Just picked mine up from you guys today! …… Darnit, I should have waited a week!! 🤦♂️. I’ve been watching your reviews all winter and based this purchase largely on what I’ve learned through your channel. Thanks for all you guys do providing so much valuable information and entertainment for all of us - STOKED!!🤘🤘
It's not a huge price drop coming on Friday, and you'll have them a week earlier! Thanks for the feedback! Glad you're finding the content useful and hope you love your new Unleashed 98!
Been using these as my utah one quiver ski this season and it is instantly my favorite. Bumps, groomers, even light and medium powder off and on piste, it just handles everything really well.
Jeff, please tell me where did you mount it exactly? I mounted mine at -4cm from true center or +3.5cm from rec line. They feel great and once I had gotten on my pair of Nordica Unleashed 98, I stopped skiing my Faction Prodigy 3.0 and other skies I own. I absolutely love it and it has been me skiing them around 60 days this year. Fantastic ski for hard charging with a playful nature.
I mounted mine +3 and they're my "park" ski. Pretty sure Jeff goes over his mounting point in the 2023 video. It was either +3 or +4 -- can't remember.
Mine are pretty similar, just a touch further forward than yours. I just measured because I couldn't quite remember. I'm basically +4 cm from the recommended line, although my BSL dropped 2 mm from what I originally mounted them, so now I'm slightly further forward than +4, but a negligible amount.
I got a chance to demo the Unleashed 98 but not the Rustler 9. I really liked the 98 and the new Enforcer 104. So, I’m curious how the Rustler 9’s strength, backbone compares to an Unleashed 98 and Enforcer 104? I do realize the Enforcer is much stronger, but I’m curious anyway…..thanks for the great content!
I've successfully ran slalom gates on my unleashed 98's, I guess that's a true testament of their torsional rigidity combined with flexiness longitudinally
I find Unleashed feels a little more precise when carving, while the Rustler is easier and more maneuverable off-piste and in tight, techy terrain. The overall edge grip and stability is similar, but their rocker/taper shapes are different, which is really where the biggest difference is coming from.
I've been running these since last year. They make a pretty damn good powder ski. And that's coming from heavy Sierra snow. But these do carve really well even at high speed.
Thank you for your channel! It’s awesome. It gives us a lot of important information, and it’s just great. Can you please compare this Unleashed 98 with BC camox? Seems like they are very similar skis in terms of stiffness, waist width, and binding position. Thank you!
Camox has a straighter sidecut shape, and not quite the same torsional stiffness as Unleashed, so doesn't carve quite as well, but isn't too far behind either. On the other hand, I would say Camox feels more agile and a bit quicker in trees, bumps, etc. Unleashed really pulls you into a carve, while Camox needs a bit more skier input regardless of the style turn you're trying to make.
Nice overview on the Unleashed pros / cons. I just picked up a pair of 180s, and now that i am staring at the reccommended mount line, i am wondering if the 174s would have been a better choice for me. I feel like at 5'10" and 175 lbs i am stuck right in between sizes. Can i assume with the twin tips, this ski will in fact ride short and effectively be in the 175ish zone based on snow contact? I also feel like keeping the 180s and perhaps mounting up +2cm might be a better option vs a downsize to the 174s. Nordica has the mount point on the Unleashed way back IMO, and at my height the front end definitely looks long when standing on it. Any advice is welcome! Keep up the good work.
While the twin tip exists, and adds to the splay, there's actually not a lot of rocker in these skis. Compared to Enforcer within Nordica's line, the Unleashed has longer camber and longer effective edge. This makes it ski a bit longer. Mount point is all about personal preference. I like it on the line as more of a directional ski, but you do you!
Great comments as always! I get the sense that these struggle in bumps, trees and tight spaces. When it comes to trees and bumps- how do these compare to Line Blade Optic 97? and why does Unleashed have a tough time in tight spaces? Thank You!
