new pair. I only want to take one pair with me and praying for some powder. I’m 6.1 ft and weigh 220lbs. What would you recommend for me? Influence 115 or Opus? Would I go for a 193 or 186? Would the 186 be less tiring or should I go for the length for stability at speed.
Thanks
Andrew
Hi Andrew,
Excellent questions. If you want a powerful ski that skis very well in the trees go with the Influence 115, if you want more of a playful ski then go with the Opus. The metal in the Influence certainly makes it better if you enjoy high speed and you can easily ski it in either the 186cm or 193cm. If you are going to be skiing a lot of trees you may want to stay with the 186cm if you are skiing more open bowls then go with the 193cm. If you go with the Opus I wold suggest the 195cm all the way for your size and ability.
Thanks,
Adam
Hey Adam,
I’m convinced these skis are the truth, but am trying to figure out the right size. I’m 5’9″ 165, and have been thinking I’d get the 185s, but some of the comments here make me think 178 might be better. What would you recommend for someone that skis hard?
Thanks,
Scott
I am 5-7 140lbs ski G3 infifidels in 175 with radicals, and 170 mantras with dukes. Looking for a a lighter weight pow ski in a 115+ -width. Kind of settled on the Opus or JJ ,s . Want the skis for hike to, cat skiing and maybe a little skinning. Would be putting Radicals on them. Any thoughts or suggestions on size of Opus , and can you help me with the weight as as we’ll.
Thanks
JVB
Hi there Adam,
Awesome review. I have decided to get the Opus but I am on the fence as for the size. I am 6′ and approx 170lbs, have been skiing since I was a small kid. I would consider myself advanced level. I currently own the Rossi Phantom 80s for my daily ski in 175cm but want to get a powder ski with some versatility.
I plan to do some tree skiing, mostly soft snow, no real backcountry stuff but at the same time doing groomers and hard pack as well. I live on the west coast and would be skiing Whistler and the local mountains.
As for bindings, I’m looking at getting the Marker Griffons.
Would you recommend the 185 or 192 for me?
Thanks!
Ken
ps: looking for comments from anyone. thanks for any replies in advance.
hi adam
sorry for my poor english
i’m very impressed from your reviews and your answers
i’m 6’3″ x 185 lbs, hardly a good skier, only about 10 days on it, but i’m a good and experienced snowboarder (20+ yrs) and have no fear 🙂
now i have a 189 K2 kung fujas, made some steep descents off piste on them with no major problems
thinking to switch to line opus…which size do you reccomend me, 185 or 192?
i don’t plan to do tricks or switch atm so i was going to the 192, my only concern is manoeuvrability in the trees, do you think that 192 opus are more or less easy to turn compared to my KF?
(i know that K2’s are longer and line’s are shorter than adviced lenght..)
are the 192 so much heavier than 185? (also planning to do some sidecountry with AT bindings and skins)
cheers
franz
Adam:
Happy New Year. I emailed you in the past so please excuse any redundancy. I live in the East but spend three weeks in the West (two in Utah at Snowbird/Alta, Snowbasin/Powder Mt, one at Big Sky). My Eastern ski is a Moment PB&J 180s cm. My Western ski is currently a JJ 175 cm. The JJ is too short though it handles the trees quite well. I’m looking for a longer ski – a ski that is very very playful and forgiving, great in the powder and trees. It must be reasonably capable in the groomed with the understanding that I do my best to avoid the groom, if at all possible.
I am considering the following: Opus 185, JJ 180s, Atomic Automatic, Atomic Bentchetler. I obviously know what the JJs can do. Which of these skis are the most playful, the most forgiving, the most capable in the powder, the best in the trees?
The criticism of the Opus is that one must ski “centered”. What exactly does that mean? Does the ski lose something if I lean too forward (like dive in powder) or too back? Do I have to think too much (i.e. the ski is not forgiving)? The beauty of the JJs is that they are “stupidly easy” to ski.
Thanks,
Alan
Hi Scott,
Sorry for the long delay in replying. I would easily say the 185cm length for charging. Only go with 178cm if you are not skiing hard.
You could do the 178cm if you are already skiing short. As for weight though the JJ is certainly going to be lighter than the Opus but the Opus will allow you to charge more and is an all around more versatile ski.
