2023 Armada ARV 116 JJ

Season 03 Episode 77: The Armada ARV 116 JJ. The Stoke Elk. This has been my daily driver ski for the past 3.5 - 4 seasons now.
0:00 intro
0:38 Armada JJ
2:05 Ski History
4:40 Features
6:02 My Experience
8:53 Final Thoughts
Follow Where We Will Be Next: calendar.google.com/calendar/...
Join the Stoke Squad:
/ @lucascatania17
STOKE SQUAD DISCORD Server: / discord
New Patreon: / lucascatania
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Luna is my 2013 self-converted sprinter van that I spent about 6 months taking from a messy work van to my very own tiny home on wheels!
website || www.lucascatania.com
instagram || lucascatania

[@LucasCatania17]

this is basically just a love letter to my JJs. its not really a review, but its also not not a review.

[@jacksultan8146]

You're definitely OUT recreational hero most people love to do just what you're doing including me keep up the great work the videos are off the charts can't wait to watch him everyday

[@tinfoilshark2920]

I know the squad appreciates this one. Thanks

[@Serj772]

It's a love letter hahah

[@tyb3938]

Anyone who has skid the JJ understands your love letter. Been on mine since they came out, wife loves her VJJ, daughter loves her triple J and son is stoked to test out his new JJ UL now that he is big enough to rock a 165. The smear tips on his UL got me considering upgrading to the newer JJs

[@jeffe7261x]

Your love of the JJs shines thru, and no wonder, you've had so many great experiences together. And more to come!

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks jeff! i am indebted to them for all the great memories they have brought me!

[@Chicago13Sports]

dont sell yourself short, you are well above average 😁

[@LucasCatania17]

appreciate that man.

[@ActionXander]

Came for the Stoke Elk, stayed for the commentary

[@LucasCatania17]

haha thats why we love u papi

[@jonathanburky5571]

Your love of the JJ’s inspired me to give Armada a try! I just got a pair of Locator 104’s for more of a touring setup and am having bindings mounted on a Declivity 92. Hard to decide between the 92 and a wider one but I’m giving it a try and hoping the locator is also a fun ski for pow days up at Jupiter! Thanks for the video!

[@andrewmahoney5099]

Stoked for the East Coast season to start...hope to see you on the mountain one day! Keep rockin! 🤙

[@LucasCatania17]

lets goo dude sending snow your way

[@patkelly5910]

Love the stoke elk.....great review.....and powder shots

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks pat! the stoke elk lives

[@bigd2829]

Those sound so dope! Ive been rocking the Armada Invictus 95s for a few seasons which do great for carving, crud, and light pow but I acquired some Rossignol Sin 7s from a friend so I’ll use those for those deeper pow days. Happy safe skiing!!

[@LucasCatania17]

nice dude! sounds like you have a sick kit!!

[@bigd2829]

@@LucasCatania17 thanks man! Just can’t wait to use it!!!

[@BreauxSegreto]

Beautiful Ski’s 🤘

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks breaux!

[@jacksultan8146]

Let's go getting ready to get some more Great show always

[@LucasCatania17]

lets gooo

[@kaydenberrett2873]

Bro those skis are pretty 😍

[@mariopiret5303]

recently discovered your channel and I love the content! Fantastic work and finally a ski channel where someone is humble and sreads the mountain

[@LucasCatania17]

lets goo dude welcome!

[@grandillusion52]

The Stoke Elk's are looking great out there man! I picked up some Armada poles this year, never owned any of their stuff but I can tell it's quality!

[@LucasCatania17]

lets goo dude! i always wondered about their poles! they look solid

[@p4geavenue]

Loved the video, I skied an AK JJ once and really liked it. Now have the chance to get this one for a bargain. I’m looking for a playful powder day ski that gives me the feeling my very first wide ski gave me .. the K2 obsethed. It was actually too soft for me being way taller and heavier than a Seth Morrison type of dude 😂. But that ski as so much fun in the fresh and fluffy stuff

[@mikeshankster2515]

Nice Lucas. Love the JJ, I designed the graphic for this !

