Nela 93 review

Overview

The Nela 93 is Stöckli's new women's freeride ski for 26/27 and takes over from the Nela 96, which stays in the range as the Nela 96 Classic. Stöckli calls it an athletic women's freeride ski with good float in powder. The 26/27 catalogue lists a 130-93-117 mm shape in all three lengths, radii of 12.6 m (156 cm), 14.2 m (163) and 15.8 m (170), and weights of 1,502 / 1,570 / 1,637 g per ski. That makes it 3 mm narrower, shorter in radius and lighter than the Nela 96 it replaces. The build is women-specific (Stöckli's "Lady" label): a Sandwich System with a Poplar/Beech/Paulownia freeride core, Softflex lay-up, Thin Glass Laminate and Titanal Technology Pro, at 1,199 EUR on stoeckli.ch.

On-snow performance

Stöckli pitches the Nela 93 at powder days and freedom off piste, from first lines in fresh snow to playful runs in tracked terrain. The Powder Rocker at the tip, with a light Freeride Tip insert, and the Freeride Tail with its longer, flatter Tail Rocker are there to lift the ski in soft snow and let it pivot easily. With 14.2 m at 163 cm the radius is short for a 93 mm ski, so the shape suggests a quick, turny ski in trees and chopped snow rather than a long-radius charger. Softflex keeps the flex accessible for lighter skiers, while the Titanal top layer and Polywall sidewalls add some damping and calm on firmer snow. On groomers the 93 mm waist is slower edge to edge than the Nela 86, and a soft, light build will not hold on ice at speed like a double-metal freeride ski. On paper, it is a soft-snow ski that still gets you back to the lift comfortably.

Construction & specs explained

• Construction: Sandwich System, Swiss made; women-specific Lady build.
• Core: Freeride Core, Poplar/Beech/Paulownia (Stöckli Light Core).
• Lay-up: Softflex (thinner layers) with Thin Glass Laminate, 25% lighter than standard fibreglass.
• Metal: Titanal Technology Pro top layer, graphics printed directly on the Titanal.
• Sidewalls: Polywall, elastic and impact-resistant.
• Edges: Solid Metal Edge Light; factory tune 1.5° base, 2.0° side.
• Rocker: Powder Rocker tip with Freeride Tip Technology insert, Freeride Tail with Tail Rocker.
• Base: Racing-Graphite.
• Dimensions: 130-93-117 mm in all lengths.
• Radius: 12.6 m (156), 14.2 m (163), 15.8 m (170).
• Weight: 1,502 / 1,570 / 1,637 g per ski.
• Sold flat; bindings optional.

Who it's for & comparisons

The Nela 93 suits intermediate to advanced women who head off piste whenever there is fresh snow and want a light, manageable ski rather than a heavy charger. Compared to the Stockli Nela 96 classic it is 3 mm narrower, about 130 g lighter in the middle length (1,570 vs 1,700 g) and has a tighter radius (14.2 vs 15.8 m), so it should feel quicker and a little less floaty. The Head Kore 93 Ti W has the same waist and a slightly shorter radius at 170 cm, but weighs more (1,705 vs 1,637 g). The Nordica Santa ana 93 is heavier at a similar length (1,700 g at 165 cm) and offers longer sizes, and the Blizzard Black Pearl 94 is heavier too at 1,750 g in 170 cm.

Pros, cons and verdict

Pros

• Light for a Titanal-topped 93: 1,502–1,637 g per ski.
• Powder Rocker and Freeride Tail for easy float and pivoting.
• Short radius makes it quick in trees and tight terrain.
• Softflex construction suits lighter skiers.

Cons

• Only three lengths, topping out at 170 cm.
• A 93 mm waist is slow edge to edge on hard pistes.
• Soft, light build lacks grip on ice at high speed.
• Priced at 1,199 EUR, at the premium end for women's freeride skis.

Verdict: The Nela 93 is a light, easy-turning Swiss women's freeride ski built for powder days and playful off-piste runs. Women who want float and agility without a heavy ski will find it a well-balanced choice.