2024 Armada ARV 100 Skis Review
By: evo Employees | Last Updated: July 7th, 2023
Review Summary
Avg. Tester Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ (4.8/5)
The 2024 Armada ARV 100 Skis have received consistent praise for their playful and versatile performance. With a soft flex, these skis offer a fun and lively experience on the mountain, particularly in the park. They are described as lightweight and easy to maneuver, allowing for quick turns and tricks. Despite their playful nature, the skis maintain sufficient edge hold and stability, providing confidence for skiers of various skill levels. The ARV 100 is commended for their responsiveness and ability to hold an edge on hard pack, while also performing well in deeper snow. The skis are recommended for all-mountain use, offering a good balance of forgiveness and control at both lower and higher speeds. Overall, the ARV 100s are seen as a versatile and enjoyable option for skiers seeking a playful and responsive ski experience across the mountain. Shop the Armada ARV 100 Skis
Technical Details
"An entirely new creation, the ARV 100 is the all-mountain freestyle king with a 100mm waist and AR Freestyle Rocker providing exceptional all-around versatility. Whether sending it in the park or charging around the mountain in search of a few inches of fresh snow, the wider platform and rocker in the tips and tails deliver a solid platform for rutted out landings and variable conditions."
| Available Sizes (cm) | 158, 165, 172, 179, 186 |
| Dimensions (Tip, Waist, Tail - mm) | 128 - 100 - 120 (179 cm) |
| Radius (m) | 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5 |
| Rocker/Camber Profile | Rocker/Camber/Rocker |
| Weight | 1700g (per pair @ 179 cm) |
| Construction | w3Dgewall technology , Caruba Core |
Expert Testers & Methodology
Why should you trust evo's Field Tested Reviews? Great question! Over this past winter, evo employees from our various locations across Washington, Oregon, Utah, Colorado and Whistler were selected to provide long-term testing of next year's hottest new skis and snowboards. Employees were also invited to attend exclusive multi-day demo events where brands — like Armada — showcased their upcoming products for the 2023/2024 winter season. By collecting unbiased, in-depth reviews from our most experienced skiers and snowboarders, we hope to help you find the best gear to maximize your fun in the mountains!
Testing for the 2024 Armada ARV 100:
We had four different testers with decades of skiing experience spend extensive time testing out the Armada ARV 100 skis. As both intermediate and advanced skiers with a diverse background of skiing experience across a variety of mountains, conditions and terrain, they independently compiled their thoughts and each provided us their individual reviews below.
Alex Meilleur
Digital Content Manager
Tester Rating: 5-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Expert
Size Tested: 179cm
Testing Location: Mission Ridge, WA
Nicely Balanced Ski for Playful Skiers!
"A re-imagining of one of Armada's long-standing favorites, a prime representative of the 'all-mountain freestyle' monicker, the ARV name has been associated with versatility and playfulness for years. This new iteration carries on the tradition with a modern, lightweight construction featuring Armada's new W3DGEWALL construction that shines in and out of the park. I found the new ARV 100 to have a very good balance of forgiveness and playfulness at lower speeds, without feeling gutless or floppy at higher speeds - in fact, I was impressed by how much I could push it all while being able to control turn shape with ease. A wonderful option for intermediate to expert skiers looking for a fun, easy-ride all over the mountain."
Asa Redfield
Digital Content Editor
Tester Rating: 5-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Expert
Size Tested: 178cm
Testing Location: Mission Ridge, WA
The Best ARV Yet
"The all-new ARV 100 is a super fun and playful all-mountain ski that's also right at home skiing park. At 6' 0" and 180lbs, I'm someone who typically prefers a stiffer ski that's more in the 185cm+ length range, however I was pleasantly surprised to find myself feeling fairly stable and confident on the 179cm ARV 100 so while these skis are undoubtedly soft in terms of flex, they aren't so soft that you can't comfortably keep up with your buddies. And while the new "w3Dgewall" sidewall construction didn't yield any differences in terms of the ski's performance, the promise of enhanced durability is never a bad thing in my eyes. In terms of on-snow performance, the ARV 100 definitely had a "playful" feel and was really easy to swing around for quick little 180s/360s. It offers super easy turn initiation and liked to bounce from edge to edge as opposed to making longer arcing turns. Whether you're brand new to skiing and want an easy, intuitive ski that's wide enough to handle fresh snow or you're more of an intermediate/advanced skier who just prefers a fun and playful ski for all-mountain/park days, I'm confident you won't be disappointed with the Armada ARV 100 skis."
