2026 Nordica Unleashed 98

For 2026, the Nordica Unleashed 98 gets a cosmetic change but otherwise returns unchanged. This ski has very few limitations, and a huge number of applications for those that like to dabble in a bit of everything. Unleashed 98 is a twin tip that functions as a freeride ski that has uses in an all-mountain and frontside format as well. Each tester and skier that we’ve been with over the past few seasons has had an absolute blast on this ski, and it earns constant and effusive praise from both the public as well as industry professionals. Quite literally, we haven’t been with anyone on this ski who does not like it, and that’s about as impressive as it gets. Skiers with a race background love how they carve. Those who competed in freestyle are impressed with the park performance. General all-mountain skiers can’t get enough of it in the bumps and trees. These are the types of feedback that we get time and again, highlighting the versatility and well-built nature of these awesome skis. The twin tip style and sturdy build contribute largely to this ski’s success.

Nordica uses the same build as they have in years past. Starting with a performance wood core consisting of poplar and beech, we’re getting a dense and stable foundation for the ski. Nordica adds two layers of carbon-infused fiberglass to the top and bottom of the wood core, and on top of that, we get one sheet of Terrain Specific Titanal. While the carbon and fiberglass laminates produce energy and pop, the titanal sheet keeps everything smooth and quiet. Since the metal layer is shaped to produce a particular effect, the ski is powerful and precise in the initiation and completion phase of the turn. The laminate is full-width in the ends of the ski and narrows to more of a strip throughout the mid-section. This allows skiers to access the full sidecut of the ski, making clean, deep, and round turns in a variety of conditions. When you get it up on edge, it really comes around nicely because of the blend of carbon and metal. Since it’s not a full laminate, or two, the weight is still manageable, hitting 1870 grams per ski in the 180 cm length. Tester Jose Darias notes that “I really enjoyed this ski, it was one of the more playful skis I got on during the test. It lacked a bit of the top end power that I typically aim for in my personal skis, but I could certainly learn to find the balance point to drive the ski the way I’d like to if I skied it often enough.”

These are highly useful skis due to the footprint. The shape takes the turning ability and versatility to the next level. The ski is wide enough to dig deep trenches in the corduroy while allowing it to stay on top of fresh snow and powder. At 98 mm underfoot, the ski is about as well-rounded as it gets, making it an ideal choice for a variety of conditions and terrain. Sure, you could argue that it’s just too wide to be considered an excellent carving ski, but the reality of the situation is far different. They're smooth, predictable, and love operating at higher edge angles. This is mainly due to the longer running length and higher camber of the profile—it makes a big difference, especially when compared to a flatter overall shape. In the 180, the ski generates an 18.1-meter turn radius. Since you can flex it enough to access the sidecut, it’s very happy achieving that shape. It’s stable in longer turns, too, but can be on the demanding side to make shorter, more skidded turns. This also makes it kind of a handful in bumps, but it’s still pretty darn fun. Tester Matt Testa notes: “No surprises here—the Unleashed 98 was a clear standout in the test. It’s a lot of fun and can handle whatever you put in front of it. It feels solid at high speeds, giving you the confidence to push it a bit more. The stability at speed is impressive, allowing you to carve with control and hold an edge even on more variable snow. It’s also surprisingly nimble in tighter terrain, making quick turns feel easy without losing that stable, powerful feel. Whether you're charging through crud, poking around the off-piste lines, or navigating tricky conditions, the Unleashed 98 holds its own.”

Insanely fun and quite easy to use, these skis are an absolute blast. A wide variety of skiers will love this Unleashed 98’s ability to do a multitude of different things on any given day or run. It’s like a chameleon out there, adapting to the terrain and conditions with ease. While advanced and expert skiers will be able to glean the most performance out of the ski, it’s still an acceptable option for larger or more aggressive intermediates who are looking to progress. We’ve loved this style of ski for quite some time, and the advancements with the Unleashed are quite impressive. Whether you’re all-mountain, park, freeride, or a mix of everything, it’s tough to beat the versatility and performance of an Unleashed 98.