The 2024 Nordica Unleased 108 Ice is an impressive ski for a variety of uses and applications. We’ve loved these Unleashed models ever since inception, and while the 98 seems to be more universally accepted as a well-rounded option, the 108 hits a lot of notes that fall on the softer snow side of the spectrum. While the flotation of the ski is as impressive as you’d imagine a 108 to be, the on-trail performance is even more startling. Since the ski employs a bit more of a cambered shape with a longer effective edge, it hooks into the turn and finishes strong, all while being able to bend and flex in order to access the sidecut. There’s some demand here, so it’s on the difficult side for intermediate and less-aggressive advanced skiers, putting the ski squarely in the range of advanced and expert skiers who like wider skis that can actually turn, instead of just drift.

Built with a performance wood core, two sheets of carbon-infused fiberglass, and a single terrain-specific titanal laminate. The powerful wood core provides most of the energy and stability, while the fiberglass laminates with carbon adds a ton of snap and pop. As for the titanal laminate, since it’s full-width in the tips and tails, and narrower in the mid-section, the initiation and completion phases of the turn are crisp and clean while the flex of the ski is rounder and more natural in the central portion. In the 186, this leads to a fairly hefty build, resulting in a weight of 2120 grams per ski. That weight does translate to stability and smoothness in both on and off-trail situations.

The shape and profile of the ski are what really set it apart from some more drifty and smeary ~108’s out there on the hill. While something like Nordica’s Enforcer 110 Free has a longer rocker profile with less splay and more taper, the Unleashed 108 has more camber, more splay, and a longer running length. This makes for a smoother, more precise ski that’s a more active turner and carver than the competitors. While we’re not making the case that a 108 is a fantastic carving ski, for its width, it’s pretty sweet. We’re looking at a 19.7-meter turn radius in the 186, and this allows skiers to get into the large mid-zone of the ski when it comes to round arcs. This is mainly due to the flexible central portion and the sturdy ends.

To access this type of performance, skiers should have enough skills and strength to be able to find the top-end of the ski. This is normally attainable by advanced and expert skiers. Pushing the ski hard is also part of the equation, as it doesn’t really enjoy being relaxed upon. The active skier will get more reward out of the Unleashed 108, as they will be able to get it up on edge and access the entirety of the sidecut. While the turning ability of the ski is a highlight for sure, the off-trail and floaty aspects are not to be overlooked.