I bought this exactly ski last year and at first glance I was really impressed of accuracy and turning ability everywhere on or off piste. However I had 2 major issues, the ski (179) for my weight (155 lbs) and height (1.73) was very poppy even on small bumps and 2. when you pushed too much on piste, like carving, was chattering a lot. Something that doesn't happen on my old Volkl Mantra 96 (176 cm) or Volkl Deacon 74. So, on one hand you feel that you have the perfect ski for all terrain on the other hand it was keeping me back because I couldn't trust it, I was not confident.
@carterfan8010 ай бұрын
Agree. It was too chattery for me also. I had it at the end of a deep powder day. It didn't handle chopped up snow well at all or the hard pack after the snow was scraped away. ( I didn't expect it to) For me it's not a great resort ski....maybe it works well for others??
@choski765 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing that. Not something they can say
@choski765 ай бұрын
@carterfan80, thanks for sharing that. It's quite different from the glowing reviews. Western mtns produce different conditions than Stowe. The review sounded nearly perfect
@joris71246 ай бұрын
Hi guys, i can not thank you enough for all the cool videos every year, u guys are awesome! This year here in austria we still have to wait for a lot of pow, but im still grabbin a new pair finally. I just cant decide between these as i actually have no ability to test unfortunately… Bent 110 This nice Nordica Enforcer 104 UL Black Crows Atris Nordica Santa Ana 104 (As a male tho idk) QST 106 Elan Ripstick Black Edition or even line Sakana. Im scared of the Santa Ana being a womens ski, as im a 6‘1 165 male, otherwise man these seem great. I love all these models actually and in currently on a 2021 Line Chronic, which is often too much of a park ski for me with my current style. Im searching for something REALLY nimble and agile, my riding style is like this poppy, freeride-freestyle ish thing, loving jumps and bumps. Stability, is still kind of a thing for me, i don’t like it too soft and chattery. Can you help me with this and your experience again please, as i really cant decide and a super agile + responsive ski is hard for me to find without testing. Big love from Styria and keep up your great work (and please open a EU Store i will be your best Customer ;) Joris
@SkiEssentials6 ай бұрын
If you're looking for nimble, it's tough to go against the Enforcer Unlimited. That's one of my top performers for agility and mobility, especially in softer snow. It still carves great, too, although isn't quite as stable as the Santa Ana or Ripstick Black.
@bretts703711 күн бұрын
Hi guys! It's that time of year again... My scenario - I'm a west coast skier (Whistler, Cypress etc) which are variable in their conditions. I've got some Ripstick 96 blacks as a daily driver/hard charger for groomer/3-4 inch pow days. Do you think I'd benefit from getting something like this for the odd day we get 6-12" of pow? Ideally I'd like something light weight in the 110mm range, but I like how much you clearly like these. Odd how Nordica seems to have cancelled all their wider Enforcer skis, as well as the Unlimited line going forward. If it's so great... why get rid of it?
@SkiEssentials11 күн бұрын
Companies are always re-tooling their lines for various reasons. The Unlimited, especially the 94 and 88, did not do so great here in North America--the 104 was a better seller, but apparently not viable enough. Enforcer 110 was a great ski but again, not a huge seller. The 115 was very specific. They're now putting their emphasis on the Unleashed series as their wider more freeride-oriented skis, with the 108 and 114 as the wider options in the company line. I still think the 104 Unlimited is a great option for you and for others looking for a blend of light weight, energy, and powder performance. Also check out Head Kore 105 and 111 for light yet sturdy characteristics.
@jacopolerda62804 ай бұрын
Hi! I'm an intermediate/advanced skier and I'm looking for a new pair of skis mostly for backcountry. I've narrowed down the choice to three models: Atomic backland 100, Elan ripstick tour 104 and the enforcer 104 unlimited. I'm keen to go for a more downhill oriented ski that can perform even in poor conditions, I'm in the north of Italy. Likely I would go for a tech binding such as a marker alpinist or something that weigh as much. Any thoughts? I really liked the enforcers from your review! Thanks a lot for all the infos!
@SkiEssentials4 ай бұрын
I find it hard to argue against the Enforcer Unlimited when downhill performance is near the top of the priority list. Sure, the lighter skis will be more efficient, but if you're not terribly concerned about that, then the 104 is an amazing soft snow ski both in and out of the resort. When you go lighter on the binding and boots, you can go slightly heavier on the skis.
@lassivaatamoinen546811 ай бұрын
About the Rustler vs. Hustle weight difference: is the woodcore affecting the lesser weight saving? Hustle has the Trueblend woodcore w/ carbon vs. Rustler had the "uniform" Flipcore DRT core? And Enforcers have different wood and block size design in the core between 104 Free and 104 Unlimited.
