2024 Armada ARV 94 and ARW 94 Ski Review with SkiEssentials.com

Armada has 3 completely new skis in the ARV/ARW line for 2024. 88, 94, and 100 widths with some fascinating new construction. Jeff and Emily chat about the changes, how they differ from the previous skis, and their impressive versatility and fun factor.
Written Review: www.skiessentials.com/Chairli...
0:00 - Intro
2:45 - New ARV & ARW Models
4:00 - Construction
6:20 - Shape
8:15 - Flex Pattern
8:45 - On-Piste Performance
12:45 - Off-Piste Performance
18:10 - Park Performance
20:25 - Rails and Durability
22:50 - Summary

[@marketingvisions3299]

Thanks for bringing Emily in, this is a fresh point of view. Bring her in more often please!

[@SkiEssentials]

Whenever applicable and possible!

[@marketingvisions3299]

One more awesome review by Jeff and Emily, love your deep thoughts on skies!

[@SkiEssentials]

Thanks! This is a fun one!

[@tal763]

Yay I’ve been waiting for this one 🎉

[@thanasisdlk]

Beautiful graphics as well!

[@marketingvisions3299]

Oh man I've watched this video at least 10 times, I'm going to the website and buying them now. Awesome ski, can't wait to try it out last spring days...

[@SkiEssentials]

Have fun!

[@patohara175]

Fantastic content y’all! 🙌🏼😎

[@SkiEssentials]

Thanks so much!

[@cams3425]

Nice video shots on the mountain. You guys definitely looked like you were having fun which is always a great testament for a ski. Great review. Kinda thinking you guys should maybe do a mogul/tree ski category and give us your best of...

[@SkiEssentials]

I feel like we do a decent job of highlighting a ski's ability in bumps and trees when applicable. We try to avoid "best of" in general although I feel like you can get a read on whether we truly feel that ski is worthy of high marks in those zones.

[@svenodsvik569]

Emily is so 80´s going under the lift. really nice. Legs thight together and rippin. This will probably my skis for 2024.

[@marketingvisions3299]

Jeff please compare armada arv 88/94 vs bent 90 and armada arv 100 vs bent 100. I would love to know your thoughts on this

[@Ryanlaceysends]

Emily 👏

[@darinsmith2458]

you mentioned something about being catchy.. my DPS Foundations are catchy in the tails.. i really have to be forward.. even if i am upright the tails will catch..

[@darinsmith2458]

both of you got a lot of air..

[@MM-my9zu]

Amazing review! Did both of you ski it with the bindings mounted on the freestyle line? And would there be any point in mounting them true center?

[@SkiEssentials]

Thanks! Both bindings were on the further back line. True center is very specific. Great for park, but not much else.

[@quinnbrown9297]

Awesome review. I'm curious, what other skis do you think are most similar?

[@SkiEssentials]

Testing these back to back with the new Elan Playmaker 91, it was hard to ignore the similarities in shape, weight, and overall feel. Some differences, certainly, but a lot of similarities too. Atomic Bents have to be in the conversation too. More camber in those skis, but similar in what they accomplish and also a lightweight ski. New Line Chronic 94 has a lot of similarities too.

[@mejs2579]

​@@SkiEssentialswould these be similar to the captis at all?

[@dbaime]

Looking for a mix of all mountain and park ski for the next season, want a ski that can rip groomers but also preform well in the park. I’m tied between these and the bent 90s, which might be the better choice. Also open to other skis, these are just the two I’ve been heavily considering

[@SkiEssentials]

The ARV is a bit more poppy and lively than the Bent, which is more flexible. I like the Armada's groomer performance a bit more, so I'd say that'll be a slightly better option than the Bent for your application.

[@MrModetoo]

Great review ! Would you recommend centering the bindings in factory or freestyle recommended option? for 70% all mountain and 30% park use. Thanks !!

[@SkiEssentials]

Factory!

[@adiosjohnny1]

Hey Jeff! Just wondering if you've tried the new ARV 100? I'm going to pick one up in the fall. I'm not sure what size to get, 179 or 186. I'm leaning toward the 186 just so I have something stable for top end speed, but I also want something that is easy to pivot in tight places and bumps. I'm 5'10" at 155 - intermediate to advanced skier. Any thoughts?

[@SkiEssentials]

It's pretty sweet. Based on your stats, I'd think the 179 would line up better with what you're looking to do--it's still a pretty stable ski. That said, if you know you prefer longer skis, I'm not here to talk you out of a good time!

