2027 Armada Antimatter 88 W

The 2027 Armada AntiMatter 88 W gets a new name and graphic, but returns structurally the same as the outgoing Reliance 88 C. This means that you're still getting a lot of energy, strong all-mountain performance, and a light and manageable feel. With carbon stringers to help boost the wood core, these skis have a good handle on what it means to be peppy and zesty. When you add in the ski's ability to be fun and reliable in the bumps and trees, you're getting an adventurous ski with a confident character. While stability at high speed isn't the ski's strength, it does just fine for being as light as it is.

Built with a poplar wood core, the AntiMatter 88 W uses carbon stringers to add pop to the mix. These stiffen the ski slightly, but it's still not overly stiff or demanding like some other carbon-powered skis can be. The 88 W is more flexible in the shovels, making turn initiation quite simple and the weight of 1450 g/ski in the 160 cm length makes it super nimble and agile. Tester Alli Ruschp "LOVES the Antimatter 88W from Armada, its fun, stable, smooth and holds an edge, all things I require from a ski. Its light enough to sustain all day but the construction is sold and smooth. What a fun ski to use in all conditions, this would be a ski I would take on vacation and have fun on everyday! A mixture of terrain, its excellent on ice and hard snow but its fun and nimble in crud and bumps."

At 88 mm underfoot, this AntiMatter is well-rounded and up for anything. We've noted in the past how well it performs in the bumps because it's so light, but that waist width and overall footprint allow it to be incredibly useful when it comes to linking shorter carved turns. The sidecut measurements of 128/88/110 generate a turn radius of 16.2-meters, although it does feel like it can make shorter carves than that due to the flex. There's not a whole lot of rocker or taper in these skis as the longer camber profile adds to the energy and rebound that most testers really enjoy. Tester Lauren Morton notes that "This was fun! Very springy and playful. Super light and maneuverable but stable at speed. All mountain and a solid one quiver ski"

We think these skis work great for intermediate skiers and up. You don't have to be an expert to enjoy them, but we have found that to be the case based on the combination of edge grip and energy. With a lot of all-mountain versatility to go along with a front side charm, the AntiMatter 88 W is a great choice for progressing and adventurous skiers.