2021 Nordica Navigator 85

Now in its third year of existence, the 2021 Nordica Navigator 85 has navigated some tricky waters. How does a ski that rides in the middle of everything but just outside of the industry norms stay afloat? Jeff Neagle says it best: "Poor Navigator 85. I feel bad for this ski because it doesn't get the attention it deserves. The Enforcer line is just so popular that most skiers just skip right over the Navigator 85 but realistically this may be a better option for most skiers." It's easy and kind of fun to feel bad for skis, some of them just don't get good press while others get obscured by more prevalent lines either within the company or the industry as a whole. Such is life for a ski like the Nav 85, which just kind of seems to keep plugging along. One of my best ski friends from college is a fantastic skier-loves to carve, skis all mountain, skis with his wife and daughter, and is enamored with his Navigator 85. We tested them when they first came out a few years back and had an awful ski day-totally scoured and bulletproof. The Navigator 85 performed way more admirably than any of us thought, and it's still here today. Whole lines have come and gone in that time, but the 85 remains. I think there's something to be said for that, and in terms of value, you're getting a lot of bang for your buck.

Jeff Neagle continues, following his usage of the 179 cm Nav 85: "The Navigator 85 is a blast to ski on groomers. The tip shape enters a turn so effortlessly, but then the tail shape feels powerful and responsive. It's a blast to line mid-radius carves on this thing, and I actually think it's easier to do than on the Enforcer 88. It's slightly softer flexing and not quite as demanding, so it doesn't require as much skier input to get similar results." Jeff's scores were mostly 4's with a few 3's for versatility and flotation, but that's what you're going to get with a mid-80's all-mountain ski. Jeff has "personally recommended this ski to a lot of skiers who are on the verge of a breakthrough in their skiing from skidding turns to true carves. Every one of them skis better on the Navigator 85 than whatever they were on before." A great gateway ski, to be sure!

Rick Randall was "really surprised by how well this ski held an edge, was quick from turn to turn, and stable at speed. Really fun and lively all-mountain ski that can also rip carves." And back to the value aspect, Rick notes that it's a "great ski for its pricepoint." He skied the 179 and found it to be a good length, but he could also ski the 186. All 4's for scores for Rick on the Navigator 85 showing its well-rounded nature. Michael Rooney had a similar experience as Rick, and although Michael was on the 186, he nevertheless had consistent scores right down the card. 5's for stability, quickness, playfulness, versatility, and overall impression all show that Michael really seemed to have a nice time on the Navigator 85. He notes that the "Navigator 85 really is a great expert and up-and-coming intermediate ski. It loves to turn and carves easily on edge. It handles the bumpy stuff as well too. It is a fun ski." Good, because skiing really should be fun!

There's so much to like about these skis, and it's a shame that for whatever reason, they don't get the accolades they deserve. From front-side carving to all-mountain playfulness and for a wide variety of skier types, the Navigator 85 should and does have staying power, as evidenced by its return year after year with value to boot.