Ski: Armada ARV 100 2024
Reviewer height/weight: 5’7, 160lbs
Length skied: 179 cm
Actual length (with straight tape): 176,5 cm
Dimensions: 128-100-120 mm
Ski Flex: 6 Nose-Waist-Tail (from 1-10, 10 being the stiffest)
Rocker : Ar Freestyle rocker
Radius : 18
Core : Caruba core, Ash reinforcement under bindings
Mounted: true center (+ 2.5cm from recommended center)
Bindings: Look pivot 14
Locations: Mammoth, Sugarbush, St-Sauveur, Bromont
Conditions skied: park, powder, slush, deep slush.
Days skied: 15
For 2023, Armada has decided to renew its entire ARV and ARW Series. The skis have new shapes, new sizes, and new widths, for a completely new riding style. Their new ARV designs are created by iconic artist David Alabo. These immersive, futuristic, and surrealistic designs divide skiers. I, for one, am a fan of the look of the new ARV 2023 Series. It's been a long time since Armada included so much color and shape in the graphics of their skis. The ARV and ARW Series represent six different skis each, the 84, 88, 94, 100, 106, 116. Although the skis are associated with either the men's or women's series, they are all unisex.
The new Armada ARV 100 2024 is part of this new ski series. It's a hybrid freestyle all-mountain ski, as good for the slopes as for the park. It's a rocker, light, and versatile ski that performs on any terrain. The ARV 100 has a flex of 6 throughout the whole ski. It's a soft and flexible ski that offers control from the nose to the tail.
In terms of performance, the ARV 100 is by far the best ski I've ever skied. Admittedly, I've always been a fan of the brand, but even so, it surpasses the other Armadas that I’ve skied in almost every aspect. It's almost, and I mean almost, a perfect ski for me.
Shape/Flex/Construction:
The ARV 100 has a modern hybrid shape, somewhere between an all-terrain and a park ski. Its measurements (128 at the nose, 100 underfoot, and 120 at the tail) ensure great stability on all types of terrain, without compromising fun. Its shape and width, round and fat at the nose and the tail, makes it easy to press on every kind of snow. Its width underfoot is, for me, a new must. 100 underfoot gives the ski an incredible versatility, which is a real treat. It makes the ski so reliable, no matter what the snow, slope or park conditions are.
The ski is very flexible, from nose to tail. This makes it fun and adaptable to every type of skier and terrain. The flex in hand is soft, and it feels symmetrical. The ski feels more soft than poppy.
Again, and I can't say this enough, this ski is extremely light. It's a size larger than what I usually use, 179 compared to 172. So I was a bit nervous about finding it too heavy and too long. However, because it's so light and the rocker starts early, it makes no difference. If you're hesitating between two sizes, I'd recommend the bigger one. The longer it is, the more fun you’ll have.
Compared to older ARVs which had a sandwich-style sidewall at the center, the ARV 100 2024 has a one-piece sidewall running through all the length of the ski, being beefier underfoot and thinner towards the tip and tail. This kind of sidewall increases flexibility and reduces weight. It has 2.5mm impact edges. They recommend setting the bindings at -2.5, which is a perfect setting for an all-terrain ski. For my part, I set them at true center, because I’m a park rat. It felt good even on the slope. You clearly should mount them according to your preferences and what you intend to do with them but they felt good at center to me.
On snow
Groomers:
The ARV 100 certainly is not the optimal option for icy groomers and tight turns. Its radius is quite large for this kind of ski, and my pair were long for me too, which makes the ski not as responsive. Its rocker profile doesn't provide the best control going fast on steep runs. Its width underfoot makes for a slower edge-to-edge turn so, you won't make any super tight turns, but I swear, you'll have fun anyway. It's always fun to press your skis down the slope, and this is the right tool to do it. Noses and tailpresses are so much more satisfying on these skis, whatever the snow conditions are. Wide carving turns, even fully laying out on the ground are great and more than pleasing. I'm from Quebec and, as you know, the ski slopes in Quebec are the kingdoms of ice. Although this ski isn't in its natural element on icy snow, it performs just well enough on Quebec snow.
Pow, slush, mixed snow:
We've finally reached the highlight of these skis. As you can understand slush and mixed snow conditions are the ARV 100's favorite. It excels at floating on pow for the size and offering optimal control with its rocker in the front and in the back. It shines in the slush with its ability to make it even more fun. At Mammoth, these skis were next level fun! If feels stable and reliable in all snow conditions, despite the fairly soft flex. The ARV 100 is an extremely versatile ski that is able to adapt to all snow conditions. Its shape and its up-to-date construction ensure that this hybrid park/all-mountain ski always remains stable, flexible, and fun.
My highlight was certainly the few days I spent in Mammoth for SuperUnknown. That's when I realized that I'd never really skied real slush. Quebec's slush is heavy, icy, and hard. Slush out west is light, smooth, and soft. On both Quebec and Mammoth slush, the ARV 100s performs very well.