@SkiEssentials11 ай бұрын
For 2024, Hustle and Rustler are now both using the same wood core, the difference now being the carbon vs. metal as well as shape/profile. The older Rustler had a decent amount of metal, and I do think the wood was heftier. Correct, Free and Unlimited use different wood thicknesses and widths.
@ellukeaduke11 ай бұрын
Bob from the sounds of things, if you had to choose between this and the Volkl Blaze 106 to put a pair of Shifts on for New England skiing, you'd choose these every day with hardly a thought, is that correct? My wallet doesn't like that answer, but I skied a pair of 104 Frees in fresh snow in Tahoe in May, and absolutely loved them, so it wouldn't surprise me...
@SkiEssentials10 ай бұрын
Correct. There's more life to the Unlimited, and I think that concept works well for NE skiing. In consistently deeper snow, maybe the Blaze would be a better choice, but we don't deal with that here all the time.
@ellukeaduke10 ай бұрын
@@SkiEssentialsif your quiver was a pair of Mindbender 89Ti in 182 and a pair of Unlimiteds with shifts, would you be happy for basically all in and out of bounds skiing in new england?
@SkiEssentials10 ай бұрын
Yes, that'd pretty much cover it all!@@ellukeaduke
@jamespark15957 ай бұрын
Have you guys ever been on the Santa Ana 104 Free? The Unlimited is nice for the lower weight, but the Santa Ana seems like the actual perfect sweet spot for people looking for the Enforcer 104 Free with a little less work. The Unleashed series has the same idea with less metal but doesn't have the same shape. I've been thinking about getting a pair of Santa Ana 104 Free for a while and was always confused why I don't hear of many guys on it (outside of the max 179cm sizing). I love my Enforcer 104s and Unleashed 108s. I feel like Santa Ana 104s would be the perfect middle.
@SkiEssentials7 ай бұрын
Not only can you, you should, and we often find older 179 Santa Anas online for a great price because it's kind of an outlier. I have seen a few guys on this ski here at Stowe and it just makes perfect sense to me!
@alessioleporatti62195 ай бұрын
Hi! I'm 190lbs and 6feet. Looking for a deep snow ski for pow days , somwhow light to make 30% backcountry and 70% resort-freeride. I can't decide between 179 and 186, I feel the first is easier but 186 may float better in 2 feet deep snow. What would you suggest?
@SkiEssentials5 ай бұрын
How often will 2 feet happen? If you're lucky and get it a lot, then sure, go with the 186. If that depth is not so realistic, I don't think the 179 will be too short.
@steliosstylianou966611 ай бұрын
Is there really that big of a difference compared to the 104 free? Apparently it’s lighter and more flexible. As a larger, heavier skier I’d personally take the free version.
@SkiEssentials11 ай бұрын
The stability is a pretty big difference. I'm 225 pounds and love my Unlimited 104. It's not quite as rugged as the Free, but for what I do in the trees and minimal high speeds here in VT, it works great.
@brianErickson-bx9hp11 ай бұрын
what size@@SkiEssentials
@SkiEssentials11 ай бұрын
186 for me at 6/2 225@@brianErickson-bx9hp
@granitgojani94988 ай бұрын
What size do you recommend for me, I’m 185cm (6ft) tall and weight 170lbs? This is my 5th year skiing. I’m somewhere between intermediate and advanced skier. Thank you.
@SkiEssentials8 ай бұрын
I'd go 179 in that ski based on your stats and application. Have fun!
@ravenman78766 ай бұрын
Hello, sorry to bother, but i was wondering how these would compare to black crows solis, thanks
@SkiEssentials6 ай бұрын
The Enforcer is smoother and rounder from tip to tail. Solis has an interesting shape and a very long turn radius, so it falls more into the traditional touring style even though it has a lot of tip taper. Overall, the Enforcer Unlimited is a more complete ski from the uphills to the downs.
@matthewpacker71219 ай бұрын
Currently on an atomic bent chetler 100. Would you have any comments on how these skis compare? Spending 90% of my time in East Coast woods at Jay Peak or touring in the area.
@SkiEssentials9 ай бұрын
I have both, so I can certainly compare. I take the Nordica in a second over the Bent, mostly because of its on-trail capabilities. While they are both very adept in the woods and in softer snow, the Nordica is slightly better in this realm as well, so for powder, trees, crud, and groomers, I personally prefer the Nordica. it has more grip and energy due to the carbon while the Bent is softer. For me, at 6/2 225, I'm taking the ski with the better pop.
