I’m an expert skier with racing background. I bought this ski and absolutely love it. Stable and yet playful, great float off piste and amazing carving performance on piste. Once you get used to the width (which took me a day or two) they’re very intuitive to ski. bought these in 180 cm, which is about body length for me. I hesitated between 180 and 186, but I definitely made the right choice by going short. Don’t be afraid to do the same. I put my bindings on +3cm. DON’T make this mistake. I had put mine back to the recommended spot, because they felt very off balance. You can definitely feel the metal in this ski. The metal is terain specific for a reason. I really can’t think of a situation where you want to move away from the recommended spot, so just don’t.
Great feedback. Considering these for my 20yr He's 5'8.5 and about 170lbs. Strong atheletic skier who wants this as a fun pow and spring conditions ski. Thinking we need to go 180 for float. He's on a Armada declivity 102 in 172 and he def. undergunned in deep snow Sounds like your a bit taller than hm. Whats your weight? Thx!
Hi, I’m 6ft1’ / 195lbs, advanced skier looking for an all mountain-playful ski to own as a one ski quiver and have fun (ski conditions are an intermediate point between east and west coast - not US). I can’t decide between the Nordica Unleashed 98 and Atomic Bent 100. I want a ski that can be used for groomers, trees, and off piste (still resort) but that’s also playful, that can hit jumps/few spins (5s or 7s at most). I don’t know which would be the best pick for me as im trying to be more playful and explore the mountain while having fun. Thank you guys, great video as always!
I'd go with the Nordica 98, and that's no insult to the wonderful Bent 100. The Nordica just sounds like a more direct fit with your application. I'd say the 180 is the way to go in that ski. Have fun! SE
Soo many folks complain about ski weight and plankyness of the current free line. Sounds like the Unleashed construction on the E Free baseline would be a brillant and welcomed move for Nordica.
Which series do you think is the most versatile/all rounder; The enforcer 100, Enforcer free 104, or the unleashed 98/108? And how about for moguls and trees? They all seem pretty good, its hard to choose! Thanks again for all the hard work!
I'd actually request a video on the topic! It feels like most brands have very distinct characteristics between ski series, but when it comes to Nordica, they seem all so similar with minor but important differences.
@@DrWayLay depend whats. your background / skiingg style is... race background hard charging enf 100 , still charger , more playfull and more floaty 104free, most playfull 108, still can charge pretty well but 108 underfoot, so most versatile 104 free
I'd say that for most skiers, most of the time, the Unleashed 98 offers the most versatility. That carries through to the moguls and trees as well--it's really the only one that you don't have to think about or try too hard on, but still getting the same excellent performance.
Looking to purchase my "One Ski quiver" for the West Coast. I love a playful ski that can charge hard on steep runs. Ripping through any snow conditions is necessary yet hoping it can still float when that big dump hits the slopes. I send 25ft cliffs, pop 360s frequently and tend to butter on occasion as well. I'm 26, 160lbs, advanced-expert skier. Out of the skis below which ones do you think would suit my style best: Black Crows Atris (demoed rated 9/10) Dynastar M-free 108 (demoed rated 9/10) K2 Mindbender 108ti Nordica Unleashed 108 Nordica enforcer 104 unleashed Armada declinity 108ti Head kore 111 Also would the Salomon shift 13 be a good binding? might go into the backcountry next year.
HI Jack! I think it's going to be tough to beat the 9/10 scores for the Atris and M-Free. I'd say the Unleashed has a shot, so I'd narrow focus to those three. Of those, the Nordica is a bit more stable and turny while the Atris and Dynastar are more drifty and floaty. I think that since you're looking for one ski to do it all, including the turns and carves, the Unleashed should get some extra points here. For bindings, I'd stick to an alpine setup if at all possible with a separate touring kit.
