The Nordica Dobermann Spitfire Ti-N Pro P.R. Evo is one of the two offered models at the bottom line for the race skis. As it stands out it follows the incredibly nonsense naming convention started by the Nordica folks. If they follow this path in less than ten years we’ll see a ski which it’s name will use all the letters in the alphabet. Wait and see.

Nordica Dobermann Spitfire TI EVO + N PRO P.R. EVO
© Nordica – Tecnica Group S.P.A.

The master lines are simple yet effective for the targeted audience. The sizes offered are four and they cover every single one aiming to get their first pair of racing skis. And they are: 152 cm, 160 cm, 168 cm and 176cm. For the purists the Nordica Dobermann Spitfire Ti-N Pro P.R. Evo is a betrayal to the meaning of “race”. But truth be told this ski has a more than decent approach for those willing to start skiing fast but their skills are not sufficient to “race” into a run full of red and blue gates. The whole profile is wide starting at a 120 mm width at the tip, followed by a “generous” 72 mm at the waist and closing the line a “monumental” rounded tail of 103.5 mm for the short models. Add two mm at the tip and tail for the long ones. Now, anytime you see a rounded tail ski you should start thinking in skidding. This is the main reason to find this shape in a race ski. And this is one of the main reasons this skis are forgiving with those still unskilled users.

As for technologies used the Nordica Dobermann Spitfire Ti-N Pro P.R. Evo displays the typical Nordica Race ones. The Camrock profile, the Evo Energy Ti and the Evo CT.

The Camrock profile, in this particular model called: “Frontside Camrock, Moderate Race Profile”, is just a light rocker shape. The graphics shown by Nordica insist on the idea of an SL shape at the tip and a GS one for the rest of the ski. This is innaccurate but the idea still holds. If you know where it is holding from. The rocker shape in a traditional camber ski, so called “early rise” when this sort of technology was introduced, added an easier turn entry. If the carving brought easy edge engaging the rocker is another push in that direction. This is the reason why Nordica draws an SL symbol at the skis tip. The rest is followed by a GS typo which is also misleading. What is a GS shape? Definitely not the one found in the Nordica Dobermann Spitfire Ti-N Pro P.R. Evo. The real GS skis follow the FIS shape ruling but those are just not intended for the general public. They are uncomfortable for many skiers and even those with the skills and the physical conditions to ski them will end up admitting you have to be giving the 100% of you every time you step in one of those. Then there are the cheating GS skis which the brands offer to cover the needs of those powerful skiers that need a powerful tool. And ultimately come the skis like the Nordica Dobermann Spitfire Ti-N Pro P.R. Evo. Willful but completely insufficient.

Then comes the Evo Energy Ti technology. What is it? Well, simply put, this model incorporates a metal layer so called Titanal (an aluminum alloy) to improve the ski’s reactions. In the picture shown for the Nordica Dobermann Spitfire Ti-N Pro P.R. Evo we can see this metal sheet is perforated. There are three reasons for this. One is lightness, the other one being mechanical properties and finally construction efficiency. The first one is obvious. The second one comes from the need to have a metal layer which smooths vibrations and improves the ski handling but not being too intrusive for the king of skiers this ski is aimed to. The construction efficiency is simple. Through the wholes the epoxy chemical sticks to the upper and bottom layers so there are more “sticking points” along the ski’s structure.

Finally we find the Evo CT which is the binding-plate interface. This particular model is a “simple” one but has all the goodies everybody wants from a well-known manufacturer. One of the highlights is the binding adjustment easiness. No tools and no big efforts are needed to adjust this skis to a new boot size. So if you want to share this ski you will be able to do so without the fear of having an adjustment problem. That said, keep in mind you will have to adjust the binding DIN (now you really need a tool) for each individual skiing on these planks.

So… is the Nordica Dobermann Spitfire Ti-N Pro P.R. Evo a good ski or a bad ski? That only depends on your needs and taste. Seasoned skiers with a refined technique and a particular need for speed should avoid this model. It is obvious. Don’t be fooled though, this ski is quite decent and will show good manners under many conditions in a way many experienced skiers will be surprised. Who is this ski aimed for? Those who are still having some trouble to hold on the edges on the hard pack or “ice” will find a good ally in the Nordica Dobermann Spitfire Ti-N Pro P.R. This ski will let you learn those “tricks” to get into the next level.