2021 Armada Declivity 92 Ti Ski Review

Today we chat about the new Declivity line from Armada and specifically the 2021 Declivity 92 Ti! We also introduce Goggles For Docs:
gogglesfordocs...
Declivity 92 Ti Review: www.skiessenti...

[@tomdolanii]

These skis absolutely rip and are a blast to ski. Great review by Jeff really articulating the turn creativity and intuitiveness that these skis allow for. Thank you ski essentials. Pushed me over the edge to buy and so happy I did

[@SkiEssentials]

Great to hear! We're big fans of the whole Declivity line, so if you find yourself looking for a wider version, the 102 and 108 follow suit in terms of overall character. Have a great winter! SE

[@nzheliking1278]

Awesome review as always! All the way from the Bat-Cave! That Armada Declivity Range sounds a great option for variable piste skiing with some off piste chops. Did you manage to get the 102 out for a run? How would the 92 compare to the likes of the M5, Ranger 99 or 2021 Bonafide? Cheers Nick.

[@SkiEssentials]

Yes! We did quite a bit of testing on the 102. Actually, Bob has a lot of days on those, so when we do that review I'll be bringing him in. I think you can draw a lot of similarities between the Ranger Ti and Declivity lines in general. They have a different feel from different construction techniques, but they're similar in the sense that they both feel like powerful carvers, but are also pretty versatile.

[@howedy]

I do wonder whether Armada would have produced such a ski prior to their acquisition by Amer Sports. Seems like a very Euro Style Salomon/Atomic ski. Looks fun though!

[@pierangelocangialosi3540]

This Coronavirus pandemic seems a dystopian reality, and I'm happy to see you are doing contributions like I'm doing here.

[@nyyankees4296]

I love these skis. Worth every penny

[@blackjack4195]

Absolute killer skis! I've never been on a ski that feels so soft and playful in quick turns but then also sucks onto the snow like no tomorrow when you start picking up speed. Never felt skis quite so stable, more like looking through a vr headset than actually skiing.

[@SkiEssentials]

They're awesome, aren't they?? I recently got on a pair and was reminded how much fun it is.

[@weyderwarr]

At 6'2" 185lbs, would I have any issues with the length of the 188 as a lower intermediate level skier? I just moved to Salt Lake City, Utah and got a season pass so will be getting out on the mountains a ton this season. Hoping I'll be able to grow into them as I progress

[@SkiEssentials]

No, I don't think so. The 188 cm will be just about as tall as you, and the Declivity 92 uses enough rocker that it should be manageable. It's also not jarringly stiff, so you should be good. Admittedly, it might take a few days to get used to the length, but it sounds like you're thinking long term, and I think after a handful of days on snow, you'll love the 188 cm length.

[@weyderwarr]

@@SkiEssentials Thank you for the reply! I'm definitely thinking long term. My work schedule for the winter is going to allow me to ski in the morning on weekdays until noon and I'm taking two weeks of vacation starting Nov 29th. I ended up ordering the 188 with a friend's pro discount. Thanks guys!

[@jeffs8525]

How’s does the K2 Mindbender 90 TI compare? Pretty comparable?

[@SkiEssentials]

Somewhat comparable, yeah! To me the Declivity feels a little lighter on your feet, but they both have a good mix of power/stability and maneuverability/playfulness.

[@Scott-ShaggyBeard]

Nice review! I like how you guys go in depth regarding how the skis turn and grip on varied terrain. On a side note... I'm curious about what action cameras you guys use and settings.

[@SkiEssentials]

It's a GoPro Max 360. I've been using it for a lot of the season, but am just starting to get a hang of the POV style footage like this and what works best.

[@alexvasiliu1348]

Great review! Looking to buy some new skis, but stuck in between the Armada Declivity 92 Ti's and the Line Sick Day 94. I ski on the east coast and we don't see a lot of powder where I go, but I'd like a ski that can not only last me several solid years but is also maneuverable and can be used in powder, on groomers, and even the occasional park day. What do you think? I'm an intermediate skier looking to advance my skills btw.

[@SkiEssentials]

Hey Alex! Do you prefer a quicker, more agile ski or something with more stability and vibration damping? The Sick Day 94 is light, super maneuverable, and a lot of fun. Not the most edge grip on firm snow, but also not bad. The Declivity 92 is a stronger ski overall. More stable at speed, more powerful, but heavier and not as playful as the Sick Day. I do think both could work, just think about which feel you'll prefer.

