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Nordica Enforcers - TGR-Enough for Their Own Thread
Nordica Enforcer Line Overview
I really like this line of skis, but it seems like there isn't a centralized thread where they have been discussed. This is my attempt to make that happen and share some of my insights since I have a lot of time on most of the Enforcer models.
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Skier Stats: 46-yo, 195-lbs, 5’ 8”, been skiing since age 5
Skier Style: Never been a racer. Grew up with a family ski shop as a shop rat. Used to poach the half-pipe and terrain park when only snowboarders were allowed back in the day. Beat the heck out of my knees and body sessioning the park for hours on end for too many years. Love deep pow. Prefer big fast turns over quick ones. Ski in the PNW so I need skis that handle heavy mank, feel loose in deep conditions, and are quiet at speed whether on groomers or places like the Whistler alpine. Still love ripping fast groomers on a sunny, bluebird day.
Skis I’ve Liked: 2014 Billy Goat (186; best BG ever!!), Current BG/SG (189/193), Rustler 11 (188), Bonafide (180-187), C&D (189), Volkl V-Werks Katana (184), Just about every Mantra (184), OG Cochise (185), OG Squad 7 (190), Dynastar Legend Pro XXL (187), Volkl Shiro (193, super fun and surfy pow ski), Salomon Q-Lab (190)…I’ve owned over 100 pair of skis, so not sure if it is a hobby or a habit anymore. 😊
Ski’s I’ve Disliked: Nordica El Capo (may be the worst ski ever), Rustler 10 (188; may be the second worst ski ever), Carbon-tipped Cochise (185, too one-dimensional), OG Billy Goat (total crap, I feel bad for people who thought that was a good ski), rockered Gotama (186, dead and boring)
Enforcer 100 – 185-cm (2016-2020)
The now seen at ski resorts everywhere Enforcer 100, first started as just the “Enforcer”, calling upon the former fan favorite, but the new model is more forgiving and better off-piste. I’ve spent the most time on this model versus the other Enforcer skis, so I thought I would start here and use it as a reference point. This ski sits somewhere between a Rossi Soul 7 and skis like the Blizzard Bonafide or Volkl Mantra. It has more backbone than the Soul 7 but is nearly as easy and effortless to ski, calling into doubt the Rossi’s title of “the pinnacle of ski design”, while being not as demanding as the Bonafide or Mantra but capable of handling the same terrain and conditions at a similarly high performance level.
I bought these as my all-mtn “dad skis” for when I would ski with my children who still prefer to spend most of the day on blue groomers. I love that I can ski them at slower speed without them feeling cumbersome, but can also open it up and lay trenches when the opportunity presents itself. They have great edge hold, are easy to turn, and have a tail that that can be broken loose with little effort (they don’t have to stay locked into a carve). The tip rocker floats well in <6-8” of fresh snow and the slight tail rocker provides a hit of looseness in the same conditions. As the Blister guys say, the Enforcer 100 is just barely damp enough and provides just enough suspension to help filter out most rough terrain.
The 100 has a speed limit, but only the strongest skiers will find it. The smaller radius can feel hooky at times in spring or heavy soft snow/pow. Also, some might find the tail soft and a little lacking of energy. The 100 skis a bit short with the amount of tip and tail rocker (IMO), so size up. I have often thought that I may prefer the 193 length and larger radius, but here in the PNW, I tend to steer away from the longest lengths since we ski tight trees and close quarters so often.
As it turns out, the Enforcer 100 is more than just a good dad ski and I am pleasantly surprised with how many great days I have had on these skis over the past several seasons.
Nordica Enforcer 93 – 185-cm (2017-2020)
The Enforcer 93 has been touted as the “east coast Enforcer”, and until the 88 showed up in the line this year, I felt that it was a perfect description. I finally tried the Enforcer 93 last year at Whistler when we ended up with no new snow and all I had were my Blizzard Rustler 11’s. I expected the 93 to be quicker edge to edge and have better edge grip than the 100, but what I didn’t expect, and was pleasantly surprise to feel, was a stiffer and more supportive tail. It’s that tail and the slightly narrower build that make the Enforcer 93 feel like a little more ski than the Enforcer 100. They aren’t quite as adept in soft snow conditions as the 100, but that is to be expected. I feel like the 93 wants to ski fast just a little bit more than the 100, but both as still very accessible and forgiving skis. I could really see the Enforcer 93 being a great 2-quiver complement to the bigger brother, Enforcer 110.
Nordica Enforcer 110 – 191-cm
I owned the Nordica Helldorado in a 185-cm length for a few years. It was a fun stop on the path of ski makers to refine rocker, width, and layups combinations to provide the world the elusive quiver of one ski. The Helldo laid down some pretty solid carves on groomers with the 18.5-m radius despite the 113-mm waist. The rocker made it float in powder and kept the tail loose in deep snow, despite the tighter radius sidecut. The ski was stiff underfoot and that help with edge purchase and pushing through denser snow. Downsides were that the tips and tails were fairly soft compared to mid-section of the ski and it was HEAVY. Not just a little bit…more like one of the heaviest skis around. So why bring up a ski like the Helldorado when I’m talking about the Enforcer 110? Well, it’s because the 110 feels like Nordica took the best parts of that Helldo, stripped away the problems, and came up with one helluva do-it-all ski.