Hey guys! Looking to get myself a pair of ski's for snow days because my resort generally does grooming late evening/early night and snow that comes down between then and the opening of the slopes can sometimes be quite a lot. Nordica-geek that I am the Unleashed and Santa Ana Free are the ski's I've had my eyes on. The amount of snow I sometimes have to ski in varies from 3 inches up to 8 inches of fresh fallen on groomers. Santa Ana Free 104 and 110 and this Unleashed 108 are on the table, the Enforcer just feels wrong, to heavy. I currently ski a pair of Nordica Navigator 85 and I feel like any of the three above looks like a good compliment, but what model do you guys feel that I should choose? I'm 175 cm long weight 180 pounds, on well groomed days I love to rip down black and red slopes, I'd like the ski's for snow days to be a bit more playful but still be able to step on it if the snow conditions in the snowy slope allows for it. Thankful for your help, your great reviews and advice got me on the Navigators I own and my girlfriend on her pair of Santa Ana 84, best ski's we've ever owned so hopefully you can come through again =) Thanks for all your awesome work and great informative reviews!
I think there's a whole lot to like about the Santa Ana 104. Not too stiff, but good rocker for softer snow and great energy throughout. For skiers looking for that floaty ski that can still grip, Santa Ana is a great build.
Not sure if this applies to the 108, but on the 98 I was shocked at just how much more locked in that ski felt than the enforcer 104 free. Here in Utah, I actually really didn't like how catchy and locked in this shape felt. I LOVE the flex profile and the amount of metal in it though, its so playful and fun.It just sacrifices a whole lot more off piste and tight tree performance, more than I was expecting. On the east coast, my issue probably isn't as noticeable because there's less chalky style snow over there. The 108 would definitely be better for Utah but I suspect that it would still feel way too locked in for people who don't need outstanding groomer performance
when I say it felt locked in, I mean it felt almost as locked in to me as my first pair of enforcer 100s. I switched to the 104 for better off piste performance and just didn't realize the unleashed would take some of that away
You should try detuning the tips and tails. I find that the 191 unleashed 108 feels just as quick in tight trees as the 186 Enforcer 104 free as long as the catchy edges are toned back a bit.
So not to derail but with all of the attention on Hustle and Rustler, do you guys have anything you can say about 2024 Cochise? I have a couple co-workers who were just at an industry event and Cochise was absent.
@SkiEssentials Please , can you give your opinion about comparison between blizzard rustler 10 (Which i own) and unleashed 108 , off piste jumps , cliffs , couloirs, tight shoots , trees?
When it comes to soft snow, I think the Rustler has a bit of an edge, but for turns on more technical terrain, I really like the extended camber and grip of the 108. For jumps, whenever freestyle influence is involved, the 108 also gets my vote. In the trees, I do prefer the more maneuverable Rustler due to the rocker profile.
Torn between these and atomic bent 95’s. Looking for a playful ski to have fun on/off piste. I’m 175cm and 80kg so torn between 174 on these or 175 on the atomic. I like these but the weight puts me off a little. Any advice please?
There's is some weight to the Unleashed for sure, but if you can get past it, the skis turn amazingly well. They're not as playful as the Bent, nor as drifty, so if you're looking for those attributes, I think Bent would be a better choice.
The Dynastar is considerably more drifty and smeary while the Unleashed is more businesslike. If you're looking for a playful ski, I'd lean to the M-Free, mainly because of the shape and profile. Both feel pretty stout, but for different reasons. Dynastar's Hybrid core uses Polyurethane to add stability and power while Nordica's got a more traditional use of a titanal laminate. I'd probably lean to the Dynastar personally, but very nice skis here, the both of them.
If I could choose one for where I ski and what I do here in Vermont, I'd take the Unleashed, but if I skied in wider-spaces with more snow, I would prefer the more directional K2.
It's better suited for more advanced and expert skiers who spend time in softer snow and are looking for a more playful/freestyle option. If you fall more into the intermediate category and are looking for something of this width, I'd take a look at the Elan Ripstick 106 or Blizzard Hustle 10. Have fun!
Thanks for the video!🎉 i want to buy these skis . I am 170 cm, 65kg . Advanced skier. Would you choose 174 cm lenght or higher to 180cm? Appreciate it a lot your effort❤
Where are you skiing? If it's mostly in tighter zones with an emphasis on shorter turns, then I'd go 186. For wider spaces and bigger mountains, the longer ski will fit better. Your stats could go either way, I'd choose based on application and aggressiveness.
