2023 Nordica Enforcer 104 Unlimited Review
Finally, an Enforcer designed to adventure beyond the ropes
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This article was first published by SkiMag.com.
The Scores (out of 10)
- Crud Performance: 7.5
- Responsiveness: 7.5
- Stability at Speed: 7.75
- Flotation: 8
- Playfulness: 7
- Forgiveness: 6
- Versatility: 7.75
- Quickness: 6.75
The Specs
- Price: $800
- Lengths: 165, 172, 179, 186, 191
- Dimensions: 134.5-104-123.5
- Radius: 17.5 (179cm)
- Weight: 1,700g
- Level: Advanced, Expert
In a Nutshell
- Pros: Stability at Speed, Versatility
- Cons: Forgiveness, Quickness
In order to transform their top-selling Enforcer into a backcountry weapon that still holds up almost anywhere, Nordica incorporated a carbon chassis, poplar/beech wood core, thinner topsheets, and shorter edges—all in the name of shaving weight to make the ski 43 percent lighter. And so the Unlimited, the brand’s all-mountain touring ski, was born.
Related: Ski straps are an important backcountry safety tool. Here’s how to use them.
“This is the perfect backcountry tool for the skier who already has a love affair with the Enforcer 104,” claimed tester Luke Larsen, noting that it is best for strong, efficient skiers. “If you don’t have the skills to ski it, the Unlimited will knock you out of your comfort zone real quick.”
While Nordica dropped the weight on this ski by removing two sheets of metal, they maintained its stability in deep snow with a wide waist while boosting maneuverability with the early rise tip and tail rocker between traditional camber underfoot. It retains the same shape, however, as the Enforcer Free we know and love.
Related: See how the Nordica Enforcer Unlimited 104 stacked up against its competition
“This is a great ski that’s easy uphill and can bag the deepest of snow while still getting you down an iced-up chute,” Larsen added.
So while it meets Nordica’s standard for handling the quickly changing conditions you’ll find in the backcountry, some testers noted that it didn’t do what they asked in tight, variable terrain and conditions and that it was slightly more chattery in the nose than the Enforcer Free when coming in hot for a stop.
“I found the ski able to engage the edge more deeply than I expected,” shared Sun Valley, Idaho, local Paul Marshal. “It’s a great all-around backcountry ski for any conditions.”