The Enforcer 110 wins ski magazine rewards year after year because it is a great ski. I’ve heard some people say that it is a fatter Enforcer 100 for powder, and I would agree that is mostly true. The Enforcer 110 shares the accessible and forgiving nature of the 100 and puts it into a package that floats better in deep snow, is very loose in deep snow, is damper, is more stable, and yet is somehow more fun. As has been noted in other reviews, it is probably the best carving 110-mm waisted ski out there. Even with the generous rocker in the tail, it rails. Much like the Enforcer 100, it falls short of the totally composed nature of a Bonafide or Mantra, but for most skiers, it will be plenty stable on groomers at fairly high speed.
In deep-ish powder (<18”), the Enforcer 110 is a very capable ski, although wider skis (like the Enforcer 115 Free/Pro) handle these conditions better. The ample tip rocker floats easily and the tail rocker keeps them loose and agile. I find the 191 length incredibly agile and maneuverable in tight spots and trees. Not ON3P Billy Goat quick, but a close second. I recently skied the Enforcer 110 at Stevens Pass where 10” dropped the 24-hours before, but the snow report stated no new snow overnight. When we arrived, we found out that they had under reported some magic that had dropped on the upper section of the mountain and that another 8-10” had fallen overnight. These would typically be Billy Goat conditions, but I had packed my Enforcer 110’s. Bummer. After my first lap on the backside, despite giving up some float, I was blown away how perfect the 110’s felt in these conditions. I was slashing and popping off everything like I can on my Billy Goats, but on a ski with a 20.5-m radius and two sheets of metal (albeit thinner sheets). I can butter the tails and ski almost as fast in tight quarters as I can on my BG’s. Outside of my beloved Billy Goats, the Enforcer 110 is the most fun ski I have been on in some time. I absolutely love it!
So, what are the Enforcer 110’s shortcomings? There aren’t many, but if I am willing to be nitpicky, I would have to say that it come down to the Enforcer 110 still being an Enforcer at heart and falling short of the total crusher personality of skis like the OG Cochise or Katana. The Enforcer still has a speed limit, has a radius that is too small for hard chargers (especially at big western resorts), and may lack the “throw me into the backseat” release of energy some people want out of a 110-mm waisted ski with metal. I’m glad I sized up and went with the 191 and 20.5-mm turn radius. It’s my new daily driver here at Stevens Pass in the PNW and I haven’t had a bad day on them yet.
I really like this line of skis, but it seems like there isn't a centralized thread where they have been discussed. This is my attempt to make that happen and share some of my insights since I have a lot of time on most of the Enforcer models.
================================================== ================================================== =====
Skier Stats: 46-yo, 195-lbs, 5’ 8”, been skiing since age 5
Skier Style: Never been a racer. Grew up with a family ski shop as a shop rat. Used to poach the half-pipe and terrain park when only snowboarders were allowed back in the day. Beat the heck out of my knees and body sessioning the park for hours on end for too many years. Love deep pow. Prefer big fast turns over quick ones. Ski in the PNW so I need skis that handle heavy mank, feel loose in deep conditions, and are quiet at speed whether on groomers or places like the Whistler alpine. Still love ripping fast groomers on a sunny, bluebird day.
Skis I’ve Liked: 2014 Billy Goat (186; best BG ever!!), Current BG/SG (189/193), Rustler 11 (188), Bonafide (180-187), C&D (189), Volkl V-Werks Katana (184), Just about every Mantra (184), OG Cochise (185), OG Squad 7 (190), Dynastar Legend Pro XXL (187), Volkl Shiro (193, super fun and surfy pow ski), Salomon Q-Lab (190)…I’ve owned over 100 pair of skis, so not sure if it is a hobby or a habit anymore. 😊
Ski’s I’ve Disliked: Nordica El Capo (may be the worst ski ever), Rustler 10 (188; may be the second worst ski ever), Carbon-tipped Cochise (185, too one-dimensional), OG Billy Goat (total crap, I feel bad for people who thought that was a good ski), rockered Gotama (186, dead and boring)
Enforcer 100 – 185-cm (2016-2020)
The now seen at ski resorts everywhere Enforcer 100, first started as just the “Enforcer”, calling upon the former fan favorite, but the new model is more forgiving and better off-piste. I’ve spent the most time on this model versus the other Enforcer skis, so I thought I would start here and use it as a reference point. This ski sits somewhere between a Rossi Soul 7 and skis like the Blizzard Bonafide or Volkl Mantra. It has more backbone than the Soul 7 but is nearly as easy and effortless to ski, calling into doubt the Rossi’s title of “the pinnacle of ski design”, while being not as demanding as the Bonafide or Mantra but capable of handling the same terrain and conditions at a similarly high performance level.
