70 yrs old 5'10" 175#, skiing for 60yrs. Colorado 15-20 days per yr. Try 2-3 different used pair per season. Have 3-4 pair minimum to pick from each season. Last season Head Titan, QST 106, QST 99, original Cochise 108, Soul 7 added a 2021 E100. They carve like the Head, can play like the QST99, crud bust like the Cochise, and won't throw you in the bumps. I was impressed. Been on so many skis, some didn't last 2 or 3 runs. I like a heavier ski but not dead, these just roll from carve to carve. Skid, pivot, slarve they just do it. No speed limit, no chatter, no hesitation, I move, they move. I ask, they deliver, never hook a tail or tell me to back off. They have energy, not the kind that launches you from turn to turn but enough so when you release turn pressure they set up for the next and they don't kill my legs. Love them! Sold the Soul 7s, Head Titans, QST 99, going to add rustler 9 or Maverick ti and E94, but keeping the 100, they work for me. I started on my dads old skis with the single leather strap over a regular boot, no metal edge. Our local ski hill had a rope tow powered by an old farm tractor. Really..
I love my enforcer 104 free's. Theyre lighter than the 100, and more tail rocker for quicker release in tighter areas or trees. I typically avoid groomers if i can. I utilize them more for off trail, steep bowls, chutes or powder. When it comes to the groomers I grab my Qst 92s. Maybe give the 104s a shot for a light powder/ off trail day and see if you like them more!
What is your all mountain pick for an advanced Rocky Mountain skier who owns the enforcer and is currently shopping for a ski with more snap, that will propel you into the next turn, but retains metal@@RicketySkiReviews ?
Spot on for both Curated and the Enforcer. I no longer waste my time on any Curated reviews. I've had some ok days on my Enforcer 88's in perfect conditions, but then what ski doesn't shine in perfect snow? They live in the bottom 15% of my quiver of 12.
To answer your question... Who was the Nordica Enforcer made for?" I will try my best based upon my own experiences owning (and still own) my 2019 Enforcer 110s... not the new Enforcer Free 110, but the original regular 2 sheet of metal heavy as hell Enforcer 110. They are made for skiers who charge down a open bowl or glades at 50+ mph in variable snow conditions while making Super G style turns. They are stable enough to allow such skiing. Not many skis allow you to do that with confidence. That is why they are considered skis for a more advanced skier.
These skis are made for days where you are primarily carving groomers or busting through crud. That's where they excel. They require a forward leaning stance and pressure on the shins at all times. They NEED to be driven, no slouching. They have an incredible amount of rebound making it fun to carve on green groomers that I would normally just straight line through. They are tougher swing to side to side because there is a lot of non-variable effective edge and they are HEAVY. Basically these skis are made to go fast and carve, not for trees and moguls. I really like how much dampening they provide when you jump into something and they just bust right through. If you want a very similar ski that is better for moguls and trees, try the Atomic mavericks. Slightly less edge and some twin tip and way less weight makes them super maneuverable. They have slightly less rebound when carving and I wish they came in 192 instead of 188. Both are good skis. My favorite all around ski is Moment Deathwish. They do everything well and are Amazingly nimble for their size, not to mention the sick graphics. Everyone who skis them agrees, they are the best. There are no solutions, only tradeoffs.
One thing I like about the guys at ski essentials is when they're reviewing skis they are talking from an East Coast perspective. It's a bit amusing seeing these dudes out West talking about how well wide (100+ mm underfoot) skis carve. What surface conditions are we talking about here? A "firm" day in the West is a fairly normal, possibly softer than most days in the East between storms especially if we've had some crap weather cycles. If you ski midweek non holiday it mitigates some of this. I feel like in some ways you see more honest ski reviews on the EC despite us not getting optimal conditions for wider skis as reliably. We have to deal with more kinds of variable firmness. There's a huge spectrum between "West firm" and East boilerplate. Sometimes I swear the elephant in the room is really people need to understand you can't just have one pair of skis if you ski a lot and want optimal performance across the range of conditions. That's why you have a quiver, at a minimum of 2-3 pairs. If I'm going to spend a whole day on trail ripping groomers or alternatively a whole day in the woods skiing powder, I am using two different pairs of skis. It's not brain rocketry. If you're going to mix it up bring both pairs. If you're only going to own one pair of skis it's going to be a compromise. Every time I've brought up a curated video, I'm struck by how short they are. In the absence of knowing who these people are and whether they have any legitimate background I don't know why I'm supposed to take their opinion seriously (?)
Totally agree, even out west, our conditions are so different, spring time in the Oregon vs February in Utah are worlds apart. Great points I agree about curated as well!
Living in Colorado, I can say there are tons of people out here who this ski is for. There's a huge demo of people who are self-taught, have skied their entire lives, and don't care at all about a dynamic style. They have great balance because they have skied forever, but may not be the strongest skier because they only ski on holidays or when there is fresh snow. The dampness that the weight gives combined with the shorter turn radius that makes it easy to let run are exactly what the bored, lifetime western skier wants. Is it for me? No. Is it for a huge number of people I see out here? yes
Ok. I have the enforcer free 104, but my understanding is the skis are made pretty similarly. I'm not sure this ski really is for intermediate skiers. his reaction is legit, I can just tell he skis slowly compared to me when carving. So, here's something better skiers need to consider: Good skiers can easily overload a ski and cause it to waffle. The best skiers redirect the g forces right to the edge and get multiples of the own weight's force applied (if you've got doubt, search ligety and G forces). It doesn't actually require pressing down, it happens naturally if you carve correctly. It's the "new way" of skiing and some of the older folks, who learned using a-framing, just don't do it right. Lighter, bendier skis are for beginners and intermediates. They are designed to give more "pop" out of a turn than you put in because you don't apply pressure correctly or forcefully enough. It's a fix for skiers that don't finish their turns properly. If you'll notice that bad skiers don't stand on the platform, they sort of rake the skis on the snow, which is why they cannot complete their turns correctly. This issue is magnified at higher speeds. I would never risk my life loading up a light bendy ski going over 30 mph, which is roughly my average carving speed when not racing or trying hard. Two possible outcomes, the ski snaps and I fall head first, or it bounces wildly and then reverberates.. Your QST nearly snapped in half when I loaded it up going 15 mph. So, what am I saying net net... These aren't for beginners/intermediates at all. The long effective edge and large amount of camber will see you catching an edge. so, who is this ski for? IMHO, this ski is primarily for older ex racers looking for a ski they can make do anything in any condition. It will float, do moguls well, and not hurt you in powder at all if you know how. That said, it's not a racing ski, so many of the folks that own this ski probably also own a thinner underfoot race ski and live in New England. What's the biggest draw back? If you ski at 5 mph, they will feel heavy, you will get tired and hate it. With respect to rickety, the ski loads beautifully, but it doesn't start loading until you hit 20 mph or 2 gs (still slower than most race skis). Foot peddaling is not a good idea and I can see that's what you are doing in your videos.
