2023 Armada ARV 96 - SkiEssentials.com Ski Test

[@MaddoxE]

this video helped me a lot, i didn’t know if i should get these or not because i’m more of a park skier but im definitely picking them up next season!

[@luke6218]

just got these at 177 cm, so excited for this upcoming season!

[@stefanazcarate7914]

Same here man

[@SkiEssentials]

Have a great winter, hard not to on an ARV! SE

[@hallvardyt9008]

whats your hight?

[@fxnisy7273]

Have you tried butters? Are they flexible enough?

[@aptrades]

If you was to go for the ARV 96 or the Armada Strangers which would you pick? I like to hit a little bit of park but love to be able to take the skis of piste into trees ect and to have a ski which holds a nice edge that performs well while carving. just stuck between the two. I just want something nice a playful on my feet but but be able to push it through the limits, hit jumps, take it through tress, do carving and hit some rails. if you could give me your opinion id be greatly appreciated.

[@SkiEssentials]

Honestly, what you're saying sounds so much like the Stranger. Stranger is fun in trees, carves super well, but can still head into the park and play around. It's not as balanced as a ski like the ARV, but if you care more about the other stuff and less about the park, Stranger might be the way to go TBH.

[@judson8441]

Reallllly wanted a review from Jeff on the B dogs!!!

[@SkiEssentials]

Super fun skis! So loose and playful. ARVs feel a lot stronger, but they don't have the same smeary, surfy mentality. B Dog is a pretty unique ski in today's market.

[@stefanazcarate7914]

Thanks for all the work on the reviews! Do you guys mind hitting a little on the factory recommend vs freestyle mount point they have on them? Obviously freestyle will cater to more park and switch riding vs being set a little further back but im still debating where id mount the bindings. If I dont lose too much carving performance and not much tip dive / sinking in powder.. im leaning towards the freestyle more center mount point as id like to keep developing my jumps and park skills. Thanks again guys!

[@SkiEssentials]

Hi Stefan! I don't think you need our input here--you're right on with your evaluation. It's all about just how much directional performance you're willing to sacrifice, and we cannot answer that for you. I'm also not opposed to re-mounting skis, so if you find you've erred one way too much, simply re-drill. Have fun! SE

[@mustbescud]

I just got my 2023 ARV 96, cant decide what mounting point to choose. I am 5'5 and got the 170 length. I'll probably be skiing all mountain 70% of the time and learning park 30% no rails just small simple jumps/ollies. I do like going through trees as well. Would love to get a bit of your 2cents on which mount points to choose.

[@SkiEssentials]

I think the pure park skiers settle on the forward line while all others find more success and happiness on the rear one. This just keeps more options open more of the time.

[@akiraung]

i’m between this ski and the bent 90. i’m a intermediate-advanced east coast skier and like to do everything. i’m 6’0 165 lbs but would not categorize myself as a particularly aggressive skier i ski lots of trees, some groomers, and i’m starting to get better at rails and jibs. would this or the bent 90 be a better choice? the bents are lighter but these are more twin shaped.

[@SkiEssentials]

The ARV is more stout, as well, so if you're more aggressive, that'd point you more to that ski. Otherwise, for your stats and application, it sounds like the Bent 90 in the 175 is the way to go. Have fun! SE

[@aaronpower998]

Just picked up a pair of enforcer 104 unlimited's at 186 and am debating mount point just standing on top of the ski visually it looks like a lot of ski up front especially as a lighter guy at 6'2" and 160 . I've also jumped on a buddies k2 marksman that were mounted +6 and liked how they skied. Thinking of mounting them at +2 to +3 with a pair of shifts. Any recommendations on mount point would be appreciated thanks guys

[@SkiEssentials]

Hi Aaron! I'm more than happy with my 104's right on the recommended line, but if you are looking for a bit more of a freestyle feel, I don't think +2 is at all out of the question. They have a nice consistent flex to them, so I don't think the forward mount will negatively affect the performance of the ski. Have fun! SE

[@zihanzhou33]

Thanks for the review! Have you measured where the recommeded freestyle and freeride mounting points actually are? Some stats will be appreciated!

[@zihanzhou33]

( for the 170 model)

[@SkiEssentials]

Freestyle is 2.5 cm back from true center, "Factory Recommended" or what I think you're referring to as Freeride is 5 cm back.

[@zihanzhou33]

@@SkiEssentials Exactly. Thank you!

