Nordica Enforcer Free 104 vs K2 Mindbender vs Bentchetler 100

I have some experience on the enforcer free 104 and it’s a fucking bruiser of a ski (granted I’m 5’11 and wouldn’t normally ski it in a 186 because of all the metal). It’s very stiff very heavy and loves to be on edge. The factory tune is absurdly sharp so my suggestion is a top and tail detune so that you can actually break the skis free from a turn. It likes to be pointed down the fall line rather than sliding across it ( totally stole that line from @patagonialuke but it’s super accurate). Not the best ski for taking things slower, definitely comes alive at higher speeds and tends to not cooperate as much at lower speeds

I’m 6’2/175 and own both the 186cm Enforcer 104 and the 184cm Fisher Ranger 102 which would both be good options and have been on the Mindbenders as well as the Bent 100.

Bent 100 is the lightest of the group with softer flex up front and solid underfoot and tail. Even in the 188cm it won’t be a damp or solid feeling as the rest of this group. Very good 50/50 ski and cheap too!

Mindbender 108(99 is heavy and more directional) is again soft up front but with more weight behind it, it’s far more damp. With a more forward mount(plus 2cm maybe) it becomes more playful and fun in the trees.

Enforcer 104 the heaviest of the group but decent tail rocker and nice flex that’s money for bumps and trees. Very good carver for it’s weight. My favourite ski for off piste when again moved a bit forward(plus 1-2cm).

Fisher Ranger 102 the stiffest of the group with lightest weight vs all except the Bent 100. Less taper than the others so it’s the best carver and edge grip of the group but less forgiving off piste/bumps due to the stiffer tail flex. Can get in 191 lengths like the E104 if wanted a big ski.

As @animator mentioned, the Enforcers come from the factory sharp and my Fishers factory tune were even worse. The biggest issue is that most skis is that skis rarely come with flat bases from the factory. Skis that are edge high, feel heavier and are tough to slide/skid turns. Most just detune but that effects edge grip. A stone grind to get the skis bases flat will fix this “catchiness” and then get the edges redone after. All my skis are very sharp tip/tail as I’m not hitting rails and are very easy to skid when needed but grip when you do. Out of 29 skis, only my new Moments have been flat enough to not need a stone grind before skiing. 🤦

I'd throw the 102 FR in here just to make it harder for you. gregK is the reason I tried it last year and this summer and part of winter it was the ski I brought when I could only bring 1 pair (own like 30+ pairs) here in europe they are supercheap, like 250eur at lowest as well.

I'd rather tour on it than the enforcer 104 free and mindbender due to weight. And I find it better than the 104 free going down.



I own the BC100 with a shift as well, its a fairly good light ski, but cant touch the 102 FR for down performance.



I'm 190cm and 95-110KG depending on what I do for weights/gym/whatever. I can overpower the BC100 and enforcer 104 free, the 184cm 102FR a tad, and 191cm 102 FR is just a supernice beast, that also happens to be light.



I could never understand why they made the tail so stiff on the BC100, but not shovels, like the front flex is pretty good for the ski weight, but why so stiff tails (talking 188cm)

**This post was edited on Oct 8th 2020 at 8:50:09am

Thanks for the comments. Based on what you've said and I've researched I think the bentchetler and mindbender wouldn't be ideal for me. The Ranger 102 Fr seems like a good choice as well though.
I have a second hand Fischer Ranger 99 available near me for really cheap in good condition. Any idea how that compares to the 102, or some of the skis I've been on?

dont dooo it. you want this

298 euro including shipping for the 2020 in blue (191cm)
https://www.sport-bittl.com/en/fischer-ranger-102-fr-19-20::169644.html


or go pink for 498
https://www.sport-bittl.com/en/fischer-ranger-102-fr-19-20::169644.html

Ranger 99Ti has 2 full sheets of metal, a more traditional mount point and flat tail so not as playful as the 102. 102 better fit for you.

If you wanted a more playful ski at lower speeds, I consider the 184cm Fisher 102 as it will be more fun off piste in that size. 191cm will be more stable in open spaces but a little more work in tight spots. Plus 2cm or so on the mount.

Greg_KRanger 99Ti has 2 full sheets of metal, a more traditional mount point and flat tail so not as playful as the 102. 102 better fit for you.

If you wanted a more playful ski at lower speeds, I consider the 184cm Fisher 102 as it will be more fun off piste in that size. 191cm will be more stable in open spaces but a little more work in tight spots. Plus 2cm or so on the mount.

Thanks for that. I agree the 102 would be better. Animator and Anders, what do you think about length for me? My animas are 194cm and I'm ver happy with that length over the 188, but I guess the effective edge of the 184 Ranger102 could be almost as long as that of the 194 anima?

I have 2 x 102 FR

184 cm mounted at +2
191cm mounted at +3

the light tips, rocker and shape doesnt make the 191 feel big, but at the same time 184 doesnt feel unstable (doesnt like flats), its very good for a 184! the tips lets you use them as snow contacting length when on carve.

When summer skiiing with variable conditions the 191 was just plain better though, and for supershitty cruddy days.



184 is still amazingly good even on icy conditions.



depends how tight/technical your terrain will be imho





I had a scenario where I was only allowed 1 ski on tour for a week this summer and grabbed the 191 102 FR, I knew it was open landscape on the glaciers and no trees though.

**This post was edited on Oct 8th 2020 at 3:42:21pm