When Nordica says “all new,” it means it. Having spent a few days on both the 2021 Santa Ana 93 and 104, I can assure you that this is more than just a makeover; the lineup went under the knife, this time.
Many of you know that I was involved with the Nordica Proto project last year on the Santa Ana 88. I have to admit, when I received the ski, I was a little disappointed that it was a 165. I gave it a shot and really enjoyed it, but I often wondered whether the 172 would have been a better length for me. I will be giving feedback throughout the season so stay tuned!
From Nordica's press release: Nordica USA today announced details about its completely redesigned 2020-21 Santa Ana collection. The line embraces new constructions, shapes, and sizes, with the most notable innovation Nordica’s new Terrain Specific Metal (TSM), a layer of metal tuned specifically to each model. The TSM layer extends to the edges of the tips and tails for stability, while in the body of the skis, the width of the TSM layer is varied to control the flex and edge hold tailored to each model in the line. Nordica also updated the size options on several of the new models, including the 104 Free, 98, and 93 to seven-centimeter increments, and an additional size in the 98 and 93. The new size options allow skiers to find just the right ski for them.
The 104 Free model is new to the line, and is based off the award-winning men’s Enforcer 104 Free, the Santa Ana 98 replaces the 100, and the Santa Ana 93 is completely redesigned with new shape and rocker profile.
Nordica has given the 2021 Santa Ana a poplar and beech wood core and a sheet of metal; it also added the True Tip Technology that made the 88 a Tester's Choice winner in 2020. Scaled dimensions and a fresh size run will bring women of different sizes a consistent experience. For those of you who loved the "old" Santa Ana, don't worry; you'll like this one even more. For those of you who felt like you were falling in between lengths, the new size runs will address your needs. The Santa Ana 93 comes in at 126.5-93-114.5 with a 16.1m radius at 172 cm, and the 104 is 134-104-123 with a 16.5m radius. Both skis will be offered in lengths of 151, 158, 165, and 172.
What I like about the 93 is the strength that doesn't compromise agility. At one point a fellow skier asked me if I was gaining confidence in this ski; I couldn’t deny it. I haven't had the chance to ski it in big powder, but I can say that in the windblown off piste, and firm groomers with the occasional windblown 4 in., this ski excels in a way that I haven't experienced in a very long time.
Confidence? Pfft. I felt like Wonder Woman. Carving chops? Far surpasses anything in the 93 category. Powder prowess? The 104 blew me away like Santa Ana winds in the Sierra. Spring crud? Well, it's January ... let me report back.
The 104 Free model is new to the line, and is based off the award-winning men’s Enforcer 104 Free, the Santa Ana 98 replaces the 100, and the Santa Ana 93 is completely redesigned with new shape and rocker profile.
Nordica has given the 2021 Santa Ana a poplar and beech wood core and a sheet of metal; it also added the True Tip Technology that made the 88 a Tester's Choice winner in 2020. Scaled dimensions and a fresh size run will bring women of different sizes a consistent experience. For those of you who loved the "old" Santa Ana, don't worry; you'll like this one even more. For those of you who felt like you were falling in between lengths, the new size runs will address your needs. The Santa Ana 93 comes in at 126.5-93-114.5 with a 16.1m radius at 172 cm, and the 104 is 134-104-123 with a 16.5m radius. Both skis will be offered in lengths of 151, 158, 165, and 172.
What I like about the 93 is the strength that doesn't compromise agility. At one point a fellow skier asked me if I was gaining confidence in this ski; I couldn’t deny it. I haven't had the chance to ski it in big powder, but I can say that in the windblown off piste, and firm groomers with the occasional windblown 4 in., this ski excels in a way that I haven't experienced in a very long time.
Confidence? Pfft. I felt like Wonder Woman. Carving chops? Far surpasses anything in the 93 category. Powder prowess? The 104 blew me away like Santa Ana winds in the Sierra. Spring crud? Well, it's January ... let me report back.
