Skiershop.com

Words: Erme Catino

To keep with our dealer review trend, here’s Nordica in a nutshell: Nordica has been in existence since the late ‘30’s, and in 1963 they were the first company to apply the buckle fastening system to their ski boots –interesting fact. Now under the corporate wing of Technica, Nordica USA also produces skis in addition to their heralded boot lineup, and Skiershop will be carrying a variety of their models. Additionally, they also have the coldest name in the ski industry—Nordica–it just sounds chilly. No longer are we lacing up our ski boots and strapping on skinny skis; thank Nordica next time you use a buckle.

Let’s see what our rad New England neighbors headquartered just a stones-throw from us have to offer for 2010/2011.

Boots

Dead Money
Features: Flex 90-120, 100mm Last, Shock Eraser Technology, Quick Step 3 Piece Construction, and a Baggy Pant Holder.

This new park/pipe boot provides serious shock absorption with a 10% lighter design provided by the 3 buckle system. The Dead Money’s progressive flex gives a soft flex when landing tricks, but also stiffens up when more stress is applied to the cuff. Lastly, since no one wants to ruin their new steezy pants, the Dead Money has a clip on the back of the boot so you can clip in your oversized pants and not rip your new rags.

Enforcer

Features: Flex 110, 98mm Last, Vibram Sole, Shock Eraser Technology.

A new boot for Nordica this year, the Enforcer is aimed at big mountain freeriders. The Enforcer features a race fit with Shock Absorbing Technology to dampen cliff stomps, and also includes a Vibram sole to keep you from slipping on those rocky bootpacks. The boot also features a cushy liner to make it very comfortable.

Women’s Hot Rod 90
The Women’s Hot Rod 90 features a 90 Flex index with a 100mm Last. It has an adjustable cuff profile that fits a bit lower to avoid calf squeezing, Shock Eraser Technology, and a comfort fit heat-ready fur liner.

Women’s Hot Rod 70

The Women’s Hot Rod 70 features a 70 Flex index, with a medium-wide last, and also features the comfort fit heat-ready fur liner.

Women’s Cruise 55
The Nordica Women’s Cruise 55 features 55 Flex index with a wide last. It is a perfect soft boot option for those looking to cruise around with their kids, or for beginners/intermediates, and also features a comfort fit velvet heat-ready liner.

2010/2011 Skis

Ace of Spades: 113/86/113 (170cm, 177cm, 184cm)
The Ace of Spades is Nordica’s pipe and park slayer. With input from some of their top pros such as TJ Shiller, Justin Dorey, and new to the team Benedikt Mayr, the Ace of Spades will help you flip and spin into fame or maybe just help you score a date for the night. The ski features a true twin, wood core with a titanium layer, and a racing base.

Girish: 139/110/129 (185cm, 193cm)
The Girish got some much needed additions for its return this year and now features an Early Rise Tip. It also has a wood core with 2 sheets of metal, true camber underfoot, and a flat slightly rounded tail. The new early rise tip provides easy turn initiation and float while the flat tail and stability makes this a big mountain crusher.

Enforcer: 135/98/125 (169cm, 177cm, 185cm)
The Enforcer is the all mountain crusher of Nordica’s line. It features a wood core with two sheets of metal, Slow Rise Rocker Tip, and a flat tail with slight rounding for easier turn exiting. The soft tip combined with stability underfoot will have you charging all day without going to car to swap out for different skis.

Nemesis: 135/98/125 (161cm, 169cm, 177cm)
Nordica’s Nemesis, is the women’s version of the Enforcer. It follows from the same mold as the Enforcer, but with different core material. The Nemesis contains an I-Core which is two pieces of wood sandwiched around a synthetic layer of wood, making it 20% lighter. The ski features all the same aspects as the Enforcer making it a perfect one ski quiver for the ladies.

Hot Rod Ignitor CA: 123/76/107 (162cm, 170cm, 178cm)
The Hot Rod name says it all…this ski wants to drag race some big carves. It features Nordica’s I-Core and is a great intermediate/expert ski for carving up the mountain like your Thanksgiving Turkey.
Hot Rod Jet Fuel XBI:123/84/112 (170cm, 178cm)
A slightly wider version of Hot Rod Ignitor, the Jet Fuel XBI also utilizes Nordica’s I-Core and can rip up the whole mountain with the added versatility of an 84mm waist.

Women’s Mint XCT: 116/70/100 (152cm, 160cm)
Nordica’s Mint XCT is geared towards the intermediate/advanced skier. It is a carving ski that is also forgiving – so you won’t get launched into your turns as you figure out how to utilize the sidecut.

As always feel free to contact us: Ask an Expert, or call the shop (1-800-996-8398), and we’ll be happy to answer any questions.