I have tried the unleashed 98 and owned the 104 free. The unleashed shape feels way more locked in on groomers to me, like you could really rip it and not worry about washing out the tails. With it being lighter, flexier, and less directional you can't put quite as much forward pressure on it. Doesn't bother me but might bother some people on groomers. The biggest difference to me between the skiis is on jumps or off-piste. They feel wildly different
On firm groomers, yes, but anything softer than hard, and the Unleashed is a very fun and turny ski. There's more camber to the Unleashed, so it does like to be engaged in a turn--this is especially noticeable given how wide the ski is.
i saw this magnificent video from Austria ua-cam.com/video/Hv0Lf6Wo73U/v-deo.html and after watching it, i immediately came here to see your take on these guys! i was wondering what would be the most appropriate size for me , i am 1,82cm 90kg advanced upper level. Should i look straight at 186cm or 180? keep it up!
Thanks! I'd say the 180 will be plenty of ski--lots of surface area and they're pretty sturdy so you don't need to upsize in order to access the performance. have fun!
Nice to see you guys get some snow... I would love to try those skis out here in Colorado..
May it dump snow on you guys the rest of the winter. Really enjoy your channel. And the footage of old Mansfield!
Thank you for the kind wishes and words!
I’m an expert skier with racing background. I bought this ski and absolutely love it. Stable and yet playful, great float off piste and amazing carving performance on piste. Once you get used to the width (which took me a day or two) they’re very intuitive to ski.
bought these in 180 cm, which is about body length for me. I hesitated between 180 and 186, but I definitely made the right choice by going short. Don’t be afraid to do the same.
I put my bindings on +3cm. DON’T make this mistake. I had put mine back to the recommended spot, because they felt very off balance. You can definitely feel the metal in this ski. The metal is terain specific for a reason. I really can’t think of a situation where you want to move away from the recommended spot, so just don’t.
Great feedback, thanks for sharing!
Great feedback. Considering these for my 20yr He's 5'8.5 and about 170lbs. Strong atheletic skier who wants this as a fun pow and spring conditions ski. Thinking we need to go 180 for float. He's on a Armada declivity 102 in 172 and he def. undergunned in deep snow
Sounds like your a bit taller than hm. Whats your weight?
Thx!
@@chrisgravel7157 I'm 160lbs so I think the 180 is perfect for him.
Bob knows where the fun pow lines are - good form.. SHRED IT! :)
Thanks! Been about 25 years skiing here, so pretty familiar with the terrain.
Hi, I’m 6ft1’ / 195lbs, advanced skier looking for an all mountain-playful ski to own as a one ski quiver and have fun (ski conditions are an intermediate point between east and west coast - not US).
I can’t decide between the Nordica Unleashed 98 and Atomic Bent 100.
I want a ski that can be used for groomers, trees, and off piste (still resort) but that’s also playful, that can hit jumps/few spins (5s or 7s at most). I don’t know which would be the best pick for me as im trying to be more playful and explore the mountain while having fun.
Thank you guys, great video as always!
I'd go with the Nordica 98, and that's no insult to the wonderful Bent 100. The Nordica just sounds like a more direct fit with your application. I'd say the 180 is the way to go in that ski. Have fun!
SE
Look at that SNOW!
It was a pretty fun stretch!
Soo many folks complain about ski weight and plankyness of the current free line. Sounds like the Unleashed construction on the E Free baseline would be a brillant and welcomed move for Nordica.
Unleashed gives some new pop for sure, but also Unlimited--we think the 104 Unlimited takes that heft and dampness and turns it into pure energy.
Which series do you think is the most versatile/all rounder; The enforcer 100, Enforcer free 104, or the unleashed 98/108? And how about for moguls and trees? They all seem pretty good, its hard to choose!
Thanks again for all the hard work!
Following
I'd actually request a video on the topic! It feels like most brands have very distinct characteristics between ski series, but when it comes to Nordica, they seem all so similar with minor but important differences.
@@DrWayLay depend whats. your background / skiingg style is... race background hard charging enf 100 , still charger , more playfull and more floaty 104free, most playfull 108, still can charge pretty well but 108 underfoot, so most versatile 104 free
I'd say that for most skiers, most of the time, the Unleashed 98 offers the most versatility. That carries through to the moguls and trees as well--it's really the only one that you don't have to think about or try too hard on, but still getting the same excellent performance.