[@backpackjordan8372]

is there also coming a review for the arv86? bc i can’t decide between the arv96 and arv86

[@SkiEssentials]

We may not have this style video for the ARV 86 this season. In general, the 86 is a superior park ski, while the 96 is better as an all-mountain ski, particularly in soft snow. 86 is quicker edge to edge and more camber, both of which help quite a bit in the park. The 96 is looser thanks to the rockered tips and tails. Still a good park ski, just not as quick, but you gain a lot of soft snow performance. Hope that helps!

[@backpackjordan8372]

@@SkiEssentials thank you 🙏🏼

[@xscofie]

how would the arv84s compare to both the arv96s and arv86s

[@backpackjordan8372]

@@xscofie the arv84, is a youth ski. if you are under 16 you should go for the arv84

[@xscofie]

they r just so much cheaper and I’m looking to buy my first skis, they go up to 171 which is the perfect length for me

[@michaelnite1311]

I love skiing trees and want a good pop in my ski. Realistically i mostly ski groomers and park with some ice in their (midwest skier). Was looking at these skis -black crow captis -mirus cors -volkl revolt 90 -line tom willisch pro -Armada ARV 96 what do you think would be best for me?

[@SkiEssentials]

Sounds like Mirus Cor skier to me! They have a very unique blend of pop, woods, park, and groomers, and are surprisingly good on ice. I'd take a square look at those skis for your application!

[@opridilol]

Hey, I'm looking for a true one-ski quiver. I already have a proper piste slalom skis and Black Crows Atris for powder days, looking for something that I could spend a relaxing day in a resort: do some carving, fool aroung in soft snow, trees and maybe some park. Do you think ARV 96 would be the one to choose? I am 5'11" and 200lbs

[@SkiEssentials]

It's so sweet. Very stable and smooth for being a twin tip. It's got a whole lot to offer both adventurous and serious skiers. I'd say the 177 is the way to go there.

[@katzemittatze7349]

How deep powder do they handle? Can you go into shoe or even knee deep powder with them? Thinking if I need the ARV 96 or 106 for Austrian shoe maybe even knee deep pow

[@SkiEssentials]

If you have a narrower ski as a complement, I'd go with the 106. If this is to be your only ski, then the 96 makes more sense.

[@n4s_]

for a more park focused rider as myself would your recommend the arv 96 or the armada bdogs?

[@ludwig.o]

The Bdogs is a very soft and great park oriented ski. Arv96 is stiffer and would work better on groomers but also very good in park. So it depends on what performance you want in the piste

[@SkiEssentials]

I echo what ogjt said. The ARV is a stronger all-mountain ski. BDog is very soft. Great for butters and a certain park skiing style, but has its fair share of limitations too.

[@sachabaysal1545]

Just got these at 177 and plan on skiing mostly all mountain with some park. Where should I mount the bindings?

[@SkiEssentials]

If I were you, I would go right in between the Freestyle and Factory Recommended lines. That's going to give you a nice blend of all-mountain performance, but also good balance for the park. Hope that helps!

[@sachabaysal1545]

@@SkiEssentials thanks you

[@jackbenninger3783]

Hey, for me this is going to be my real first season of consistently going up and I want to be able to get to the point of hitting the side hits on runs and get confidant on blacks and maybe learn some rails and jumps, would you say these would be good skis to learn on and use for a few seasons or are there better options?

[@SkiEssentials]

Hey Jack! Yes! Great ski for you. It's super versatile and very playful, so should help you progress into all the things you're hoping to do this season.

[@Valhalla-at-ya-boy]

Hey would you guys recommend these over the Revolt 95’s? I don’t hit the park a ton but I head there every once in awhile and like to hit 180/360’s around the mountain and ski switch. Just looking for a ski that is playful and that I can mess around with all over the mountain and have a good time, let me know what you guys think!

[@SkiEssentials]

The Armada is the stronger ski with more all-mountain capabilities. The Revolt sounds a bit more up your alley with park first and then mountain second. It's more playful than the ARV mainly since it's more flexible and a bit lighter.

[@jacksonnickel5566]

yo, Im 5,8 150 and am defiantly an advanced skier should I go for the 170 or 177 height?

[@SkiEssentials]

Go for the 177 my dude! 170 would likely feel too short. I thought I'd add... unless you prefer slow speed jibby tricks above anything else. In that case, 170 would probably be better.

[@jacksonnickel5566]

@@SkiEssentials alright thanks man

[@colinsturges5465]

would size 95 look pivot 14s fit on this? I want to get them with pivots but i don’t know if them being 1mm off would affect anything.