Agree with you John about the speed. I owned an enforcer 100 177mm for 6 years. Lived in PNW. Recently bought a QST 106 172mm and a few days on it at Steamboat. QST 106 sucks big way on black and blue groomers. I can only briefly go over 30mph on it (max: 33 mph). The QST wobbles a lot once I put on edge and speed. Like said in one of the skiessential review, the QST 106 just like to turn. In other words, i feel that it doesn’t like to stay on track (in the turns). Its tips go left and right. It requires me a lot more effort to keep them “under control”. In contrast, on the Enforcer 100, I often got 40mph (for reference, I went 51 mph on Stockli laser SX 165mm and 170mm, both of which I demoed this year in Mammoth). With the enforcer, I won’t blink a bit when head down a black or blue groomer. I feel a lot more confidence when on the enforcers. The length matters, to certain point. Given the same model, 172 will be less stable than 177, for sure. But I believe the main difference is in the models, not the lengths. In Ski magazine’s review, QST 106’s weakness is stability on speed and hard snow integrity. In contrast, Ski magazine said Enforcer 100 and 104’s strength is stability on speed. So true. So true. (I demoed Enforcer 104 Free and it does ski quite similar to Enforcer 100, especially when on blue groomers) My QST 106 does extremely well in mogul and trees here in Steamboat. It does turn extremely well. In one of the skiessential review of QST 106, in the comments, they said QST 106 is best for soft snow. I found it’s very true. I found Ski magazine and skiessential reviews very trustworthy. You just need to learn how to read them. They of course can’t say bad things directly. They are saying bad things in a disguised way. You need know how to interpret it. Also, watch closely these skiing footage in skiessential reviews. You can see differences. Need some eyes for details.
@@ziyingzheng8777 Yeah. I don't listen to a word they say, just watch my doppelganger skiing and see what happens to Jeff. I mean, he is my exact height and weight.. ffs... Hahahaha... And we have a similar aggressiveness... He also clearly knows how to put a ski on edge and turn. When he seems unconfident turning a ski, I run screaming. We even regularly ski the same mountain, Stowe.
I found this ski will lock you into the turn and hold you there nicely, but you're getting little back out, so it was better for long sweeping turns. Super damp and heavy describes this ski best. My biggest issue, more than the turn, is the weight of the ski... it's so heavy that you can't throw it around like you can other options, it's not fun lugging it around when not skiing, but some people absolutely love this ski. And for the record, I would NOT buy this ski for moguls, and the weight makes it dismal in powder IMO, so I don't know what that guy was talking about.
Yep. Heavy skis do well here in the PNW. Snow can tun cruddy quick after a snow fall so something to dampen or cut through that is great. @@RicketySkiReviews
Elliot, I can answer all of your questions on the Enforcer 100. It is made for a 5'9" 225# 62 year old guy that has been skiing for 56 years. Someone with enough weight, and skill to utilize the shape and metal. No it is not a race ski, the power out of the tail is what you would expect of an all mountain ski. You get what you give. If you want to be lazy on it, you will not get that snap you are looking for. I have all of the enforcers, and all ski differently, obviously. All of them are real descent skis. If you want big tail power, ski on skis that have that. There is no one ski quiver!
I have been skiing on the Enforcer 100 and the 93 (now comes in a 94) for several seasons. I really like them both. When I can take only one ski on a trip that I fly I take the 93. I added a 2022-2023 Enforcer 88 this season along with a Blizzard Rustler 11. I also own a Head I-Titan for carving. The Enforcer 88 was really fun and used it more than any other ski. I found it just as quick as my Head I-Titans and more versatile. The Rustler 11 was great on powder days. Skied it on powder days here at our local ski hill in the Northwest (13 miles from the house) and at Deer Valley. Like Elliot made fun of in the video I am 68 years old. My buddies and I all have some model of Enforcers. A couple of guys in the group have the Enforcer 104s. Not a big bump skier. When we have new snow I am off piste and when not I like fast groomers
I personally love my 94’s and 100’s, but they are not carving skis. They will carve but there are better options for that. For groomers, absolutely agree with you and that’s why I ski my thunderbirds or dobermanns in those conditions. For crap snow or anything soft, I feel the enforcer do a great job and are incredibly easy to ski. I hate rocker (the current generation that look like clown skis are not for me) which is probably why the enforcer work for me because there isn’t a ton of that in this ski. Rocker is for people who don’t have good technique. That’s my opinion (48 years skiing).
I'm a PNW Skier and enjoy these skis... HAVING said that I am considering switching to the Salomon QST98 as I like to AT as where i live where Mt Bachelor is there is a nice uphill track for before or after resort closing. My main uphill setup is a much lighter wider ski ON3P Billygoat Tour but it's more for soft conditions. I came from Volkl Mantra M5s so the Enforcers felt like training wheels compared to those. They do medium speed and high speed very well. Your description is pretty accurate. They basically are a high performance luxury car and that's really not a bad thing but I would like a more playful ski at the end of the day I think.
Great subject, this horse isn't dead 😅 Before I learned how to stroke the turn(start on the tips finish on the tails) All I focused on was the top half of the turn early on. This is basic black diamond skiing. It appears this enforcer fits that demograph well
I wonder if the way lots of these folks, ski essentials included, ski comes from trying to emulate ‘still photography’ of skiers at the apex of turns sitting down and leaning way in. That’s why they are doing the leaning in. They think in their minds-eye that they are achieving that look. The Daron Rahlves free skiing frozen in time, super low at the apex. But they aren’t that. But it’s making for really odd turns. I just can’t get the style here. It’s self taught and frankly enabled by how good skis are in the last 10 years. They forgive a ton of bs. And skiers are deluded into thinking they are much better than they are because it ‘feels’ so good.