They don't necessarily struggle, especially for someone with good technique, but they're not extremely agile like some twin tips. Blade Optic 96 is quicker in trees as it has longer rocker lines and more early taper, so essentially a shorter effective edge at a low edge angle. Unleashed have fairly short rocker and no early taper, so they retain a long effective edge any way you ski them. That's the only reason they're not as quick or as agile as some skis in the trees, bumps, etc.
Appreciate the review as always. I’m looking to improve my skiing in the bumps and trees. Torn between the Nordica Unleashed 98 and Salomon QST 98. Thoughts?
I would say if you're looking to improve in terrain like that, go with the QST 98. It has significantly more rocker and early taper, which makes it more agile and maneuverable in trees, bumps, etc.
Rustler 9 is more agile and more maneuverable, especially noticeable in trees, bumps, etc. Longer rocker and more early taper, so a shorter effective edge in those scenarios. Unleashed carves a touch better IMO, or at least feels more precise while carving. Actual edge grip and torsional stiffness feels about the same between them, but Unleashed is a little more responsive in a carve.
Is that a new lip warmer, Jeff? Let the ends curl up to match the Unleashed. I skied them in 2021 at WWRSA/Mammoth. Loved 'em. They weren't available to us through the shop program until this season. Snatched those puppies up first day they hit the web site. Typical Nordica Enforcer like carve. Except more fun.
looking to buy the unleashed 98 2025 for this season, i want a carvy and playful ski that runs good mainly on piste but also has some freeride abilities. currently i can’t decide between 180 and 186, i’m an intermediate skier 180 cm tall and 85 kg(5’11 and 187lbs) i want the ski to be easy to manoeuvre through the trees like the 180 but im looking also for the stability at speed and longer efective edge that the 186 offers, i really don’t know what to choose so any help or advice would be appreciated
Would you consider the Justis a twin tip? Given the BC Captis comparison. Bc Justis rails a carve. Edit: Or in the partial metal realm, how about Mirus Cor? Probably better comparison, given y’all’s talk about park and weight bc ain’t nobody calling the Justis a park ski haha. Thanks guys! Would love to see more of these impromptu opinions. You both have the best way of describing a ski experience and it’s just fun to listen to y’all talk!
Great questions! I would say no, the Justis isn't quite a twin tip. Certainly close, but I don't group it into the twin tip category personally. If it was slightly more of a twin tip, then I would say yes, and then it would certainly rival the Unleashed 98 for carving prowess. Mirus Cor is an interesting comparison, as it obviously carves extremely well, but it's much different. Drastically shorter turn radius so it doesn't handle higher speeds as well. Mirus Cor is almost in a class of its own, or rather in a group with skis like Armada Stranger, Line Blade, etc... Those skis all carve well, but they don't have quite the torsional stiffness of an Unleashed 98 IMO.
Well shoot I was planning on getting the Justis to replace a combo of a Bonafide and an Icelantic Nomad so I can have one ski that can be both a twin tip for occasional park shenanigans and a wide carving ski. Sounds like the Unleashed might be the way to go
@@gregmccandlessmusic I have a Justis. I love them, they are strong and stable haven’t found a speed limit, rail a carve on high edge, but are super fun and slashy in the pow if you ski them flat. Never taken them into the park, I have no experience in the park at all. Couldn’t tell you what to look for in a park ski tbh. Based on the video, Jeff stated that even the unleashed requires an advanced park skier to get the most out of it, probably bc of the weight and stiffness making the ski less forgiving in a couple aspects, commitment to your spins and precision in your landings. So I wouldn’t let this comment deter you from it, sounds like they could be similar.
@@gregmccandlessmusic if you don't have high expectations for the Justis in the park, it could work. I just wouldn't want to takeoff or land switch on it too often. It's not as balanced in that sense.
Been looking at these and the Black Crow Mirus Cor. Was worried about the Mirus Cor stability at speed on groomers - I ski in Europe mainly on piste but with some off piste and switch skiing. Don't do park really, I'm 6ft1 and 190lbs - which of these would you recommend? Pros and cons of both?
