2027 Nordica Unleashed 90 Skis with Salomon Strive 14 GW Bindings

The 2027 Nordica Unleashed 90 with Salomon Strive 14 GW Bindings finally gives up-and-coming freeskiers and progressing all-mountain skiers a ski built for them. The narrowest model in the Unleashed line uses a full poplar wood core with vertical sidewalls and a Powder Rocker profile, putting the focus on smooth, easy turn initiation rather than the burly demands of the wider Unleashed skis. Friendly and playful, it is a platform for learning modern freeski technique on something that will not punish you. We paired the Unleashed 90 with the Strive 14 because of this binding’s well known reputation for safety, reliability, and ease of use. Featuring an LDN toe piece that optimizes contact and response, these bindings integrate seamlessly with boots and skis, allowing for a natural flex and balanced stance, making them the perfect choice to pair with this ski.

Why we like it:

This ski is honest about who it is for. Nordica did not try to make a downsized version of the wider models with the same demands; they built something that prioritizes fun and forgiveness over outright performance, with a lighter wood core and softer flex. That makes it a great learning tool, and it also means experienced skiers can grab it for low-stakes days when they would rather not think too hard.

Who it's for:

Intermediate skiers progressing into all-mountain and freeride terrain, plus advancing junior skiers who want a freestyle-leaning ski. Strong adult skiers looking for a lightweight, softer-flexing option for days spent messing around on side hits and easy terrain will be at home here too.

Highlights:

Friendly is the watchword. The full poplar wood core is the lightest in the Unleashed family, and the build skips the metal and carbon of the wider models in favor of a simpler, softer flex pattern, while vertical sidewall construction handles edge hold and stability without adding weight. Powder Rocker keeps a long, gradual tip rise and a moderate tail rise, which makes turn initiation very forgiving: you can pivot it, slash it, and ride it switch without committing to full edge engagement, and a 90 mm waist keeps everything quick underfoot. The partial twin-tip tail is freestyle-friendly without being aggressive enough to throw off directional manners. True Tip detailing in the shovel keeps swing weight manageable, a nice touch on a ski aimed at progressing skiers. At the core is the three-part heel, which delivers the secure boot retention the Strive line is known for while keeping weight reasonable. Salomon's elastic travel keeps the binding planted through chatter and cut-up snow, so it does not get knocked offline easily. The LDN toe spreads lateral input across an extra-wide pedal for crisp edge-to-edge power transfer, and a sliding toe pedal lets the ski bend underfoot for a more natural flex. The whole assembly rides on a low-profile chassis that drops the stance and centers the skier over the ski. It accepts both standard alpine and GripWalk boot soles, and the binding is TUV certified.

Things to consider:

This is the entry-level ski in the Unleashed family and it shows. Strong skiers after top-end performance and high-speed stability will outgrow it quickly, and the Unleashed 98 or wider suits them better. And while the 90 floats well enough for occasional soft snow, it is not really a powder ski; once things get deep you will want something wider.

Fit & sizing considerations:

Take your usual length here, though anyone newer to the sport can drop a size for easier maneuverability.