Totally agree, there's how you ski in a freeze frame vs how you ski the whole way through the turn, and that's why you almost have to see 2-3 turns to tell how someone skis.
More than anything, I so enjoy the ranting nature of your videos! You're hilarious Elliot. You have great insights which aren't an advantage for me because I am an old retired intermediate who has fun constantly trying to be a better skier. Haha... probably never really gonna happen, but ya gotta keep trying. Would love to hear you rant about how terrible Elan Ripsticks 96 are. It's my ski... and I think I really like it. Maybe you could give me some reasons to really hate it. hahaha..... You are so entertaining and a breath of fresh air.
I generally love your reviews but I find this one a little overly negative. You insinuate that most skiers with good technique should detest this ski. I haven’t skied it so I don’t have a dog in the fight. You also make it sound like ski companies should only make skis for the experts who have bombproof technique. I read somewhere online that only 10% of skiers can carve. I believe that. So the overwhelming majority of skiers is what most companies are aiming to sell skis to. Saying the Enforcer gives intermediate skiers a really fun day on the slopes is totally acceptable. You don’t have to bash it because it might be a ski meant for the masses not for the very elite skiers. It’s clear that every ski has pros, cons, things it’s trying to do well, things it isn’t trying to do well, and a million other variables. Not to mention how finicky mount point can be on a ski. It’s entirely possible to shift the mount point and love a ski that you hated. You make the point often, and I think you should always fall back to it, that if you ski the ski and you love the way it skis then you have hit the jackpot!
Just found your channel and like your thoughts as just a skier. Wondering what you think of the LINE Blade optic 106, is it essentially in the same class as this ski or the maverick? Its kind of weird because it replaced the Sick day, but I feel that ski was a much more playful lighter ski.
I'm talking with Line right now to figure out a way to get on a pair since I don't see them too much locally. Would love to test them and give you my opinion. Fingers crossed
Bs about the moguls claim. I was on hard snow at Palisades...the term I used was, it's an "energy vampire". It's popular because it is a least common denominator for mediocre skiers who can get down a technical run without "breaking form" which makes them an expert in their bubble For me, it was just no fun
I like the E100s and find myself often going back to my car to bring them out. Not sure how different the new model is with the carbon in the tip and tail compared to the previous model but I can get quite a lot of rebound out of the turn if I load them up. Get airborne every turn if i want. I think they carve good too and have solid hold on ice with a 1/3 tune. They ARE heavy and you can definitely feel it in the woods or when you need to throw them around and they are definitely not playful. I can 360 them on flat terrain but it sure takes effort compared to something light, that swing weight is something else.
Great reviews man. Curious what your thoughts are on the Head Kore 99s? Havent had a chance to hop on them yet but curious about the light/stiff combo? Currently on ranger 102s and looking for a changeup...
6:10, what exactly the guy at the ski shop told me today (Boston, MA). Went into look at K2 MB 89 Ti, he called it too playful, for park and etc. and steering me towards Enforcer 94 and called it best crud cutter and carving. I pulled the new 2024 Rustler 9 into discussing but he didn't know anything about it. He said he raced in college and stuff and used Enforcer 94 daily.
Dang, that's frustrating, I reviewed the Mindbender this past summer and really liked it, though it was the 99ti: ruclips.net/video/85dRP7FtgWA/видео.htmlsi=tm24SN4nsshXvRO5 Thanks for watching!
I feel the same about the enforcers, heavy and a bit cumbersome. I actually had a pair and sold them for some Rustler 10s, which is a lighter more playful ski for the trees that can still be decent on the groomers.
@scholotzkys395 I was talking about the 100, I agree the 104 free is a bit more similar but their construction is still a bit different with how they use metal.
@@awqardduck5692 yeah I think it’s mostly weight. The rustlers are lighter and a little turnier, the enforcers a little slarvier and damp. I’m 100% sure this reviewer will prefer the rustler to the enforcer
I get a ton of comments asking about these, they are on the top of my list to test this winter. Alongside the Elan Ripstick, Armada Declivity, Volkl Katana, and Salomon Stance. I tested the Head iRally's and really liked them and have historically liked Head skis, so I'm optimistic!
He said "its easy to initiate turns" that is just not true. This ski needs to be slap on edge at a really high degree of angle and at high speed or they wont bend, so wont turn. Saying they are easy in the moghuls is another lie ! If you cannot go fast in the moghuls those skis are gonna beat you up !! I've already said it, its so freaking damp. But the dampness also damp the bounce out of the turn wich you really like. I agree with you that his skiing was intermediate at best. And I dont agree that its a good one ski quiver. Its a epic ski for choped/crud and high speed, so they make a good afternoon ski. It doesnt float very well. You need really good technique and energy in the bumps and trees. If your fatigued you wont like a full day on these. I'm saying this as an enforcer 94 enthousiast. I would not consider it or recommend the 100.
@@RicketySkiReviews its like skiing train tracks but you get to choose where to lay those tracks ! With the pros and the cons rhat this implied. Powerful jumps tho !
Yo Elliot -- Mr ED IS DEAD... Stop beating him... :) -- The one guy did say the ski doesn't rebound you out of the turn. And I could see the side-to-side slide of the middle of the ski vs carving using the entire length being a good application of the ski's characteristics in moguls... especially if there is no energy in the tail end of the turn...
Cranking out turns? Really? By weighting the inside ski with 0 angulation; ski edges maybe acieve ~10* angle. That's a neat trick lol. Moguls? Where? Try that sloughy technique on EC steeps and see how long you're upright. Poor mechanics. If you want to say you're expert and convince us you're one, let's see some dynamic short radius edge sets or GS carved turns. Those are prime conditions on a mellow grade. Come on dude, put some energy into it.
So I have a theory on these skis. I am by no means even close to an expert in skiing, but I think you have to look at the progression of a skier and how I think we all get into carving first cause it’s fun but I think some outgrow that and move into other styles of skiing. I have a buddy that loves floppy skis dose t like being locked into a turn and doesn’t want any energy back. He’s been skiing his whole life and is a great skier but he definitely doesn’t go out on the hill to “carve”. His ski recommendation for me was a bent 90-100 witch is the exact opposite of how I ski. He at the same time had 3 pairs of bent 120, told me they feel different and they changed them every year….. 🙄 I’d agree with your review from what I know about them seems like a heavier damp/stable ski with no speed limit good for crud cutting and going fast. So to wrap up I think the enforcers are for an expert or different style of skier that likes to go fast, make gs style turns and feels like “good ol trusty” ski.
