2025 Nordica Enforcer 89 Ski Review with SkiEssentials.com

[@bearclaw5115]

No interest in this ski specifically but cool to know where different skis fit into the market. You guys are always fun to watch!

[@scollyutube]

Thanks guys. The new one actually sounds like it bridges the difference between my old Enf 88s and Brahmas. So now better turn initiation and longer effective edge, while retaining the soft snow friendly tips and shape that the Enfs always had. Sounds awesome to me. Updated Declivity 82ti/92ti review next please.

[@pressssss]

It still blows my mind this wonderful channel has only 41k subs...how??? stupid crypto bot channels have more than that and we have quality right here..

[@SkiEssentials]

Thank you! I suppose if you think about the 41K as all real people who appreciate the content, then we're cool with that.

[@CC-ys8qq]

So I got this ski last year and have used it in 2ft storm, bumps, and groomers, love it. Most versatile ski I own, it’s my go to ski. A bit tough to handle in bumps if you like to jam the tips straight at the bump the ski is stiff and heavy but I keep using it and it’s the 1 ski I would take to the mtn if I only had 1. Mounting point forward has helped initiation.

[@matth3903]

I picked up the 88 this spring for a great price and it quickly became maybe my favorite ski for everything under 6 inches of snow. That tip rocker/flexibility makes it kind of playful and I don't find it difficult off piste, disappointed in the changes for the 89. I think it lost the versatility that made it special.

[@TankVgryazi]

I had EXACTLY this experience. I've even skied the 88 even in foot-deep snow in the trees, and loved it for its excellent maneuverability. Ditto in the bumps. It is my all-time favorite ski.

[@matth3903]

@@TankVgryazi Such a great ski, just dialed.

[@timothyharrison-l9h]

The first 2:00 of this was so confusing it caused me to forgot how to ski

[@jhellsten6639]

Although being an European carver I still prefer wider skis, especially my Stöckli Stormrider 95. I'll have to try the Enforcer 89 though. Thanks for another excellent review.

[@mulva28]

I felt like Jeff hand flexing that ski. Enforcer 88 skier (probably 150 days on it) and like it off piste but I want to replace it with something not as demanding. I have narrow skis for hard snow days in VT and my knees are not what they were 5 years ago. It's looking more like I'm going Anomaly 88, Mindbender 89 Ti or possibly Maverick 88 TI. Basin should have demos ;)

[@darinsmith2458]

with an 18m turn radius the 89 sounds like my 2016 stormrider 88 with a 19m turn radius.. my 88 has a window of when they start opening up the rest of the mountain and it is still below freezing.. once it starts getting above freezing i like using wider skis.. if it is early season with not much of the hill open and a ton of skiers it is literally no fun to ski on the ski.. i even snowplow in really congested areas.. those skis are 177-180 cm... my old race skis are are 70mm x 170cm with an 18m turn radius.. i will probably ski on those early season.. i have been thinking about getting some Laser or Montero but i would probably get them in a 170cm length so that i can avoid all of the people.. if they get snow early season i will probably use my DPS 100mm with a 15m turn radius.. it still takes a ton of effort if there is a ton of people to avoid..

[@jons7e]

A lot of enforcement on the horizon

[@showze21]

wow nice carved turns!

[@Jp6M]

Is there a current ski on the marker that behaves the most like an unleashed 88/90? With the terrain specific metal

[@SkiEssentials]

Yes! The new Line Optic 88. I'm a huge fan. Black Crows Captis (no metal) has a pretty sturdy build as well.

[@GLDNTRT]

How does it ski compared to the Anamoly 88? I’ve skied a Brahma and Bonafide for years and looking to replace both with a new front side ski?

[@bearclaw5115]

Sounds like the Anamoly 88 is more forgiving and versatile and the Enforcer 89 is more locked into carving turns.

[@GLDNTRT]

@@bearclaw5115 that was my take too. Lots of great options to choose from in 2025. With some Rustler 10’s as my all mountain free ride ski I think I’d lean towards the Enforcer 89s.