I just sold my 104frees because I think my 108s ski easier and more responsive, I have duke bindings on my 108
Looking to purchase my "One Ski quiver" for the West Coast. I love a playful ski that can charge hard on steep runs. Ripping through any snow conditions is necessary yet hoping it can still float when that big dump hits the slopes. I send 25ft cliffs, pop 360s frequently and tend to butter on occasion as well. I'm 26, 160lbs, advanced-expert skier.
Out of the skis below which ones do you think would suit my style best:
Black Crows Atris (demoed rated 9/10)
Dynastar M-free 108 (demoed rated 9/10)
K2 Mindbender 108ti
Nordica Unleashed 108
Nordica enforcer 104 unleashed
Armada declinity 108ti
Head kore 111
Also would the Salomon shift 13 be a good binding? might go into the backcountry next year.
HI Jack!
I think it's going to be tough to beat the 9/10 scores for the Atris and M-Free. I'd say the Unleashed has a shot, so I'd narrow focus to those three. Of those, the Nordica is a bit more stable and turny while the Atris and Dynastar are more drifty and floaty. I think that since you're looking for one ski to do it all, including the turns and carves, the Unleashed should get some extra points here. For bindings, I'd stick to an alpine setup if at all possible with a separate touring kit.
Never seen Bob look so good skiing...if he does not own these he should.
Thanks! We did have some very friendly conditions on those days, which certainly helped.
Hey guys! Looking to get myself a pair of ski's for snow days because my resort generally does grooming late evening/early night and snow that comes down between then and the opening of the slopes can sometimes be quite a lot.
Nordica-geek that I am the Unleashed and Santa Ana Free are the ski's I've had my eyes on.
The amount of snow I sometimes have to ski in varies from 3 inches up to 8 inches of fresh fallen on groomers.
Santa Ana Free 104 and 110 and this Unleashed 108 are on the table, the Enforcer just feels wrong, to heavy.
I currently ski a pair of Nordica Navigator 85 and I feel like any of the three above looks like a good compliment, but what model do you guys feel that I should choose?
I'm 175 cm long weight 180 pounds, on well groomed days I love to rip down black and red slopes, I'd like the ski's for snow days to be a bit more playful but still be able to step on it if the snow conditions in the snowy slope allows for it.
Thankful for your help, your great reviews and advice got me on the Navigators I own and my girlfriend on her pair of Santa Ana 84, best ski's we've ever owned so hopefully you can come through again =)
Thanks for all your awesome work and great informative reviews!
I think there's a whole lot to like about the Santa Ana 104. Not too stiff, but good rocker for softer snow and great energy throughout. For skiers looking for that floaty ski that can still grip, Santa Ana is a great build.
Not sure if this applies to the 108, but on the 98 I was shocked at just how much more locked in that ski felt than the enforcer 104 free. Here in Utah, I actually really didn't like how catchy and locked in this shape felt. I LOVE the flex profile and the amount of metal in it though, its so playful and fun.It just sacrifices a whole lot more off piste and tight tree performance, more than I was expecting. On the east coast, my issue probably isn't as noticeable because there's less chalky style snow over there. The 108 would definitely be better for Utah but I suspect that it would still feel way too locked in for people who don't need outstanding groomer performance
when I say it felt locked in, I mean it felt almost as locked in to me as my first pair of enforcer 100s. I switched to the 104 for better off piste performance and just didn't realize the unleashed would take some of that away
Great feedback, thanks for sharing!
You should try detuning the tips and tails. I find that the 191 unleashed 108 feels just as quick in tight trees as the 186 Enforcer 104 free as long as the catchy edges are toned back a bit.
So not to derail but with all of the attention on Hustle and Rustler, do you guys have anything you can say about 2024 Cochise? I have a couple co-workers who were just at an industry event and Cochise was absent.
Cochise will return for 2024--it just doesn't get a whole lot of hype, especially when compared to Rustler series.
@SkiEssentials Please , can you give your opinion about comparison between blizzard rustler 10 (Which i own) and unleashed 108 , off piste jumps , cliffs , couloirs, tight shoots , trees?
When it comes to soft snow, I think the Rustler has a bit of an edge, but for turns on more technical terrain, I really like the extended camber and grip of the 108. For jumps, whenever freestyle influence is involved, the 108 also gets my vote. In the trees, I do prefer the more maneuverable Rustler due to the rocker profile.
