2021 Nordica Dobermann Spitfire 80 RB

Is it a wide race ski? Is it a narrow all-mountain ski? What are these things? Does it come flat? Does it come with a system binding? Lots of questions concerning the unchanged 2021 Nordica Doberman Spitfire 80, and all valid. We'll get to it and much more, because, quite frankly, we love this ski. For advanced and expert skiers, there's options galore, from what it comes with to what you do with it. Yes, it's a wide race ski. It's built like a race ski with a wood core, two sheets of metal, full camber, and carbon laminates to stiffen the tips and tails. Yes, it's a narrow all-mountain ski as it tops (or rather equals) the 80-mm threshold that typically makes for an all-mountain shape. It comes both flat and with a system binding, and we've often fantasized about putting a Pivot 18 on these things. But if you're looking for more of that race binding with the riser/power plate, the system will be awesome too. My only knock is that it doesn't come any longer than a 180-if it were a 185, I'd be all over it. Our testers and contributors all see the merits involved here, with that wider platform and balance point to stand on. You can use it as a "race" ski for sure, but it's just so much more. And that's a good thing.

Jeff Neagle loved it. In fact, he states "I loved skiing these. Similar to Blizzard's Firebirds in their overall feel, precision, and power, but a little bit friendlier than some carving skis I've been on." Jeff skied the 174's and found they skied pretty true to size. 5's out of 5 for stability, edge hold, and overall impression are not shocking, as with a more one-dimensional ski like this, we expect a variety of scores versus a straight line. "I like the idea of a high-end carving ski without a system binding or plate" Jeff continues, "I want to mount it with a Pivot for groomer ripping and the occasional mogul line." While certainly not a bump ski, the lower you are to the snow, the quicker your turns are going to be.

Bob St.Pierre loved it. He skied the 174 which is about 10 cm too short and he still loved it. Scores of 5 for stability, quickness, maneuverability, edge hold, and overall impression for Bob. Low scores of 3 for flotation and forgiveness are to be expected. "We got to ski this on one of the first snowiest days here at Stowe (like four inches), and I had this feeling that even though the skis are fully-cambered, they still have a bit of width to them, so I think they're going to be fine. They were! They plowed right through the crud and held on the firm snow underneath. Even though they're short for me, I was still able to hold some good speed, although I would certainly like this ski in a 185 a lot more." And in terms of who can ski it? "Probably best suited for advanced and expert skiers who want that race feel and precision-they can get jumpy if you're not paying attention." Rick Randall loved it, too. Also on the 174, Rick states that he was "really blown away by this ski. It's more than a carving ski and should get consideration for an all-mountain ski. Handles speed amazingly in a shorter length. Powerful and lots of energy from turn to turn. Edge hold is great and the ski can go from short to long radius turns with ease. 80 mm underfoot is a sweet spot. This is an advanced level skier's dream all-mountain carver that isn't afraid of variable conditions." Great feedback from Rick there!

These skis are an interesting product, even within the rather homogenous grouping of all-mountain carvers. The fact that it comes flat is pretty cool, and the added width for the build puts it in pretty cool territory.