Ski: 2021-2022 Nordica Enforcer 100, 186 cm
Available Lengths: 165, 172, 179, 186, 191 cm
Blister’s Measured Tip-to-Tail Length: 185.0 cm
Blister’s Measured Weight per Ski: 2326 & 2336 grams
Stated Dimensions: 133-100-121 mm
Blister’s Measured Dimensions: 134.0-99.5-120.8 mm
Stated Sidecut Radius (186 cm): 18.4 meters
Measured Tip & Tail Splay (ski decambered): 64 mm / 23 mm
Measured Traditional Camber Underfoot: 3 mm
Core: Poplar/Beech+ Titanal (2 layers) + Carbon & Fiberglass Laminate
Base: sintered
Factory Recommended Mount Point: -8.2 cm from center; 84.3 cm from tail
[Note: our review was conducted on the 20/21 Enforcer 100, which was not changed for 21/22, apart from graphics.]
Intro
Nordica recently announced that they’re updating for 20/21 several of their Enforcer and Santa Ana skis, including the Enforcer 100. The Enforcer 100 is a 5-time “Blister Best Of” winner — that’s every single year it’s been in production — so we were a bit scared about the notion of Nordica changing up an outstanding ski.
Well, we now have the 20/21 Enforcer 100, Enforcer 94, Santa Ana 93, Santa Ana 98, and Santa Ana 104 Free in hand. We’ll be posting First Looks for all of those skis, and first up is the new Enforcer 100.
So, just how “new” is it?
Construction
For 20/21, Nordica is using their “carbon chassis” construction in the Enforcer 100, which is essentially a carbon & fiberglass laminate that’s supposed to make the ski lighter. They also implemented their “True Tip” construction, which basically means they extend the wood core farther toward the tip, decreasing the amount of ABS plastic in the tip and reportedly decreasing swing weight.
What Nordica did not change was the two layers of titanal in the Enforcer 100, and its poplar / beech wood core.
Shape / Rocker Profile
Not much change here.
In terms of shape, the new Enforcer 100 looks basically identical, apart from the new length offerings. Our measured dimensions for the 20/21 186 cm Enforcer 100 are all within a millimeter of our measured dimensions for the 15/16–19/20 185 cm Enforcer 100.
This ski still has pretty minimal tip and tail taper; there are lots of skis with more tapered shapes, and very few skis that have even less tapered shapes.
The new Enforcer 100’s rocker lines look nearly identical to the old version’s, though the 20/21 Enforcer 100 has slightly more tip and tail splay. For reference, here are our measured specs for tip splay / camber underfoot / tail splay for the new and old Enforcer 100:
- 15/16–19/20 Enforcer 100: 59 mm / 3 mm / 13 mm
- 20/21 Enforcer 100: 64 mm / 3 mm / 23 mm
So the new Enforcer 100 has an ever-so-slightly higher tip, and a more notably higher tail, though its tail is still far from a “twin tip.” Its rocker lines are still pretty middle-of-the-road for a directional ski in this class; shallower than most freestyle-oriented skis, but deeper than some very traditional skis like the Kastle MX99.
Flex Pattern
Here’s how we’d characterize the flex pattern of the new Enforcer 100:
Tips: 6-7
Shovels: 7.5-8.5
In Front of Toe Piece: 9-10
Underfoot: 10
Behind the Heel Piece: 9.5-9
Tails: 8.5
Here’s one notable change: the 20/21 Enforcer 100’s tail is stiffer than the old Enforcer 100’s tail. The rest of their flex patterns are very similar, but the back half of the new Enforcer 100 does feel stronger than the old Enforcer 100.
The 20/21 Enforcer 100 still has a pretty accessible tip and shovel, but its stiffer tail now stands out a bit more. Its tail feels similar in stiffness to the Volkl Mantra 102 (the Mantra is a touch stiffer) and 19/20 Blizzard Bonafide, while the previous Enforcer 100’s tail was notably softer.
