The 2027 Armada ARV 116 JJ UL is the ultralight version of the iconic ARV 116 JJ, a backcountry-friendly powder twin built around a Caruba core that shaves serious weight off the original. It's a true freestyle powder ski for skiers who want to hike for it, slash through it, and jump off everything along the way.

Why we like it:

It's hard to overstate how playful a fat powder twin feels when it weighs this little. The UL gives you all the float and surfy character of the bigger ARV 116 JJ but lets you swing the ski around like a much smaller one. Tree skiing, backcountry laps, and freestyle pow lines all open up.

Who it's for:

Advanced and expert skiers who ski a lot of powder and want a freestyle-leaning twin that's light enough for the backcountry. Ideal for skiers who tour to their lines, lap the storm-day hike-to terrain, or just want a lower-effort big-snow tool.

Highlights:

Caruba is Armada's lightest core material, regrowing in a fraction of the time of poplar or ash, and it brings snappy, resilient ride characteristics without the weight penalty of a traditional wood core. The result is a ski that comes in dramatically lighter than the standard ARV 116 JJ while keeping the same surfy, freestyle-friendly personality. Smear Tech is the other big tech here, a 3D-beveled base profile in the tip and tail that sheds snow, refuses to catch in crud, and self-centers in deep snow. It makes the ski feel almost uncatchable on takeoffs and forgiving in any direction. Lightweight Edge keeps the swing weight down, the Laminate Matrix layup adds strength without bulk, the S7 sintered base handles glide, and AR75 sidewalls round out a build that punches above its weight class.

Things to consider:

The ultralight build trades some hard-charging stability for the weight savings. If you're a heavy, aggressive skier who skis fast on firmer snow, a heavier freeride ski will hold up better at speed.

Fit & sizing considerations:

Skis a touch shorter than stated length thanks to the rocker profile. Most skiers can size up if they want extra flotation in deeper snow.