[@brocktrans7027]

i switched from snowboarding of 20 years to skiing just 2 years ago. Went with the arv 106 so far i am loving them

[@LucasCatania17]

lets goo dude thats a dope ski

[@MiroslavNikolich]

I love my JJs. Still rocking the purple stoke king!!

[@LucasCatania17]

lets gooo. stoke king is awesome

[@steeenab2306]

Nice. Ya got new boards. 😊. Kool.

[@LucasCatania17]

heck yeh!!

[@danbsmith]

Lucas: "I'm just an average skier." Also Lucas: **inserts clips of triple blacks**. LOL stay humble man

[@LucasCatania17]

thats average for out here man haha

[@kathygoff1]

Right Lucas says “average skier” and I smh, no way! 😂 Then he flies into the triple diamond terrain! What a joy to watch him fly down the hill, he was made for the mountains, or were they made for Lucas?!? 🙌🏼😢🫣

[@JoshS2021]

Love that you love Armada. Looking to get the Declivity 92 Ti’s for east coast skiing.

[@LucasCatania17]

that is such a great ski!! my dad has the 102 declivities!

[@jacksultan8146]

Looks to be a badass ski

[@LucasCatania17]

yessir!

[@carterfan80]

Extensive and comprehensive review. I like hearing your quiver history. I'd like to see a video where you demo a pair of skis. It would give you something a little bit different to talk about, and give you a chance to try something else.. Plus you can write it off on your taxes next year!

[@LucasCatania17]

for sure that would be cool!

[@shayneknox6247]

Always amazing content. Thinking I will try the JJ 106 😂

[@LucasCatania17]

Nice the 106 is rad!

[@everydaylife9611]

Those are sick! This season Im rocking the Volkl Revolt 87! They are an awsome ski!

[@LucasCatania17]

Sick tear it up dude!!

[@everydaylife9611]

@@LucasCatania17 THX i will!

[@everydaylife9611]

also im watchin your live rn!

[@robertodiaz3359]

JJs for the Win👐🏽

[@LucasCatania17]

armada gang

[@justinbayola]

The King served you well. But all kings bow to the Stoke Elk!

[@LucasCatania17]

yup the king paved the way for the elk!

[@heqitao]

Love this ski. Just bought my second pair. My first ones (which I still have) were the 07, maybe 08, version I think - whichever year had the orange fire thing on black. This ski makes you better than you really are. Obviously I'm joking, but I have really enjoyed them in every terrain I could throw at them..

[@bryceh7469]

"... An average resort skier..." Riiiiiiight. I wish I was as average as you. Lol. Still loving your content!!!

[@LucasCatania17]

haha thanks bryce

[@SRTME]

i bought the arv 96 last season and i love them. perfect for me as an intermediate skier

[@LucasCatania17]

nice dude thats a sick ski!

[@SRTME]

@@LucasCatania17 Thanks bro! lovin the videos lately keep it up

[@brandonwilliam2618]

My first skis were actually also rosignal scratch skis. I bought then at a pawn shop a couple years ago. I should get them back out and try the park. In the Midwest the runs are bad so I’ve got to learn to ski the park.

[@LucasCatania17]

haha those were awesome skis. i loved the topsheet on those

[@slitsre]

Midwest ski resorts are getting dumped this months what are you talking about? Where do you live?

[@T3hRealMcCoy]

Love the videos bud! you gotta come up and shred some canada mountains!

[@LucasCatania17]

for sure man check out the calendar in the description!

[@jaypolite3956]

u sold me... jjs here i come lol 😂

[@LucasCatania17]

lets goooo

[@yirequ2150]

How have they been?