Hi Ken,
You can easily do either length. The 185cm is the most versatile length in the Opus. The 192cm is an awesome ski but its only downfall is in super tight trees, other than that the 192cm has incredible stability and power to tackle any terrain. It even loves to go out and carve groomers. The 185cm is certainly more versatile if you enjoy tight tree areas.
If you plan on doing some Sidecountry you may want to go with the 185cm as the 192cm can be a big ski in tight trees. If the trees are not that tight however I would easily say go with the 192cm length, the Opus is such an easy skiing ski and besides super tight trees they will easily turn through everything. The weight is not a hige difference at all. If you plan on skiing more steeps than tight trees then go with the 192cm.
Hi Alan,
No worries at all. The Opus is incredibly easy to ski like the JJ. As for playful I would have to say the JJ because of how light it is, as for versatility the Opus clearly can do everything very well and has more stability at higher speeds when on trail. The JJ you should be skiing in the 185cm length and you would do the same for the OPus. Bent is a heavier version of the JJ and more big mountain oriented. The Automatic is out for what you are looking for.
The JJ is probably the most playful with the Opus very close behind. They are both forgiving and as far as skiing centered you would ski them both the same. You dont need to drive a ski to much these days as it is more about putting it on edhe then having to drive the tip especially on skis like the JJ and Opus that are mounted closer to center than powder skis of old. There is certainly no thinking with the Opus it is all a head of you. If anything the Opus does allow you to do more of a straightline than the JJ will because of the super tight turn radius.
You can not go wrong with either the Opus or JJ, just make sure you at least get the 185cm in either and you will be much happier in deeper snow as they are very easy to turn, no thinking involved at all.
Adam:
Great comments, thanks. I have ruled out the Bents and Automatics. It’s now down to the Opus and JJ. Are they similar in deep snow? Other publications/blogs suggest that the JJ is superior.
And, finally: which binding for a 5’9″, 160 lb skier?
Alan
Hey Adam, I’m not sure if you’re still reading this thread, but just to add to the praise: I really appreciate how thoughtful and informative your answers have been.
So here’s my question/dilemma (and anyone with insight please feel free to chime in)
I’ve been demoing a bunch of skis for my first pair of real fatties, and it’s come down to the 183 Bent Chetlers and the 185 Opuses (Opii??). I also demoed the Atomic Automatics in 186 (found them too stiff and oddly reminiscent of my old Volkl 188 G4’s – best in a straight line) and 192 Solly Rocker 2’s (a weird combo of squirrelly and unwieldy).
Anyway I’ve read through the previous questions and responses – could you maybe elaborate a bit more on the differences between the Bents and Opuses?
FYI I’m 6’1, 180 lbs, 33 years old advanced skier, ski probably 20 days a year at Whistler and plan to to start doing some occasional side-country/touring as well. I try to ski in a neutral stance and favour a slightly softer ski when possible (current skis are Dynastar Legend 8000 from 2006 in a 178. Love ’em, but obviously not ideal for the deeper stuff). I ski the whole mountain but I don’t/can’t ski switch and rarely leave the snow – willingly at least. Yup, I’m a bit of a wuss.
Anwyay I only had a couple of hours on the Opuses and Bents when I demoed them, so I’m not sure if I was able to get a full grasp of the differences. The Opuses certainly did well – amazingly well really – everywhere on the mountain and perhaps slightly better all-round than the Bents. BUT i felt the Bents were a bit more maneuverable in tight trees – does that even make sense if they’re slightly bigger skis than the Opuses?
Thanks for any feedback!
Adam,
I’m curious to what size you would recommend for me. I’m 5’11” and about 150lbs. I like to ski trees and bumps the most so I was thinking about just going with the 178’s since thats what I’ve skied the most but thinking I may go a little bigger since I hear they ski short. What do you think would be best 185 or 192?
Kyle
I am not sure who says the J is superor to the Opus but I can not agree with that statement unles syou are talking about the 195cm AK JJ then that ski can be compared to the versatility of the Opus. The JJ makes a quicker turn on groomers and will turn super quick in trees as well at speed i would rather have the stability that the Opus gives me, it sticks to the snow and you can crank over turns with out any hesitation. As for Bidning the STH 12 or marher Griffon are 2 great choices for your weight.
Hi Dan,
Much appreciated, it has been a while since i have bene on this thread as I have been working long hours and skiing every free moment I have. tahnk you for your wonderful comments.
