Test 2020: Nordica Enforcer Free 104
BEST FOR: An all-mountain, everyday ski for strong skiers who like a little girth.
LENGTHS: 172, 179, 186, 191
DIMENSIONS: 135/104/124
RADIUS: 18.5@186
SUGGESTED RETAIL: $800
OTHER SIZES: 115, 110, 100, 93, 88
On test day, the Enforcer sometimes felt smaller than it looked, pivoting on autopilot in the trees, springing from edge-to-edge in the bumps and holding hard on icy groomers. But other times it felt bigger, blasting through crud and surfing on slush. Testers could lock in the edge and dig trenches or work with the tail rocker and smear with ease. The Free 104 is the newest member of the Enforcer family, the “Free” nodding to its more playful construction compared to its siblings. Rather than a full sheet of carbon this bro has carbon stringers, and the wood and ABS core tapers toward the tip and tail. Both changes lighten up the ski, particularly at the tip and tail. That improves swingweight, making it easier to turn, and softens the ends of the ski for a more forgiving ride. But not at the cost of high-speed stability, even for heavier, taller testers like Josh Cunningham: “Powerful, stable and good in crud but still engages an edge.” Race coach, fast charger (and not SC editor) Iain McMillan called it a fun, burly ski: “Best for an aggressive expert who can put some power into it. I would buy this ski!”
