Nordica Hot Rod Top Fuel XBi (2008)

At 178 cm, the Top Fuel was the shortest ski in the category, but put up its highest scores in Long Turns and Stability. How does such a little ski hang so tough at high speeds? It’s a classic race-ready construction: wood-core, square sidewalls, two sheets of metal. But don’t mistake it for a hard-snow specialist. Testers wouldn’t spend a lot of time in bumps on it, but loved its confidence in junky snow and powder. "It’s strong, but never ponderous," said Hogen.

Best For

Energetic style; someone who likes to work the hill.

Not For

Rebound lovers.

PRICE (MSRP): $1195.00

Product Specifications | How We Test

Year	2007/2008
Level	Advanced
MSRP	$1195.00
Gender	Male
Binding	without bindings
Lengths	162, 170, 178, 186
Tip/Waist/Tail	123/78/108
Rating: Powder Performance	3.83 / 5
Rating: Stability at Speed	3.84 / 5
Rating: Long Turns	3.83 / 5

Rating: Medium Turns	3.42 / 5
Rating: Short Turns	3.01 / 5
Rating: Maneuverability	3.24 / 5
Rating: Hard Snow Grip	3.26 / 5
Rating: Crud Performance	3.83 / 5
Rating: Corduroy Performance	3.83 / 5
Rating: Moguls Performance	2.78 / 5
Rating: Forgiveness	3.48 / 5
Rating: Quickness/Bumps	3.13 / 5