Weight
Another change — the Enforcer 100 actually got heavier, despite its new “carbon chassis” and “True Tip” construction (both of which are reportedly meant to decrease weight).
Our pair of the old 185 cm Enforcer 100 came in at an average weight of 2160 grams per ski. Our pair of the new 186 cm Enforcer 100 is coming in at an average weight of 2331 grams per ski. That’s a pretty big change, and it’s one we’re also seeing with the 20/21 Enforcer 94 vs. old Enforcer 93 (see below).
At 2300+ grams per ski for a 186 cm length, the new Enforcer 100 is now one of the heaviest skis in its class. The old Enforcer 100 was no lightweight, but the new ski’s weight makes it stand out much more from its competition. If you’re a frequent reader of Blister, you’ll know that we aren’t upset about this weight change, though we are, admittedly, surprised that the new Enforcer 100 is this much heavier than the previous version.
For reference, here are a number of our measured weights (per ski in grams) for some notable skis. Keep in mind the length differences to try to keep things apples-to-apples.
1629 & 1684 Elan Ripstick 96, 180 cm (17/18–19/20)
1734 & 1750 Renoun Endurance 98, 184 cm (18/19–19/20)
1807 & 1840 Atomic Bent Chetler 100, 188 cm (18/19–20/21)
1863 & 1894 Blizzard Rustler 9, 180 cm (18/19–20/21)
1894 & 1980 Black Crows Daemon, 183.6 cm (17/18–19/20)
1896 & 1919 Dynastar Legend X96, 186 cm (18/19–19/20)
1921 & 1968 Head Kore 99, 188 cm (18/19–19/20)
1925 & 1937 Liberty Helix 98, 186 cm (18/19–19/20)
1928 & 1933 Moment Commander 98, 178 cm (19/20)
1931 & 1932 DPS Foundation Cassiar 94, 185 cm (18/19–19/20)
1937 & 1945 Fischer Ranger 94 FR, 184 cm (19/20–20/21)
1966 & 1973 Liberty Origin 96, 187 cm (18/19–19/20)
1976 & 2028 Parlor Cardinal Pro, 182 cm (19/20)
1985 & 2006 Parlor Cardinal 100, 185 cm (16/17–19/20)
1994 & 2011 Fischer Ranger 99 Ti, 181 cm (19/20–20/21)
1998 & 2044 4FRNT MSP 99, 181 cm (17/18–19/20)
2007 & 2029 Armada Invictus 99 Ti, 187 cm (18/19–19/20)
2049 & 2065 Volkl Mantra M5, 177 cm (18/19–20/21)
2050 & 2080 ON3P Wrenegade 96, 184 cm (18/19–19/20)
2053 & 2057 Atomic Vantage 97 Ti, 188 cm (18/19–19/20)
2062 & 2063 Rossignol Experience 94 Ti, 187 cm (18/19–20/21)
2085 & 2096 Dynastar Menace 98, 181 cm (19/20–20/21)
2101 & 2104 Fischer Ranger 102 FR, 184 cm (18/19–20/21)
2114 & 2133 Nordica Enforcer 93, 185 cm (16/17–19/20)
2115 & 2149 J Skis Masterblaster, 181 cm (16/17–19/20)
2124 & 2137 Blizzard Bonafide, 180 cm (17/18–19/20)
2131 & 2189 Nordica Enforcer 100, 185 cm (15/16–19/20)
2218 & 2244 Volkl Mantra 102, 184 cm (19/20–20/21)
2233 & 2255 Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, 186 cm (19/20–20/21)
2256 & 2284 Nordica Enforcer 94, 186 cm (20/21)
2311 & 2342 K2 Mindbender 99Ti, 184 cm (19/20–20/21)
2324 & 2359 Kastle MX99, 184 cm (18/19-19/20)
2325 & 2352 Folsom Blister Pro 104, 186 cm (19/20)
2326 & 2336 Nordica Enforcer 100, 186 cm (20/21)
Some Questions / Things We’re Curious About
(1) The old Enforcer 100 offered an unrivaled blend of being stable and forgiving. We expect the new, stiffer, heavier Enforcer 100 to be as good or better in terms of stability, but what about accessibility? Is this still a ski that we would recommend to heavier beginner skiers as well as to expert skiers?