[@SkiEssentials]

Definitely. The 95 mm Pivot brakes are more like 100+. I have them around a pair of Enforcer 104s. That gets a bit tight, but the ARV 96 will be just fine.

[@alexsaucier7478]

Hi, I am looking to pick up a new pair of skis from your website. For the most part, I ski groomed trails on the east coast, I am looking for an all mountain ski that I can take to the park for a couple runs a day. With this in mind I have a few skis that are standing out to me: - Rossignol Black Ops 98 - Rossignol Black Ops Sender 104 - Armada ARV 96 - Black Crows Camox Freebird 96 - Nordica Unleashed 98. Do you have any recommendations on which would be best suited for my uses? Thank you for your help!

[@SkiEssentials]

Hey Alex! The Black Ops 98, ARV 96, and Unleashed 98 would all be good options out of your list. ARV will feel the most park-focused of that group. Most energetic, very playful. You mentioned park is only a couple runs per day, so I wonder if maybe one of the other two would be better for you. Not that the ARV isn't a fun all-mountain ski, but you get more torsional stiffness and precision out of the Unleashed, and more stability and vibration damping out of the Black Ops. Both feel a little stronger than the ARV, but aren't quite as energetic, poppy, or playful. Luckily, it's somewhat hard to go wrong choosing between those three. I feel confident that whichever you choose, you'll be happy and have a great season. Sender 104 and Camox Freebird are both great skis, but don't feel good in the park. I think it's worth ruling them out. Hope that helps!

[@liamquinn8540]

i’m starting to get into park skiing but i also love all mountain skiing should i pick these up?

[@stefanazcarate7914]

Thats what I did!

[@SkiEssentials]

Yup--great skis for that application, K2 Poacher, Nordica Unleashed 98, Rossignol Blackops 98, and Black Crows Camox also fit that bill. Have fun! SE

[@liamquinn8540]

@@SkiEssentials But i was thinking about getting the Bent 90s instead would that be a better decision?

[@SkiEssentials]

@@liamquinn8540 Not necessarily better or worse, just different. Equally appropriate. The Bent 90 is quite a bit lighter, quicker too. ARV is stronger and more stable at higher speeds and on bigger landings.

[@MrThedowd]

Nice review. How does it compare to the Bent Chetler 90? 😊 Looking for a playful all mountain ski, that's easy in the bumps and trees, but don't do park.

[@SkiEssentials]

The ARV 96 uses ash wood in the core, and that makes it considerably heavier than the Bent 90. This adds stability, durability, and dampness to the ski while the Bent 90 is quicker, more agile, and easier to ski. If you're looking for something that excels in trees and bumps, falling on the playful side of the spectrum, I'd look no further than the Bent 90. Have fun!

[@MrThedowd]

@@SkiEssentials great thanks for the answer and all the work you guys do!

[@anrzy5447]

I’m thinking about getting these is it really a good all mouantin ski like will I struggle bad in heavy snow or will I be okay

[@SkiEssentials]

Great all-mountain ski! Good shape and a strong enough build that it can handle some heavier, more challenging snow conditions. Go for it!

[@brapskrt]

they’re super fun in soft snow. Mine are mounted for freestyle but can stomp landings & make smeary turns in pow or crud if ur gonna ski these u better remember good vibes only

[@lamesamebame8476]

I can get a deal on used 21/22 arv 96, the last model for 2 times less than this years model, should i get it its been skied 10 times only on piste. Are there any major differences between the 21/22 model and 22/23 model?

[@SkiEssentials]

Nope, just graphics!

[@katie-el5rf]

I can’t decide between these and K2 poacher please help

[@SkiEssentials]

There's way more similarities than differences. Perhaps pricing, availability, and graphics will sway your ultimate choice?

[@kristofferjonsson3862]

How do these compare to the Unleashed 98? I'd get the Unleased in 174cm or the ARV in 177cm.

[@SkiEssentials]

With the metal in the Unleashed 98, it's a little stronger, both in longitudinal stiffness and torsional stiffness or edge grip. On the other hand, the ARV feels a little more playful, really anywhere you take it. Easier to get the ski to smear or pivot. It's not a huge difference, but it's noticeable in my opinion. So, that's what I would focus on more than anything else. ARV a little more playful, Unleashed a little more powerful.

[@yung_helmi859]

Hey! Im 184cm tall and want to focus a little bit more on freeriding, but i also want to take the ski to the park. Do you think the 1,77cm or the 1,84cm would fit me better?

