The Armada Stranger with Salomon Strive 14 GW Bindings is a unique ski that blends playful park features with carving ability, paired with a high performance binding that brings out the best in this ski. By focusing on creating sharp edge angles and dynamic turns, the Stranger encourages freestyle creativity. It bridges the gap between park skiing and carving, with a 100 mm width for maximum versatility on firm and soft snow. We paired the Stranger with the Strive 14 because of this binding’s well known reputation for safety, reliability, and ease of use. Featuring an LDN toe piece that optimizes contact and response, these bindings integrate seamlessly with boots and skis, allowing for a natural flex and balanced stance, making them the perfect choice to pair with this ski.

Why we like it:

The Stranger inspires creativity and encourages trying new things, and we love its ability to create extreme edge angles - it's rebellious in a fun way, pushing the boundaries of normal skiing. also nimble in trees and appeals to a wide range of skiers, from park enthusiasts to all-mountain riders looking for something different.

Who it's for:

Ideal for skiers who love creativity and want a ski that carves and maneuvers well across the entire mountain, including in the park.

Highlights:

The Stranger’s poplar wood core combined with Armada’s Springboard Tail provides the energy and bounce needed to turn the mountain into a playground. The Edgeless Tips encourage playful maneuvers like nose butters and quick turns. The Strive 14 GW, with its lightweight build and low-profile chassis, delivers a smooth and responsive ride all day long. It remains nimble in deep snow and light on your feet as the day progresses. The LDN Toe Pieces offer a low stand height, optimizing power transfer and improving the connection to your skis. The Automatic Toe Adaption feature effortlessly adjusts to GripWalk boots without the need for manual adjustments. Additionally, the Snow Scrapers on the toe pieces effectively remove snow and ice, ensuring a secure fit that enhances both safety and performance for direct power transmission. When paired up with the Stranger, you’ve got a solid setup that’s ready for anything.

Things to consider:

The Stranger is not as stiff as traditional frontside carving skis, so it's not ideal for hard snow. However, it performs well on packed powder groomers. Surprisingly, it's not the best choice for advanced park skiing due to its shape and mount position, which make it more suited for playful all-mountain skiing.

Fit & sizing considerations:

Available in 172 cm and 180 cm lengths, we recommend slightly shorter lengths for the best experience. For example, a skier used to longer skis might prefer the 180 cm length, while those who prefer shorter skis would enjoy the 172 cm for enhanced playfulness. Opt for the longer length if you prioritize high-speed stability over playfulness.