2021 Armada Declivity 82 Ti

The Declivity 82 Ti, being the narrowest in the new Declivity line from Armada, is most specifically focused on firm snow performance. The entire Declivity line is arguably more focused on firm snow performance than all of Armada's other skis. In fact, that would be a really easy argument to win. The Declivity 82 Ti, however, is intended to be a true on-piste frontside tool. Armada uses a lightweight Caruba wood core in these skis, but that wood core is sandwiched between two sheets of metal. The metal application is, however, rather unique. Armada calls it Articulated Titanal Banding. In the forebody of the ski, strips of metal are removed along a longitudinal axis. This is designed to let the ski flex, or rather twist, more easily in just that portion of the ski, which creates a very smooth, easy turn initiation. Where the metal has been removed, Armada has used an elastic compound. As you enter a turn and get the ski to flex, the metal is actually tightening, creating kinetic energy in the elastic compound, which is released as you transition into the next turn. The shape of the Declivity 82 Ti is relatively straight-forward with a little bit of tip rocker, mostly camber, and just a touch of rise in the tail.

Jeff Neagle tested the 182 cm length of the Declivity 82 Ti, which he thought was a good length for him, although did mention he would've also liked to try the 174 cm. Jeff's initial feedback was very interesting as his thoughts quickly went to the fact it uses a "system" binding. "Unfortunately, I think skiers might look at the fact this comes with a system binding and think it's more of an intermediate-focused, easy-going, all-mountain ski. While I don't necessarily think it's too much ski for an intermediate, it's certainly much more capable than just that application. Armada doesn't dumb anything down in the narrowest Declivity, and it shows. It's the quickest edge to edge, the most responsive on firm snow, and you can lay down some darn impressive turns on this thing. What's nice about it, however, is it's smoother than most dedicated frontside skis, and a little more versatile, too. Anyone who wants an all-mountain ski that excels on groomers, but they can take into terrain like moguls and trees will be psyched with the Declivity 82 Ti."

Phil McGrory did get to test the 174 cm length, and he also found it to be a very nimble ski. We imagine Phil would've liked to try the 182 cm length as well, which ups the stability factor, but his feedback on the 174 cm is very valuable. "Built for an all-mountain skier who wants a stable ski on trail that is quick enough to make shorter turns. The Caruba core gives the ski a lightweight feel, adding to its maneuverability, but still remains stable at speed. Definitely at home on groomers, but quick and maneuverable enough to ski moguls." At 82 mm underfoot, it's not going to be the best ski in deep, soft snow, although Phil thought it did pretty well considering its width. "Tip rocker profile along with its wider shovel gives the ski smooth turn initiation and a little added float too."

Perhaps the best thing about the Declivity 82 Ti is the fact that a huge range of skiers can get on it and enjoy it. An intermediate won't feel overwhelmed thanks to the lighter feel compared to most skis with this much metal. They'll also appreciate the smoother turn initiation and the fact that the ski really helps pull you into a turn. An expert, on the other hand, will quickly find you can put your hip straight to the snow on the Declivity 82 Ti and the ski responds accordingly. It has superb edge grip, especially considering how easy it is to ski, and we guarantee you're going to see some impressive carving turns from skiers on the Declivity 82 Ti this coming season.