@matthewpacker71219 ай бұрын
Thanks so much for the reply! Any other skis I should be considering from your site that meets these applications? (50/50 ski for trees and new hamspshire/vermont backcountry)@@SkiEssentials
@phorolsen10 ай бұрын
Hi. Thanks for a great review! I will definitely get a pair of these, but struggling to make up my mind as to what bindings to put on them. I have a pair of Enforcer 88s with Jester 16 which I love for groomers and a pair of M Tour 99s with ATK 15 evo for touring. I am looking for something in between that would work well on those 50/50 resort days, but at the same time would not be too heavy to take touring on days where I want to maximise downhill performance (and accept that I won’t be setting any world records on the climb). Would you still consider putting the Duke Pts on these or rather sacrifice some downhill performance for weight with a Kingpin or Shift? I am 6ft 2, 220 lbs and ski the 186s both for the Enforcers and the M Tour.
@SkiEssentials9 ай бұрын
I think being honest about how much you're going to tour on them might put a decision into a clearer perspective. I'd imagine you'll still lean to the M-Tour for the bulk of the touring, so I'd advise leaning more to the downhill side with the 104. I have the Duke PT 16 on my 104's, and it's heavy, but it skis great. This will be your favorite soft snow setup.
@user-db5gh8vf9m9 ай бұрын
@@SkiEssentials hi, i am considering to buy new enforcer 104 unlimited. Considering that i'll use them more time for the descent, do you think that marker duke pt16 is a good idea? I also want to get a good performance for the climb but this will happen only 4/5 times a year. The weight of this ski is 3.2kgs/pair , do you think that put a binding heavy like the duke (1.3kgs/pair , i think) is a good idea considering my tipe of skiing? And what about marker kingpin? Thank you very much
@SkiEssentials9 ай бұрын
@@user-db5gh8vf9mThe greater percentage of time spent on lifts, the more you should lean to the Duke PT 16. It's heavy and most skiers will not enjoy it as a daily tourer. I do think that 4/5 times per year is within reason for putting this binding on that ski, especailly given the downhill performance and confidence. It's basically a Jester 16. Kingpins are fine, but the toe is vastly different from the downhill nature of the Duke. You can also use a non-touring boot for downhill skiing in the Duke, whereas you cannot with the Kingpin.
@user-db5gh8vf9m9 ай бұрын
@@SkiEssentials thank you very much, but maybe I prefer something more specific for touring (considering that I have another ski that can be used during the season) but always oriented to downhill. I am almost convinced on Fritschi Tecton 13 ; what do you think about? Very appreciate your support
@SkiEssentials9 ай бұрын
@@user-db5gh8vf9m It's give and take. You're taking uphill efficiency with Fritschi but giving up downhill performance. Most skiers find the Tecton to be perfectly capable for lift served, it's more about confidence than actual performance.
@GoalieUnion8 ай бұрын
Between this and the 104 Free what am I better off with as a 6'2" 240lb skier? Is this strong/wide enough to float me on a powder day or should I be looking at the 108 Unleashed? Looking for a 2nd pair as an option to take out west that pairs well with my Enforcer 88's I use here in MN.
@SkiEssentials8 ай бұрын
While there's a lot of nice things to say about the 88/104 split, I really enjoy the Unleashed 108. it's a fantastic turning ski for the width and it has some metal, but not a ton, so that helps support your size and application. I'd lean that route, likely in the 186.
@GoalieUnion8 ай бұрын
@@SkiEssentials Perfect! Just picked them up on a the killer sale you have going. Thanks so much for all the info you provide on this channel, you make it super easy when you're the most informative and the best price!
@mixolydian615 ай бұрын
Do you know what year Nordica started the Enforcer Unlimited line?
@SkiEssentials5 ай бұрын
2022/23 was the first we saw of the Unlimited line.
@ravenman78768 ай бұрын
How would these compare to fischer transalp 105 cti?
@SkiEssentials8 ай бұрын
The Enforcer feels more like an alpine ski, but at a lighter weight. Transalp is more rooted in the uphills and backcountry zones.
@ravenman78766 ай бұрын
thank you very much@@SkiEssentials
@hel_dic10 ай бұрын
How well does the 104 Unlimited carve on hard groomers compared to Rustler 10 and Hustle 10? Does one gain a lot of maneuverability freeriding? Thanks a ton guys 🙂 and sorry for also posting the question here!
@SkiEssentials10 ай бұрын
This is where questions should be posted! Rustler is going to have the best hard groomer performance, as we'd expect it to have due to the metal. That said, the Unlimited is pretty sharp and precise when it comes to handling firmer conditions. The Hustle provides more chatter on hard snow than we like, but it's amazing when it comes to soft snow energy and responsiveness. Overall, I find the Unlimited to be a very complete ski when it comes to playful maneuverability, engaging carving, and overall performance.