OK, I was finally able to get on these puppies. When you meld multiple designs like what Nordica did here it does not always work, I mean what could go wrong? Remember the original Firearrow ski? The forebody of a race ski, the tail of a twin tip and a heavy SBX system binding, if that wasn't bad enough they were stiff as a board and had graphics that looked like a clown threw up on the ski. If you had forgotten, sorry to remind you. Nordica is trying it again, taking the forebody of the Enforcer, the tail of the Dobermann hatd snow ski and the construction element from the NRGy. So, did they get it right this time? You betcha. What they achieved was a real nice performance ski, and I would say for a solid intermediate to all but the most aggressive experts who will want a more specialized tool.
The Navigator collection consists of an 80mm, this 85mm and a wider 90mm, the focus here is on the 85mm, the middle size that they feel will be the most popular and focused on model. Why the 85? well the 90mm will probably get overshadowed by the Enforcer 93 but the Nav90 could be the better option for mor skiers. Getting back to the 85mm, it is a darn good ski, it picks up where the NRGy85 reached its limits. The Navigator initiates a turn nice and easy but with a bit more bite than the outgoing NRGy and more on par with the Enforcer where the tip is derived from but with its longer wheel base (contact length of the camber) it is a bit more positive. The tail or back half of the ski is where the Navigator really lights up. While we cannot expect the ski to hold like a race ski, it holds better than any $499 ski should, yes that is the street price and we will talk more about that later. Through the second half of the turn the ski does not bite but holds nicely and can be worked at will. You can easuly release the tail and bring it back in at a moments notice or a slight anglation of the knee or ankle.
We skied in some beautiful chackly cold snow that could make any ski feel rewardign but the Navigator had a geel that I would expect from a top line Nordica. Where the Navigator really shined was in the bumps and mixed condtions. Multiple times a season I get asked whhat is an all mountain ski that is good in the bumps. Well, we have had some all mountain skis in the past that were worthy in that conversation but the Navigator is one of the best without comprmising the rest of the characteristics that you expect from a ski that makes the claim of being an all mountain ski.