You have come down to 2 skis that you can not go wrong with. For overall one ski use the Opus certainly is going to win out of the Bent, however the Bent does turn very quickly and is extremely fun in the trees and deep snow. In the woods they turn about the same it may come down more to getting use to the mounting position for you on the Opus vs the Bent which was probably mounted a little further back than the Opus. Once you get use to skiing the very middle of the ski the Opus is extremely manuveruable in tight areas. Jus tbecause a ski is bigger though does not mean that it can’t make a very tight radius turn, it all has to do with where they put the rocker on the ski and how wide they make the tip and tail compared to how close to the center they put the widest parts of the skis.
You can do the 178cm or the 185cm because you are 150lbs. it is such an easy ski to ski that you may want to go for the 185cm length. I ski the 192cm but when I am in tight trees which I ski a lot I sometimes wish i had the 185cm length, but all other times I am 192cm all the way for myself, If I were your weight I would go with the 185cm.
Hey Adam,
Thanks for replying – much appreiiated. Noted I can’t go wrong with either the Opus or the Bents.
Funnily enough the Bents that I demo’d were actually mounted farther forward than the Opuses, so much so it was a little disconcerting having so much tail vs. tip, but I can’t say it affected my skiing that much – more psychological than anything else, i think.
I think I’ll demo each again one more time and make a decision then.
Thanks again,
Dan
Hey Adam,
Any issues using the new G3 tail connectors on the twin tip designs of the Opus? I have seen the twin tip connectors that G3 makes as well just wondering if it is needed or not.
Thank you,
Some guys use them and like the connectors. I have not seen many issues on shorter tours not using them.
Adam,
Thanks fir the effort you have put into this thread.
I know it’s July, but I’m getting fired up about ski season already! I’m 38 yo, 6’2″, 200lbs without gear. I ski everything on the mountain, a real dabbler. I live out west and ski places like Wolf Creek, Durango Mountain – Purgatory, and Taos. Primarily Purg. Sometimes the snow gets thin, other times it gets slushy, some ice, in between we get both wet and dry pow.
I think I’m slowing down a little, but probably still ski pretty hard by most accounts. I’m also skiing with my kids now, so, we run the greens and blues a lot (good opportunity to practice switch). I hit the park, but only to air out the kickers, no rails or boxes. I occasionally take the snowmobile backside for some ski laps at higher elevation, some open, some trees.
Having trouble choosing between the 192 Opus or the 190 SFB? As you can see, I want it all, and go everywhere (frontside, beginner, expert, trees, moguls, backside, and side country). Any reason to look shorter? I’m leaning towards the longer for more control.
What say you, master of the Pollard skis,
G
Hi Graham!
Thanks for the great feedback and all the information about how you ski and where you ski as that is a big help.
Both the Bacon and Opus are amazing skis. If you are thinking you want more of a One Ski Quiver ski you may want to lean toward the 190cm Bacon, but if you are comfortable with a ski at 118mm in the waist as your everyday ski then by all means go with the Mr. pollard’s opus. The Bacon for most people, especially now that have a 190cm length, is probably the go to ski. For skiers who want more float on the heavy powder days the Opus is the way to go.
As for size you certainly want to go with the 190 or 192cm depending on which ski you choose. They ski so short and unless you are skier extremely tight trees there is no reason to go any shorter.
Hey Adam,
I’ve been skiing the 178 Opus mounted with Marker Griffons on MDF Alltime touring plates for the past two seasons. I ski resort 75% of the time, and the rest of the time I spend in the backcountry. These skies kill it at everything, and are a dream in deep snow.
I’ve been thinking about switching to the 185 Opus, due to other reviews I’ve read. I’m 140 pounds and 5’8″. I ski a lot of trees and fun rolling terrain, but also love to hit chutes and small cliffs. Would it benefit me to move up to the 185 or am I better off sticking with the 178?
Also, I haven’t been very impressed with the Marker Griffons. My STH 12 Drivers feel much more solid, and are a lot easier to jump into. I do like the MFD Alltime plates, but they are a little heavy, and stiffen up the tails a little bit. The two set-ups I’m thinking of if I get the 185 Opus are the Salomon Guardian 13, or Rossignol FKS on an MFD Alltime plate.
What are your thought?
Thanks,
Jared
Hi Jared,
I hope you got into a great set up by now, but you can easily ski either length. The 185cm skis small, but if you enjoy the 178cm and do not find yourself needing more then stay with what you have. At 140lbs the 178cm length is certainly built for someone of your size.
