About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the skis, which I purchased with my own money in April of 2022.

My take

The Nordica Enforcer 94 is a true all-mountain performer, capable of tackling everything from East Coast ice to West Coast powder. This is a stiff ski due to its double-core build and will be a true one-ski quiver for the advanced East Coast skier who travels out West for a week or two each year.

About the gear

• Model: 2023 Nordica Enforcer 94
• Size: 179cm

About me

• Height: 5’10”
• Weight: 185lbs
• Experience: 25 years of snowboarding/skiing

Test conditions

• When I bought these: April 2022
• Days tested: 35+
• Mount position: Center
• Boots: 2019 K2 Recon
• Boot Size: 27
• Bindings: 2022 Tyrolia Attack 14 GW
• Where I’ve used it: Killington, Sugarbush, Bolton Valley, Loon Mountain, Sunday River, Steamboat
• Terrain: Groomers, moguls, trees, bowls, steeps

How they perform

What I was looking for

I wanted a versatile pair of skis that could perform well in various East Coast conditions but be able to handle my yearly West Coast trips. I was seeking new gear that would provide stability and excellent edge hold, allowing me to ski anything from groomed slopes and powder to moguls and trees.

Why I chose this gear

After researching and considering various options, I ultimately decided to buy the Enforcers because they had an outstanding reputation for their all-mountain performance. I read numerous positive reviews highlighting their stability, maneuverability, and ability to handle different types of terrain. I also have a buddy I regularly skied with who skied on them and raved about them. A good review from someone I trust goes a long way in my book.

Although I considered other models like the Blizzard Rustler and Salomon QST, the Enforcer was the best choice due to its reputation and the two thumbs-up review from my buddy. I already had a pair of touring skis, so that was not a consideration for me.

What I love about them

• Speed: The Enforcers excel in speed due to their construction and design. The skis have a powerful wood core combined with two metal sheets, providing stability and torsional rigidity, translating to a smooth and stable ride at high speeds. The shape and camber profile contribute to effective energy transfer, allowing for dynamic and precise turns even at high speeds.
• Edge hold: The edge hold on the Nordica Enforcer skis is exceptional. They feature a traditional camber underfoot with a slight rocker in the tip and tail, which enhances edge engagement and grip on firm snow (and the famed East Coast ice). Additionally, the Enforcer's construction incorporates Nordica's advanced technology, such as the Energy 2 Titanium construction, which adds to the skis' edge hold and stability on icy or hard-packed surfaces.
• Groomers: The Enforcers truly shine on groomed slopes. Their construction ensures stability and edge grip, allowing for confident carving and precise control. The camber underfoot provides effective energy transfer, while the slight rocker in the tip and tail adds forgiveness and maneuverability.
• Powder: I was a little concerned about the float in powder of these skis due to their weight. When the stars aligned this year for my annual West Coast trip to Steamboat, CO, and the forecast was looking ideal, I had the tough decision to take these or my slightly wider QST 99s with me. The QSTs are longer than my Enforcers, and I have grown to like this length much better. Boy, I am glad I took the Enforcers. There were 40 inches of snow that week, and many places remained untouched, so skiing knee-deep in the trees was not uncommon. I was pleasantly surprised with the float they had and never had an issue of feeling like I was sinking.
• Durability: The durability of the Nordica Enforcers is commendable. The topsheet, core, and overall construction are designed to withstand the rigors of skiing, including rocks and stumps that I always seem to find. While no gear is completely indestructible, these skis have proven their durability.
• Stability: The stiffness in the core offers excellent stability. This translates to a damp and stable ride, minimizing underfoot chatter and providing a solid platform for high-speed skiing. The skis also offer a good balance between pop and dampness. However, it's worth noting that personal preferences regarding stability may vary (I'm looking at you, former ski racers).

Issues I’ve encountered

• Turns: Some skiers may find that they require a slightly higher level of skill and input compared to more forgiving skis. I've found they are harder to turn at lower speeds when I’m not driving in the boot. If someone is backseat in their boots, these skis may try to take advantage of them and the ski themselves.
• Trees: Their width and overall design may make them feel less nimble than narrower, more specialized options. Skiers prioritizing maneuverability and quick turns in tight tree runs may find these a lot of work.
• Moguls: Similar to tree skiing, these will lack agility and quickness between tight turns, and the ski's weight will be felt if thrashing moguls is a skier’s thing. A shorter, lightweight ski will suit them better.
• Park: This ski is not for the park rat. I've hit a few park booters in them and maybe a box rail here and there, but these aren't built for the park. No true twin tip in the rear also puts one at a disadvantage.
• Backcountry: If a skier slaps a Salomon Shift binding onto this ski and plans to keep up with their Skimo buddy, good luck, that's a lot of weight to kick uphill (all the power to them if they can keep up). This is a heavy ski, and there are better backcountry setups. That said, Nordica is aware of this and makes a nearly identical ski but lighter called the Nordica Unlimiteds.
• Weight:** **It's a heavy ski; no two ways about it. That solid build I keep referencing that makes it durable and stable at high speeds comes at the cost of weight.
• Switch riding: These are not specifically designed for switch riding. While it is possible to ride switch on these skis, their performance will not be as comfortable as dedicated twin-tip skis. Skiers focusing heavily on switch riding should consider alternative options.

Favorite moment with this gear

Skiing 40 inches of powder on these will take top billing in the memory bank. As mentioned, I falsely doubted their ability to ski deep powder. I think this initial skepticism made the riding that week much more enjoyable. While no particular moment stands out here, I've often hit a trail where I hear noises underfoot that I really don't want to hear when skiing. Those trails that just opened for the year and still don't have much of a base, like roots, rocks, and stumps all hidden just below the surface (sharks). Well, there's a big feeling of relief when I pop them off after the run, flip them upside down and look at my buddies and say, “Phew, not bad,” with a laugh, thanks to their durability. These skis can handle a beating.

Value for the money vs. other options

The 2023 Nordica Enforcers offer excellent value for the money, especially when compared to other options on the market. While there are cheaper skis available, such as the Rossignol Experience 76 or the K2 Press, they often lack the same level of performance, stability, and edge hold that the Enforcers provide. On the other hand, when compared to more expensive options like the Volkl Mantra M5 or the Blizzard Cochise, the Enforcers offer similar or even superior performance at a more reasonable price point, making them a compelling choice for skiers looking for a versatile all-mountain ski without breaking the bank.

Final verdict

These skis unlock a world of versatility and performance for advanced skiers. With their exceptional stability, edge hold, and strong construction, these skis excel in a wide range of conditions, including groomers, powder, moguls, and backcountry terrain. Whether someone’s seeking thrilling speed or the ability to explore different types of terrain, the Nordica Enforcers deliver the performance and confidence they need on the slopes. This is a true one-ski quiver option.