I just found your channel and trying to calibrate to,your review style and terminology. IE- many people interpret ski hook-up to mean holds edge well on firm conditions. Anyway, what “skier style” do you consider these good for? I do find the tail does return energy, but only in short highly angulated, knee-steered older school style turns if you have the weight/strength. Mid and long turns not so much, just a smooth transition out. Shovel is soft enough for moguls yet remains and tails release as necessary as well, they are also incredibly damp in crud and chop, and hold their edge through the entire turn in form snow. The soft shovel makes them not too bad in powder but are limited by their width. Trees are their Achilles heal with their heavy swing weight. I recently tried the Mantra 102 for a few days on very firm groomers only being available. By contrast these had a very stiff spring tail but required high amounts of energy to make very short turns that you got thrown out of, heir stiffness and stability had no speed limit and required expert fore aft balance and concentration otherwise you could find yourself slightly in the back seat which required immediate fixing for your own sake ;-).
I skied the 100 several years back at stowe in nice groomer conditions and really enjoyed them. But I was just racing down gondolier with my kids. I rented them because I broke a pair of Black Crows Daemon's which I loved. The Nordica's took me some getting used to because they hooked right into the turn and didn't want to let go. Honestly I didn't love the turn shape, but because they were the only skis I tried after my Daemon's, I chose to go with the 104 free because I thought it would be more versatile and little easier going. I hate them. I hate them more than the 100's. They're sluggish, no energy, ugly turn-shape skis.
You love talking about skis you hate;) You mentioned something about fluffy POW.. I really do hope we get a lot of it this year.. I am in Colorado and that stuff has turned into crud/windblown really fast.. I would love to ski POW all day and I would love to have the perfect ski for it but that just hasn't been my reality.. The closest thing to it is some fluffy on ice or when the snow starts melting and turns to the heavy slush.. Ok carry on..
I actually haven't had a GoPro since the Gen 1 which broke on me, I've watched some videos saying that people like the 360 version, but I have no experience or good insight at the moment honestly!
Hi- I’m not big fan of the nordica enforcer, as I’ve commented before. Wanted to just mention that these curated guys are normally terrible but that guy Ian Hamilton is an actual pro skier so it’s funny to hear you critique him so heavily…
I mean also I feel like they did address the negatives of the ski, they said it’s not very energetic, literally just like you did, except they provide a description of its strengths as well. While you might value the carving aspects of a ski highly, many people want to ski pow and get off groomers, which is rly what this review includes more strongly that yours don’t.
Dang, I just looked him up and it looks legit, but the guy in the videos I saw looks a bit different? Either way the hammer of critique is rated E for everyone. His Freeride Skiing looks insane, but his critique of the ski seemed shallow. My HUNCH is that I would have liked his full review and his feedback got edited down into oblivion, there are some awkward cuts that make me suspicious. Either way great comment and insight.
I get a ton of comments asking about these, they are on the top of my list to test this winter. Alongside the Elan Ripstick, Armada Declivity, Volkl Katana, and Salomon Stance. I tested the Head iRally's and really liked them and have historically liked Head skis, so I'm optimistic!
I also did not like the enforcer,this build is so stiff and lifeless .I guess if you want to plow true stuff whitout feeling vibration at a pretty high speed this must feel great.to each is own i guess.
I think you need a new hobby LOL. Who makes a channel to criticize online retailers reviewing skis they sell, their camera work and viewing angles... you! You've nailed a niche, congrats LOL. That being said, the Enforcer 100s definitely suck. They're way too demanding, and I like to charge hard. I feel bad for spending this time reacting to your weird reaction video because youtube will somehow think more people will need to see your videos due to the character input...
New Hobby? maybe I'll take up Skiing. Lol. The reactionary content has mostly come from the off season, but if you'd rather watch my skiing content here is my K2 Mindbender review from this Summer at Mt. Hood: ruclips.net/video/85dRP7FtgWA/видео.htmlsi=TqP6dLL8r-nWQqkQ Thanks for watching.
![[DOKKAN BATTLE] Worldwide Campaign Announcement Video Part 2!](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/JpT5Voak6WA/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you for existing.. I love your personality!
Thanks!
70 yrs old 5'10" 175#, skiing for 60yrs. Colorado 15-20 days per yr. Try 2-3 different used pair per season. Have 3-4 pair minimum to pick from each season. Last season Head Titan, QST 106, QST 99, original Cochise 108, Soul 7 added a 2021 E100. They carve like the Head, can play like the QST99, crud bust like the Cochise, and won't throw you in the bumps. I was impressed. Been on so many skis, some didn't last 2 or 3 runs. I like a heavier ski but not dead, these just roll from carve to carve. Skid, pivot, slarve they just do it. No speed limit, no chatter, no hesitation, I move, they move. I ask, they deliver, never hook a tail or tell me to back off. They have energy, not the kind that launches you from turn to turn but enough so when you release turn pressure they set up for the next and they don't kill my legs. Love them! Sold the Soul 7s, Head Titans, QST 99, going to add rustler 9 or Maverick ti and E94, but keeping the 100, they work for me.
I started on my dads old skis with the single leather strap over a regular boot, no metal edge. Our local ski hill had a rope tow powered by an old farm tractor. Really..
Fifty-one years of skiing (racing, tele, AT, Skimo) and I find the Enforcer 100 to be a solid all around hard charging ski. Not for everybody.
Right on! I agree, I think for certain ski styles these are a great fit.
Just here waiting for that one guy to comment and make the joke suggesting that your wife buy the Enforcer for you, lol, I love that joke every time 😆
Lol, not the hero we deserve, but the hero we need.
I love my enforcer 104 free's. Theyre lighter than the 100, and more tail rocker for quicker release in tighter areas or trees. I typically avoid groomers if i can. I utilize them more for off trail, steep bowls, chutes or powder. When it comes to the groomers I grab my Qst 92s.
Maybe give the 104s a shot for a light powder/ off trail day and see if you like them more!
Great recommendation! I will try and get my hands on a pair.
The Enforcer 104 Free is one of the best all around skis of all time.
What is your all mountain pick for an advanced Rocky Mountain skier who owns the enforcer and is currently shopping for a ski with more snap, that will propel you into the next turn, but retains metal@@RicketySkiReviews ?