[@mcdjames1]

Such a good ski… that bevel at the end cannot be understated. After riding my JJs, it’s nearly impossible to go to a different ski

[@C.oleCarson]

JJ's have always been such a sick ski! Definitely helps to only rock one pair of skis, because once you start buying more you get addicted and end up with 4 pairs of skis like me 🤣

[@LucasCatania17]

haha thats sick dude! what do you have?

[@C.oleCarson]

@@LucasCatania17 I have Moment Wildcat 108s, Atomic BentChetler 120's, Vishnu Wides, and Faction Dictator 3.0. The moments are my daily fun ski, the bents' are my pow skis, the Vishnus are for park and slush, and the factions are for charging big lines

[@steveadp]

I have the original ones from 2008.. Still ski today and with only less than 10 days a year will have them for a while. Agree with all of our points, and I think they do work well on groomers and can carry high speeds with no chatter. Wish they were a little lighter for hiking.

[@LucasCatania17]

thats sick dude. original JJs!! and agreed. they are heavy for hiking

[@mattanton1750]

Who doesn't write love letters to their skis?! This is what is so great about skiing. As adults we can still feel the stoke of getting new toys to play with:-) I'm a big guy at 6'4" 250 and I picked me up a pair of the Armada Whitewalkers for this season. Still haven't skied em'. The Whitewalker is very similar in many ways to the JJ, just a bit lighter and stiffer underfoot. Otherwise, it has the exact same dimensions, cap, sidewall, etc, as the JJs. I think this will be the ticket for me as a guy who flexes my skis pretty hard. What mount point did you use on the new Stoke Elks? I'm a powder hunter looking to get better at switch and start spinning more, so I'm going with the factory recommended mount (rear mount point/5.5 cm behind true center). Maybe I'll see you on the slopes in CO this year!

[@LucasCatania17]

nice dude the whitewalker is such a sick ski but uses a carbua core compared to the poplar ash from the JJ! sammy carlson is a beast so that ski is gonna be sick. i used the factory recommended point. if you plan on doing switch riding, i would go freestyle which i think is more like true center, but factory should be great for riding!

[@pureninja1610]

As good as Stoke Elks are as a name, I hereby name them the Stelks. There is no other option. Great video as always!

[@LucasCatania17]

the stelks! love it dude haha

[@TheChrisBreyShow]

Love the channel! I’ve been on the (172cm)92ti Declivity and it rips for sure! At 6’0 & only 170lbs, do you think I could get the ARV 106 to flex properly? Or even the jj 116 too? I’m over Titanal! Rode some Cochise 106 a few times and can barely pick em up😂

[@r.leeryan8755]

Rented these on a trip in japan and loved em. They're so great. Came home and bought a pair. I'm 6'5 210lbs for any viewers who are in that range. Perfect blend of stability and pivoty (that's a word sure).

[@oldavo]

What length did you go for? I'm 6'2 and a shop near me has some super cheap but only in 192..

[@r.leeryan8755]

@@oldavo i weigh about 210lbs and have the 192. There's so much tip/tail rocker they pivot pretty easily at that length. I want that length in deep powder so unless you're a lot lighter i'd opt for the 92s

[@oldavo]

@@r.leeryan8755 thanks so much man! I'm around 200lbs so should be good.

[@stangl_danglz1656]

I bought the ARVs solely because you had the JJ’s 😂 Love ‘em

[@LucasCatania17]

lets goo dude what size?

[@stangl_danglz1656]

106 underfoot… Winnie da pow

[@jamess.7261]

I like my Moment Wildcats for similar reasons, rips pow AND destroys chunder, is playful, but also stable. If you ever decide to add narrower ski to the quiver, you might try the Nordica Unleashed 98 - only a few days on mine so far, but it is such a great combo of stable and playful I think you might really like it.

[@LucasCatania17]

sick dude! heard good things about those wildcats! thanks for the rec homie!