[@SkiEssentials]

I would go 184 if I were you. There's a good amount of tip and tail rocker in the ARV, and it's generally very manageable in lengths right around your height. Hope that helps!

[@smhmyhead9307]

Hello im 6'3 170 advanced skier and im trying to find a pair that can work well on groomed terrain and for the park(skiing EU) I wonder if the 184cm arv is a good fit for me since im skinny but im mostly interested in performance on groomers/park I have also looked into unleashed 98 but im still looking for alternatives.

[@SkiEssentials]

I think your height is a bit more important than weight, so I'd say 184 is the way to go in that ski, but in the Unleashed, I may lean to the 180, mostly due to the metal laminate. Black Crows Camox and Rossignol Blackops 98 are also worth a look.

[@smhmyhead9307]

@@SkiEssentials thank you

[@zGGamers]

Hi guys, I'm on the edge. I'm literally about to go buy a new set of skis this weekend. I was set on the K2 Poacher for my all mountain/park ski. I would mount them -2 or -3 from true centre. Which would you recommend more for me ARV or K2? I'm 189cm, 98kg. So need a firm stiff ski but looking to learn butters and just get better in the park overall. Never thought about the ARV 96 till now as I was set on the K2 poacher but want to get it right before buying. Thanks

[@SkiEssentials]

Hello! Luckily in your situation, it's kind of hard to go wrong. Overall, they're quite similar. Poacher is slightly stiffer, ARV has higher camber height. I find the Poacher feels a touch more stable overall, while ARV feels more energetic or with more pop. There's longer rocker in the Poacher, which maybe is the biggest difference between them. Both would satisfy your need for a stiff, supportive ski, although there's an argument to be made that the Poacher would be easier for learning butters with the longer rocker profile. It is, however, like I said, one of those rare situations where the skis are so similar, I highly doubt you'd be disappointed with either choice. Happy shopping!

[@zGGamers]

@@SkiEssentials wonderful, you have settled it! Thanks as always guys, very helpful! Appreciate it 🤙🏼

[@lucasjanevski2590]

Hey! thanks for the review! I actually just ordered myself a pair! I ski mostly all mountain but I'm going to put a lot of time into learning park and getting better at switch... would you recommend center mounting them even if I'll still be doing a lot of all mountain skiing?

[@SkiEssentials]

I would at least go pretty darn close to center. That's going to help a ton learning park and skiing switch. I wouldn't go further back than -2 or -3 at the furthest, but don't be afraid of going true center. There's a bit of an adjustment when skiing center mounted skis as all-mountain skis, but it's not that challenging, and often worth it if you're going to be skiing in the park.

[@joshuac87]

Can I put my bindings right in the center of this ski for a full park ski?

[@SkiEssentials]

Yes.

[@joshuac87]

Dope.

[@thatcherphillips677]

Hey there, ive been skiing for about 10 years now and consider myself pretty handy with a pair of twigs, and im trying to get more into and start grinding rails and landing switch. Anyone know if they hold up decently landing switch? also does it hold up well in powder? Thanks, T

[@SkiEssentials]

I think the best part of the Armada is how sturdy they are and how well they hold up. I'd put K2's Poacher right there with it in terms of strong and stable twin tips. The K2 is a bit floatier in powder, but the ARV isn't too bad either.

[@kamakazmii]

Awesome video man! I want to get these but not sure about the lengths, 170cm vs 177cm, could you help me out. I'm 170 cm tall and 160 lbs. Intermediate-Advanced skiier and I'm planning to use them 60% all-mountain and 40% park. Just starting to hit jumps and boxes so not an expert by any means but I want to learn how to butter and do switches (180 and 360). Also skiing in the mid-west so no pow really, mostly grommers. Also, I was considering mouting -2.5 cm from centers since I won't be in the park all the time. Will I still be able to do switches well and still not give up too much carving performance on all mountain?

[@SkiEssentials]

I wouldn't go much past -2.5 with the fear that you'll lose some of the all-mountain performance. That said, they're very fun skis that have a strong character so should be able to work well for your stats and application. I'd go 170 in that ski. Have fun! SE

[@m0pin414]

Yo I’m 5’9 150 I’ve been skiing for a while and am really good on any terrain but I wanna get more into tricks. But still be able to ski on the mountain. You think this is a good choice ?

[@SkiEssentials]

Yes. The burlier skis like ARV 96 and K2 Poacher make a lot of sense for your application. They're sturdy and strong, but also maintain that park style and performance at a very high level. Line Chronic should also be on the list for a great all-mountain twin tip at 95 mm underfoot. have fun! SE

[@dispelle2564]

Can’t decide between these and the 2023 b dogs, any thoughts ?