Spot on for both Curated and the Enforcer. I no longer waste my time on any Curated reviews. I've had some ok days on my Enforcer 88's in perfect conditions, but then what ski doesn't shine in perfect snow? They live in the bottom 15% of my quiver of 12.
To answer your question... Who was the Nordica Enforcer made for?" I will try my best based upon my own experiences owning (and still own) my 2019 Enforcer 110s... not the new Enforcer Free 110, but the original regular 2 sheet of metal heavy as hell Enforcer 110. They are made for skiers who charge down a open bowl or glades at 50+ mph in variable snow conditions while making Super G style turns. They are stable enough to allow such skiing. Not many skis allow you to do that with confidence. That is why they are considered skis for a more advanced skier.
Cool, I will have to check out the free 110 this year if I can, thanks for the comment!
Agree
who charges down glades at 50+ mph?....
who makes "super g" turns in glades?
Plenty of youtube videos show people doing this@@proverbalizer
By the way, I don’t agree with you on the Enforcers but I like your videos so I still gave you a thumbs up 👍
Right on! Thanks Polarsled, hope you have a rad winter!
These skis are made for days where you are primarily carving groomers or busting through crud. That's where they excel. They require a forward leaning stance and pressure on the shins at all times. They NEED to be driven, no slouching. They have an incredible amount of rebound making it fun to carve on green groomers that I would normally just straight line through. They are tougher swing to side to side because there is a lot of non-variable effective edge and they are HEAVY. Basically these skis are made to go fast and carve, not for trees and moguls. I really like how much dampening they provide when you jump into something and they just bust right through.
If you want a very similar ski that is better for moguls and trees, try the Atomic mavericks. Slightly less edge and some twin tip and way less weight makes them super maneuverable. They have slightly less rebound when carving and I wish they came in 192 instead of 188. Both are good skis.
My favorite all around ski is Moment Deathwish. They do everything well and are Amazingly nimble for their size, not to mention the sick graphics. Everyone who skis them agrees, they are the best.
There are no solutions, only tradeoffs.
Totally, glad they suit your style!
One thing I like about the guys at ski essentials is when they're reviewing skis they are talking from an East Coast perspective. It's a bit amusing seeing these dudes out West talking about how well wide (100+ mm underfoot) skis carve.
What surface conditions are we talking about here? A "firm" day in the West is a fairly normal, possibly softer than most days in the East between storms especially if we've had some crap weather cycles. If you ski midweek non holiday it mitigates some of this.
I feel like in some ways you see more honest ski reviews on the EC despite us not getting optimal conditions for wider skis as reliably. We have to deal with more kinds of variable firmness. There's a huge spectrum between "West firm" and East boilerplate.
Sometimes I swear the elephant in the room is really people need to understand you can't just have one pair of skis if you ski a lot and want optimal performance across the range of conditions. That's why you have a quiver, at a minimum of 2-3 pairs.
If I'm going to spend a whole day on trail ripping groomers or alternatively a whole day in the woods skiing powder, I am using two different pairs of skis. It's not brain rocketry. If you're going to mix it up bring both pairs. If you're only going to own one pair of skis it's going to be a compromise.
Every time I've brought up a curated video, I'm struck by how short they are. In the absence of knowing who these people are and whether they have any legitimate background I don't know why I'm supposed to take their opinion seriously (?)
Totally agree, even out west, our conditions are so different, spring time in the Oregon vs February in Utah are worlds apart. Great points I agree about curated as well!
Living in Colorado, I can say there are tons of people out here who this ski is for. There's a huge demo of people who are self-taught, have skied their entire lives, and don't care at all about a dynamic style. They have great balance because they have skied forever, but may not be the strongest skier because they only ski on holidays or when there is fresh snow. The dampness that the weight gives combined with the shorter turn radius that makes it easy to let run are exactly what the bored, lifetime western skier wants. Is it for me? No. Is it for a huge number of people I see out here? yes
great point!
Ok. I have the enforcer free 104, but my understanding is the skis are made pretty similarly.
I'm not sure this ski really is for intermediate skiers.
his reaction is legit, I can just tell he skis slowly compared to me when carving.
So, here's something better skiers need to consider:
Good skiers can easily overload a ski and cause it to waffle.
The best skiers redirect the g forces right to the edge and get multiples of the own weight's force applied (if you've got doubt, search ligety and G forces).
It doesn't actually require pressing down, it happens naturally if you carve correctly.
It's the "new way" of skiing and some of the older folks, who learned using a-framing, just don't do it right.
Lighter, bendier skis are for beginners and intermediates. They are designed to give more "pop" out of a turn than you put in because you don't apply pressure correctly or forcefully enough.
It's a fix for skiers that don't finish their turns properly. If you'll notice that bad skiers don't stand on the platform, they sort of rake the skis on the snow, which is why they cannot complete their turns correctly.
This issue is magnified at higher speeds. I would never risk my life loading up a light bendy ski going over 30 mph, which is roughly my average carving speed when not racing or trying hard.
Two possible outcomes, the ski snaps and I fall head first, or it bounces wildly and then reverberates..
Your QST nearly snapped in half when I loaded it up going 15 mph.
So, what am I saying net net... These aren't for beginners/intermediates at all. The long effective edge and large amount of camber will see you catching an edge.
so, who is this ski for? IMHO, this ski is primarily for older ex racers looking for a ski they can make do anything in any condition.
It will float, do moguls well, and not hurt you in powder at all if you know how.
That said, it's not a racing ski, so many of the folks that own this ski probably also own a thinner underfoot race ski and live in New England.
What's the biggest draw back? If you ski at 5 mph, they will feel heavy, you will get tired and hate it.
With respect to rickety, the ski loads beautifully, but it doesn't start loading until you hit 20 mph or 2 gs (still slower than most race skis). Foot peddaling is not a good idea and I can see that's what you are doing in your videos.
Agree with you John about the speed.
I owned an enforcer 100 177mm for 6 years. Lived in PNW. Recently bought a QST 106 172mm and a few days on it at Steamboat.
QST 106 sucks big way on black and blue groomers. I can only briefly go over 30mph on it (max: 33 mph). The QST wobbles a lot once I put on edge and speed. Like said in one of the skiessential review, the QST 106 just like to turn. In other words, i feel that it doesn’t like to stay on track (in the turns). Its tips go left and right. It requires me a lot more effort to keep them “under control”.
