2026 Nordica Enforcer 89

In year two of the current Nordica Enforcer 89, the ski gets a graphic change but returns otherwise unchanged. The previous 88 mm version of this ski was always known for rock-solid edge grip while having a narrower freeride shape. The new ski carries that forward but delivers even rounder and more energetic characteristics. We get an increased tail rocker profile and a more progressive mount point that changes the overall personality of this ski. In general, it seems that this is a good thing and an improvement over the previous Enforcer 88. While the 1 mm of waist width increase isn’t going to change skiers’ perception of this as a firm snow specialist, it does give it a slight addition of at least mental versatility. Numbers aside, it does feel like a more well-rounded and versatile ski.

These skis are built with robustness in mind. They use a blend of poplar and beech in their multi-layer wood core, but this newer one feels peppier and more energetic. The Enforcer series has always been known to use two full sheets of metal, and the 2026’s still do, but these new skis use a 4 mm narrower layup overall, putting more emphasis on the central spine while leaving the sides to be quicker and with a lighter swing weight. Underfoot, Nordica dampens the vibes with a pulse core laminate. This is used in other Nordica skis like the Spitfire and Steadfast to curtail noise, and it seems to work here as well. With a weight at around 2000 grams and a stiff tail, it’s not terribly surprising to hear general feedback about the sturdy nature. Tester and high-speed enthusiast Luke Miller calls it an “epic ski. Held so well on super-hard terrain. At the same time, it’s a bit more playful than the Mantra or the Anomaly.”

Last year’s changes in shape and profile carry forward here as well. While the tail rocker is slightly increased and the waist width mildly widened over previous generations, this is generally a very similar shape and style to the outgoing 88. Nordica did move the mount point forward 1 cm to align with the new height of camber, and this does seem to make a big difference. The ski hooks in easier than before and holds a round turn through the arc. With a 17.5-meter turn radius in the 179, this ski turns on a dime. Since it shares a similar overall footprint with the wider and more freeride-inspired skis in the Enforcer line, the 89 still has the capacity to operate in softer snow, but the preference falls more to the carving and on-piste realm. Tester Dave Raybould states that “This ski is right up there with the Mantra and Anomaly in this category IMO. Just such a perfect blend of stout with playfulness and versatility. It’ll do nearly everything really really well. A ski I’ve had in my quiver before at 180cm and one I’d come back to.”

Enforcer 89 is a pretty strong and capable ski. This ski falls in the advanced and expert category due to shape, construction, and power. This ski is pretty darn solid and holds up to some seriously aggressive skiing. We do think there’s opportunity for progressing and improving skiers here, especially if they understand that there’s some effort to put into the process. Skiers who are caught in the middle of sizing should consider going down as the construction of the ski lends to very capable and aggressive skiing.