[@giumorbia]

Adore my nordica unleashed, looking for a thicker ski for pow and playfulness, but want to retain the poppy nature of the unleashed. Do you recommend the wildcats? Or have u moved on to something new

[@jamess.7261]

@giumorbia I've skied the Cats in the park successfully, but not sure I would call them poppy per say, but I'm also a pretty big guy...not that much pop in the ol' legs. They turn on a dime and rip the trees tho. Really fun soft snow ski. But I ski the tetons so I am going to go a little fatter this year (volkl revolt or BC Nocta) for some additional float.

[@jasperhohenegger6493]

Hey Lucas, I have a pair of ON3P Kartel 98s. Love the ski when there’s no freshies but I want something for the pow. I would say I am very similar skier to you. Grew up a competing bump skier but now I like to ski all around the mountain and throw an occasional 3. I just found a guy selling 2021 ARV JJ 116 with some nice bindings for $400. Should I cop?

[@NickKreider]

Great video man! Do you have any suggestions on some good types of skis for beginner to intermediate skiers with terrain being just a normal/groomed east coast resort

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks man! check out the nordica enforcer 88 or the armada declivity 82 ti!

[@NickKreider]

@@LucasCatania17 Ok great…appreciate the feedback! I’ll definitely check those out🤙🏻

[@shawneggers4484]

Great tech video. I don’t ski Armadas but you almost sold me lol. Wait until Armada gets wind of this video and you as a whole. You won’t pay for another set of JJ’s the rest of your life lol!!!! You know how many JJ’s you’ve probably indirectly sold for Armada…. 😂

[@LucasCatania17]

haha give em a try next time you can shawn!!

[@orinbeck4191]

Have you ever tried the Line Bacons? Very similar tips and tails, rocker, etc.

[@LucasCatania17]

i have never tried line skis - but they sound sick!

[@bonrodgers4096]

I do like the King hope you bring him out once in a while.

[@LucasCatania17]

Same dude! He’ll never die haha

[@tobiaschu]

Hey dude, love the vids. Quick question, what mic do you use as you're skiing? I'm assuming it's not the native mic on the gopros. Keep up the awesome work!

[@LucasCatania17]

ive been using the rode wireless mics hooked to an external recorder!

[@tobiaschu]

@@LucasCatania17 ahh…I was wondering about that. I’ve been looking at the Rode wireless go ii. Thx dude! 🤙🏼

[@GlassfilmWeddings]

you should try the atomic bent 120s. Kinda same ski tbh but even lighter.

[@KolanappenTV]

I have the ON3P Jeffrey 108s, 10 years old and looking to maybe pick these up, what do you think? I love the jeffreys but this one is much softer and I feel like nose butters etc will be so much fun on this ski

[@darinsmith2458]

It does sound like they are similar to my DPS Foundation 100 RP x 188. I haven't got to ski the powder, crud and slush yet and on the groomers they do have a speed limit. Also I do have an edge that goes around my tips.. I do have lots of tip and tail rocker and they are an all wood ski.. I have commented on this many times but I can't believe all the powder that you got to ski this year so far.. If I was in that situation then maybe I would go for a strictly powder ski like the 116..

[@LucasCatania17]

oh sick! didnt know thats the ski you rocked! sounds like a solid plank for all mountain/conditions. and yeah definitely been lucky with all the pow so far this early season!!

[@darinsmith2458]

@@LucasCatania17 i can't wait for spring skiing conditions to really see what they are made of.. but i would love to try them on the stuff you have been skiing on lately..

[@davidhudson7400]

What do you store in the boxes on the back of the van? Also how easy do you find the JJs on groomers?

[@LucasCatania17]

in one box i keep a tool set, tire chains, a solar shower and a ski bag. and the other box i keep oil, DEF, cleaning supplies, a tarp, rope, electrical kit, misc tools and some other things

[@Bertin0909]

juat bought the Armada arv 96, gonna call the the honey bears

[@LucasCatania17]

lets goo dude that is such a sick graphic on those!

