2025 Nordica Steadfast 85 DC - SkiEssentials.com Ski Test Review

[squiresean]

I got this ski towards the end of last season. Managed to get two weeks of skiing with them before the end of season and was very very happy with them! The purchase was based very much on your previous reviews of this ski. It seemed to be the right ski for me although I was a bit nervous about buying them (well they were in fact a birthday present!) without having a chance to try them. Turns out your review was super accurate and the ski was exactly as I hoped! These are my first owned skis, always hired up to now but very chuffed to be owning these and cant wait to get back on them this season.
Thanks for your good work!

[Seba]

Thank you very much for this video! Just ordered mine!

[obi-john]

I apologize if this is a repeat, my computer shut down while I was typing. 5'10" 162 lbs. expert skier, former racer and freestyle competitor, 53 years teaching, retired now at 73. Still ski every day out west and love to lay over into hard carves but not interested in high speeds anymore. I am looking for something aimed at mixed conditions to fit in between my Head e-Original 170 which prefers smooth groomers and my K2 Mindbender 89Ti 176 which prefers soft loose snow like a few inches of powder or corn. My powder skis range from 178 to 181. In the Steadfast, would you recommend 174 or 179 for me?
You guys are definitely the best reviewers in the industry!! 😎Thanks for any suggestions.

[elementscopy]

I hired the Steadfast 85 for a week in Chamonix and absolutely loved them — super fun to go fast (45mph+), carve with ease for an advanced skier, and not as stiff as enforcers.

The only thing holding me back from buying a pair is that I also like to mess around a bit — ski switch, jump the occasional pieste 180, and play off the sides of the piste.

Do you know of any skis that have a similar feel to the Steadfast in terms of ease of carving and stability, but with a tad more tail rocker to make switch skiing and playing around a bit easier (maybe need to look into ~90mm?)

[seanh]

Bob, I feel like you and I have similar tastes. I am loving my Declivity 88c. Also looking to add a more carvy ski to my mix. This Nordica or Head ev10? Is one more forgiving when getting lazy in the day!

[ThomasTodd-gf]

I rented a pair of these for the season. They're 168cm. Overall I've been really happy with them. I'm trying to decide if I want to buy them. I think the only thing holding me back is wondering if I need to go longer. Would there be a noticeable benefit with a longer pair? This will be my first ski purchase. I'm 6'0" 160lbs. Intermediate skier.

[kossu]

Hi, im intermediate skier and want to improve my carving technique. what ski do you recommend in 80-85 waist width?
is this ski too much for me?
and what length?
170cm 75kg.
thanks, you guys are the best!!

[kbtg]

I bought this ski after your 2024 review. Great fun toy once groomers get chopped up. What would be your recommendation for a similar „playfulness“ and carving experience but in the 70-78 mm range? Nordica spitfire?

[Scrappy]

How do these compare to the Faction Dancer 1 series? They both seem pretty darn versatile as frontside, East Coast skis. Thanks!

[nailniall]

I've just bought this as the first ski I have owned after renting for years. Question on waxing/detuning from the factory before first use, is that required for this ski? Thanks

[sophieschroder]

Hi Guys!
I’m a intermediate to advanced skier ( Women, 176cm, skiing in Europe )
I’m currently trying to decide between this ski and the Salomon stance 84 w.
I’m manly skiing on piste but would like to improve my off piste skills this season.
Which one would you recommend/ what are the differences ?

[marcoweiss]

What’s the difference between the Steadfast 85 and the Wild Belle 84? Sounds like they are both All Mountain capable and both pretty good on piste?

[Petruo]

Which is better for learning carving, this one or Nordica UNLEASHED 89?