Review: Nordica Unleashed 98 Ice Skis · 2024
By Ski Expert
Bryant Leech
Nordica Unleashed 98 Ice Skis · 2024
from:$559.96
$699.95
20% off
7 photos
The Curated Take
4.1/5
The Nordica Unleashed 98 Ice Skis is a robust choice for heavier skiers seeking a powerful twin-tip ski. With impressive edge hold and stability at high speeds, these skis excel in charging down the mountain. While they require more effort to turn compared to other twin tips, their durability ensures longevity. Ideal for all-mountain versatility, especially in chopped-up snow, these skis offer excellent carving ability and are suitable for aggressive skiers seeking a strong, reliable ride across various terrains. They may be too much for lighter skiers or those seeking a powder-specific ski at 98mm underfoot.
Ideal for
- One of the strongest twin tips in the ~98mm underfoot club
- Holds an impressively good edge for a twin-tip ski
- Great for someone heavier who wants a twin-tip ski
Not ideal for
- Could be a lot for someone lighter
- Takes a lot of effort to turn compared to other twin tips
- Are better options for powder at 98mm underfoot
Turn Ease
This ski does an excellent job of turning on harder snow conditions. It can hold an edge very well in firm snow but doesn't "help" me make the turn. It...Read more
Playfulness
Unless someone weighs over 220lbs, I don't think they would think of this ski as "playful" in the traditional sense. This ski's shape is certainly playful, though it's very much...Read more
High Speed Stability
With a good amount of rocker tip and tail, I first looked at this ski and thought, "Okay, this is like every other twin tip," then I got on it....Read more
Durability
These skis should hold up just fine. Nordica has been making strong skis that hold up to skier demands for a long time, and I don't think this ski will...Read more
Carving
If there were a World Cup for twin tips, this ski would likely be one of the top contenders. It can do everything a typical twin tip can do, with...Read more
Versatility
This ski is excellent for all-mountain versatility. It carves well, can do big mountain lines well, and can do the park well. Its flex pattern is probably better suited for...Read more
Flotation
This ski can float well. By today's standards, it does a nice job of floating due to its average to above-average rocker profile. However, what this ski loves is chopped-up...Read more
Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
Bryant Leech
About the ski gear
- Model: Nordica Unleashed 98 Ice Skis · 2024
Test conditions
- What terrain I've skied them in: Groomers, bumps, powder, and chop
- Where I’ve used them: Alta and Brighton, UT
- How many times I've used it: 3
Expert Reviews of the Nordica Unleashed 98 Ice Skis
Bryant Leech Nordica loves being known for skis charging high speeds down the mountain. This ski is no different and provides a nice option for those who don't want the directional nature of the Enforcer. This ski charges the mountain. For a pretty traditional twin-tip shape, the stout nature of the flex pattern is pretty impressive, and this ski loves to go fast. The Unleashed is also a great option for a larger individual who likes the feel of a twin tip, something not super common in the industry right now. It is an excellent all-mountain twin.
Product Specs
| Age Group | Adult |
| Gender | Men's |
| Includes bindings | No |
| Model year | 2024 |
| Ski type | All Mountain, Big Mountain |
| Skill level | Advanced, Expert |
Review Ratings
Turn Ease
4/5
Bryant Leech gave 4 of 5 stars. This ski does an excellent job of turning on harder snow conditions. It can hold an edge very well in firm snow but doesn't "help" me make the turn. It relies on a strong skier's input to really provide traction on firmer snow conditions. It has a stout enough flex pattern, though, to support even heavy skiers who might find other skis too soft.
Playfulness
3/5
Bryant Leech gave 3 of 5 stars. Unless someone weighs over 220lbs, I don't think they would think of this ski as "playful" in the traditional sense. This ski's shape is certainly playful, though it's very much a traditional twin shape. Combined with its stout flex pattern, it makes for a very chargeable ski. I think if someone is looking for a ski that can handle park laps but loves all-mountain charging, this is a great option.
High Speed Stability
5/5
Bryant Leech gave 5 of 5 stars. With a good amount of rocker tip and tail, I first looked at this ski and thought, "Okay, this is like every other twin tip," then I got on it. It surprised me so much with how strong it skied for a ski with a traditional twin shape and how well it performed at high speeds. I normally outski most twin tips in that I have to lay off the "gas pedal" a bit as they tend to move all over the place with the speed I am demanding, but not this ski. This ski will take on the speed someone demands and ask for more.
Durability
5/5
Bryant Leech gave 5 of 5 stars. These skis should hold up just fine. Nordica has been making strong skis that hold up to skier demands for a long time, and I don't think this ski will be any different in that. This ski has a nice supporting frame and durable topsheets for years of strong riding.
Carving
4/5
Bryant Leech gave 4 of 5 stars. If there were a World Cup for twin tips, this ski would likely be one of the top contenders. It can do everything a typical twin tip can do, with the added bonus of being a beast on hardpack. The carving ability on this ski is excellent and would be great for folks of any size.
Versatility
4/5
Bryant Leech gave 4 of 5 stars. This ski is excellent for all-mountain versatility. It carves well, can do big mountain lines well, and can do the park well. Its flex pattern is probably better suited for larger skiers or those who are very aggressive, but it could be skied by anyone. The limit to this ski's versatility is really up to the user.
Flotation
4/5
Bryant Leech gave 4 of 5 stars. This ski can float well. By today's standards, it does a nice job of floating due to its average to above-average rocker profile. However, what this ski loves is chopped-up snow. It can float and plow through choppy snow like none other. I think that is a very good characteristic in modern ski resorts where the powder gets tracked so fast. Having a good ski for chop is great.
FAQs
What do you love about this product?
Bryant Leech This ski charges. It loves to get me from point A to point B in a very straight line. Lots of skis these days might have a partial twin tip in the tail or some rocker, but very few attack the fall line like this ski with a traditional twin-tip design. This ski has some rocker tip and tail, but it fits pretty squarely in the twin-tipped category. It's rare to find a twin tip that handles all-mountain skiing as well as this one. It has a strong character, and it shines through in its skiing performance.
Why did you choose this product?
Bryant Leech I love a twin-tipped ski. They provide the user an "emergency brake" in the event that things get a little too rowdy out there. The ability to just push on the tail and get the ski to go sideways anytime I find to be very confidence-inspiring for big mountain skiing. I find directional skis feel very "locked in" on the turn shape I am doing and don't really feel like something that I can stop on a dime as well. The combination this ski promised of chargeability in a twin-tip format was too good to pass up. This ski did not disappoint.
What is the value for the money versus other options?
Bryant Leech There are not many options in the "stiff twin tips" category, but that is where I would place this ski. Another one that is similar in its ability to charge around the mountain and is a twin tip is the Nordica Enforcer 104 Free. The 104 Free is stiffer and provides the ultimate stability to the twin-tip platform; however, I don't think the Unleasher is that far behind. Most other twin tips will not have this same level of power.