[@juiceboxxxxxxxx]

I'm looking for some powder skis, what specifically about these makes them not a good first powder ski? I'm out in Utah as well, and usually ski Bent 100s in a more playful manner, which is why i thought these would be a good option for powder.

[@ajtheguy]

How different is your new vs old arv 116 jj? I read it has changed to stiffer flex between the generations. Which one do you like better and why?

[@Lorz]

I'm about to buy this as a secondary ski next to my fischer the curv ti (pure carving ski) Good choice?

[@LucasCatania17]

It’s definitely a great playful powder ski

[@bulgarianb3ast]

Could it being all wood be a problem for a 6’4” 210lb skier? I’ve heard some metal can be beneficial for heavy boys

[@MB-nn3jw]

Have you ever tested, or thought about trying any of the Atomic Bent Chelter range?

[@LucasCatania17]

never tried them but would be down to demo them for a day!

[@zaktseytlin3450]

Yo Lucas. Just bought these! Thoughts on how they would play in spring conditions? Where would u use them most in spring conditions? Thanks boss

[@LucasCatania17]

sweet man. theyre definitely gonna be a tough ski to use in the morning icy conditions. i'd think they'd be a bit easier to work with once it gets more slushy. with the freestyle rocker and wider underfoot, there isnt a lot of edge contact to help in those icy conditions.

[@zaktseytlin3450]

@@LucasCatania17 thanks GOAT!

[@MarkusDynamic]

i'm 181cm/5"11, what ski length you guys think would suit me best for allmountain/little bit of park. I use something around 175 atm because i felt comfortable with it.

[@brandonwilliam2618]

Based on my research I’d say between 175 and 183

[@LucasCatania17]

if you want to do some park - i would definitely stay in that 175-180 range!!

[@privettoli]

Depends on ski, 116 JJ 175 have the same height as Volkl 80 Deacon 170 and much less contact in the edges.

[@teddy_bear0018]

Give this man a sponsorship 🤝

[@LucasCatania17]

haha just stoked i get to ride armadas.

[@powderberms5728]

What do you think of the Atomic bent 110? keep up the good work, you will hit 50k in no time!!!!!!!

[@LucasCatania17]

im sure its a sick ski! never tried it before though

[@cliang001]

Fun fact, Lucas is also just as built as the elk.

[@LucasCatania17]

i need to be able to rein the elk, chin

[@ChronicSurfer]

I'm looking for one ski to do all as my first pair of skis I own to progress, would you recommend the 106 as that or is there something else you could recommend?

[@LucasCatania17]

106 would be a great choice

[@ChronicSurfer]

@@LucasCatania17 Thanks man! So stoked!

[@rfdffpm]

Lucas can who show how you created your ski holder in your van?

[@zachtilley4918]

Have you Sammy Carlson’s Yup that he just put out? The man has style days.

[@LucasCatania17]

i have not man but he is so sick!

[@zachtilley4918]

@@LucasCatania17 seriously watch it when you get a chance.

[@henrythebeast7277]

I shall forever me known as lift homie

[@LucasCatania17]

you are the lift homie

[@kylewink7583]

So who do we need to email or @ to get you sponsored

[@LucasCatania17]

hahah i appreciate that man but im not expecting anything. sponsorships are for the pros. just stoked i get to ride an armada.

[@noah.m]

Nice review type thing! Hope you get that mic fixed sometime🙃

[@LucasCatania17]

Thanks Noah.

[@brandonmelchior1360]

I know these are good in powder but could you go on groomers for a weekend with these?

[@sibe5730]

LOL u are definitely above average skiier bro

[@LucasCatania17]

appreciate that man but pretty average for people out west tbh

[@Mars_Life_and_Beings]

Ask Armada to give you a discount code so you get credit for ourchases.

[@LucasCatania17]

i wish but that stuff is for professionals

[@henrypiontek]

Where did you mount these at?