[@Machria23]

18:53 Nice spray bro! Lol

[@SkiEssentials]

Nobody but Jeff was happy about that one.

[@alex_sede]

Hi, for an intermediate in progress(6' 155lbs) who wants to do it all and have fun what do you think of those skis: qst 98, new Rustler 9, new ARV 100 or 94 and Unleashed 98?

[@SkiEssentials]

I like the sound of the QST. it's so incredibly useful and natural. These are all great skis, the only one I think could be on the cumbersome side is the Unleashed. Have fun! SE

[@dotShinoda]

Hey Jeff, hey Emily! I'm interested to hear what you'd think about sizing up on the ARV/ARW 94. I'm 5'10" at 170 and like a mix of all-mountain + park, currently skiing Bent 90s @ 175. I enjoyed hearing yours (and Bob's) thoughts on sizing up on that ski, so I'm curious to hear what you and Emily think about skiing something about my height @178 or a bit longer @185 :) Thanks for making these reviews, love hearing all your thoughts and seeing how you ski!

[@SkiEssentials]

Firstly, you'll find more reactivity and energy out of the ARV versus the Bent, so they're going to ski a bit longer. I'd think that the 178 would align better with your stats and application, but if you're particularly aggressive or if you know you prefer longer skis, the 185 is still within reach--more of a preference thing than a performance one at this point.

[@dotShinoda]

thank you so much for your thoughts! :)

[@MrSnowgoon]

I‘m (1,80m at 80kg) about to buy new ski with the choice between the bent 90s with 1,75m and ARVs 94 with 1,78m. For me park is also important as piste and powder but I think most of park skis don’t perform very well on piste. @dotShinoda, how satisfied are you with your bent‘s on piste? Thx for feedback 😊

[@dotShinoda]

@@MrSnowgoon they're very fun but (although they were the right length at the time) I do wish that I had longer bents or a slightly stiffer ski or with less shovel/HRZN tech these days, hence watching and reading reviews for skis like the ARVs. If you're taller than me and around the same weight, I'd say that 175cm is either too short or will quickly become too short for you. The bent 90s are a very manoeuvreable ski and are super light, soft, and springy - I've enjoyed the energy with which they spring back out of a turn but they are pretty noodly. Off-piste and trees are so much fun with the bents, but you'd probably be able to find a better fit with a different pair if you're skiing a lot of piste. I've experienced a LOT of chatter at speed, so if you like to go fast, I'd say get something else. I don't really ski bumps, but Bob says they're great for bumps in the skiessentials review

[@MrSnowgoon]

⁠​⁠@@dotShinodathx for your detailed feedback, that helps me in any case :)

[@aby416]

Hi, I really love and appreciate your work over here, by far the best reference for ski reviews. I’m in between faction mana2, ARV94 and Bent 100. I ski mostly groomers and the rest is woods and freeriding. I really want to learn and progress in park too. Which one would you say is the ultimate choice and what length? I’m 179cm and 80-80 kilos,

[@SkiEssentials]

Thanks! If you're looking to mix groomers, woods, and progress in park, I do think the 100's make a bit more sense here, so the Bent and the ARV should be top contenders. The Bent has a bit more sturdiness to it, especially now for 2025. I think that's a great option for your application, and I'd go with the 180 in that ski.

[@aby416]

@@SkiEssentialsThank you for your help, just ordered my 2025 bent 100 at 179 with strive 12 for bindings. Can’t wait for the next season to try them ⛷️

[@TommyBarrett-vz3tq]

Super excited about these skis I’m just torn between them and the 100s

[@SkiEssentials]

I think the use style is important here. Are you ever/often in fresh and deeper snow? If so, then the 100 will have more to offer. The 94 isn't much different, although it is quicker and more energetic out of a turn. Are you looking to be more creative and park oriented? That's another check for the 94.

[@TommyBarrett-vz3tq]

@@SkiEssentials I’m looking for one just to perform all around in glades on moguls and in park. I’m on the east coast so it’s relatively icy

[@juju.la.t]

Such a good review and these will definitely be my next skis. Will the 171 size do well for me at 5'10 and 160 or should I go bigger? So far I have always skied shorter park skis around 165 cm because I was a beginner in the park and mostly skied trees and bumps under the lift but I think its time to start skiing on bigger skis.