Park:
And finally, my favorite terrain! Although the ARV 100 has one drawback (sneak peek of the next section), it's a jewel in the park. Its versatility makes it really fun throughout your run. However, it's not necessarily the ski of choice for jumpers. Its lightness and flexibility are not optimal for jumping. It lacks in pop and also a little stability on landings. But it's great for doing butters. While it may lack in stability, its lightness makes it easier to spin on rails. In fact, the width underfoot makes it extremely stable for all types of tricks on all types of rails, whether it's 5050s, surface swaps, or regular swaps on skinnier rails.
Durability:
This was the main downside of these skis for me, and it comes with a big disclaimer. To be clear, Armada recalled ALL the prototype ARV/ARVWs that they sent out because there was a layer of rubber dampening missed in the production process.
The sidewall simply couldn't support repeated impacts from rail without this layer, which is not a great look for a ski that’s sold for freestyle and park use. After 5 days on the ARV 100, the sidewall under the binding had completely opened up. Although the edges held, the wood started to chip off from the ski, which ended up deforming the sidewall. Unfortunately, this is not a unique experience; it's also happened to me on the ARV94, and to several other skiers on the ARW 88 and 106.
However, this is an issue that Armada has come out and acknowledged. The construction of the ARV/ARW production models is not the same as these prototypes, featuring the missing dampening layer and a slightly beefier construction, so it's hard to conclude much about durability here despite my issues. Hopefully the production skis hold up to rails way better because the ski incredible otherwise.
Comparison:
ARV 100 vs ARV 94
The ARV 94 comes from the same series as the ARV 100 and has the same kind of dimensions, 119-94-115. It has a similar construction and a poplar core. The ARV 94 is stiffer, 6 at the nose and 7 for the waist and the tail, and offers a better pop. It's perfect for pressing, doing butters and jumping. As pleasant in the park as on the slope, the ARV 94 is certainly a versatile ski. It's definitely better than the ARV 100 for stability on jumps and the swingweight is even lower. The pop is also much better. On the other hand, it's definitely less soft and playful.
For me, the 100 is by far the best width. On the other hand, 94 underfoot is a go-to for many, 94 suits more skiers, terrains and objectives, especially on the east coast. If you want a ski with more performance, power and responsiveness, both on the slope and in the park, this is definitely the one for you. But if you want something soft, that molds to your flow and style, the ARV 100 is for you.
Who’s it for?
I'd like to say it's for everyone, but with some durability concerns, I wouldn't recommend it for a park rat until the production ski is more proven. For me, this ski is for anyone who wants to have fun on the slopes. It's made for versatile skiers who want to have fun doing a bit of everything. On the slopes, in the pow, or in the park, it's the ski for having fun in all conditions. You'll trust it for all your good (or bad) ideas.
Reviewer height/weight: 5’7, 160lbs
Length skied: 179 cm
Actual length (with straight tape): 176,5 cm
Dimensions: 128-100-120 mm
Ski Flex: 6 Nose-Waist-Tail (from 1-10, 10 being the stiffest)
Rocker : Ar Freestyle rocker
Radius : 18
Core : Caruba core, Ash reinforcement under bindings
Mounted: true center (+ 2.5cm from recommended center)
Bindings: Look pivot 14
Locations: Mammoth, Sugarbush, St-Sauveur, Bromont
Conditions skied: park, powder, slush, deep slush.
Days skied: 15
For 2023, Armada has decided to renew its entire ARV and ARW Series. The skis have new shapes, new sizes, and new widths, for a completely new riding style. Their new ARV designs are created by iconic artist David Alabo. These immersive, futuristic, and surrealistic designs divide skiers. I, for one, am a fan of the look of the new ARV 2023 Series. It's been a long time since Armada included so much color and shape in the graphics of their skis. The ARV and ARW Series represent six different skis each, the 84, 88, 94, 100, 106, 116. Although the skis are associated with either the men's or women's series, they are all unisex.
The new Armada ARV 100 2024 is part of this new ski series. It's a hybrid freestyle all-mountain ski, as good for the slopes as for the park. It's a rocker, light, and versatile ski that performs on any terrain. The ARV 100 has a flex of 6 throughout the whole ski. It's a soft and flexible ski that offers control from the nose to the tail.
In terms of performance, the ARV 100 is by far the best ski I've ever skied. Admittedly, I've always been a fan of the brand, but even so, it surpasses the other Armadas that I’ve skied in almost every aspect. It's almost, and I mean almost, a perfect ski for me.
Shape/Flex/Construction:
The ARV 100 has a modern hybrid shape, somewhere between an all-terrain and a park ski. Its measurements (128 at the nose, 100 underfoot, and 120 at the tail) ensure great stability on all types of terrain, without compromising fun. Its shape and width, round and fat at the nose and the tail, makes it easy to press on every kind of snow. Its width underfoot is, for me, a new must. 100 underfoot gives the ski an incredible versatility, which is a real treat. It makes the ski so reliable, no matter what the snow, slope or park conditions are.
The ski is very flexible, from nose to tail. This makes it fun and adaptable to every type of skier and terrain. The flex in hand is soft, and it feels symmetrical. The ski feels more soft than poppy.
