Armada welcomes back the VJJ freeride ski for winter 19/20, as part of the ARW range. The Zero series of innovation lab skis will be more widely available. The Shift free-tour binding gets the Armada treatment and goes black. There are some changes to ARV/ARW skis and new construction for Tracer/Trace skis.
Shift to black
If you like the Atomic/Salomon Shift binding, but you would prefer it in stealth black, then you’re in luck. Armada is Amer owned (the parent company of Atomic and Salomon) and for next season Armada has a version of the Shift – it’s all black and looks great.
Zero series – innovative skis
Armada’s innovation lab skis – called the Zero series – should be more widely available in Armada’s retail range. You can find some innovative ideas in this range, including a ski that has no edges, the BDog Edgless, for the jibsters so the ski doesn’t hook up no matter what surface you’re trying to slide along. The edge-less construction also means the ski has an ‘infinitely’ soft flex.
They also have a lighter weight version of their popular JJ ski – called the 116 JJ Ultralite. This will be 25% lighter than the JJ, as it has less weight in the tip and tail and has a Karuba core (rather than Poplar and Ash).
There’ll be a Ti version of the ARV 96 in the Zero series, called the ARV 96 Ti (no surprises there). Apart from that, it is the same as the standard ARV just stiffer. There are two big-mountain skis in the range too; the ARG II (‘the ultimate powder slasher for the deepest days’, with a 133mm waist) and the Declivity X (‘uncompromising big mountain charger, at 115mm underfoot).
ARV skis
The ARV 106 and ARV 86 will remain unchanged apart from a striking new graphic, using artwork from Joram Rourkes, which will adorn all of the ARV skis.
For 19/20 the ARV 116 JJ will also be available in a shorter 165cm ski. The ARV 96 will be 1mm wider at the tip and tail but the same construction as the current ski.
The ARV 84 will change quite a lot. They’ve dropped the Ash from the core so it’ll just be Poplar, and they’ve dropped the 177cm length, so 170cm will be the longest option. The shape of the ski changes too, and will be a lot narrower at the tip and tail although the radius stated for each length has not changed at all. The ski was 120mm at the tip and 109mm at the tail in every length, but for next season will range from 109mm tip / 102mm tail for the 142cm version up to 113mm tip / 106mm tail for the 170cm length. All lengths will remain 84mm underfoot.
Tracer skis
The Tracer 118 CHX has changed for 19/20 with a new Poplar-Karuba core. They beef up the fibreglass to reduce weight and add durability. The 180cm ski is 8.5% lighter than the 18/19 season model; 1,875g v 2,049g.
Armada usese something they call Adaptive Mesh (they’ve dropped the term Xrystal Mesh). The Adaptive Mesh uses a variable weave of Innegra mesh. Innegra is a fibre made from olefin (easiest to think of this as something like a fine polypropylene rope) mixed with carbon. Armada uses Adaptive Mesh in varying orientations to give the characteristic they want. It can be run straight towards the ends of the ski at tip and tail to reduce chatter. Underfoot the weave can run almost side-to-side to filter vibration.
The Tracer 108 will have the same updates as the 118 with Poplar-Karuba core and Adaptive Mesh. The 108 weighs 1,750g in 180cm (was 1,885g for winter 18/19). The Tracer 98 also changes to have a pure Karuba core and a beefier glass lay-up and Adaptive Mesh. Weight in the 180cm ski will be 1,575g versus 1,780g for 18/19 version. Geometry and flex pattern remain unchanged in the 118, 108 and 98 over 18/19 season models. The Tracer 88 won’t change for next season. It is very light at 1,200g in 172cm – and is currently their main touring option.
Invictus skis
For 19/20 Armada will drop the Invictus 108 Ti. The 99 Ti will be the widest option in the Invictus range. The range will only have a graphic update for 19/20.
ARW and VJJ skis
The V JJ will appear back in the range as an ARW ski called the ARW 116 VJJ – the VJJ was last available in 16/17 range. It will have a Poplar-Ash core and a bevelled base at tip and tail. Standard camber underfoot with quite a bit of tip and tail rocker. The ARW 96 and 86 will just get a graphic change. The ARW 84 will get the same updates as ARV 84 with a Poplar core and narrower tip/tail.
Trace skis
The Trace range of women’s skis will get similar updates to the Tracer range. The Trace 108 and 98 will have a Poplar core and use Adaptive Mesh. The weights for these two widths remain unchanged for 19/20. The Trace 88 will be unchanged.
Tested: Armada Trace 98 women’s freeride skis
I’ve tested the Armada Trace 98 women’s freeride ski. I found the ski could be played with, due to a beautifully judged flex along the ski. It has a a drifty, freeride feel, however if you want to lay the ski over on it’s side and carve out clean lines then the edge engages nicely. It’s a lovely ski, is not so powerful to be unwieldy and is ideal for someone who has relatively good technique.
Victa skis
The Victa range will just get a graphic update, although the new graphic is strong and should appeal to a much bigger audience.
0 Comments