(2) Given the new Enforcer 100’s heavier weight and stiffer flex pattern, is it now going to feel like a full-on charger? How stable will it feel compared to similarly heavy skis like the K2 Mindbender 99Ti, Kastle MX99, and Volkl Mantra 102?
(3) Is the new Enforcer 100’s heavier weight going to make a big impact on its swing weight, or will Nordica’s “True Tip” construction help keep its swing weight similar to the previous version’s?
Bottom Line (For Now)
Looking at the specs of the new Nordica Enforcer 100, many things stayed very similar compared to the old version, but there are some changes — most notably in its flex pattern and weight. Luke Koppa and I have been getting time on the 20/21 version, and Blister Members can check out our initial on-snow impressions in our Flash Review.
Flash Review
Blister Members can now check out our Flash Review of the Enforcer 100 for our initial impressions. Become a Blister member now to check out this and all of our Flash Reviews, plus get exclusive deals and discounts on skis, personalized gear recommendations from us, and much more.
I want to see a comparison between
– new Enforcer
– new Bonafide
– M5 Mantra
That’s the one. All have ripping heritages.
Ditto to Oleg’s request, and add in the J Master blaster.
Wow. I’m interested to see how much the new Austrian Oak (Enforcer) 94 weighs. Confusing true tip/weight reduction marketing strategy. “Milk is for babies, I drink Bier!”
Between this, the 19/20 Fisher Ti’s, Blizzard’s new lineup, and Rossi’s sudden change of approach it appears that we’re seeing a bit of a market swing back towards burlier directional skis. Yay!
+2 but add the 94 enforcer as well
I own all the Enforcers (93, 100, and 110) and this year sold my 100’s which I bought the first year they were introduced and went with the new 104 Free which I absolutely love as I do all the other Enforcers. I am really curious how you would compare the New 100’s with the 104 Free. How similar and how different are they.
hi
I am looking to buy a n w pair of skis
i am debating between the enforcer 100, the kore 99, and the bent chetler 100. What is the best option according to you ?
i would be skiing 60% onpiste and the rest offpiste and some occasional touring with it( i would mount the shit binding)
as i already have a pair of race skis i could do some compromise on the overall performance on piste, but not to much.
i use these skis to replace my old blackcrows camox.
i am 183 cm and 80 kg and i ski in the alps
thank you for your answer.
Touring on shit bindings is really, really brave. I mean, it’s a serious bummer when they break and you have to hike out and all.
*Shift* bindings, on the other hand…
Sounds as if the new Enforcer would be heavy for touring especially with Shift bindings on. Guess if it really is just the odd day and you are prepared to haul them up am sure it would be great on the way down. Kore and Bent Chetler would be better for that aspect I suspect. Enforcer would likely be better on piste – I have only skied the current Enforcer and not the 20/21.
Compared to any “freeride-oriented touring” setup from just a few years ago (i.e. anything with frame bindings) the Enforcer+Shift combo would be very light, particularly when you consider the weight reductions that have been realized in the 120+ flex boot category.
It wasn’t all that long ago that people were knocking down serious objectives using gear that we now suddenly deem impossibly heavy. I have a pair of Fischer 107 Ti (within a few grams of the new Enforcers) set up with Shifts. They’re vastly heavier than my dedicated AT setup but they work beautifully inbounds and for lift-accessed or “up and down” backcountry, and they’re a lot of fun going downhill in some conditions. If I had infinite money and space for my quiver I’d probably have something like the G3 SENDr 112 (RIP) as well, though.
Yep fair point, well made. Before my time!