If you're looking for performance at speed, the Unleashed is a better choice. They ski very well for being a wider twin tip and have a metal laminate that runs tip to tail rather than the middle half like the Mirus Cor. I also think the Unleashed is more versatile for some off piste while the Mirus Cor is more specific to on-piste carving at mid-radius speeds.
The Unleashed 98 does not come in my length 160. Im an older expert skier and looking at the Unleashed 90 for its shorter length (I'm 5' tall). I want the skis for its camber profile: rocker, more camber, rocker, and twin tip to use for versatility in CA spring soft, wet snow. Is this a good choice for me in these conditions or will I out ski these? What other ski do u recomend?
Will the 90's be good for the off piste, spring skiing conditions since it says they are good for trees. Concerned they are an intermediate ski, though.
The Unleashed 98 Tree is marketed as the women's ski, but it's actually the same. You get a different graphic and shorter length options. www.skiessentials.com/products/2024-nordica-unleashed-98-tree-ski?ski%2520size=156
Copying and pasting my reply from a very similar question... Rustler 9 is more agile and more maneuverable, especially noticeable in trees, bumps, etc. Longer rocker and more early taper, so a shorter effective edge in those scenarios. Unleashed carves a touch better IMO, or at least feels more precise while carving. Actual edge grip and torsional stiffness feels about the same between them, but Unleashed is a little more responsive in a carve.
I'm interested how you feel this ski stacks up against the Head Oblivion 94. I own them after you guy's review showing the profile of the camber underfoot and rocker at tips and tails, both compressed together and uncompressed and the rest of the specs. I was very happy with the ski when i got it out on big jumps. I like carving hard into the transition and going at a hard angle across the knuckle to land carving out the opposite way (like changing edges in the air) and be able to go bigger from the same jump as a result of the agle of travel. The thing i dislike about all rockered skis is the lack of effective edge and real solid hold and stability at speed into large jumps or wherever else. I was glad the low rocker, and long effective edge (so no nonsense about multiple radius sidecut - which is obviously impossible in practice) in the Oblivion means it loads up really well on hard carve and feels really solid from tips to tails while doing so. The Unleashed 98 was another of your review skis that got my interest, so would like your thoughts on the two.
The Unleashed uses a partial metal laminate that runs tip to tail and this really silences the chatter of the ski and allows for supreme edge hold and carving compliance on firmer snow. These have a longer effective edge than a lot of other twins out there, and this leads to a smoother overall performance and snow feel. The Oblivion is more flexible, especially in the tips and tails, and that makes it a more favorable ski in the park.
@SkiEssentials Sounds like I could have a set of these coming as well. Have you had a chance to take it out in deeper powder? If so what's your thoughts on it there. I currently also have j ski masterblaster which I also like. Its OK for park but if defo better off piste than the oblivion my only criticism is the amount of rocker in to and tail with that ski. It really doesn't need it. And it results in a bit of flapping when the snow is firm, which to be fair is most of the season in Europe.
@@theoutsider6191 The deepest I've had the 98 is in about 8 inches of pretty dry snow and it was awesome. I don't see it being the best performer in over a foot, and the lighter the better due to the rocker profile.
They do ski a bit long because of the more traditional camber profile. That said, if you're more aggressive and like higher speeds, I do not think the 186 is too long for your stats.
Comparable yes, but also quite different. Unleashed is a better carving ski at this width and in general feels a bit stronger. QST 98 is much more maneuverable, floats better in soft snow, and in general has a more playful feel to it, but isn't as composed at speed, especially when it's up on edge.
This is the Sweet Protection Trooper 2Vi MIPS. I also have the Switcher MIPS (Sweet Protection), but I haven't worn that much this year. The other helmet I've been wearing a lot this year is the POC Fornix MIPS (I've worn that other years too). I usually have the black POC goggles on when wearing that. I suppose I also have an Atomic Four Amid Pro now too, but I haven't worn that too much.
Yes. We've loved this ski since it first came out and those feelings will continue for as long as they make this ski. I'd say the 180 is the way to go here for sizing.