Again, and I can't say this enough, this ski is extremely light. It's a size larger than what I usually use, 179 compared to 172. So I was a bit nervous about finding it too heavy and too long. However, because it's so light and the rocker starts early, it makes no difference. If you're hesitating between two sizes, I'd recommend the bigger one. The longer it is, the more fun you’ll have.
Compared to older ARVs which had a sandwich-style sidewall at the center, the ARV 100 2024 has a one-piece sidewall running through all the length of the ski, being beefier underfoot and thinner towards the tip and tail. This kind of sidewall increases flexibility and reduces weight. It has 2.5mm impact edges. They recommend setting the bindings at -2.5, which is a perfect setting for an all-terrain ski. For my part, I set them at true center, because I’m a park rat. It felt good even on the slope. You clearly should mount them according to your preferences and what you intend to do with them but they felt good at center to me.
On snow
Groomers:
The ARV 100 certainly is not the optimal option for icy groomers and tight turns. Its radius is quite large for this kind of ski, and my pair were long for me too, which makes the ski not as responsive. Its rocker profile doesn't provide the best control going fast on steep runs. Its width underfoot makes for a slower edge-to-edge turn so, you won't make any super tight turns, but I swear, you'll have fun anyway. It's always fun to press your skis down the slope, and this is the right tool to do it. Noses and tailpresses are so much more satisfying on these skis, whatever the snow conditions are. Wide carving turns, even fully laying out on the ground are great and more than pleasing. I'm from Quebec and, as you know, the ski slopes in Quebec are the kingdoms of ice. Although this ski isn't in its natural element on icy snow, it performs just well enough on Quebec snow.
Pow, slush, mixed snow:
We've finally reached the highlight of these skis. As you can understand slush and mixed snow conditions are the ARV 100's favorite. It excels at floating on pow for the size and offering optimal control with its rocker in the front and in the back. It shines in the slush with its ability to make it even more fun. At Mammoth, these skis were next level fun! If feels stable and reliable in all snow conditions, despite the fairly soft flex. The ARV 100 is an extremely versatile ski that is able to adapt to all snow conditions. Its shape and its up-to-date construction ensure that this hybrid park/all-mountain ski always remains stable, flexible, and fun.
My highlight was certainly the few days I spent in Mammoth for SuperUnknown. That's when I realized that I'd never really skied real slush. Quebec's slush is heavy, icy, and hard. Slush out west is light, smooth, and soft. On both Quebec and Mammoth slush, the ARV 100s performs very well.
Park:
And finally, my favorite terrain! Although the ARV 100 has one drawback (sneak peek of the next section), it's a jewel in the park. Its versatility makes it really fun throughout your run. However, it's not necessarily the ski of choice for jumpers. Its lightness and flexibility are not optimal for jumping. It lacks in pop and also a little stability on landings. But it's great for doing butters. While it may lack in stability, its lightness makes it easier to spin on rails. In fact, the width underfoot makes it extremely stable for all types of tricks on all types of rails, whether it's 5050s, surface swaps, or regular swaps on skinnier rails.
Durability:
This was the main downside of these skis for me, and it comes with a big disclaimer. To be clear, Armada recalled ALL the prototype ARV/ARVWs that they sent out because there was a layer of rubber dampening missed in the production process.
The sidewall simply couldn't support repeated impacts from rail without this layer, which is not a great look for a ski that’s sold for freestyle and park use. After 5 days on the ARV 100, the sidewall under the binding had completely opened up. Although the edges held, the wood started to chip off from the ski, which ended up deforming the sidewall. Unfortunately, this is not a unique experience; it's also happened to me on the ARV94, and to several other skiers on the ARW 88 and 106.
However, this is an issue that Armada has come out and acknowledged. The construction of the ARV/ARW production models is not the same as these prototypes, featuring the missing dampening layer and a slightly beefier construction, so it's hard to conclude much about durability here despite my issues. Hopefully the production skis hold up to rails way better because the ski incredible otherwise.
_
Comparison:
ARV 100 vs ARV 94
The ARV 94 comes from the same series as the ARV 100 and has the same kind of dimensions, 119-94-115. It has a similar construction and a poplar core. The ARV 94 is stiffer, 6 at the nose and 7 for the waist and the tail, and offers a better pop. It's perfect for pressing, doing butters and jumping. As pleasant in the park as on the slope, the ARV 94 is certainly a versatile ski. It's definitely better than the ARV 100 for stability on jumps and the swingweight is even lower. The pop is also much better. On the other hand, it's definitely less soft and playful.
For me, the 100 is by far the best width. On the other hand, 94 underfoot is a go-to for many, 94 suits more skiers, terrains and objectives, especially on the east coast. If you want a ski with more performance, power and responsiveness, both on the slope and in the park, this is definitely the one for you. But if you want something soft, that molds to your flow and style, the ARV 100 is for you.
_
Who’s it for?
I'd like to say it's for everyone, but with some durability concerns, I wouldn't recommend it for a park rat until the production ski is more proven. For me, this ski is for anyone who wants to have fun on the slopes. It's made for versatile skiers who want to have fun doing a bit of everything. On the slopes, in the pow, or in the park, it's the ski for having fun in all conditions. You'll trust it for all your good (or bad) ideas.
