2021 Armada ARV 96

If the day comes when Armada doesn't make a super-fun all-mountain twin tip that's also really capable in the terrain park, consider that a looming sign of the inevitable apocalypse. Seriously, though, skis like the ARV 96 are what we've become accustomed to seeing from Armada over the past couple decades. These days, they make a lot more than just twin tips, but they're absolutely still a leader in that category. The ARV 96 is a versatile ski that allows you to venture all over the mountain, while still being able to take some terrain park runs and feel right at home while doing so. Armada starts with a poplar and ash core, which combine to create a stable, yet energetic feel. The AR Freestyle Rocker profile uses just about the same amount of rocker in the tip as in the tail, which gives this ski a very balanced, symmetrical feel. The sidecut isn't perfectly symmetrical, but it will take a true center mount if that's what you're going for. It has a medium flex pattern that has a nice pop to it, which helps for butters, ollies, and other jibby tricks, but also gives it a relatively responsive feel when just making turns!

With his freestyle background, we expect a skier like Jeff Neagle would like the ARV 96, and our expectations were reflected in his feedback. "The ARV 96 is a lot of fun for someone like me because it can do so many different things. It'll carve on groomers, and while they aren't the most powerful or responsive carves, they're still quite fun. It handles well in the trees, so I'd be able to take a few quick tree runs in the morning before work. Then, of course, it handles really well in the park, as I'd expect from a twin tip Armada ski in this width range." Jeff even mentioned that he could see himself on an ARV 96 as a daily driver. Matt McGinnis has a similar skiing background with plenty of terrain park experience, and his feedback was similar. "It excels on jumps and rails. In terms of all-mountain performance, the ARV 96 exhibits excellent edge hold and maneuverability, while the 'pop' factor adds and extra layer of playfulness." We're not surprised Jeff and Matt like it, as they are both squarely in the target market of this ski. Jeff and Matt both spent time on the 177 and 184 cm lengths in the ARV 96.

You don't, however, necessarily need to have a freestyle background to enjoy the ARV 96. Harrison Gorham skied the 184 cm length and thinks it has "awesome all-around performance. Stable at high speeds and turns can be whipped up quicker than a hot pocket." Mike Aidala opted for the 177 cm length and was also impressed by its all-mountain capabilities. "Very impressed with the all-mountain performance of the ARV 96. Perfect for solid skiers that need a twin tip for the park, but don't want to sacrifice all-mountain performance." Phil McGrory's feedback was very similar, focusing on the ski's ability to cross over between the park and the rest of the mountain. "Playful tip and tail makes this ski equally as fun in the woods as in the park or pipe, allowing the ski to make pivot style turns through glades and moguls. The vertical sidewall gives the ski torsional stability for hardpack snow conditions too." The stability of the ARV 96 is perhaps the most surprising element, something that Michael Carroll-Sherwin found, too. "Super stable with the ability to slash speed easily." Both Phil and Michael tested the 184 cm ARV 96.

Overall, the ARV 96 is a fantastic ski for anyone looking for a playful all-mountain ski. While you don't necessarily need to be a terrain park skier to enjoy it, that's arguably its best application: skiers who like to dabble in the park, but also value performance around the rest of the mountain. Whether you're hot lapping the park, taking some tree runs with the boys, or just cruising groomers on a sunny day, the ARV 96 is a pleasure to ski and we genuinely hope Armada never stops making these fun, playful twin tips.