I bought these as my all-mtn “dad skis” for when I would ski with my children who still prefer to spend most of the day on blue groomers. I love that I can ski them at slower speed without them feeling cumbersome, but can also open it up and lay trenches when the opportunity presents itself. They have great edge hold, are easy to turn, and have a tail that that can be broken loose with little effort (they don’t have to stay locked into a carve). The tip rocker floats well in <6-8” of fresh snow and the slight tail rocker provides a hit of looseness in the same conditions. As the Blister guys say, the Enforcer 100 is just barely damp enough and provides just enough suspension to help filter out most rough terrain.
The 100 has a speed limit, but only the strongest skiers will find it. The smaller radius can feel hooky at times in spring or heavy soft snow/pow. Also, some might find the tail soft and a little lacking of energy. The 100 skis a bit short with the amount of tip and tail rocker (IMO), so size up. I have often thought that I may prefer the 193 length and larger radius, but here in the PNW, I tend to steer away from the longest lengths since we ski tight trees and close quarters so often.
As it turns out, the Enforcer 100 is more than just a good dad ski and I am pleasantly surprised with how many great days I have had on these skis over the past several seasons.
Nordica Enforcer 93 – 185-cm (2017-2020)
The Enforcer 93 has been touted as the “east coast Enforcer”, and until the 88 showed up in the line this year, I felt that it was a perfect description. I finally tried the Enforcer 93 last year at Whistler when we ended up with no new snow and all I had were my Blizzard Rustler 11’s. I expected the 93 to be quicker edge to edge and have better edge grip than the 100, but what I didn’t expect, and was pleasantly surprise to feel, was a stiffer and more supportive tail. It’s that tail and the slightly narrower build that make the Enforcer 93 feel like a little more ski than the Enforcer 100. They aren’t quite as adept in soft snow conditions as the 100, but that is to be expected. I feel like the 93 wants to ski fast just a little bit more than the 100, but both as still very accessible and forgiving skis. I could really see the Enforcer 93 being a great 2-quiver complement to the bigger brother, Enforcer 110.
Nordica Enforcer 110 – 191-cm
I owned the Nordica Helldorado in a 185-cm length for a few years. It was a fun stop on the path of ski makers to refine rocker, width, and layups combinations to provide the world the elusive quiver of one ski. The Helldo laid down some pretty solid carves on groomers with the 18.5-m radius despite the 113-mm waist. The rocker made it float in powder and kept the tail loose in deep snow, despite the tighter radius sidecut. The ski was stiff underfoot and that help with edge purchase and pushing through denser snow. Downsides were that the tips and tails were fairly soft compared to mid-section of the ski and it was HEAVY. Not just a little bit…more like one of the heaviest skis around. So why bring up a ski like the Helldorado when I’m talking about the Enforcer 110? Well, it’s because the 110 feels like Nordica took the best parts of that Helldo, stripped away the problems, and came up with one helluva do-it-all ski.
The Enforcer 110 wins ski magazine rewards year after year because it is a great ski. I’ve heard some people say that it is a fatter Enforcer 100 for powder, and I would agree that is mostly true. The Enforcer 110 shares the accessible and forgiving nature of the 100 and puts it into a package that floats better in deep snow, is very loose in deep snow, is damper, is more stable, and yet is somehow more fun. As has been noted in other reviews, it is probably the best carving 110-mm waisted ski out there. Even with the generous rocker in the tail, it rails. Much like the Enforcer 100, it falls short of the totally composed nature of a Bonafide or Mantra, but for most skiers, it will be plenty stable on groomers at fairly high speed.
In deep-ish powder (<18”), the Enforcer 110 is a very capable ski, although wider skis (like the Enforcer 115 Free/Pro) handle these conditions better. The ample tip rocker floats easily and the tail rocker keeps them loose and agile. I find the 191 length incredibly agile and maneuverable in tight spots and trees. Not ON3P Billy Goat quick, but a close second. I recently skied the Enforcer 110 at Stevens Pass where 10” dropped the 24-hours before, but the snow report stated no new snow overnight. When we arrived, we found out that they had under reported some magic that had dropped on the upper section of the mountain and that another 8-10” had fallen overnight. These would typically be Billy Goat conditions, but I had packed my Enforcer 110’s. Bummer. After my first lap on the backside, despite giving up some float, I was blown away how perfect the 110’s felt in these conditions. I was slashing and popping off everything like I can on my Billy Goats, but on a ski with a 20.5-m radius and two sheets of metal (albeit thinner sheets). I can butter the tails and ski almost as fast in tight quarters as I can on my BG’s. Outside of my beloved Billy Goats, the Enforcer 110 is the most fun ski I have been on in some time. I absolutely love it!
So, what are the Enforcer 110’s shortcomings? There aren’t many, but if I am willing to be nitpicky, I would have to say that it come down to the Enforcer 110 still being an Enforcer at heart and falling short of the total crusher personality of skis like the OG Cochise or Katana. The Enforcer still has a speed limit, has a radius that is too small for hard chargers (especially at big western resorts), and may lack the “throw me into the backseat” release of energy some people want out of a 110-mm waisted ski with metal. I’m glad I sized up and went with the 191 and 20.5-mm turn radius. It’s my new daily driver here at Stevens Pass in the PNW and I haven’t had a bad day on them yet.
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