I'm a intermediate skier (Carv Ski.IQ 115 if it's telling you anything 😅) and I want to buy my first (and for now only) skis pair. I'm riding mainly on piste, but I'm looking for something universal, just in case I wanted to try some light off piste riding or simple tricks i.e. riding switch. I am trying decide between Nordica Unleashed 98, Head Shape E-V8/E-V10 and Rossignol Forza 50/60. Which of those would you recommend for the most versatility and/or improving my carving skills?
I think you're in two different spaces here, and I may suggest a third direction. The Heads and Rossignol's are much more on-piste and carving oriented while the Unleashed covers your switch skiing, tricks, and off-piste. Let's look at a slightly narrower ski with decent tail splay that may make you happier overall. Salomon QST 92, Black Crows Captis, and Fischer Ranger 90 are all interesting skis that blend these attributes. I think the ~90mm width is the place to be.
Had a rando on the chair the other day genuinely ask me if my ‘24 unleashed top sheet (near the tips) was duct-taped.. quite possibly the worst/laziest top sheet ‘design’ the last decade. If ever you wonder if sizable elements of the ski industry are rife with nepotism, sweetheart job offers and overall incompetence, look no further lol
Just picked mine up from you guys today! …… Darnit, I should have waited a week!! 🤦♂️. I’ve been watching your reviews all winter and based this purchase largely on what I’ve learned through your channel. Thanks for all you guys do providing so much valuable information and entertainment for all of us - STOKED!!🤘🤘
It's not a huge price drop coming on Friday, and you'll have them a week earlier! Thanks for the feedback! Glad you're finding the content useful and hope you love your new Unleashed 98!
I just got ski and it’s soo awesome! Really ignited my love for twin tips once again.
It's a good one, that's for sure.
Been using these as my utah one quiver ski this season and it is instantly my favorite. Bumps, groomers, even light and medium powder off and on piste, it just handles everything really well.
Nothing but love for the Unleashed 98!
Jeff, please tell me where did you mount it exactly? I mounted mine at -4cm from true center or +3.5cm from rec line. They feel great and once I had gotten on my pair of Nordica Unleashed 98, I stopped skiing my Faction Prodigy 3.0 and other skies I own. I absolutely love it and it has been me skiing them around 60 days this year. Fantastic ski for hard charging with a playful nature.
I mounted mine +3 and they're my "park" ski. Pretty sure Jeff goes over his mounting point in the 2023 video. It was either +3 or +4 -- can't remember.
Mine are pretty similar, just a touch further forward than yours. I just measured because I couldn't quite remember. I'm basically +4 cm from the recommended line, although my BSL dropped 2 mm from what I originally mounted them, so now I'm slightly further forward than +4, but a negligible amount.
I got a chance to demo the Unleashed 98 but not the Rustler 9. I really liked the 98 and the new Enforcer 104. So, I’m curious how the Rustler 9’s strength, backbone compares to an Unleashed 98 and Enforcer 104? I do realize the Enforcer is much stronger, but I’m curious anyway…..thanks for the great content!
I've successfully ran slalom gates on my unleashed 98's, I guess that's a true testament of their torsional rigidity combined with flexiness longitudinally
We had our local ski bum race today, actually... maybe I'll use Unleashed 98 next week!
How do these compare to the new Rustler 9s? I demoed the Rustlers at Stowe on Saturday and loved the edge grip and playfulness!
I find Unleashed feels a little more precise when carving, while the Rustler is easier and more maneuverable off-piste and in tight, techy terrain. The overall edge grip and stability is similar, but their rocker/taper shapes are different, which is really where the biggest difference is coming from.
Thanks for the reply!
I've been running these since last year. They make a pretty damn good powder ski. And that's coming from heavy Sierra snow. But these do carve really well even at high speed.
For a good skier, it's a very well-rounded ski!
Thank you for your channel! It’s awesome. It gives us a lot of important information, and it’s just great.
Can you please compare this Unleashed 98 with BC camox? Seems like they are very similar skis in terms of stiffness, waist width, and binding position.
Thank you!