[@SkiEssentials]

If you like a bit more of a freeride flair at a sturdy build, I'd definitely lean to the ARV. If you are looking for more park and a lighter overall feel, then BDog is great.

[@juliuskrau667]

do the skis flutter under the ride or do they feel completely normal

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd say they fall more on the normal side of the spectrum rather than flutter.

[@KenzoN99]

Awesome review! Im 6”0 230lbs, would you recommend this or the arv 106s? (West coast resorts, park/all mountain freestyle skier)

[@SkiEssentials]

I think the 96 makes more sense for having one ski. The 106 fits better for a soft snow option, but if all-mountain and park are part of your plan, I'd say the 96 is a better choice.

[@SkiEssentials]

I think the 96 makes more sense for having one ski. The 106 fits better for a soft snow option, but if all-mountain and park are part of your plan, I'd say the 96 is a better choice.

[@aceoptixx]

Very helpfull review. Im 171cm, 58kg and intermediate skier, i mostly ride on the piste but want to get into park aswell, should i go with the 170cm or the 163cm?

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd say the 163 is a better option--they're pretty sturdy skis so there's no real need to size up given your stats and application.

[@evrenyazc7666]

Looking exciting. Nice one. I'm 176cm and 80kg. I can ski near an advanced level. It doesn't matter if it's pist color or off pist. Should I prefer 177 or 170 ? What do you think?

[@tobik.7832]

I would choose the 177 or bigger

[@SkiEssentials]

I think the 177 is a better choice versus the 170.

[@lluscho]

Hey, I'm thinking about trading my bent 110s in for a pair of these. I wanna progress in the park but I do like myself some deep snow when I get it sometimes. I like to do pretty much everything, and for me the bent 110 just seems too wide for park, but I don't wanna loose too much in deeper stuff. Is this a good option for what I'm describing?

[@Shovel12086]

probably go with the bent 100s instead if you ask me. Little more in the middle of these two skis

[@SkiEssentials]

The 100 will give you a similar overall feel, so if you liked the 110 but didn't love the width, then I'd go 100. If you're looking for something sturdier and more park-specific, the 96 is pretty sweet, but if you're worried about losing too much float, keep it in the Bent family.

[@meglol5231]

Hi I’m 183 cm tall and 79 kg weight. What length should I buy? I’m debating whether 170 or 177.

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd say the 177 based on your stats and application. have fun! SE

[@doedelzak_]

Actually watched a ton of video's in the last couple of days. Been skieing since I was 3 but haven't skied for over 10 years. Just gotten back into it and fell in love again. I'm mainly going to indoor ski pistes and european mountains. I'm looking to get a playfull ski to mainly do jumps and 180/360's in the park. But I want to be able to take it to the mountains in Germany/Switzerland/Austria too but probably not off piste. I torn between the Armada ARV96 and Volkl Revolt 90 or 95 and Atomic Bent 85 or 90. Since my local dealer can supply those. Do you have a suggestion and why ? Oh, i'm 165cm tall

[@venjo4040]

Hey. Welchen hast du gekauft? und wie warst du zufrieden?

[@doedelzak_]

@@venjo4040 ARV 86 164. I am very happy about them!

[@fxnisy7273]

@@doedelzak_ ​ Have you tried butters? Are they flexible enough?

[@doedelzak_]

​@@fxnisy7273 I'm not good enough at buttering to say if they are good or bad. I do think they are more stiff than some of the ski's that are made to butter.

[@scoobscoob1045]

Armada arv 86 vs line TW pro Can’t decide between the two for next season. It’ll be my all time park ski probably 90% park 10% randomness I want the armada arv 96 because it has more rocker and is a little softer so probably a little more fun not to mention 96 would make it more versatile however I feel the TW pro would be more stable on jumps and easier to throw around in both jumps and rails but that comes at the cost of playfulness Hard to decide Anyone have any suggestions?

[@SkiEssentials]

If you're 90% park, I think the Wallisch is the way to go. If that 10% randomness climbs up to 25-35%, then ARV is a better choice, but it sounds like you're pretty committed to the park, and the more symmetrical TW lines up better for that application.

[@scoobscoob1045]

@@SkiEssentials but wouldn’t the profile of the arv 96 be more fun?

[@Smattyy]

Not a fan of this years graphics 😕

[@SkiEssentials]

Armada usually does a great job--the bases aren't that attractive either. At least they're unique?