[@Dpher]

Go longer I’m 5 10 and ski 180-187

[@SkiEssentials]

I'm concerned that the jump from a 165 to a 179 will be pretty big. For your stats, application, and ski history, I think the 171 will offer a nice uptick without going crazy.

[@juju.la.t]

@@SkiEssentials appreciate the input

[@secretsantagiftarethebest]

Have you heard of the vishnu keys? I'm interested in either these or the keys for next season!!

[@SkiEssentials]

Heard of them, yes, skied them, no. We can say that the new ARV is a pretty nice upgrade from this season, and that's saying a lot given the overwhelming support for the 2023 and prior ARV 96.

[@NowImUnderControl]

Is this a valid choice for a more playful on/off piste ski even if you never plan to step into the park vs other skis like the qst 92 for example?

[@drewgalbraith4499]

Yup, lots of homies ripped ARVs out in BC as their playful low to no new snow skis when they were waiting for the next dump, those dudes never ripped park

[@SkiEssentials]

Totally valid. There's a lot to be said for a fun-loving twin tip in an all-mountain format. I've skied mid to upper 90's twin tips for two decades and don't ski park.

[@aarnegranlund]

Would you put the Salomon Shift MNCs on the ARV 96s? I'm still a newschooler at heart but nowadays ride off-piste mainly. Wind-packed too. @@SkiEssentials

[@lamesamebame8476]

Hey i wanna ski those in the park, detune em for rails and just jibbing and a bit more crud performance than my other ski - the sir francis bacon. Do u think arv 94 or arv 96 would be better for me? I am not the best rail skier so i aint as hard as some guys but im looking to proggress.

[@SkiEssentials]

The 94 is more reactive and lively than the 96 which does have better crud and soft snow performance than the 94. If you're leaning more to the skiing vs. rails side of the spectrum, I'd think the 96 has more to offer.

[@reecemoulton6709]

Do you guys think the factory mounting point is good or should I mount + or - for a better experience?

[@SkiEssentials]

What type of experience is "better" for you? If you go forward, you're increasing the freestyle balance. If you go further back, you're boosting the directional performance. If you stay on the factory line, you'll probably be just fine.

[@skatebordingfactilyt]

Hi in arv94 for mostly park skiing you think its better to do true center or how armada reccomend 2cm back?

[@SkiEssentials]

Since it's not a symmetrical ski, I think this works better at -2 than true center.

[@mtbski1996]

Hello! I'm a "ski tourist", 90/95% of the time in the park. I'm not a beginner but not that good neither (skiing level: I'm hyped when I stomp a clean 5, basic tricks on rails, the biggest jump I ride is a 20m[65ft]). I'm dismissing my trusty Volkl The Wall 2012 177cm (tip115,waist87,tail115), they provided good support and are made to last, flex pattern: solid...not so playfull. As a park enthusiast, I would pull the trigger on the Volkl Revolt 90 thinking of it as the modern iteration of The Wall: lighter, a touch wider and a bit more playfull thanks to early rocker. Do you reckon I should switch to something like the Armada ARV 94 or Revolt 95 (or 100) as a non-competitive park rat? How does the feeling cange from the Revolt 90 to the ARV94-Revolt95/100? Love big air, I'm 186cm[6,10ft] tall, looking for 185cm ski minimum, preferably. I must confess I was sold on the Revolt 90 but (as a mid level rider) I'm afraid that they will lack playfulness. Thanks for the work you're doing with every video!

[@SkiEssentials]

I do think the 90's are more specific to park competition, leaving more room for additional skiing with stuff like the ARV 94 or Revolt 96. A bit stiffer, check out the K2 Poacher at 96 mm underfoot as well. I feel these skis have more to offer than the true and symmetrical competition slopestyle models like the 90. Definitely check out the new Revolt 96 in the 181--it skis longer than indicated.

[@connor_walker]

Where would you guys reccomend mounting these for like 50/50 between park and groomers?

[@SkiEssentials]

Sounds like you're looking to split the difference between the lines to me. Stand on the skis with your boots on and see which one looks right!

[@christianalianti6425]

was wondering when these will be available to purchase have only seen pre-orders?

[@SkiEssentials]

We won't see any early release skis from Armada--likely we'll have stock in the middle of summer, likely early August.