[@SkiEssentials]

@bearclaw5115 has it right--although I wouldn't say the Anomaly is forgiving in a flexible sense--it's right there with Enforcer for just hand-flexing stiffness. The rocker profile and slightly lighter weight add to the forgiving nature creating that versatility. But yes, the Enforcer is more locked in and requires more attention on the part of the skier. The Enforcer 89 will offer a greater difference from your Rustler 10 than the Anomaly will.

[@arpadhamori711]

Is it carves a lot better than a Salomon Stance 90?

[@SkiEssentials]

It's more dense and predictable with more of a race like feel. Will everyone be able to carve better on it than Stance? I don't think so--the accessibility of the Stance makes it more attractive to advanced skiers while experts will find more to shoot for with the Enforcer.

[@Jdawg004]

I really should get these for my western dedicated carving ski. Hard to decide between this and the E94.

[@SkiEssentials]

I think if you're using the term "dedicated carving," then the 89 is the one to get. That said, I REALLY like the 94 for here in Vermont on groomers--it turns great just not as stiff or powerful feeling in that carve as the 89.

[@trailtok6897]

Hi, great review as always! I'm looking for a frontside all mtn ski to complement my goto skis Sender 106 Ti in 187. I use the Senders for pretty much any condition except park and pure pow but would like sometihing for gs style turns on really firm days (but not a pure groomer ski). I'm 5'11" and about 200 lbs. I'm debating wheter to go 179 or 185 in the new Enforcer 89?. I'm more in to long turns but don't want to get overly long skis unless needed. Any recommendations regarding sizing?

[@SkiEssentials]

I personally don't think you need to size up on the Enforcer 89. I'm 6/2 225 and prefer the 179 slightly to the 185. The 185 is a lot of ski as it's pretty stiff and hefty.

[@alupsaiu]

Have you guys had a chance to test the new Declivity 92 with the denser wood core (and different metal placement?)? If so, would you say the Declivity is around 5th or 6th "carviest" (behind the Anomaly and Mindbender)? Looking for a new "low snow" western ski (and I enjoy mostly skiing off piste). Thanks!

[@SkiEssentials]

We got on the new Declivities this year with the poplar core and loved them. They feel more sturdy and confident than the current/previous version. This doesn't necessarily make the 92 a better pure carver, as the energy of the caruba was one of its best parts, but yes, there is more smoothness and power to them with the poplar. I'd still keep it behind the Anomaly but maybe closer to the Mindbender.

[@andrewkling2931]

How would it compare to say Anomoly 84. I know you have talked about it in comparison to Anomoly 88 but trying to decide how to build out my quiver in the 80s section. I already have the new 2025 enforcer 94 and 104 (fan boy or Nordica) but think that the Enforcer 89 might have to much overlap with the Enforcer 94, making me think Anomoly 84 might be a good addition to my quiver

[@SkiEssentials]

The rocker profile of the Anomaly is still a decent indicator that it's easier to use in an off-trail situation. I'd still put the edge grip of the Anomaly right up there, but I don't think it has quite the same power as the wider and heftier Enforcer. I like the quickness and agility of the Anomaly to go along with its on-piste performance. Overall, I do think there's a huge upside to the Anomaly compared to the Enforcer 89 for most skiers as well as myself. For you, with a 94, I would think there is too much overlap.

[@joachimb8231]

Always so interesting to follow your investigations. So thanks a bunch for your detailed considerations on these new Enforcer models. My question to you, today I'm driving a Deacon 84 and planning to go for the Kendo 88 additionally. I drove the Nordica Fire Arrow 84 over years and you may remember how stiff these planks are, so the Deacon is clearly the relaxing alternative. Is the Enforcer 89 comparable to the Kendo 88? Considering as well that I bring min. 125kg on the snow without ski's, thus some stiffness might be mandatory to put the 'forces' on the ground. Main application is on groomed slopes (in the afternoon)! What would you prefer?