[@connke867]

I have some new Rustler 10s and I'm looking to replace my "drought year" skis (Californian here), which are currently 2012 Kendos... I'm currently stuck between these Declivitys, the mindbender 90ti, and the new Stance 90s. Any suggestions? I value stability and edge grip, but not at the cost of horrible maneuverability in trees like my old kendos. Love the vids!

[@SkiEssentials]

You narrowed it down to 3 really good skis for your application. All 3 of those are going to be more maneuverable in the trees than your Kendo. The Stance is probably the closest to your Kendo, but it does have more rocker and more taper, so it is more maneuverable, but still pretty heavy. Declivity is the most versatile of those, in my opinion, mostly due to their lighter feel. Mindbender 90 kind of blends the performance of the two. I think it feels more stable than the Declivity, but lighter and more maneuverable than the Stance. Hope that helps!

[@manichandy7156]

How would this compare to the Blizzard Rustler 9? Also for 5’9”, 155 lbs is the 172 or 180cm a better length?

[@SkiEssentials]

The Rustler 9 has more tail rocker, which gives it a more playful, maneuverable feel, especially in softer snow. The Declivity is more precise on firm snow and has a little bit better edge grip. I think a good way to think about the Declivity is it's kind of in between the Brahma 88 and Rustler 9 in terms of feel and overall performance. For length, either could work. I'm about an inch taller than you, but the same weight, and prefer 180 cm in both skis.

[@dougwesterhoff]

Great review, I'm looking for a new ski in this category. I'm excited about this ski, do you think 188 will be too long for me at 6', 190lbs? The alternative at 180 seems short

[@SkiEssentials]

I don't necessarily think the 188 cm would be too long, no. I'm a couple inches shorter and about 40 lbs lighter and prefer the 180, so makes sense to me that the 188 would feel good to you!

[@Vanderkitten]

Man, another awesome ski to consider for 2020/21!! Question: I skied the new Kendo the end of this season. Loved them! Skied the enforcer 88 and liked some aspects of them but too much tip rocker for me. My daily ski is a Line Supernatural 100 in a 185 and I’m looking for something I can make a wider variety of turns on skiing with my 7 year old and then sneak off and rip some turns on my own. Would go down in size. The Kendo really worked for me, but I love being on something different than the crowd and lighter is always nice when I have to huff back up the hill to help my daughter. Background is ski racing and living out west for 18 years. I’m east coast now and a shadow of my former self... haha dad life. I’m a pretty big guy and expert level. Like railroad tracks and speed. Crushing crud. Weakness, moguls. Thoughts on this? Your ex racer comment is really intriguing.

[@ianholmquist8492]

Atomic Bent Chetler 100. Look no further. Super light and flickable. They do everything well except carving at high speed. If you want something that puts high speed carving capability above all else, then buy any stockli stormrider.

[@Vanderkitten]

Ian Holmquist thanks for the recommendation. Unfortunately high speed carving is absolutely a requirement for this ski and the Bent Chetlers aren’t the right ski for icy days on the east coast. The supernatural’s are pretty good but want a shorter radius and narrower waist, I have Megadozer powder skis which don’t get much use (1 trip out west a season). I don’t want a pure carving ski because I like to have some fun and need that extra width when the snow gets mushy and need to smear some turns. I’m not a huge fan of a ton of rocker for the East Coast (skied the Nordica Enforcer 88 this season and they didn’t do it for me + my Mega Dozers are pretty rockered> good for the powder).

[@ianholmquist8492]

@@VanderkittenNice! i'm an east coast guy as well. Loved the the stockli stormrider 95 this winter but have also tried the 88.

[@Vanderkitten]

Ian Holmquist I’ve always loved Stockli! Budget might have me on the B-list though.

[@SkiEssentials]

Hi David! I think the Declivity 92 should be on your list, although the tip rocker profile is fairly similar to an Enforcer 88. Have you considered anything from the Fischer Ranger line? The Ranger 92 Ti comes to mind. I suppose that ski has a fair amount of tip rocker too, but it meets your criteria of "something different than the crows and lighter is always nice." Elan Ripsticks come to mind too... A lot of people overlook those skis because they have a reputation for being softer flexing, which they are, but they have tremendous torsional stiffness considering the weight and flex.

[@StacyWilcox]

I need a ski to pair with my enforcer 104. Would you go with Declivity 92 or enforcer 88?

[@SkiEssentials]

Depends if you want more carving performance or more all-mountain versatility. The Enforcer 88 is stiffer and a little more powerful. Better as a dedicated carving ski, better on trail for aggressive skiers. The Declivity is still pretty darn good on groomers, but feels a little more playful and more compliant at slow speed. Funny you ask that question, because I personally have an Enforcer 104 and a Declivity 92!