In contrast, on the Enforcer 100, I often got 40mph (for reference, I went 51 mph on Stockli laser SX 165mm and 170mm, both of which I demoed this year in Mammoth). With the enforcer, I won’t blink a bit when head down a black or blue groomer. I feel a lot more confidence when on the enforcers.
The length matters, to certain point. Given the same model, 172 will be less stable than 177, for sure. But I believe the main difference is in the models, not the lengths.
In Ski magazine’s review, QST 106’s weakness is stability on speed and hard snow integrity. In contrast, Ski magazine said Enforcer 100 and 104’s strength is stability on speed. So true. So true.
(I demoed Enforcer 104 Free and it does ski quite similar to Enforcer 100, especially when on blue groomers)
My QST 106 does extremely well in mogul and trees here in Steamboat. It does turn extremely well.
In one of the skiessential review of QST 106, in the comments, they said QST 106 is best for soft snow. I found it’s very true.
I found Ski magazine and skiessential reviews very trustworthy. You just need to learn how to read them. They of course can’t say bad things directly. They are saying bad things in a disguised way. You need know how to interpret it. Also, watch closely these skiing footage in skiessential reviews. You can see differences. Need some eyes for details.
@@ziyingzheng8777 Yeah. I don't listen to a word they say, just watch my doppelganger skiing and see what happens to Jeff.
I mean, he is my exact height and weight.. ffs... Hahahaha... And we have a similar aggressiveness...
He also clearly knows how to put a ski on edge and turn.
When he seems unconfident turning a ski, I run screaming.
We even regularly ski the same mountain, Stowe.
I found this ski will lock you into the turn and hold you there nicely, but you're getting little back out, so it was better for long sweeping turns. Super damp and heavy describes this ski best. My biggest issue, more than the turn, is the weight of the ski... it's so heavy that you can't throw it around like you can other options, it's not fun lugging it around when not skiing, but some people absolutely love this ski. And for the record, I would NOT buy this ski for moguls, and the weight makes it dismal in powder IMO, so I don't know what that guy was talking about.
Agreed, I hear people in the PNW like it, so maybe it does better in those heavy sticky snow conditions?
Yep. Heavy skis do well here in the PNW. Snow can tun cruddy quick after a snow fall so something to dampen or cut through that is great. @@RicketySkiReviews
Elliot, I can answer all of your questions on the Enforcer 100. It is made for a 5'9" 225# 62 year old guy that has been skiing for 56 years. Someone with enough weight, and skill to utilize the shape and metal. No it is not a race ski, the power out of the tail is what you would expect of an all mountain ski. You get what you give. If you want to be lazy on it, you will not get that snap you are looking for. I have all of the enforcers, and all ski differently, obviously. All of them are real descent skis. If you want big tail power, ski on skis that have that. There is no one ski quiver!
Great insight thank you!
I have been skiing on the Enforcer 100 and the 93 (now comes in a 94) for several seasons. I really like them both. When I can take only one ski on a trip that I fly I take the 93. I added a 2022-2023 Enforcer 88 this season along with a Blizzard Rustler 11. I also own a Head I-Titan for carving. The Enforcer 88 was really fun and used it more than any other ski. I found it just as quick as my Head I-Titans and more versatile. The Rustler 11 was great on powder days. Skied it on powder days here at our local ski hill in the Northwest (13 miles from the house) and at Deer Valley. Like Elliot made fun of in the video I am 68 years old. My buddies and I all have some model of Enforcers. A couple of guys in the group have the Enforcer 104s. Not a big bump skier. When we have new snow I am off piste and when not I like fast groomers
I personally love my 94’s and 100’s, but they are not carving skis. They will carve but there are better options for that. For groomers, absolutely agree with you and that’s why I ski my thunderbirds or dobermanns in those conditions. For crap snow or anything soft, I feel the enforcer do a great job and are incredibly easy to ski. I hate rocker (the current generation that look like clown skis are not for me) which is probably why the enforcer work for me because there isn’t a ton of that in this ski. Rocker is for people who don’t have good technique. That’s my opinion (48 years skiing).
Great point!
Couldn't have said it better! Exactly.
I'm a PNW Skier and enjoy these skis... HAVING said that I am considering switching to the Salomon QST98 as I like to AT as where i live where Mt Bachelor is there is a nice uphill track for before or after resort closing. My main uphill setup is a much lighter wider ski ON3P Billygoat Tour but it's more for soft conditions. I came from Volkl Mantra M5s so the Enforcers felt like training wheels compared to those. They do medium speed and high speed very well. Your description is pretty accurate. They basically are a high performance luxury car and that's really not a bad thing but I would like a more playful ski at the end of the day I think.
I have that old enforcer 110. I think it was made for me. Absolutely love it. 7.3kg altogether 😊
Great subject, this horse isn't dead 😅
Before I learned how to stroke the turn(start on the tips finish on the tails) All I focused on was the top half of the turn early on. This is basic black diamond skiing.
It appears this enforcer fits that demograph well
I enjoyed your boot review. Had Nordica speed machines for 8 year...but they were heavy! Went with Dalbello 120 Ok I like tthem...but
Right on, thanks for sharing and watching !
Enforcer 88’s ROCK!
Rock on, ski whatever makes you happy! Cheers, and thanks for watching!
It's pretty stiff. I like them. In powder, it's good. Good on bumps too.
Right on! No hate, just trying to illuminate the downsides on ALL skis. Cheers from Idaho!
I wonder if the way lots of these folks, ski essentials included, ski comes from trying to emulate ‘still photography’ of skiers at the apex of turns sitting down and leaning way in. That’s why they are doing the leaning in. They think in their minds-eye that they are achieving that look. The Daron Rahlves free skiing frozen in time, super low at the apex. But they aren’t that. But it’s making for really odd turns. I just can’t get the style here. It’s self taught and frankly enabled by how good skis are in the last 10 years. They forgive a ton of bs. And skiers are deluded into thinking they are much better than they are because it ‘feels’ so good.
Totally agree, there's how you ski in a freeze frame vs how you ski the whole way through the turn, and that's why you almost have to see 2-3 turns to tell how someone skis.