[@SkiEssentials]

What's interesting about the Kendo is that it uses a lot of sophistication and creativity in the build. Not everyone likes the "frame" build as it leaves gaps in the metal laminates throughout the ski. The Enforcer is more dense, both from a physical sense and an engineering one--it's a simpler build for sure. I think if you're at 125kg and are looking to stay on groomers, you may prefer that feeling over the precision of the Kendo.

[@andrewwilson2085]

Is the new optic 88 close to filling the void of the missing narrower metal built unleashed? Exciting that someone is making a narrower metal laminate twin

[@SkiEssentials]

Oooh, this is a good one and we totally forgot to mention it. I feel like you're right on the mark here. If you haven't skied it, make it a top priority, and this is an excellent call on your part with that Optic 88 filling that void. Bonus, it also comes in a 185 which sub-90 mm twins rarely do anymore. Very similar experience as Unleashed in terms of fantastic carving performance, energy, and edge grip. Also longer rocker than Unleashed so mixes in soft snow with a sense of ease. I was very impressed with the Optic 88.

[@danielholombo7593]

2022 Storm Rider 88 vs Anomaly 88 & Enforcer 89?

[@SkiEssentials]

Stormrider 88 is a good one--lighter than both Anomaly and Enforcer by a good margin and considerably more flexible in the tip. The tail is still stiff and flat, so the Stockli holds on to the turn equally as well as the other two. While the top end of the carving performance still goes to the Enforcer, the Stockli does most of what the others can do, at a much quieter din. It's the lack of sound that makes the Stormrider so appealing.

[@nicktaylor7680]

After 3 seasons am looking for a replacement for my enforcer 88s-179 I find them a bit on the stiff side but like that as it pushes me as a skiier. After reading your reviews on the 89 and the anomoly 88 I dont feel I need any stiffer of a ski and think I will get another pair of 88s as I love the shape that allows me to mix up turn styles from carve to skidded-save a couple of hundred too. Also I was going to buy from you guys but your shipping to NZ is 250? where other sellers is under 100 WTF? COMON GUYS!

[@SkiEssentials]

Just curious, and feel free to call our customer service to get an accurate quote, but who out there in the US has an Enforcer 88 in the 179 and ships to NZ for under 100?

[@nicktaylor7680]

What and have you guys ring the distributor and get the price increased? There is nothing" free "about the free market. By the way the shipping is $80 so I will be placing the order-you and Bob's show is priceless - love it.

[@carterfan80]

I would like to see Nordica do something a little different. I'd like to see their take on a lighter more playful ski (i.e. Blaze , Ripstick etc) I may check out the Santa ana, even though I'm a male..

[@SkiEssentials]

It's difficult to find Santa Ana skis in the 179 length for demo, so we haven't gotten on them yet, but I think you're onto something here, especially with the new builds of the ski. I think a Santa Ana 92 or 97 in the 179 would be a total blast given how we feel about the Unleashed 98's.

[@carterfan80]

Luckily I'm short. I can ski something around 170ish!😅 I'll have my choice of all the Santa anna's, and usually the long ones are cheaper when they're on sale! HALF of my quiver are women's skis at this point. They're always a better price🤑🤑🤑

[@carterfan80]

You say they flip-flopsed... Does that mean the new blizzard feels more like the old Enforcer than the 25' enforcer?

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd say slightly, but the Anomaly feels like a totally different ski than either Enforcer. Maybe you could argue that the Enforcer 88 and the Anomaly have more in common in an off-piste situation, but the Anomaly is still more versatile--far more pleasant in bumps, trees, and soft snow while still being a prime carver.

[@carterfan80]

Thanks. The anomaly is really peaking my interest . Sounds like it has more versatility than I originally thought after watching your Anomaly review. ​@SkiEssentials

[@jaredduffy9582]

Have you guys ever sold Zag skis?

[@SkiEssentials]

We have not sold Zag skis before. There's been a few pairs floating around our Buyer's office and he's toured on them and liked them, but we don't have much more experience than that.

[@jaredduffy9582]

@@SkiEssentials thanks this is why you guys are goats