The 2027 Armada Stranger 100 is a one-of-a-kind ski that fuses freeride and freestyle DNA into a single platform. With a tight turn radius, a springboard tail, and an edgeless tip, it's built to carve, slash, and butter in ways most other 100-mm skis can't.

Why we like it:

The Springboard Tail is what makes this ski feel different from anything else in the category. There's a real spring-loaded snap coming out of turns and off butters that other freeride skis just don't have. Combined with the edgeless tip up front, you get a ski that feels uniquely loose and engaging.

Who it's for:

Advanced and expert skiers who want a creative, freestyle-influenced all-mountain ski. Ideal for skiers who like to butter, press, and play with the terrain, but still want enough waist and turn shape to charge when they want to.

Highlights:

The Poplar Ash core sets the tone, blending poplar's lighter, livelier feel with the power and damping of ash stringers. That mix gives the Stranger more grip and stability than its freestyle-twin sibling skis without sacrificing the playful character. The Springboard Tail is the signature feature, a flex profile that loads and releases like a diving board, which gives the ski an unusually energetic feel coming out of carves and off side hits. The Edgeless Tip up front trims metal edge contact in the rocker zone, which makes the ski less catchy in soft snow and more forgiving on switch landings. Tight turn radii in both available sizes mean this ski really wants to roll edge to edge, and the S7 sintered base plus Impact Edge keep it durable when you bring it into the park or onto rails.

Things to consider:

The progressive design isn't for everyone. The Springboard Tail and Edgeless Tip give this ski a unique feel that takes some adjustment if you're coming from a more traditional all-mountain ski.

Fit & sizing considerations:

Skis true to length. Pick the size that matches your usual all-mountain length.