More than anything, I so enjoy the ranting nature of your videos! You're hilarious Elliot. You have great insights which aren't an advantage for me because I am an old retired intermediate who has fun constantly trying to be a better skier. Haha... probably never really gonna happen, but ya gotta keep trying. Would love to hear you rant about how terrible Elan Ripsticks 96 are. It's my ski... and I think I really like it. Maybe you could give me some reasons to really hate it. hahaha..... You are so entertaining and a breath of fresh air.
They're on the top of my list for this season, though alot of people seem to really love them, so who knows.
I generally love your reviews but I find this one a little overly negative. You insinuate that most skiers with good technique should detest this ski. I haven’t skied it so I don’t have a dog in the fight. You also make it sound like ski companies should only make skis for the experts who have bombproof technique. I read somewhere online that only 10% of skiers can carve. I believe that. So the overwhelming majority of skiers is what most companies are aiming to sell skis to. Saying the Enforcer gives intermediate skiers a really fun day on the slopes is totally acceptable. You don’t have to bash it because it might be a ski meant for the masses not for the very elite skiers.
It’s clear that every ski has pros, cons, things it’s trying to do well, things it isn’t trying to do well, and a million other variables. Not to mention how finicky mount point can be on a ski. It’s entirely possible to shift the mount point and love a ski that you hated.
You make the point often, and I think you should always fall back to it, that if you ski the ski and you love the way it skis then you have hit the jackpot!
K
Just found your channel and like your thoughts as just a skier. Wondering what you think of the LINE Blade optic 106, is it essentially in the same class as this ski or the maverick? Its kind of weird because it replaced the Sick day, but I feel that ski was a much more playful lighter ski.
I'm talking with Line right now to figure out a way to get on a pair since I don't see them too much locally. Would love to test them and give you my opinion. Fingers crossed
Bs about the moguls claim. I was on hard snow at Palisades...the term I used was, it's an "energy vampire". It's popular because it is a least common denominator for mediocre skiers who can get down a technical run without "breaking form" which makes them an expert in their bubble
For me, it was just no fun
I like the E100s and find myself often going back to my car to bring them out. Not sure how different the new model is with the carbon in the tip and tail compared to the previous model but I can get quite a lot of rebound out of the turn if I load them up. Get airborne every turn if i want. I think they carve good too and have solid hold on ice with a 1/3 tune.
They ARE heavy and you can definitely feel it in the woods or when you need to throw them around and they are definitely not playful. I can 360 them on flat terrain but it sure takes effort compared to something light, that swing weight is something else.
That's awesome! What other skis do you find you also like? Trying to better understand the skis. Cheers!
@@RicketySkiReviews Brahma88, Mantra M6. Head super shape I speed.
Great reviews man. Curious what your thoughts are on the Head Kore 99s? Havent had a chance to hop on them yet but curious about the light/stiff combo? Currently on ranger 102s and looking for a changeup...
I have been emailing them non stop, but I may just have to demo whatever the local shop has.
Gotcha. Hope that pans out! Cant decide on the next pair in that category...@@RicketySkiReviews
6:10, what exactly the guy at the ski shop told me today (Boston, MA). Went into look at K2 MB 89 Ti, he called it too playful, for park and etc. and steering me towards Enforcer 94 and called it best crud cutter and carving. I pulled the new 2024 Rustler 9 into discussing but he didn't know anything about it. He said he raced in college and stuff and used Enforcer 94 daily.
Dang, that's frustrating, I reviewed the Mindbender this past summer and really liked it, though it was the 99ti: ruclips.net/video/85dRP7FtgWA/видео.htmlsi=tm24SN4nsshXvRO5
Thanks for watching!
I feel the same about the enforcers, heavy and a bit cumbersome. I actually had a pair and sold them for some Rustler 10s, which is a lighter more playful ski for the trees that can still be decent on the groomers.
The Rustler's are at the top of my list to try this winter! I've heard a lot of people talk positively about them.
2023 Rustler 10 and enforcer 104 are very similar
@@scholotzkys395 idk on paper yes… in reality the rustlers are more playful
@scholotzkys395 I was talking about the 100, I agree the 104 free is a bit more similar but their construction is still a bit different with how they use metal.
@@awqardduck5692 yeah I think it’s mostly weight. The rustlers are lighter and a little turnier, the enforcers a little slarvier and damp. I’m 100% sure this reviewer will prefer the rustler to the enforcer
What do you think about the Head Kore series? Would love to get your opinion
I get a ton of comments asking about these, they are on the top of my list to test this winter. Alongside the Elan Ripstick, Armada Declivity, Volkl Katana, and Salomon Stance. I tested the Head iRally's and really liked them and have historically liked Head skis, so I'm optimistic!
He said "its easy to initiate turns" that is just not true. This ski needs to be slap on edge at a really high degree of angle and at high speed or they wont bend, so wont turn. Saying they are easy in the moghuls is another lie ! If you cannot go fast in the moghuls those skis are gonna beat you up !!
I've already said it, its so freaking damp. But the dampness also damp the bounce out of the turn wich you really like. I agree with you that his skiing was intermediate at best. And I dont agree that its a good one ski quiver. Its a epic ski for choped/crud and high speed, so they make a good afternoon ski. It doesnt float very well. You need really good technique and energy in the bumps and trees. If your fatigued you wont like a full day on these.
I'm saying this as an enforcer 94 enthousiast. I would not consider it or recommend the 100.
Right on! I think the next time I'm in Oregon these would be worth re-testing, I'll keep an eye out for the 94's, thanks for the suggestion!
@@RicketySkiReviews its like skiing train tracks but you get to choose where to lay those tracks ! With the pros and the cons rhat this implied. Powerful jumps tho !
Yo Elliot -- Mr ED IS DEAD... Stop beating him... :) -- The one guy did say the ski doesn't rebound you out of the turn. And I could see the side-to-side slide of the middle of the ski vs carving using the entire length being a good application of the ski's characteristics in moguls... especially if there is no energy in the tail end of the turn...
Totally!
Cranking out turns? Really? By weighting the inside ski with 0 angulation; ski edges maybe acieve ~10* angle. That's a neat trick lol. Moguls? Where? Try that sloughy technique on EC steeps and see how long you're upright. Poor mechanics. If you want to say you're expert and convince us you're one, let's see some dynamic short radius edge sets or GS carved turns. Those are prime conditions on a mellow grade. Come on dude, put some energy into it.