[@__Steph]

How does it compare to Atomic vantage 90 ti? I am looking for a piste orientated all mountain ski. Currently on atomic s9 fis, I love carving short turns but due to a knee injury I really need a longer, wider more stable ski for next season.

[@SkiEssentials]

There's more vibration damping than the Vantage. The Vantage, however, is stiffer, and more responsive. It's not as smooth as the Declivity, but it's exceptionally quick. I don't, however, know that the Vantage would be the best coming off a knee injury, just because it's so stiff and responsive.

[@__Steph]

Skiessentials.com thanks for sharing your thoughts. I have plenty of time to think about it now!

[@stefanromano1881]

Thoughts on these vs. Mantra M5? Really enjoyed the M5 but have seen all the positive feedback on these

[@SkiEssentials]

Both are phenomenal all-mountain skis. The Declivity 92Ti is quicker edge to edge, has a shorter turn radius, is lighter and has more snappy flex. The M5 is more damp and has more torsional stiffness throughout in comparison to the Declivity.

[@chrislevine1149]

Great review as always and appreciate all your insight. Just one comparison question for you...how would you compare these to the 2019 Volkl Kendo 88 and/or the 2018 Blizzard Brahma? Thanks!

[@chrislevine1149]

Sorry meant 2020 Kendo 88

[@SkiEssentials]

The Declivity has more playfulness than both the Kendo and Brahma. Not as much raw stability or power, but more playfulness, forgiveness, and more versatility in softer snow conditions as well.

[@dude4173]

Just picked up the 92ti 180cm. Tried them out the other day and absolutely love them.

[@SkiEssentials]

Pretty awesome skis, huh?

[@kaanokcu7389]

Lina sakana review! Please

[@RyRyWags]

Nice review 👌 Looking to upgrade from my Rossi Smash 7.

[@SkiEssentials]

This would be a very nice upgrade!

[@ColoradoKid32]

If it skis like or better than the invictus 89 Prepare your mind to be blown I am losing my mind to ski these. My dad bought three pairs of the invictus before they stopped making them.

[@mbal4052]

Great review as always, much appreciated

[@szuber42]

How will this ski do in 6 to 8 inches of fresh snow vs like an older kendo

[@SkiEssentials]

A little better than a Kendo for sure. The tip is wider and its shaped with soft snow performance in mind. You get a nice amount of float for it being 92 under foot. I think I'd prefer skiing the Declivity 102 in 6-8 inches of snow, but the 92 definitely works, and you get a quicker edge to edge feel and more carving performance for when you're not in soft snow.

[@szuber42]

@@SkiEssentials I wonder how this will compare with the new 92 underfoot j skis

[@andrewt248]

It's pretty cool that the smaller, more boutique ski makers are putting some groomer slayers in their lines.

[@SkiEssentials]

Definitely! It's bringing some new excitement to that category.

[@ianholmquist8492]

Armada was bought by Salomon.. Not small or boutique in the slightest. Maybe they were considered boutique 5 to 8 years ago.

[@SkiEssentials]

@@ianholmquist8492 yup, Armada is owned by Amer Sports now. I agree they may have grown out of "boutique" status, although as far as I know their ski development is still relatively independent.

[@TheWildh24]

Any commentary on similarities or differences on these vs enforcer 93 vs rossi escaper?

[@SkiEssentials]

Hey Thomas! More similar to the Enforcer 93 than the Escaper. The Escaper feels a lot lighter on your feet, more of a narrow freeride skis, where these are more wider carving/all-mountain skis. I'd say a closer comparison to the Declivity would be the Experience 92 Ti if we're looking at Rossignol's line. Compared to the Enforcer, I think the Declivity is a little easier to ski, more compliant at slower speeds, and a little easier to manipulate. Perhaps not as powerful overall, but lighter on your feet for sure.

[@TheWildh24]

@@SkiEssentials Many thanks for the reply. Maybe the escaper is where I want to go? Kind of looking for something more nimble in trees, bumps, and where i like to play vs another charger ski. I use groomers as a way to get from one area to another, but find myself searching off piste most of the time. I have enforcer 100 in 185, but they're a bit much when it gets tight and needing to be quicker and 'flickable', so maybe go down to 178ish?

[@SkiEssentials]

@@TheWildh24 Yeah, I'd say if you're looking specifically for a nimble feel in the trees, the Escaper is probably the way to go, especially since you already have an Enforcer 100 for days when you want to charge. The Escaper is really good for that application. I also agree with length. Going too long would take away some of its maneuverability. Might as well complement your existing skis as best as you can, which in my opinion would be the 178 Escaper.

