For the 2024 ARW series, Armada set out to carry forward their tried-and-true freestyle characteristics that have always set them apart from competitors. Between their flashy graphics, symmetrical shapes, and signature pro models that continue to inspire up and coming park and pipe skiers, each year introduces another iteration that is slightly tweaked and more advanced than the last. With this year’s ARW line, we see a trend towards a more all-mountain profile without losing its signature personality, which we love to see. Replacing the former 96, the ARW 94 not only drops in weight thanks to the revamped construction but also receives alterations to the shape and profile to invite more versatility and capabilities. Through this redesign, we see the use of a caruba and ash wood for the core as opposed to a blend if poplar and ash, which greatly enhances the overall flex and playfulness factor. To ensure stability and strength, Armada introduces new technology that balances out the lightweight construction in an impressively advanced way.

As was mentioned, from a construction standpoint, we see a shift away from the poplar and ash wood blend to a caruba and ash blend, with the ash placed mostly underfoot for binding retention. This gives the 94 an impressively lightweight, highly responsive feel that invites pipe and park skiers to press, butter and pop off any and all features with ease. Caruba is a lighter, less dense wood that transfers to a softer flexing, snappier feel, making it the ideal foundation for all things freestyle. As for the use of ash, designating it underfoot provides vibration dampening qualities as well as enhanced edge grip. Soft and maneuverable in the tip and tails while strong and powerful underfoot takes the 94’s abilities in and out of the park with plenty of versatility. This brings us to the meat of the new build, with the w3dgewall construction taking the cake as far as most noticeable upgrade. This specific technology goes beyond the traditional sandwich sidewall by angling the sidewall in towards the wood core and upon friction, a mechanical bond forms between the two. If you think of a ski coming in contact with a bump, rock, or firm terrain, rather than the core and sidewall pressing apart, they are actually pushing together. This drastically improves the durability and overall strength of the ski.

In terms of shape and profile, other than the early taper in the tips and tails, we see an otherwise similar shape to the previous 96. With a smoother, more spoon-like shovels and near symmetrical rocker profile, turn initiation is friendlier and less twitchy. This not only affects takeoffs and landings, but provides smoother, more fluid transitions between turns. With slightly more width in the tips, approximately 5 mm, it doesn’t quite fit the fully symmetrical design but still lands itself in the twin tip/freestyle arena. Adding to its liveliness and snappy energy, the new 94 features a tighter turn radius, which aids well in bumps and tight terrain.

For a mid-90s twin tip with all mountain capabilities, it's hard to beat the ARW 94. Thanks to its impressive upgrades and advanced technology, skiers are quick to notice the increased durability, effortless maneuverability and lively energy in the park and across the mountain. For a lightweight twin tip with impressive edge grip and strength, the ARW 94 will appeal to a wide range of skiers.