Torn between these and atomic bent 95’s. Looking for a playful ski to have fun on/off piste. I’m 175cm and 80kg so torn between 174 on these or 175 on the atomic. I like these but the weight puts me off a little. Any advice please?
There's is some weight to the Unleashed for sure, but if you can get past it, the skis turn amazingly well. They're not as playful as the Bent, nor as drifty, so if you're looking for those attributes, I think Bent would be a better choice.
How does this compare to the Dynastar 108 m free? Trying to decide for west skiing. Targhee is the home resort.
The Dynastar is considerably more drifty and smeary while the Unleashed is more businesslike. If you're looking for a playful ski, I'd lean to the M-Free, mainly because of the shape and profile. Both feel pretty stout, but for different reasons. Dynastar's Hybrid core uses Polyurethane to add stability and power while Nordica's got a more traditional use of a titanal laminate. I'd probably lean to the Dynastar personally, but very nice skis here, the both of them.
Sorry but did you say the only change this year is the graphics? Construction I sthe same?
We did say that! Same ski, just slightly different graphic change.
Who wins between this 108 and the K2 108 Mindbender?
If I could choose one for where I ski and what I do here in Vermont, I'd take the Unleashed, but if I skied in wider-spaces with more snow, I would prefer the more directional K2.
Do you happen to know what the rec mount point is? Cheers!
In the 180, it's -7.8 cm from center.
would you recommend this ski for a first ski ? (California, Rockies)
It's better suited for more advanced and expert skiers who spend time in softer snow and are looking for a more playful/freestyle option. If you fall more into the intermediate category and are looking for something of this width, I'd take a look at the Elan Ripstick 106 or Blizzard Hustle 10. Have fun!
Thanks for the video!🎉 i want to buy these skis . I am 170 cm, 65kg . Advanced skier. Would you choose 174 cm lenght or higher to 180cm?
Appreciate it a lot your effort❤
I'd go 174. Have fun!
At 6"2" 195lbs, should I go 186 or 191 length?
Where are you skiing? If it's mostly in tighter zones with an emphasis on shorter turns, then I'd go 186. For wider spaces and bigger mountains, the longer ski will fit better. Your stats could go either way, I'd choose based on application and aggressiveness.
I can’t decide between the nordica 104 free or the unleashed 108. Is the 104 that much better on groomers?
I love the 108 on groomers, the 104 would have to be absolutely mind blowing to be an improvement imo
I have tried the unleashed 98 and owned the 104 free. The unleashed shape feels way more locked in on groomers to me, like you could really rip it and not worry about washing out the tails. With it being lighter, flexier, and less directional you can't put quite as much forward pressure on it. Doesn't bother me but might bother some people on groomers. The biggest difference to me between the skiis is on jumps or off-piste. They feel wildly different
@@scholotzkys395 meaning "widly different" on jumps or off pist... can you explain little more about it...?
On firm groomers, yes, but anything softer than hard, and the Unleashed is a very fun and turny ski. There's more camber to the Unleashed, so it does like to be engaged in a turn--this is especially noticeable given how wide the ski is.
We're not making fun of you in Montana. 12" base for the last, almost, two months. I have these mounted and ready to go... have yet to use them.
Only a foot? Or 12’ feet
@Jesse Vang one foot. But we just got snowed on for 24 hours so we are at least 24" at the base now.
@@RocksOff72 nice. Let it rip then
@@MeanLaQueefa blower pow today. Up to my stomach at times.
Have fun and hope for more snow!
i saw this magnificent video from Austria ua-cam.com/video/Hv0Lf6Wo73U/v-deo.html and after watching it, i immediately came here to see your take on these guys!
i was wondering what would be the most appropriate size for me , i am 1,82cm 90kg advanced upper level. Should i look straight at 186cm or 180? keep it up!
Thanks! I'd say the 180 will be plenty of ski--lots of surface area and they're pretty sturdy so you don't need to upsize in order to access the performance. have fun!
108?!?! LMAO. Some people will buy anything. Why don’t you just get a surf board. WTF.
Interestingly, it feels like a narrow 108!
Oh boy is this great!⛷❄️