Nordica Santa Ana 104 Free Skis Review
The Nordica Santa Ana 104 Free Skis are designed for skiers who love the classic confidence of the Santa Ana line but desire a lighter, more playful feel for navigating deeper snow and challenging terrain. This evolution of a classic features a unique single Titanal laminate that is narrower in the center for reduced weight, while remaining full-width in the tip and tail for powerful stability. This construction allows for a more nimble feel without sacrificing the renowned Nordica smoothness. With its deeper rocker lines and a proven track record in big mountain and sidecountry terrain, the Santa Ana 104 Free has quickly become a classic for a reason.
Tech Specs (At a Glance)
- Ability Level: Intermediate-Advanced
- Terrain: All-Mountain, Big Mountain
- Rocker Type: Rocker/Camber/Rocker
- Core/Laminates: Carbon, Metal, Wood
- Tail Type: Partial Twin Tip
See the Nordica Santa Ana 104 Free Skis
Smoothness Meets Playfulness
Nordica’s Santa Ana lineup is well known for its smooth, confident ride, and the 104 Free maintains this reputation while adding a new level of playfulness. The ski’s unique single Titanal layer is intentionally cut back in the middle of the ski, which reduces weight and makes the ski more agile. This allows for a more nimble and quick-turning experience, especially in tight spots like trees. At the same time, the full-width titanal in the tip and tail ensures you still have the power and stability needed to charge through variable conditions and crud without feeling chattery.
Superior Float and Maneuverability
The Santa Ana 104 Free truly shines in deep and variable snow. Its Powder Rocker profile, with a gentle, early-rise tip and a turned-up tail, makes it incredibly easy to initiate turns and float effortlessly. The turned-up tail also allows for easy release from turns, giving you better control and a surfy feel in softer snow. The True Tip technology, which reduces plastic in the tip and extends the woodcore, further reduces swing weight for enhanced maneuverability and a lighter feel on the snow.
A Lighter, More Accessible Ride
Nordica’s design for the 104 Free is focused on making a big mountain ski that is lighter and more accessible for a wider range of skiers. The pared-down Titanal laminate and lightweight wood core with a carbon chassis contribute to a ski that is not overly heavy. This makes it a great choice for long days on the mountain and even for those who want to venture into the sidecountry. As one reviewer noted, the ski is “not too heavy” and handles everything from powder to groomed terrain with ease.
Confidence for All Terrain
The Santa Ana 104 Free is a versatile ski that can handle a surprising variety of terrain. While it excels in powder and off-piste conditions, it’s also capable on groomed trails. Its stable construction and smooth feel mean you can confidently blast through chop and lay down clean carves on hardpack. Whether you’re navigating deep double-black trees or cruising on a groomer back to the lift, this ski provides the stability and control you need to feel confident on the entire mountain.
A Proven Winner
In just a few short years, the Santa Ana 104 Free has already established itself as a classic big mountain ski. Its popularity and high praise from both male and female skiers is a testament to its performance and versatility. It has been described as a “perfect one ski quiver” and a ski that “will still blast through the chop.” If you’re looking for a ski that combines a light and playful feel with the classic Nordica smoothness, the Santa Ana 104 Free is a must-try.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent versatility in all conditions
- Lighter and more nimble than other skis in its class
- Great float and maneuverability in soft snow
- Stable and smooth at speed
- Perfect one-ski quiver option for the West
Cons:
- May feel less snappy than a dedicated carving ski
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Rocker Type | Powder Rocker: Gentle, early-rise rocker tip and a turned-up tail for easy turn initiation, float, and control. |
| Core | Full Performance Woodcore with Carbon Chassis: A lightweight yet stable wood core reinforced with a carbon chassis. |
| Laminates | Single Terrain Specific Titanal Layer: A unique titanal layer that is narrower in the middle for a lighter, more nimble feel. |
| Sidewalls | ABS Sidewalls: Provides durability and optimized edge grip. |
| Additional Features | True Tip: Reduces plastic in the tip for lower swing weight and better maneuverability. |
Where to Buy
The Nordica Santa Ana 104 Free Skis are available for purchase from trusted online retailers like Evo.com. Evo is a popular destination for outdoor gear, offering a wide range of products for skiing, snowboarding, and other adventures. They provide detailed product information, customer reviews, and expert advice to help you find the perfect gear for your needs. When you buy from Evo.com, you can be confident that you’re getting a high-quality product backed by excellent customer service and a commitment to the outdoor community.
See the Nordica Santa Ana 104 Free Skis
Final Verdict
The Nordica Santa Ana 104 Free is a remarkable ski that strikes a perfect balance between a lightweight, playful feel and classic Nordica stability. It is an excellent choice for intermediate to advanced skiers who want a versatile big mountain ski that handles deep powder and variable conditions with ease, without feeling heavy or sluggish. Its unique construction and proven performance have made it a favorite among skiers looking for a dependable and fun one-ski quiver for all-mountain and sidecountry adventures.