[@mattmorris2379]

Another great video 🤜🤛 To put you on the spot here…. Declivity 92ti or K2 mindbender 89ti? I’m going mad trying to figure this one out. I have a couple of fatter skis at 108 and 98 both twin tips and want a narrower charging ski ⛷

[@SkiEssentials]

Hi Matt! The good news is that they're both excellent choices. The new K2 is quite a bit turnier than the old one, and I think this lands it more in the carving/groomer category over the Declivity, which is still pretty firmly entrenched in all-mountain. If you're leaning more to mixing on and off-trail activities, I'd take a closer look at the Armada. For carving emphasis, I loved that new K2. More right than wrong here. SE

[@tomasaro4910]

@@SkiEssentials you guys are awesome! Been reading and looking so many videos. I also got stuck between some skis like: Atomic maverick 95Ti Declivity 92Ti Ranger 96 Elan Ripstick 96 black Mindbender 89Ti Rustler 9 Enforcer 94 You can’t really go wrong with either of them. I wanted a versatile ski, fun, good edge grip (especially on groomers on ice), that manage some powder and moguls, trees but 80/20 on pist and stabil, damped and likes to turn and good release. K2 Mindbender 89Ti seems really good for that Application. Closest after them for me was Declivity 92Ti followed by Elan Ripstick black and Enforcer 94. They are all so good so it is hard to choose m. I ended up with the mindbender 89Ti but looking for a new ski for my wife and have same problem to choose between the other???😂 Can you please give me any advice?

[@ck_defender]

What size ski did you ride? For the 92ti?

[@SkiEssentials]

I've been skiing the 180 cm length.

[@NPow94]

What bindings would you recommend for these?

[@SkiEssentials]

www.skiessentials.com/catalog/product/view/id/423177/s/2023-armada-declivity-92-ti-skis-w-marker-griffon-13-id-bindings/

[@SJNatale]

Hey guys, great review! Couple questions... 92 versus 102? Differences? Hows the 92 in the thicker powder/slough that the 102 would Excel in? Also for a 6'3 guy what are the differences between the 180 versus 188, pros and cons for each? Love ya guys!

[@SkiEssentials]

They're both a lot of fun. The 102 just feels a little surfier. The rocker profile is longer, so it's easier to release the tail edge and there's obviously more float. That said, the 92 does pretty darn well in soft snow too. I'd say if you're in powder or softer snow often, go 102. If it's only sometimes and you value the edge to edge quickness of the 92 for firm snow, the 92 is a lot of fun.

[@dontcallmetravis]

Great review. Thanks for posting.

[@SkiEssentials]

Thanks for watching!

[@jeffs8525]

Been looking for a powerful ski with a little more play and bump friendly than my MX89’s. These look like a great option.

[@SkiEssentials]

Pretty perfect way to describe them!

[@brocksamson2120]

You boys better learn how to film with something other than a Gopro after seeing what Blister Reviews posted today.

[@SkiEssentials]

Some cool shots in that review for sure! GoPros are always convenient and quick, which is why we use them a lot, but we'll try to get the big camera out on the snow more often in the future if people would like more variety in the footage.

[@88500990]

This comment aged like milk. Blister still has less than 5k subs.

[@ianholmquist8492]

Your carving technique needs some serious help. Guess i know who i won't turn to for performance ski reviews.

[@SkiEssentials]

Ouch. Okay. I respect your opinion. Can you give me some specifics? In my defense, the Max camera makes things look pretty weird.

[@jaredfarley9129]

Suppose you should go check out Blister Reviews new vid, Luke can carve a ski

[@SkiEssentials]

@@jaredfarley9129 he looks like a good skier! I still don't quite understand what I personally am doing wrong.

[@ianholmquist8492]

Sorry i'm a bit of a jerk. But if you are gonna talk the talk then you should walk the walk. I'll give you one tip to start with. Don't let your inside ski go a mile out in front when carving. This is usually caused by trying to rush into the apex of the carve. If you pull that inside ski back to even, you can get more edge angle and therefore more edge pressure to your outside ski. This eliminates fade during the turn (when your skis are more v than parrallel) and allows proper leg flexion during the turn and extension out of the turn. Thus allowing you to get the power down and maintain edge grip.. allowing you to carve on steeper pitches at higher speeds with greater confidence.

[@SkiEssentials]

@@ianholmquist8492 I totally know what you're saying. This footage actually bothers me because it makes that inside ski look like it's sticking out super far, especially the "lead cam" angle. Thanks for your feedback. Let's go skiing sometime.