Camox has a straighter sidecut shape, and not quite the same torsional stiffness as Unleashed, so doesn't carve quite as well, but isn't too far behind either. On the other hand, I would say Camox feels more agile and a bit quicker in trees, bumps, etc. Unleashed really pulls you into a carve, while Camox needs a bit more skier input regardless of the style turn you're trying to make.
Thank you!
Nice overview on the Unleashed pros / cons. I just picked up a pair of 180s, and now that i am staring at the reccommended mount line, i am wondering if the 174s would have been a better choice for me. I feel like at 5'10" and 175 lbs i am stuck right in between sizes. Can i assume with the twin tips, this ski will in fact ride short and effectively be in the 175ish zone based on snow contact? I also feel like keeping the 180s and perhaps mounting up +2cm might be a better option vs a downsize to the 174s. Nordica has the mount point on the Unleashed way back IMO, and at my height the front end definitely looks long when standing on it. Any advice is welcome! Keep up the good work.
While the twin tip exists, and adds to the splay, there's actually not a lot of rocker in these skis. Compared to Enforcer within Nordica's line, the Unleashed has longer camber and longer effective edge. This makes it ski a bit longer. Mount point is all about personal preference. I like it on the line as more of a directional ski, but you do you!
Great comments as always! I get the sense that these struggle in bumps, trees and tight spaces. When it comes to trees and bumps- how do these compare to Line Blade Optic 97? and why does Unleashed have a tough time in tight spaces? Thank You!
They don't necessarily struggle, especially for someone with good technique, but they're not extremely agile like some twin tips. Blade Optic 96 is quicker in trees as it has longer rocker lines and more early taper, so essentially a shorter effective edge at a low edge angle. Unleashed have fairly short rocker and no early taper, so they retain a long effective edge any way you ski them. That's the only reason they're not as quick or as agile as some skis in the trees, bumps, etc.
Between black ops, 98 and unleashed 98 what Ski would be more playful or maneuverable in trees and bumps?
I think Black Ops is a tough more maneuverable in tight terrain, but it's a marginal difference between them.
Appreciate the review as always. I’m looking to improve my skiing in the bumps and trees. Torn between the Nordica Unleashed 98 and Salomon QST 98. Thoughts?
I would say if you're looking to improve in terrain like that, go with the QST 98. It has significantly more rocker and early taper, which makes it more agile and maneuverable in trees, bumps, etc.
@@SkiEssentials Thanks guys!
How would you define the difference of carving between an unleashed 98 and rustler 9 ?
Rustler 9 is more agile and more maneuverable, especially noticeable in trees, bumps, etc. Longer rocker and more early taper, so a shorter effective edge in those scenarios. Unleashed carves a touch better IMO, or at least feels more precise while carving. Actual edge grip and torsional stiffness feels about the same between them, but Unleashed is a little more responsive in a carve.
Is that a new lip warmer, Jeff? Let the ends curl up to match the Unleashed.
I skied them in 2021 at WWRSA/Mammoth. Loved 'em. They weren't available to us through the shop program until this season. Snatched those puppies up first day they hit the web site.
Typical Nordica Enforcer like carve. Except more fun.
Haha, no, just a couple extra days of not shaving than usual. Agree. Not far off from Enforcer for carving prowess, but more fun overall.
looking to buy the unleashed 98 2025 for this season, i want a carvy and playful ski that runs good mainly on piste but also has some freeride abilities. currently i can’t decide between 180 and 186, i’m an intermediate skier 180 cm tall and 85 kg(5’11 and 187lbs) i want the ski to be easy to manoeuvre through the trees like the 180 but im looking also for the stability at speed and longer efective edge that the 186 offers, i really don’t know what to choose so any help or advice would be appreciated
I think the 180 in the 98 makes sense considering your stats and application.
I feel like these are great for someone moving out of the park and into the freeride area but don’t want/need the seriousness of the enforcer
That's pretty accurate for sure. Even if park wasn't a thing, it's still a very well-rounded option!
Would you consider the Justis a twin tip? Given the BC Captis comparison.
Bc Justis rails a carve.
