2021 Armada ARW 96

The 2021 Armada ARW 96 returns unchanged for this year in a structural sense, but the graphic update is top-notch. As Armada states, the "ARW 96 is our marquee women's all-mountain freestyle ski. It's unique Poplar-Ash wood core reduces weight while adding pop for a stable yet responsive feel." I like how they throw that in there-and you can really feel it when you get on them. similar to the men's skis of the similar name, the ARW 96 has a ton of versatility and energy built right in. For skiers who spend most of their time in an all-mountain situation but who like the option to hit the park, or seek out natural hits and jumps on the hill, these skis are a fantastic choice. Armada has had a strong reputation for this type of ski for a number of years, and it all comes together in the ARW 96. The nice blend of energy, playfulness, and spin-ability make it one of the more formidable skis on the planet when it comes to making the mountain your playground.

The Poplar and Ash core is perfect for both energy and playfulness, allowing the ski to flex, but not fold, and to properly rebound with tons of snap. There's not a whole lot else going on with the build of the ski, only that the blend of those woods gives this ski a unique personality that isn't seen a whole lot elsewhere. By utilizing the AR75 sidewall, Armada has a 75% vertical sidewall with 25% cap. Underfoot and extending to the forebody and tail, the skis have strong edge grip and torsional stiffness, and in the tips and tails, the cap makes it light, maneuverable and bendy enough for butters, nose blocks, and ollies all over the mountain. This blend of performance and quickness is pretty rare, and Armada does a great job at harnessing that power and uniqueness.

Shelby Parenteau was on the 163 cm length in the ARW 96 and her top score wasn't surprising, 5 out of 5 for playfulness! Flotation, quickness/maneuverability, versatility, and overall impression also earned high scores of 4 out of 5. "This ski was a soft and playful all-mountain ski. I can see how it would be a lot of fun in powder or soft snow (like probably this afternoon)." Shelby tested this ski on a spring day with firm groomers in the morning and softer, corn-like snow in the afternoon. A lot of our male testers raved about its feel in soft snow, so we're pretty confident Shelby would've liked it. "Fairly light and quick, the only drawback I found was it got a little squirrely at high speeds and the edge didn't want to hold at those speeds." That's valuable feedback, and not overly surprising. Armada has other skis that are designed more for speed and stability, like the Victa series. The ARW 96 is much more focused on a fun, playful feel. "Definitely a good ski for a freestyle lady skier who wants to ride all mountain as well as the park." That just about sums up what Armada is going for with their ARW 96.

Quick, light, fun, and versatile, this ski knows no bounds. You can use it exclusively as a park ski or never hit a jump, and the ski won't care. You can use it only in the trees and bumps, or as a casual groomer cruiser. There's no limit to what these skis can do, and they're ready for whatever you can throw at them.