I’m heading to Montana in early March and won’t have my skis with me. I’m going to rent skis and am torn between the various Enforcers. I’ll be skiing a bit of everything including Big Sky’s big chutes. I’m leaning towards the 100s but would love some advice. I’m a strong skier, 50 years old, 173cm and 73kgs. If Nordica isn’t available, why style of ski would you suggest I look to try out?
Hi, Jamie – that really depends on what the conditions are going to be like in Big Sky, but if you’re going to demo, then for chutes, I’d suggest starting with the 104 and seeing what you think. You’re going to get a flatter, stronger tail by dropping down to the 100, and I suspect you’ll find the 104s to be more maneuverable in tight spots.
Does the blister crew have the 2021 104 free yet? Curious if it also getting heavier and a bit burlier as the 100 is.
Did you guys were able to spend enough days on the Enforcer 100 before Covid kicked in? Very curious for more words on this ski :)
I know all about the Enforcer 100, as the all-mountain standard-setter. Is the 110 some kind of “upgrade?”
I would be interested in a comparison between the K2 Mindbender 99 and the new Enforcer 100. Given your overview in the Buyers Guide, the Mindbender seems to have the edge…
I’m leaning towards buying an Enforcer but which one? Please give me some advice. I’m in Chicago and typically ski one week in Co and one week in Utah. In Co, I ski the Mary Jane bumps and trees and in Utah, I ski more steeps and groomers. I demo’d the 104’s in Utah last week and really enjoyed them. It was full sun and snow got soft, then really hard. The 104’s held great in all conditions. The 104 looks big on paper but I was able to slide them around soft bumps. Didn’t really get to test them in powder, just some small stashes in the trees. I assume the narrower 94/100’s will do better in the bumps and trees but I think they have less tail rocker? I’m 5’7″ and skied the 104’s at 172. Please let me know some of the pros and cons.
When you’ve found a ski – and a specific length – that you really like, then I strongly encourage people to stick with that ski & length.
But if you do want to discuss further, then you’re welcome to become a blister member, shoot us a note, and we’ll get into the details.
https://blisterreview.com/blister-products-and-services
I demo’d a set of 172cm Kastle FX96’s for a day and fought with them every inch of the way. I switched to the 165cm Nordica Enforcer 100’s and was able to shred instantly. After a day an a half with the Nordica’s I bought a set and can’t wait to use them next season. Highly recommend for aggressive skiers that look to bust through the terrain.
I read the deep dive of the Enforcer 110 and it’s comparison to the Cochise – could the new Enforcer 100 be a better (albeit narrower) comparison with the Cochise?
I am trying to find a replacement for my very old Cochise, which I love, but am looking for a slightly more carve’y ski. If the 21/22 110 is heavier maybe
So the old Enforcer won a Blister ‘Best Of’ award 5 years in a row, and you’ve still yet to post a substantive review of the 2021 Enforcer?
What gives?
The description on Nordica’s own website suggests the new version of the Enforcer has gotten lighter and more playful/forgiving, but your review suggests it’s gotten heavier, stiffer, and more demanding. I’m confused.
From the Nordica site: “Guided by a commitment to relentless refinement, Nordica has completely reimagined the Enforcer 100. Thanks to a new construction and an upgraded tip design, this best-selling ski offers a more playful feel and even greater versatility—while continuing to deliver its legendary all mountain performance. For a trusted ride that’s especially smooth and stable, it pairs an all new carbon chassis with a new core profile and two sheets of metal. In addition to dampening vibrations and reducing weight, this creates a more forgiving ski that also maximizes stability and response. And to boost confidence in variable conditions, the Enforcer features an early rise tip and slight tail rocker with traditional camber under foot. Armed with a modern design, it allows you to ski how you want—where you want. Smoother and more playful than ever, the new Enforcer 100 redefines what an all mountain ski can do.”
I’m looking at the current Nordica Enforcer 100. I’m thinking of getting the 179 even though sizing for me would suggest 186 or 193 (I’m 6,5, 205 pounds skiing relatively advanced). Still I only go 2-3 tubes a year and like to manage quickly in choppy terrain. What would your advice be on these ski’s?