2022 Armada Tracer 108

It doesn’t get a whole lot more floaty or fun than the Armada Tracer 108. With a graphic change for 2022, the ski remains structurally the same awesomeness as this past year, and we think that’s a good thing. Built with a blend of poplar and caruba wood, the skis get an extra boost of power versus it’s narrower 98 cousin. Similar to the 98, the 108 also has Armada’s Adaptive Mesh, but also adds a Laminate Matrix that keeps the ski more torsionally stiff, which is something that’s needed for sure at this width. There’s even a titanal binding reinforcement plate underfoot that not only helps hold the bindings in to the lighter wood of the core, but it also adds some power and grip to the underfoot region. For shape and profile, there’s some pretty dramatic taper that lends to fantastic and smooth flotation, while the rocker profile is ideally suited to this shape of ski to add the best-possible flotation to the already wide platform. Equally as efficient and effective both in and out of the resort, this ski makes a great option for a touring-specific or as a potent alpine powder ski. As with a lot of Armada skis, the Tracer 108 has a unique personality that allows for fun and playfulness in a lot of different conditions and terrain.

Brad Schauerman skied the 180 and found the length to be just right. He had all 4’s and a few 3’s out of 5 for scores sprinkled in. The 3’s were given for forgiveness and torsional stiffness, which sounds about right for such a wide ski. Brad can be a tough critic sometimes, but generally seems pleased with these 108’s: “I don't know much about Armada and don't ski their skis at all really but every time I get on a pair, I am quite impressed. These skis are a blast and are pretty versatile and good in a variety of conditions for how wide the ski is.” The conditional aspect of the skis being good for how wide they are does come up a lot these days, mostly as a nod to how well ski companies are addressing issues such as stability and power in wider-bodied skis. With all 4’s on his scorecard, Jeff Neagle find the Tracer 108 in the 180 to have a lot going for it as well. Jeff states that “I really enjoy skiing the Tracer 108. It reminds me of the Soul 7 in a lot of ways. It has really good float, it’s easy to maneuver, it’s light enough to use as an alpine touring ski, but I think it feels more stable at speed than the Soul or some other lightweight freeride skis. It’s one of those skis that kind of feels like it has suspension. It’s not a stiff ski, but it’s also not a noodle. The forgiveness in the flex allows the ski to adapt to variations in terrain without a shock to your legs. They feel smooth and supple. Torsional stiffness, however, is quite good, so they’ll hold an edge well, which is important for a ski you might take deep into the backcountry. You need to be able to trust backcountry skis, and I would have no problem trusting the Tracer 108. There’s also a little bit of Armada heritage in the Tracer’s feel. No, it’s not a twin tip, and it’s way more directional than most of Armada’s skis, but there’s some playfulness and a fun factor that’s hard to put into words.” It doesn’t seem like Jeff has much trouble putting that experience into words to me.

Bob St.Pierre got to ski the 108 in the 188, and that size was right up his alley. Even as a heavier skier, Bob found that the Tracer 108 “held me up quite well, and I actually got to ski it in appropriate conditions. Earlier this season on our media day, it snowed about six or seven inches throughout the day, so it was really perfect testing conditions for a Tracer 108. I had never been on the ski before, and it felt so much right at home in both the fresh and chopped up snow that we had that day.” Bob had some high scores as a result, with 5’s given for flotation, playfulness, and overall impression. Versatility and maneuverability both got 4’s while versatility and edge hold were in the 3 range. This is to be expected, as the wider ski just won’t hold tight to the turn like a more front-side ski, and that’s okay. Bob also notes that the Tracer 108 “had just the right amount of rocker and taper to make it as smooth as silk on the fresh—totally predictable and never hooky or grabby. I’d like to think I’d use this as a backcountry ski, but I certainly prefer the chairlifts, and even then, the Tracer 108 would make an awesome snow day ski for here in Stowe and other eastern areas.”

It's evident from our feedback that this ski has a ton of range, and especially so for a 108 mm underfoot ski. While certainly better suited for softer snow and more open terrain, the 108 holds a surprising edge and loves to be used in a variety of conditions all over the mountain. As an Eastern powder ski or a western tourer, the Tracer 108 continues its high-end feel and performance, allowing skiers to use the ski as they wish, in a multitude of formats.