As for the bindings the Griffon is one of the hardest bindings to get into in deep snow or even on a groomer if you are under 150lbs. If you plan on touring the Guardian is a great choice, but if you do not then we would suggest the Tyrolia Attack 13 Binding. We have really enjoyed this binding and it is one of the easiest to get in and out of. The new STH 2 Bindings are really nice as well.
Hi Adam,
Your advice on here seems so valuable so I wanted to give it a shot. I live in Oregon and ski both Mt Hood and Mt Bachelor as well as some occasional trips to Park City, Snowbasin, Whistler, and Vail. I am 45 yrs old, height of 6’1″ and weight of 187 lbs. I am an expert skier. I have skied on a Volkl AC 50 size 184 for the past four seasons and love them but am ready to step into a wider ski and enjoy more of the powder. I demo’d Line Opus 185 in some heavy powder and crud today and they felt short. Do I just need to give them a couple more days and various conditions or should I really be in the 192? Maybe they should be mounted a little further back as another option. Any ideas are welcome. Thanks
TC
Hi TC,
Not sure if you have made your decision yet but you do have a couple options. Honestly the first and probably best would be to get the 192cm ski. You are a strong skier and the 192cm is a stiffer ski than the 185cm and will help you plow through anything. They ski much shorter than the 192cm length as you found out with the 185cm Opus. Your other option would be to mount a couple cm’s back on the 185cm that will help give you a little more float tip to the ski but honestly I still think going to the 192cm is the better choice.
Hey Adam,
I am struggling to choose between the SFB 190 and Opus 192 and was wondering if you could help. I am 20 years old 6’5″ and about 220lb. I am currently more of a traditional hard charger who is looking to start becoming a playful skier. Right now I’m skiing a lot with my family and friends and while going mach schnell on my 11/12 186 Influence 115′s is really fun, its not super fun waiting at the bottom for everyone to catch up. So because of that I am now looking more at something where I can slow it down, have fun all over the mountain, learn some tricks and pretty much screw around. What worries me about the SFB is that it will lack sufficient float on the deep days and what worries me about the Opus is its less versatile and less agile than the SFB to work in bumps and more technical terrain.
Thanks
Kevin
Hi Kevin,
For what you are looking for go with the Bacon in the 190cm. Maybe have them mounted at -4vm from center and this will help give your more float on those powder days with out sacrificing playfulness that you would do if you mounted at -6cm. The Bacon is certainly the more playful ski out of the 2 and more versatile as well. I love these skis in the trees and bumps, the 192cm Opus while a ton of fun can be a little more work in tight bumped up areas. The Opus has plenty of float but it more of a charger which you already kind of have in the Influence 115 when you need a hard charger. I think you will be surprised by the float in the 190cm Bacon and its ability in more technical terrain.
Wow thanks for the fast response, I actually forgot to put in there that these skis will replace my influences, I personally hate them on anything but groomers and wide open powder days, I really struggle with tip dive when I tried to drive the shovels at slower speeds so I would end up backseat and then the non-rockered tails would get really hooky and in bumps their weight and stiffness were really hard to handle. So now with that in mind, if sometimes I want to go back and do a run or 2 at mach looney on some groomers are the Bacons still the right choice? Because I had tip dive and skis as huge as the influences (153mm shovels i think) stepping down to the bacons worry me. Thoughts?
The rockered tail is not going to help you at all… You made the comment that you drive the tips, there is no ski unless a race style ski made in the past 10 years that you should be trying to “drive the tips” on, the whole purpose of having tip rocker is so that you don’t have to drive the tips instead you just put the ski on edge and keep your body centered on the ski and not forward of center on the ski or no matter what wider ski you get on you are going to get tip dive. With over 100 days on the Prophet/Influence 115 I know this ski very well. It is heavy but still one of the most versatile big mountain skis on the market, I still have a pair mounted with touring bindings for those days when conditions are variable I know the 115 can handle it all. The Bacon for what you are looking for is still the right choice but I think you need to get them mounted at -6cm and you need to ski the ski edge to edge and not front to back. If you try to drive the ski, any ski, it is going to dive. The 190cm Bacon has plenty of stability at speed and is about 15% stiffer than the 184cm. I Think by working a little less than you are now, especially at slower speeds, you will actually get a better ride out of any skis you get on.
Okay awesome thanks for the input! 190 bacons it is!
You will love them just don’t try and overwork them and you will have more fun!