[@LucasCatania17]

factory

[@jasonverbarg9790]

How are the jjs at speed? What is your weight? THX!!!

[@LucasCatania17]

I’m 175lbs

[@Adam-bh4zp]

Lucas are you going to make it out to New Mexico this season?

[@LucasCatania17]

nothing planned yet as we are heading north and west but its on my radar!

[@mustbescud]

What is your preferred mount point for the JJ?

[@LucasCatania17]

just factory for me!

[@ryancribbin5673]

You gotta try the arv116jj ultra light! If you get out to truckee I’ll get you on a pair to rip around. Armada or nada!

[@LucasCatania17]

lets goo armada or nada

[@jarednelson4272]

Got a pair of ULJJs from last year, haven't tried them yet, can you compare to the ULJJ to the Regulars?

[@LucasCatania17]

The reason why I don’t use the ULs is because they have a caruba core and a thinner sidewalk. The normal JJ is a bit more durable and resilient for what you find in a resort. The UL is sick but I like to JJ bc I tend to be a bit more rough on the skis

[@journeywithstu7199]

I’ve been watching since season 1 and I didn’t realize there was a King on the graphics of your older JJs. Must have been because you always have snow on them.

[@LucasCatania17]

haha yup the stoke king!

[@cheekywizard6085]

Deer valley tommorrow ? @lucas

[@LucasCatania17]

ill be there!

[@samquinn4934]

Where are your bindings mounted?

[@LucasCatania17]

Factory

[@samquinn4934]

@@LucasCatania17Perfect. Thanks for replying!

[@john-michaelsteiner456]

Yo, how often do you get your skis tuned?

[@justinbayola]

when he buys new ones....

[@LucasCatania17]

about once every 2 seasons but hopefully i tune them more this year

[@john-michaelsteiner456]

Nice, I heard a ski shop say at least once every 20 days. I’m calling BS after seeing LC shred wayyyyy more 🤙

[@john-michaelsteiner456]

I think LC’s vids prove ya wrong there 😂 Man hasn’t had his skis tuned in 2 yrs and still shreds.

[@john-michaelsteiner456]

Honestly who cares. Let’s keep it posi in the comments 🫶

[@jaymontgomery3330]

What are they like in Moguls?

[@justinbayola]

have you watched him ski the moguls on them? He flies...

[@LucasCatania17]

they're obviously not ideal as they dont have a short turning radius but they manage haha

[@KJT1220]

I would disagree with the Pow Ski for the beginner/intermediate part. The JJ is not a difficult ski to ride. It's light, super soft, and heavily rockered/tapered. They also tape pull 2cm shorter so you really have a 183. I would recommend this to any intermediate that wants a more playful pow ski. I wouldn't be saying the same about a Moment Wildcat/On3p Billy Goat/Black Ops 118. Those are all heavy damp stiff skis that a beginner would struggle with.

[@LucasCatania17]

Great points thank you for the insight!

[@douglasslifkin4924]

What length are your skis

[@LucasCatania17]

did you watch the video?

[@douglasslifkin4924]

Nope I just watch the ski ones.

[@soc2168]

4:08

[@drewfuhrman7193]

Not sponsored by armada yet 😉

[@LucasCatania17]

haha no way man

[@jgg0207]

"Average resort skier" lolol that is the most false thing you have ever said lol, you freaking shred man!

[@LucasCatania17]

Thanks man! Just depends who you ask haha, to some I shred, to others I’m a beater 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@ccpmarch1980]

⛷🤙

[@LucasCatania17]

yeww

[@whitebeltforlife5271]

Old news my guy ....

[@maplesaucee]

ur welcopnme

[@adamfrench32]

69420

[@LucasCatania17]

yeww

[@fatpatMC]

u should retitle this video rich ppl who suck at skiing but TRY REALLY HARD

[@LucasCatania17]

Thank you for watching man.