Edit:
Or in the partial metal realm, how about Mirus Cor? Probably better comparison, given y’all’s talk about park and weight bc ain’t nobody calling the Justis a park ski haha.
Thanks guys! Would love to see more of these impromptu opinions. You both have the best way of describing a ski experience and it’s just fun to listen to y’all talk!
Great questions! I would say no, the Justis isn't quite a twin tip. Certainly close, but I don't group it into the twin tip category personally. If it was slightly more of a twin tip, then I would say yes, and then it would certainly rival the Unleashed 98 for carving prowess. Mirus Cor is an interesting comparison, as it obviously carves extremely well, but it's much different. Drastically shorter turn radius so it doesn't handle higher speeds as well. Mirus Cor is almost in a class of its own, or rather in a group with skis like Armada Stranger, Line Blade, etc... Those skis all carve well, but they don't have quite the torsional stiffness of an Unleashed 98 IMO.
@@SkiEssentials thanks for quick reply!
Well shoot I was planning on getting the Justis to replace a combo of a Bonafide and an Icelantic Nomad so I can have one ski that can be both a twin tip for occasional park shenanigans and a wide carving ski. Sounds like the Unleashed might be the way to go
@@gregmccandlessmusic I have a Justis. I love them, they are strong and stable haven’t found a speed limit, rail a carve on high edge, but are super fun and slashy in the pow if you ski them flat.
Never taken them into the park, I have no experience in the park at all. Couldn’t tell you what to look for in a park ski tbh.
Based on the video, Jeff stated that even the unleashed requires an advanced park skier to get the most out of it, probably bc of the weight and stiffness making the ski less forgiving in a couple aspects, commitment to your spins and precision in your landings.
So I wouldn’t let this comment deter you from it, sounds like they could be similar.
@@gregmccandlessmusic if you don't have high expectations for the Justis in the park, it could work. I just wouldn't want to takeoff or land switch on it too often. It's not as balanced in that sense.
Been looking at these and the Black Crow Mirus Cor. Was worried about the Mirus Cor stability at speed on groomers - I ski in Europe mainly on piste but with some off piste and switch skiing. Don't do park really, I'm 6ft1 and 190lbs - which of these would you recommend? Pros and cons of both?
If you're looking for performance at speed, the Unleashed is a better choice. They ski very well for being a wider twin tip and have a metal laminate that runs tip to tail rather than the middle half like the Mirus Cor. I also think the Unleashed is more versatile for some off piste while the Mirus Cor is more specific to on-piste carving at mid-radius speeds.
The Unleashed 98 does not come in my length 160. Im an older expert skier and looking at the Unleashed 90 for its shorter length (I'm 5' tall). I want the skis for its camber profile: rocker, more camber, rocker, and twin tip to use for versatility in CA spring soft, wet snow. Is this a good choice for me in these conditions or will I out ski these? What other ski do u recomend?
Will the 90's be good for the off piste, spring skiing conditions since it says they are good for trees. Concerned they are an intermediate ski, though.
The Unleashed 98 Tree is marketed as the women's ski, but it's actually the same. You get a different graphic and shorter length options. www.skiessentials.com/products/2024-nordica-unleashed-98-tree-ski?ski%2520size=156
How does it compare to the rustler 9?
Copying and pasting my reply from a very similar question... Rustler 9 is more agile and more maneuverable, especially noticeable in trees, bumps, etc. Longer rocker and more early taper, so a shorter effective edge in those scenarios. Unleashed carves a touch better IMO, or at least feels more precise while carving. Actual edge grip and torsional stiffness feels about the same between them, but Unleashed is a little more responsive in a carve.
I'm interested how you feel this ski stacks up against the Head Oblivion 94. I own them after you guy's review showing the profile of the camber underfoot and rocker at tips and tails, both compressed together and uncompressed and the rest of the specs. I was very happy with the ski when i got it out on big jumps. I like carving hard into the transition and going at a hard angle across the knuckle to land carving out the opposite way (like changing edges in the air) and be able to go bigger from the same jump as a result of the agle of travel. The thing i dislike about all rockered skis is the lack of effective edge and real solid hold and stability at speed into large jumps or wherever else. I was glad the low rocker, and long effective edge (so no nonsense about multiple radius sidecut - which is obviously impossible in practice) in the Oblivion means it loads up really well on hard carve and feels really solid from tips to tails while doing so. The Unleashed 98 was another of your review skis that got my interest, so would like your thoughts on the two.
