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The Scores (out of 10)
- Overall Score: 8.31
- Rank: #2
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- Playfulness: 8.38
- Responsiveness: 8.5
- Quickness: 8.13
- Crud Performance: 8.75
- Stability at Speed: 8.38
- Forgiveness: 7.88
- Versatility: 8.5
The Specs
- Price: $800
- Lengths: 174, 180, 186, 191
- Dimensions: 140.5-108-129.5
- Radius: 19
- Level: Advanced, Expert
In a Nutshell
- Pros: Crud Performance (#1), Stability at Speed (#2)
- Cons: Forgiveness (#3), Quickness (#2)
Nordica has taken what they do so well with their Enforcer line and created a softer, more playful ski in the all-new Unleashed line. A close second in a competitive category, the Nordica Unleashed 108 walks the line between a playful ski and a proper charger. Everyone agreed: This ski hits the mark if that’s what you’re looking for.
This ski immediately impressed our testers of all genders. It held its own through cruddy conditions, was surfy and playful when we brought it to deep conditions, and made snappy GS turns on the groomers (even if it wasn’t made for that). While it’s hard not to have fun skiing powder, this ski pushed us to channel our creative sides and make use of every feature on the mountain. The Unleashed 108 can hang on for big lines at high speed but stands out at medium speeds, allowing you to use all available terrain.
Right away, skiers on the Nordica Unleashed 108 noticed this ski was more forgiving than previous Nordica models but still delivers what we all expect from a Nordica. That’s thanks to its wood and carbon core and a sheet of metal to enhance edge hold and dampen vibration. Though featuring traditional camber underfoot, the Unleashed 108 offers excellent flotation thanks to its early-rise tip and tail.
Read more: Learn about how the Nordica Unleashed 108 stacked up against the competition
“Nordica didn’t lose anything; they just became a little more approachable in terms of forgiveness,” said veteran gear tester Nick Loomans, a former ski racer turned powder hound in Utah. “This ski rips.”
We appreciated how stable and carvable the ski was right out of the gate. “This is close to best in test,” noted tester Avery Pesce, GM of Boston Ski and Tennis, after her first run. “They are poppy, fun, nimble, and ready for any conditions you want to throw at them. It responds beautifully and dependably.”
If you only ski groomers to get to the terrain you actually want to ski, the Unleashed is your ski. If you don’t like this ski, we might assume you just sat in the lodge all day. Just sayin’.
Related: These pro tips make skiing powder less exhausting and more fun
“I was surprised by the pop and play,” said former U.S World Cup alpine ski racer Brennan Rubie. “This ski is so much fun in the crud and heavier snow, making the mountain your playground. Don’t overthink this one. Just have fun.”
Rubie, who skied on Nordica skis during his race career, said the Unleashed 108 exceeded his expectations in versatility. “I was not expecting to feel comfortable enough to fully send on fast, steep slopes, but the more I pushed, the more the ski encouraged me to go a little more,” he said. “To infinity and beyond, baby!”