Review: Nordica Enforcer 104

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Nordica has long been known for their powerful skis made for powerful skiers. The new Enforcer 104 continues that trend with an updated shape to allow for less of a locked-in feel, without sacrificing any of the power. It’s a 104mm-waisted all-mountain freeride monster that makes for the perfect daily driver for aggressive skiers no matter where you live.

In a nutshell:

• Lengths Skied: 185 cm
• Stated Weight: 2200 g
• Stated Dimensions: 17.5-19.5m (size specific)
• Stated Sidecut: 136-104-126

Size, Shape, and Construction

The Enforcer 104 shows up in a full size range including 167, 173, 179, 185, and 191cm sizes. Each comes with a size-specific sidecut with the tested 185cm size running a 19m radius. That medium-length radius provides plenty of edge grip and maneuverability balanced with a solid platform for straight line charging.

Inside, the very stiff Enforcer 104 features both a wood core with Nordica’s Pulse Elastomer construction (featuring a smaller piece of plastic material underfoot to absorb vibrations) sandwiched between two full layers of titanal metal. The ski retains a fairly traditional directional shape with minimal tip and tail rocker, but the new version features slightly more kick in the tail to allow for easier turn release.

Where does the Nordica Enforcer 104 shine?

High-speed stability on piste paired with off-piste maneuverability continue to be the hallmarks of Nordica’s updated Enforcer 104. When conditions include tracked out powder, dust on crust, or even just plain old firm snow, these skis are reliable and predictable, taking the edge off uneven snow with one of the dampest rides out there.

Testers loved how easy it was to get the ski on edge and respond to inputs no matter what the conditions were, and praised its ability to carry speed through technical terrain like chutes, moguls and steep wide-open bowls. Some testers mentioned that it’s a ski that lacks pop and prefers to stay on the ground, but is very stable on landings off natural airs. Compared to similar skis in its category like the Volkl M7 Mantra and Blizzard Anomaly 102, the Enforcer 104 felt more versatile, and much more capable and fun when handling off-piste terrain.

One tester said, “The first thing you notice on these is a sense of stability and a need to go rail high speed turns through fresh cord, chopped-up crud or boot top pow. This ski does it all, I couldn’t get over how it tracked through debris and how you didn’t even have to think about it!”

Another tester echoed this sentiment: “No matter the conditions, it maintained a smooth, consistent arc and helped you build the confidence to let the ski go. Agile for being one of the stiffer skis in this waist width.”

Where does the Enforcer 104 make some compromises?

The Enforcer 104’s very quiet ride, stiff construction, and crud-busting stability comes at the cost of playfulness and float in deep snow. Testers found it too heavy and stiff to really enjoy as a dedicated ski in these conditions, but found the trade off for stability and power worthwhile for a daily driver ski.

One tester sums it up bluntly, “They’re just not as responsive in powder snow as other skis in this category.”

What would a perfect day on the Enforcer 104 look like?

Most skis in this category are designed with versatility in mind, but it seems Nordica went the extra mile to add in a serious dose of fun to the mix, making this an excellent choice for 95 percent of resort days, with the exception of powder day mornings. These would be the ski to own if you consider yourself an aggressive skier, frequented a ski area with rowdy terrain like Alta, Jackson Hole, or Sunshine village, and wanted one ski to do it all, all season long.