The Unleashed uses a partial metal laminate that runs tip to tail and this really silences the chatter of the ski and allows for supreme edge hold and carving compliance on firmer snow. These have a longer effective edge than a lot of other twins out there, and this leads to a smoother overall performance and snow feel. The Oblivion is more flexible, especially in the tips and tails, and that makes it a more favorable ski in the park.
@SkiEssentials Sounds like I could have a set of these coming as well. Have you had a chance to take it out in deeper powder? If so what's your thoughts on it there. I currently also have j ski masterblaster which I also like. Its OK for park but if defo better off piste than the oblivion my only criticism is the amount of rocker in to and tail with that ski. It really doesn't need it. And it results in a bit of flapping when the snow is firm, which to be fair is most of the season in Europe.
@@theoutsider6191 The deepest I've had the 98 is in about 8 inches of pretty dry snow and it was awesome. I don't see it being the best performer in over a foot, and the lighter the better due to the rocker profile.
For someone who's 188cm/180lbs , would you recommend 180cm or 186cm?
They do ski a bit long because of the more traditional camber profile. That said, if you're more aggressive and like higher speeds, I do not think the 186 is too long for your stats.
anyone know if these are comparable to the QST 98's?
Comparable yes, but also quite different. Unleashed is a better carving ski at this width and in general feels a bit stronger. QST 98 is much more maneuverable, floats better in soft snow, and in general has a more playful feel to it, but isn't as composed at speed, especially when it's up on edge.
Hi Jeff, what helmet do you wear?
This is the Sweet Protection Trooper 2Vi MIPS. I also have the Switcher MIPS (Sweet Protection), but I haven't worn that much this year. The other helmet I've been wearing a lot this year is the POC Fornix MIPS (I've worn that other years too). I usually have the black POC goggles on when wearing that. I suppose I also have an Atomic Four Amid Pro now too, but I haven't worn that too much.
I’m 6’2 230 intermediate skier that skis mainly North Carolina, looking for a more playful ski than my maverick 86c. Is this a good choice
Yes. We've loved this ski since it first came out and those feelings will continue for as long as they make this ski. I'd say the 180 is the way to go here for sizing.
I'm a intermediate skier (Carv Ski.IQ 115 if it's telling you anything 😅) and I want to buy my first (and for now only) skis pair. I'm riding mainly on piste, but I'm looking for something universal, just in case I wanted to try some light off piste riding or simple tricks i.e. riding switch. I am trying decide between Nordica Unleashed 98, Head Shape E-V8/E-V10 and Rossignol Forza 50/60. Which of those would you recommend for the most versatility and/or improving my carving skills?
I think you're in two different spaces here, and I may suggest a third direction. The Heads and Rossignol's are much more on-piste and carving oriented while the Unleashed covers your switch skiing, tricks, and off-piste. Let's look at a slightly narrower ski with decent tail splay that may make you happier overall. Salomon QST 92, Black Crows Captis, and Fischer Ranger 90 are all interesting skis that blend these attributes. I think the ~90mm width is the place to be.
@@SkiEssentials thanks for the reply 🙂
Had a rando on the chair the other day genuinely ask me if my ‘24 unleashed top sheet (near the tips) was duct-taped.. quite possibly the worst/laziest top sheet ‘design’ the last decade. If ever you wonder if sizable elements of the ski industry are rife with nepotism, sweetheart job offers and overall incompetence, look no further lol
The 2025 has a much more unique graphic that will not be mistaken for duct tape.
looks like you had some sloppy snow to ski..
Not too sloppy! Just right for softening spring-like snow in my opinion.
@@SkiEssentials I love those conditions..
Oh boy impromptu is great !!❄️⛷