2027 Armada Antimatter 88

tester:

Ability: Advanced
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 225
Days / Year: 110ish
Age: 48
Years Skiing: 38

A bit more rigid than I used to be but still trying to be dynamic, smooth, and fluid with varying degrees of success. Skis on the snow, these days.

Ski:

2027 Armada Antimatter 88 Skis

Size Tested:

184 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Skied at Pico in Vermont on a firm groomer. More frozen granular than packed powder.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

This was the proper length for this ski for me. Skied true to size and felt supportive at a variety of speeds and turn shapes.

Scores

Floatation:4/10

Stability:6/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

These 88's are just so fun. They really feel planted in a carved turn and provide a whole lot of energy in the transition phase. Great edge grip and stability for not having metal. I'd ski this thing any day, anywhere.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

This is primarily a groomer ski, but fares well in an all-mountain and off-piste format. Not a great powder ski, but that's not the point. It has great grip and torsional stiffness for being light and agile.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

This ski has a big range of ability levels. You can be an emerging intermediate as well as an aggressive expert and find something to like here. Easy turning but high performance ceiling.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

If all ski manufacturers got together and decided they were all going to make one ski for everyone on planet earth, this would get my vote.

tester:

Ashley Maxfield

Ability: I'm A Pro
Height: 5'2"
Weight: 145
Days / Year: 120+
Age: 40
Years Skiing: 39

Ex racer/ retired FWT athlete

Ski:

2027 Armada Antimatter 88 Skis

Size Tested:

176 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe, gondola groomers, loose granular, light snow on hard pack.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

The AnitMatter 88 skied true to size. I would choose this size for myself to ski.

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:6/10

Quickness:7/10

Playfulness:6/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:6/10

Versatility:6/10

Overall:6/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

These skis were fun and somewhat playful. They felt a little flat on the conditions, but still able to respond to what I was asking out of them.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

These skis are great for groomers and light snow. They weren't as fun in the loose granular but still responded when I wanted them to. They were able to navigate the bumps with ease as well.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

This ski would be great for intermediate to expert. With it's ability to be a multi tool of skis, everyone can enjoy.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

I wanted just a little bit more from these skis. They did everything I wanted from them but I was missing a little of the wow factor on the conditions.

tester:

Nik Coffrin

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 190
Days / Year: 60-70
Age: 44
Years Skiing: 42

Aggressive charger with a racing foundation

Ski:

2027 Armada Antimatter 88 Skis

Size Tested:

184 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Gondola, Perry.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Perfect.

Scores

Floatation:5/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:7/10

Playfulness:6/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:7/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Skis really well, stable, rips carves but allows for quick release.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

These are a good all mountain ski, can handle a lot of diversity. Are willing to be driven but aren’t going to force you to push.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Advanced.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

Pleasant surprise.

tester:

Jonas Engle

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'4"
Weight: 135
Days / Year: ~50
Age: 24
Years Skiing: 22

Hard charging, but with lots of little breaks. I mostly chase where the snow is good and skiing is fun rather than particular terrain, although I do love a technical line. I am almost never in the park and would never touch a race course.

Ski:

2027 Armada Antimatter 88 Skis

Size Tested:

176 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Perry Merrill, firm and fast.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

This was too long for me, this skis true to length.

Scores

Floatation:7/10

Stability:3/10

Quickness:7/10

Playfulness:6/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:3/10

Versatility:5/10

Overall:4/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Hardly an improvement from the older Declivity carbon line, the antimatter 88 is still flimsy but approachable ski for intermediates.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

This ski is for blue and under, groomed terrain, it isn’t strong enough to handle strong skiing in bumps or woods but at low speeds they should manage ok.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

This ski is for intermediates looking for something easy as their first non-rental ski.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

I did not get along with this ski. Part of it was definitely having a size too long, but a long ski should never feel unstable and these still did. Not a fan.

tester:

Luke Miller

Ability: Expert
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 190
Days / Year: 125
Age: 32
Years Skiing: 28

Jason Statham's role as Chev Chelios in the movie "Crank"

Ski:

2027 Armada Antimatter 88 Skis

Size Tested:

184 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe - Perry Merrill groomer.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Felt good.

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:6/10

Quickness:6/10

Playfulness:6/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:6/10

Versatility:7/10

Overall:5/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

These skis are just not built for me. Felt a bit weak.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

I think its a good all mountain ski for intermediates. A bit more geared towards groomers.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Intermediate skiers. Its not strong enough or wide enough for experts.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

Seems like a great option for certain skiers just not me.

tester:

Steven Buccini

Ability: Advanced
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 205
Days / Year: 10
Age: 32
Years Skiing: 25

Rhymthic

Ski:

2027 Armada Antimatter 88 Skis

Size Tested:

176 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe, loose sugar on top of hard pack.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

This ski rides true to size.

Scores

Floatation:8/10

Stability:7/10

Quickness:8/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:5/10

Versatility:7/10

Overall:7/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

These skis were a hoot. Light and feathery on the feet, it has more of surf-y feeling by default while still being stiff enough to lay down an edge.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

This ski would perform well for riders who enjoy carving on groomers but still want a floaty feeling for when they want to dance on the shoulders.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

This ski is suitable for intermediate riders and above. It may be a particular good fit for someone looking for a jack-of-all-trades ski rather than an all-mountain ski that’s more of a carver that can also get into the trees.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

I felt that these skied more flexy than I expected, especially when compared to other skis in the category.

tester:

Izzi Barton

Ability: Expert
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 150
Days / Year: 100+
Age: 24
Years Skiing: 22

Former racer trying to get more relaxed in the woods

Ski:

2027 Armada Antimatter 88 Skis

Size Tested:

168 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Groomer - Stowe - Gondi.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

They felt perfect.

Scores

Floatation:7/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:8/10

Playfulness:7/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:9/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

They were pretty flexible and light right off the bat, so I was impressed with the ability to carve.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

These were great on a groomer for making some short and long turns. Really fun going down Gondi.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

They seem like they are more for people who are getting into the advanced and upper level skiing. Knowing how to go in the glazed and really know how to turn a ski.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

There was a little chatter when I got up to speed, but they were turning well.

tester:

Bryce Zicarelli

Ability: Advanced
Height: 5'6"'"
Weight: 150
Days / Year: ~60 days a season
Age: 27
Years Skiing: ~26 years

I'd say I'm an advanced-ish skier with a racing background but been skiing quite conservatively over the last few years. Slowly getting back into a more aggressive riding style -- trying to hit bigger lines and hit them smooth, going outside of my comfort zone but not beyond my limits!

Ski:

2027 Armada Antimatter 88 Skis

Size Tested:

168 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe, VT - Extremely firm groomers, granular.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Felt fine.

Scores

Floatation:7/10

Stability:7/10

Quickness:8/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:8/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

I liked the carbon stringers since it gave them a little zip. But overall they didn't feel super responsive. There is some dampness here which is surprising. Overall, I felt kind of meh about them.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

All-mountain but mostly groomers.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Intermediate to advanced.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

.

2027 Armada Antimatter 88

2027 SkiEssentials Ski TestA snappy frontside all-mountain ski with carbon construction and capability beyond the groomers.

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