What To Look For
Once known primarily as a ski boot company, Nordica has upped the ante to include a full line of skis with bindings. The Dobermann series of boots and skis is Nordica's top-of-the-line performance series for racers. For recreational skiers, Speedmachine boots and skis offer excellent performance for all but the most demanding applications. The Hot Rod boots and skis offer high performance and value. Nordica also makes a line of freeride skis such as the Jah and Girish.
For women, Nordica offers the Firefox race ski, the Speed high performance ski, the Nemesis freeride ski, the Conquer, Victory, and Drive all-mountain skis. The boot line is the same, though with a better fit to a woman's foot and calf.
Nordica also offers a junior race line and junior performance line, again led by the Dobermann series.
Common Pitfalls
When purchasing Nordica boots, make sure you get them in a flex suited to your needs. All Nordica boots come in multiple flex patterns, with stiffer boots better suited to skiers going after big air and high speed, and more flexible boots better suited to the weekend warrior.
Skis also are available in multiple flexes for each model, so demo them before buying to make sure you've found the right ski.
Where To Buy
Nordica products are available at almost all specialty ski retailers, as well as at many online dealers. Nordica has a dealer locator on its website (see Resources).
Cost
Nordica products are priced partly according to performance. Dobermann skis retail for $1,100, while Dobermann boots run between $500 and $600. Speedmachine boots are between $400-$500, while the Hot Rod boots are $350 to $600. Nordica skis typically run between $500 and $1,000, and include integrated bindings.
Insider Tips
The XBi binding (X balance integrated) is designed to perfectly center the skier over the ski and ensure a smooth, even flex and response and transfer of energy from skier to ski.