Agreed
On a related note - what do you think of Nordica Steadfast 85 DC?
I think “elastic recoil” is the phrase you are looking for
OoO I like this phrase alot! I might borrow that. Cheers!
So I have a theory on these skis. I am by no means even close to an expert in skiing, but I think you have to look at the progression of a skier and how I think we all get into carving first cause it’s fun but I think some outgrow that and move into other styles of skiing. I have a buddy that loves floppy skis dose t like being locked into a turn and doesn’t want any energy back. He’s been skiing his whole life and is a great skier but he definitely doesn’t go out on the hill to “carve”. His ski recommendation for me was a bent 90-100 witch is the exact opposite of how I ski. He at the same time had 3 pairs of bent 120, told me they feel different and they changed them every year….. 🙄 I’d agree with your review from what I know about them seems like a heavier damp/stable ski with no speed limit good for crud cutting and going fast.
So to wrap up I think the enforcers are for an expert or different style of skier that likes to go fast, make gs style turns and feels like “good ol trusty” ski.
I think this is a really good theory. I think there is a style of skiing that is suited for these, but not nearly as broad as it's been sold.
I just found your channel and trying to calibrate to,your review style and terminology. IE- many people interpret ski hook-up to mean holds edge well on firm conditions.
Anyway, what “skier style” do you consider these good for?
I do find the tail does return energy, but only in short highly angulated, knee-steered older school style turns if you have the weight/strength. Mid and long turns not so much, just a smooth transition out. Shovel is soft enough for moguls yet remains and tails release as necessary as well, they are also incredibly damp in crud and chop, and hold their edge through the entire turn in form snow. The soft shovel makes them not too bad in powder but are limited by their width. Trees are their Achilles heal with their heavy swing weight.
I recently tried the Mantra 102 for a few days on very firm groomers only being available. By contrast these had a very stiff spring tail but required high amounts of energy to make very short turns that you got thrown out of, heir stiffness and stability had no speed limit and required expert fore aft balance and concentration otherwise you could find yourself slightly in the back seat which required immediate fixing for your own sake ;-).
I skied the 100 several years back at stowe in nice groomer conditions and really enjoyed them. But I was just racing down gondolier with my kids. I rented them because I broke a pair of Black Crows Daemon's which I loved. The Nordica's took me some getting used to because they hooked right into the turn and didn't want to let go. Honestly I didn't love the turn shape, but because they were the only skis I tried after my Daemon's, I chose to go with the 104 free because I thought it would be more versatile and little easier going. I hate them. I hate them more than the 100's. They're sluggish, no energy, ugly turn-shape skis.
Oof, sorry to hear, luckily they're popular so maybe you can sell them?
Thanks for an HONEST review. TOTALLY agree with you - they are ALL SKI SALESMEN posing as "unbiased reviewers". Subscribed.
Thanks so much!
I tried them they had a dead feel. I like my Fischer Ranger 102 much more.
Agreed, I liked the Ranger 90's a lot more also.
Does anyone plant their poles any more?
agreed, but I also like short poles lol
@@RicketySkiReviews with big baskets 🧺… yes, I know. 😂
lol@@TD05SSLegacy
You love talking about skis you hate;) You mentioned something about fluffy POW.. I really do hope we get a lot of it this year.. I am in Colorado and that stuff has turned into crud/windblown really fast.. I would love to ski POW all day and I would love to have the perfect ski for it but that just hasn't been my reality.. The closest thing to it is some fluffy on ice or when the snow starts melting and turns to the heavy slush.. Ok carry on..
I thought about getting a GoPro.. They are expensive.. Do you recommend any?
I actually haven't had a GoPro since the Gen 1 which broke on me, I've watched some videos saying that people like the 360 version, but I have no experience or good insight at the moment honestly!
@@RicketySkiReviews I will have to do my research..
Totally
Hi-
I’m not big fan of the nordica enforcer, as I’ve commented before. Wanted to just mention that these curated guys are normally terrible but that guy Ian Hamilton is an actual pro skier so it’s funny to hear you critique him so heavily…
I mean also I feel like they did address the negatives of the ski, they said it’s not very energetic, literally just like you did, except they provide a description of its strengths as well. While you might value the carving aspects of a ski highly, many people want to ski pow and get off groomers, which is rly what this review includes more strongly that yours don’t.
Dang, I just looked him up and it looks legit, but the guy in the videos I saw looks a bit different?
Either way the hammer of critique is rated E for everyone. His Freeride Skiing looks insane, but his critique of the ski seemed shallow. My HUNCH is that I would have liked his full review and his feedback got edited down into oblivion, there are some awkward cuts that make me suspicious.
Either way great comment and insight.
@@RicketySkiReviews fair point, I mean just because he’s a pro doesn’t mean he’s a good reviewer, but I do think his actual skiing looked rly clean
You should try the head Kores
I get a ton of comments asking about these, they are on the top of my list to test this winter. Alongside the Elan Ripstick, Armada Declivity, Volkl Katana, and Salomon Stance. I tested the Head iRally's and really liked them and have historically liked Head skis, so I'm optimistic!
Thanks to you I AVOID CURATED videos 🤣😂🤣😂
I watch them so much that they flood my recommended videos lol!
Ian isn’t carving!!!
Agreed, and that's half of all mountain.
I also did not like the enforcer,this build is so stiff and lifeless .I guess if you want to plow true stuff whitout feeling vibration at a pretty high speed this must feel great.to each is own i guess.
Totally!
Curated are 100% the suckiest ski reviews... Their customer service is also terrible, wont be dealing with curated again.
I've heard they were having some pretty severe wearhouse/ shipping issues.
I don't like them either
It's wild because they're SO popular
I think you need a new hobby LOL. Who makes a channel to criticize online retailers reviewing skis they sell, their camera work and viewing angles... you! You've nailed a niche, congrats LOL.
That being said, the Enforcer 100s definitely suck. They're way too demanding, and I like to charge hard.
I feel bad for spending this time reacting to your weird reaction video because youtube will somehow think more people will need to see your videos due to the character input...
New Hobby? maybe I'll take up Skiing. Lol.
The reactionary content has mostly come from the off season, but if you'd rather watch my skiing content here is my K2 Mindbender review from this Summer at Mt. Hood:
ruclips.net/video/85dRP7FtgWA/видео.htmlsi=TqP6dLL8r-nWQqkQ
Thanks for watching.