2025 Rossignol Sender Soul 102 and 2025 Armada Declivity X 102 On Snow Comparison
We’ve been having a good run of luck and fantastic conditions in our little corner of Vermont lately, and it’s been prime 102 mm ski testing for sure. Matt and I had a fun Friday to find a few skis to test together, and settled on the 2025 Rossignol Sender Soul 102 and my (Bob’s) personal pair of Armada Declivity X 102’s. Both of these skis will return structurally unchanged for next year, so it’s a good opportunity to get out on new skis that will carry forward into the 2026 season.
To briefly recap construction, the Rossignol features a full poplar wood core, a titanal beam underfoot, Air Tip in the front, and Vibration Absorption System (VAS) for smoothness. While on one hand this seems and feels like a somewhat basic construction, it’s the amount of wood and the thickness of the core that gives this ski its signature feel and character. We had the 188’s in both skis, and for the Rossignol, that ski sits on the scale at 2150 grams per ski, so not a lightweight by any means. In terms of shape, the new Soul 102 features more tail rocker than the Sender 104 Ti that it replaces, bringing more of a freeride and creative profile to the mix. The tip shape is about the same, and this is a good thing for mixing on and off-trail properties. The 188 features a sidecut of 135/104/125 and produces an 18-meter turn radius. For such a big ski that feels like it wants to run, that’s a pretty short arc.
At a Glance:
2025 Rossignol Sender Soul 102 Skis
| AVAILABLE SIZES | TURN RADIUS | SIDECUT | WEIGHT | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 156, 164, 172, 180, 188 cm | 16 m @ 180 cm | 136 / 102 / 126 mm | 1,900 g @ 180 cm | $699.95 |
For the Armada, we make a bigger move from replacement, with the new X having a full poplar wood core and a shorter articulated titanal laminate. This shorter layer still contains the polymer material that smooths out the ride. A bit heavier in the 188, the X 102 hits 2050 g/ski on the scale. For the shape, the new Declivity X 102 is flatter, straighter, and lower than the outgoing ski, putting more of an emphasis on soft, choppy snow and more floaty characteristics. The measurements here of 136/102/126 generate an 18.5-meter radius, but we both noticed that the Declivity feels like more of a fall-line fan. Both skis are pretty stiff and have a good amount of camber, making them more versatile than a lot of 102’s out there that focus on either powerful all-mountain chops or more freestyle-oriented playfulness. These two fall more in the middle.
At a Glance:
2025 Armada Declivity X 102 Skis
| AVAILABLE SIZES | TURN RADIUS | SIDECUT | WEIGHT | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 172, 180, 188 cm | 18 m @ 180 cm | 135 / 102 / 125 mm | 2,175 g @ 188 cm | $849.95 |
This particular Friday, we got a great mix of conditions and terrain. With a few inches of snow overnight and with a strong few weeks of snowfall, we were primed and ready for adventure and fun. On-trail, we noticed that the Rossignol’s thicker wood core and stiffer underfoot flex made it more eager to complete a fully carved turn. There seemed to be a better connection with the snow in that carve, and more rebound at the end. The Soul 102 feels like it has an extra gear when it comes to higher speed arcs and the respective energy. This contrasts with the Declivity X 102’s smoother, quieter, and more moderate mentality in a carved turn. There’s nothing wrong with how this ski creates deep, smooth, and round arcs, it just doesn’t do it with the same vigor as the Sender Soul 102, and that’s fine, as most skiers are looking for more than carving performance with either/both of these skis.
2025 Rossignol Sender Soul 102 Rocker / Camber Profile:
2025 Armada Declivity X 102 Rocker / Camber Profile:
Off-trail, the inverse of the on-trail is true. The Declivity X 102 is a standout ski here with greater mobility despite the heavier weight, and a better/smoother soft snow feel. The silence and predictability of the Armada gets the edge here, as it allows skiers the ability to bounce back and forth between turns no matter the conditions or terrain. If I’m only skiing trees, soft snow, and powder, I’m taking the Declivity. It’s pretty darn good in crud and chop, with that smooth and low-profile character taking the lead here. The Soul 102 feels a bit bouncier and less amenable to smoothing out terrain in front of it. These are preferential differences, to be sure, and each offers its own plusses and minuses. There’s a give and take here for sure, but nothing wrong with either ski.
It’s always interesting looking at two skis that are competing with each other in the same category. These 102’s are insanely versatile and well-rounded. One is a bit chargier and more aggressive while the other is smoother and floatier. It all depends on how the benefits align with what you, as a skier, are doing most of the time. Playing the percentages is a big thing in ski selection, and even with minimal differences overall, it pays to have an honest look at yourself as a skier and your priorities.
Keep Exploring the 2025 Armada Declivity X 102:
2025 Armada Declivity X 102 Skis Product Listing
2025 Armada Declivity X 102 Ski Test Results