[@snw1827]

im stuck between 2 options at this point either faction prodigy 2 or armada arv 94 since i ride in the alps we dont have so many fresh powder days but there is off piste routes quite often i ride %50 percent groomer freestyling %30 park %20 off piste also i like to do both carving and skidded short turns soo which one you guys suggest also im 175 at 65kg

[@SkiEssentials]

I like the energy and pop of the ARV 94 over the more flexible and smeary Prodigy. If you're looking for something with a bit more grip and zest, I'd go with the Armada. For more of a traditional freestyle feel, Prodigy is great, but I do think there's more liveliness in the ARV 94. I'd say the 178 is the length here as these skis are pretty light.

[@snw1827]

@@SkiEssentials ok thank you very much.

[@maryannepasiewicz5796]

Would you recommend the Armada 88 or 94 for East Coast (NH, ME, VT, MA) conditions

[@SkiEssentials]

Narrower is generally more appropriate for Eastern conditions, and the 88 is even more useful if you spend a lot of time in the park.

[@bmilks4181]

going to get these fs not sure what size to go with, I'm 5'8 140lbs I currently ski 164 twin tips should i go to 171?

[@SkiEssentials]

Yeah I'd say go on up to the 171 and have fun!

[@ludde9426]

Do you recommend 178 or 185 on these skis if i'm going to use them in the park? I am 187 and weights 90kg, intermediate skier

[@SkiEssentials]

I think the 178 for park.

[@PreciousLettuce]

How would you say the new ARVs compare to the Atomic Bents?

[@SkiEssentials]

The new ARV has more snap and pop to it and doesn't mind laying it over. I haven't quite found the same confidence with Bent, but it's pretty close.

[@kai4eto]

Hi! Thank you for the great review! I’m in love with this model 😍 would you be able to help me out as I struggle to understand what is the difference between arw and arv? I am a female, 170cm tall and about 53kg looking for all mountain ski focusing on skiing in the woods, off piste but also grooming and I think of buying this model but I really like the arv design 😅 So should I buy the arw just because they’re designed for women or I can go with arv as well? Thank you!

[@SkiEssentials]

They are the exact same skis just a different graphic. Same sizes offered as well, so whichever topsheet you like better, go with that one!

[@adhd4570]

Did you buy 171s or 164s? Im about same weight same length and wndering.

[@adhd4570]

And do you like them? Are they stiff or not?

[@kai4eto]

@@adhd4570 I bought the 164 - this is what they recommended for my hight and skills level. I am inlove wih them! Best money spent so far. They definitely are not stiff!

[@adhd4570]

@@kai4eto Ill get em for sure, Thanks for feedback!

[@clipthis2924]

Do you guys have a in person shop in Stowe

[@SkiEssentials]

Yup! We have retail locations at Pinnacle Ski and Sport in Stowe and we also have Basin Ski and Ride in Killington, VT.

[@salmon_1111]

idk why but my friend got this pair and broke the sidewalls within a day…. probably still gonna get them

[@SkiEssentials]

Hopefully they took care if it was a warranty issue! Still a blast on snow!

[@sarge7078]

can you cover the 88s

[@SkiEssentials]

That's on next year's list for sure in terms of a full review. We'll have it in our 2024 ski test that gets released usually in mid-August. Check back then!

[@ab-nz2mm]

How does the flex compare to revolt 96?

[@ab-nz2mm]

@SkiEssentials

[@SkiEssentials]

The Revolt is more flexible, especially in the tail. Very interesting comparison!

[@eppusaastamoinen3807]

im 181cm 75kg, advanced park skier, should i go for 185 or 178?

[@SkiEssentials]

I don't think you need to go over head high in these skis, especially if you're in the park a lot. I'd lean to the 178 unless you know you prefer longer skis.

[@landonernst5173]

I'm stuck between the 94s, and the poachers. Any help?

[@jonne_]

Poacher

[@SkiEssentials]

There's a lot to be said about this new construction in the 94, but that doesn't take anything away from the Poacher, which has always been such a consistent and sturdy ski. The Poacher is a bit stiffer and heavier now that Armada has made their ski slightly lighter and more flexible, so that's the main difference these days.

[@Cumeater-tr8vl]

Im thinking about buying the 171s but its a pretty big jump from my 158s (Im 5 5 and weigh about 120 pounds ). The season is about to end in about 2 months and i will probably grow about 3 inches over the summer. I ride mostly park and some off piste and can do like 360s and some backflips.

[@SkiEssentials]

If you plan on being 5'8 by next season and are putting in good tricks, I think the 171 is fine!