Powder Review: Nordica Enforcer 99
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In a nutshell
Nordica’s new Enforcer 99 has an insatiable appetite for speed and offers one of the quietest, dampest rides on the mountain.
Length Skied: 185 cm
Weight: 4320 g per pair
Stated Dimensions: 133 - 99 - 121mm
Stated Sidecut: 18.5 m
The Enforcer 99 is available now.
Intro
The last skinny ski I reviewed here a few weeks ago saved my early season. Well, turns out things haven’t really gotten much better in terms of snow quality since then in the Tetons. Thanks to funky avalanche conditions and a general lack of snowfall, we’re still not skiing deep Teton cold smoke the way we’re used to, but thanks to the new Nordica Enforcer 99, ripping around inbounds is still an absolute blast.
While redesigned from the inside out this year, the new Enforcer 99 still holds true to its traditional all-mountain values. The existing Enforcer 100 was a much-loved ski in the Nordica lineup, so why change a good thing? I’d say the incremental improvements make the new ski even more fun, and slightly more versatile, with a heavy focus on hard snow high-speed inbounds ripping. It’s not playful and I’d call it a particularly burly ski, but if your legs can handle the Enforcer’s ability to plow through absolutely everything in your path, it really unleashes a new way to ski your favorite runs, no matter the day or the conditions.
Length and Mount Point
I rode the Enforcer 99 in the 185 cm length, and found it to be a great size for my 6’0” frame. With subtle tip and tail rocker lines and one of the stiffest tails I’ve ever ridden, it skis fairly long. But given the ski’s intentions (high-speed shredding) the extra length feels appropriate. Nordica offers a full size run: 167, 173, 179, 185, and 191. The 185cm version is built around a medium-length 18.5m turning radius. Those change by half-meter increments based on size.
The recommended mount point is fairly traditional (directional and set back pretty far from center). I did mess around with going slightly more forward but found that the incredibly stiff tail felt overwhelming, so I was happiest with the recommended mount.
Where does the Enforcer 99 shine?
There was a really fun game I learned to enjoy playing on the Enforcer 99, best played in the afternoons of a resort pow day, when all the good lines are tracked out and there’s little to no fresh snow left. The game was basically finding the answer to the question of “how fast can I ski through the crud?” I liked the game because I can’t say I ever found a definitive answer - the ski kept begging for more.
The ski has a serious need for speed, but provides one of the quietest, smoothest rides I’ve ever experienced. On hardpack, the edge grip is astounding. There’s absolutely zero chatter, even when it’s late in the day and the “groomers” are really just sheets of ice. Sure, that requires some diligence from a tuning standpoint, but I think the ski’s double metal-laminate and wood/elastomer core construction really adds to the vibe here. It just eats up inconsistencies in the snow, and works better the faster you go and the more force you put into each turn. The 99 mm waist width might seem a bit wide for a dedicated hard-snow ski, but it doesn’t feel sluggish when transitioning edges, and provides a really solid platform for landings and when straightlining.
That incredibly smooth ride also translates to ripping crud and tracked-out snow. Yes, it likes to go fast, but what really stood out is its ability to make consistent turns really anywhere on a slope without washing out or feeling wandery. “Locked in” is a great way to describe what it feels like sharing a turn with this ski. It’s your friend and it has your back, but it’s definitely the one in charge. Find pretty much any slope on the mountain and try carving turns down it like you would a smooth groomer - the Enforcer 99 will let you.
A big part of the redesign of the ski involved adding some more tail rocker, bridging the gap between the nearly twin-tipped Enforcer Free and the old flat-tailed Enforcer 100. That one subtle design change allows the ski to be smeared and pivoted with much less effort - something I find very necessary when things get steep, variable, and bumpy. I wouldn’t quite say it makes the ski feel more playful, but it definitely allowed me to release the tail mid-turn to scrub speed, change direction, and maneuver through variable terrain like steep bumped-out chutes, trees, or rock bands.
Where does the Enforcer 99 make some compromises?
The biggest compromise that a ski of the Enforcer 99’s caliber makes is a lack of playfulness. It’s not jibby, it’s not poppy, and the significant swing weight makes it not very easy to maneuver in the air. However, for many riders that might not really be a compromise, especially if your ideal type of skiing involves ripping as fast as you can day in and day out and mostly staying on the ground.
Unfortunately, the relatively skinny 99mm waist width and heavyweight construction don’t lend themselves well to floatation in powder. Find something wider and softer, and you’ll be much happier on deep days.
What would a perfect day on the Enforcer 99 look like?
Most days of the season if you’re purely skiing inbounds. The Enforcer 99 is no one-trick pony, and it excels on hardpack, in variable snow, and in crud. It might also encourage you to not skip leg day at the gym next time.