Cullen Hendrickson
Customer Care Supervisor
Tester Rating: 4-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Expert
Size Tested: 178cm
Testing Location: Mission Ridge, WA
Playful & Poppy
"Very poppy and playful skis that are super lightweight and flexible. If you are looking for a quality freestyle ski this is a great option. Due to its construction it is not the most stable ski at speed out there but still has plenty of edge hold for you to feel in control and make sharp turns as you see fit. Skier weight will always play a factor in how playful the ski seems to you, but from my perspective (5'9", 180-lbs and more of an all mountain skier) I am not sure how much more playfulness I require. Depending on the terrain you are planning to use this in there is also the 94mm waist width option as well."
Cassidy Lavender
Digital Content Writer
Tester Rating: 5-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Advanced
Size Tested: 172cm
Testing Location: Loveland, CO
The Best of Both Worlds: Very Playful and Super Stable. 11/10!
"I'm definitely a go-fast gal and could carve up groomers all day long, but I also love to make my way through some expert terrain to challenge myself for part of the day and find some untouched goodies. The ARV 100 shocked me in the best way. It's an amazingly fun ski that I would play around on every day without a doubt. It has the softest flex of all the ARV series but MAN can it hold an edge and gain some speed on hard pack. They are super light and easy to maneuver in the park or the deeper stuff, too. I was able to find a few inches of freshie and they soared through it beautifully. They felt super responsive and at 5' 9", 160, the 172 was absolutely perfect for me! Can't recommend these guys enough for any conditions, anywhere on the mountain."
Pros
Playful and Fun: The ARV 100 Skis are consistently described as playful and fun, which enhances the overall skiing experience. This playfulness allows skiers to enjoy freestyle elements, quick turns, and tricks with ease. Whether it's spinning, jumping, or maneuvering through the park, the skis offer a lively and enjoyable ride.
Lightweight and Maneuverable: Reviewers emphasize the skis' lightweight construction, which contributes to their exceptional maneuverability. The reduced weight allows for quick edge-to-edge transitions and effortless turning. This makes it easier for skiers to navigate tight spots, trees, and varied terrain with confidence and agility.
Edge Hold and Stability: Despite their playful and lively nature, the ARV 100 Skis offer a level of stability that provides skiers with confidence. Skiers can feel assured that the skis will remain stable and predictable, allowing them to push their limits and explore the mountain without sacrificing control.
Cons
Soft Flex: Some skiers may find that the soft flex of the ARV 100 Skis hampers their ability to maintain stability and control, especially when skiing aggressively or at higher speeds.
Limited Hard Pack Performance: While the skis offer good edge hold, a few reviewers mentioned that their performance on hard pack or icy conditions may not be as strong compared to other skis, potentially affecting stability and maneuverability.
More Fun than Technical: While the skis are praised for their playfulness, a trade-off mentioned by some reviewers is a potential decrease in pop and energy compared to skis with a stiffer flex. Skiers looking for a more energetic and lively ride may prefer alternatives.
Who Is It For?
The 2024 Armada ARV 100 Skis are best suited for skiers who prioritize playfulness, maneuverability, and versatility. They are ideal for all-mountain skiers who enjoy exploring various terrains, including groomed slopes and park features. The skis cater to individuals seeking a fun and lively ride, with an emphasis on tricks, quick turns, and freestyle elements. Skiers who value edge hold and stability, while still desiring a playful experience, will also appreciate these skis. The ARV 100 Skis can accommodate a range of skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders, making them suitable for a wide spectrum of skiers seeking a versatile and enjoyable skiing experience.
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