2020 MEN’S FREERIDE SKI OF THE YEAR – NORDICA ENFORCER FREE 104
The Free 104 and skinner sibling 88 are Nordica’s newest additions to the ever-popular Enforcer series for winter 2020.
Let’s start with the tech.
Using their Energy 2 Titanium construction, a race-inspired full wood core with two metal sheets gives fantastic top-end power transmission, torsional stability and fantastic edge grip. By then trimming the amount of ABS in the tip and extending the lightweight wood core into the shovel, Nordica have made the Enforcer 104 Free more playful and super manoeuvrable whilst still retaining its classic powerful and stable feel underfoot.
“A really intuitive ski” says Chrigl. “The combination of a superbly communicative wood core with slightly softer tails makes for a responsive, forgiving and mega manageable ski – a great all-rounder”.
Other features of note include a new carbon reinforced chassis which weighs about 35% less than traditional glass, and full length carbon strips which further reduce weight but increase the skis strength and stability.
“In the 186cm length I tested the ski radius comes in at 18.5m!” says Lee. “Not too shabby for a ski over 100mm underfoot. And with a Rocker profile that changes with each length, the feel is consistent whether you are on the 172cm or 191cm”
So how do they actually ski, Lee?
“I just had to go back for more runs on the Enforcer 104 Free! Piste, chopped up pow, refrozen windblown crud, these skis just take anything you throw at them and spit it all out. Open them up on the piste, drop that hip and they just grip like a limpet with great mid foot stability. Hook off to the side and their dynamic punch and vibration damping make mincemeat of mixed variable terrain. Head off into proper freeride terrain and enjoy lap after lap off powder play on these quite awesome weapons of fun.”
Nice work Nordica. Also in 110 Free and 115 Free.
TO READ MORE ABOUT THE NORDICA ENFORCER 104 FREE AND ALL THE OTHER NEW SKIS FOR 2020, SUBSCRIBE TO OUR GEAR GUIDE, OUT IN OCTOBER!
STATS
RRP: £620
Lengths: 172, 179, 186, 191
Radius: 18.5m @ 186
Dimensions: 135-104-124 @ 186 & 191
Weight per pair: Not available
More Info: Nordica
MORE 2020 SKIS OF THE YEAR:
2020 WOMEN’S OVERALL SKI OF THE YEAR – K2 MINDBENDER 88 Ti ALLIANCE