2024 Armada Declivity 92 Ti Ski Review with SkiEssentials.com

[@GRhightech]

I bought this pair of skis last season following your mid90 review skis and I was able to test them in February in the French Alps. I confirm these 3 qualities which are versatility, comfort underfoot and hold of the ski in fast curves. Thank you for your work and your quality advice

[@aaronmueller1560]

Glad to see you guys continuing to expand and bring new people in! You make fantastic reviews, certainly the best on the market, so the ability to cover more will be great!

[@marketingvisions3299]

Another great review from my favourite ski channel. Thanks guys!

[@carterfan80]

they hold an edge and stay stable remarkably well for a ski light. Tips flap a bit at the highest speeds. (Approaching 50mph they started to get little skittish ) I was skiing with a knee injury in march. I had been trying several skis throughout a weekend. When I got on these my knee instantly thanked me. It was a good combination of lightweight and stability. I was able to make turns with less effort than the dynastar Mpro 90s i was on. (Armadas less stable though) But it was more stable and carved better than the qst 92s. (Qsts more fun in soft snow) Even skied bumps with a bad knee. (And fairly well!)

[@chadridsdale9970]

I'm just curious about the tip flap. How big are you and what size ski were you on?

[@carterfan80]

@chadridsdale9970 I'm 5' 5" 160 lbs. I'm a pretty advanced skier. Also very physically strong for my size. I tend to drive the front of the ski pretty hard ( For someone without any formal training) when i'm one hundred percent healthy. Think I was on a 172cmish??? If you want something that's light and still rips. Try the atomic maverick ninety five. I think it You can push it a bit harder. Great overall ski. I've been on two dozen skis in two years and that's one of my favorites. To answer your question. There was some tip flap when I was really skiing fast. 45mph+. But it wasn't the type of flap where it felt out of control. Even with a bad knee only at the very limit (45-50mph We had a tracker) did I feel like I was going a little "too fast." The conditions were Fairly firm for colorado. It hadn't snowed much in at least a week. I was using them the second half of the day when it was pretty scraped off. I'm an east coast skier. It wasn't quite east coast conditions but it was definitely firm. Hope that helps.

[@chadridsdale9970]

@@carterfan80 thanks. That's good information. I'm 5'10" 195lbs and skied the 180cm 92ti and 177cm 88ti. I'm aggressive and playful skiing. The 92 ti felt much better on firm and at high speed than the 88ti. The 88 was better in the moguls and thats it. I have an enforcer 88 in the 184cm which inlike better again in bad snow conditions but its a bit long for a day in the moguls. I'm nervous going light weight because i dont like the "feel and sound" of many of them. Im Not much for jumping on firm snow but powder is a different story.

[@carterfan80]

@chadridsdale9970 The maverick 95ti is the most conference inspiring light ish ski i've been on. I've heard good things about the new rustler 9. Maybe that's worth looking at. Mpro 90 is a sleeper too. Lot or tip rocker. But strong tail. And the PU inserts In the core make a difference. Not super heavy. I just bought Head Kore. Very curious to see how that lightweight ski holds up. Totally different technology and feel from what I understand.

[@chadridsdale9970]

I never liked the kore that much they were nimble but too light and pingy feeling sounding. I ended up with the declivity 82 ti. I have the enforcer 88, mantra m5 (for sale), original vantage 100cti, Atomic Rituals, ripstick 106 for at touring and blizzard rustler 11s. I live in the middle of BC Canada. Lots of soft snow here but whenever I do Trip there's a good chance of freeze thaw. Thanks for the conversation. I love hearing other people's perspective and helping people get on the right gear Cheers!

[@ScottieWP09]

Thank you for the great video! I had watched your shorter review of this ski and bought a pair after you commented. Excited to ski them this year in NH and VT!

[@richardcole4776]

Great video - Matt needs more airtime with you and Jeff :)

[@88500990]

Agreed. he's actually quite good for a new guy, much much better than the dorky Bob from 4 years ago lol. Bob's a veteran now I guess it's ok to say it blatantly lol. Jeff never had any issues in front of the camera I would say.

[@richardcole4776]

@@88500990 Hey - easy on Bob - lol. I find Bob to be Mr. Normal family guy - gives an honest opinion, but can ski those bumps like nobody's business. I'm sure you were basically kidding, and I agree that he's gotten a lot more comfortable in front of the camera over the years. Now he's the mentor :). Jeff and Bob are an awesome team, and Matt's gonna be a good addition when given the chance (and in Customer Service, he's been super helpful on two separate ski purchases this year). No other ski channel comes close.

[@joeybennett1491]

Great ski, really handles it all except those deeper days. Very approachable all mountain ski. Love mine! Great for steeps, side hits, easy turn initiation and just plain versatile. Even awesome for chasing the kids too!

[@davidbehle9501]

Hey Matt it's crazy Dave from yesterday ! Thanks for all the ski help! I enjoyed your review on the 92TI . can't wait ,looks like a ski that will even be playful in the steeps ,if that makes any sense lol ......hey id take this to cham, especially if im hiking ,it's so light. and speaking of we'll hook you up with the right guide because that makes all the differents, and stay at the motel mont blanc 4 or 5 star? its awesome and that's how I roll... lol triple thanks again your staff at ski essentials are spot on! skiers for skiers! you all deserve a raise!! and more free ski time. db out

[@scollyutube]

Skied these for a day at Whistler. Very nice. Stable, grippy and decent performance without a lot of weight. This review made me buy a pair from you too..... dammit. 😊

[@markfriedman8892]

Great job Matt and SE team as always. This is definitely my next Ski. Appreciate what you guys do.!

[@dirkanderson-p8k]

Matt rips! He takes your videos to a whole new level.

[@drewgalbraith4499]

Ya Matt skis how I want to ski these days!

[@SkiEssentials]

Agree! He caught our eye early in the season!

[@user-jy1qr4wy2l]

Welcome Matt! Make sure you pay homage to Bob and Jeff 💯

[@FainHenderson]

This was also my favorite from last year, it’s between this or the Atomic Maverick 88ti for next years ski purchase.

[@NikosPer]

👍🤙 i am exactly in the same boat, more inclined to the 88ti though.

[@carterfan80]

I found the Maverick to be a bit better on trail. And little more stable at higher speeds. Imo. Hope this helps I skied the Maverick 95 and declivity 92. Fyi

[@FainHenderson]

@@NikosPer nice! I have some of the 100ti’s and love them.

[@FainHenderson]

@@carterfan80 thanks. Yeah the Maverick series has been amazing, I own a pair of the 100ti’s. This was my first year demoing Armada, really impressed.

[@NikosPer]

@@FainHenderson that would be a perfect pair, 100s are on my radar too for deeper days! I saw an athlete unsharpened the edges a bit at the back for an easier release, either way that would be a beautiful combo.

[@JohnBlaze505]

Bought the older model of these skis can't wait to try them this season!

[@SkiEssentials]

Have fun! Same skis, bet you got a deal!

[@matthewmandia3806]

Hey this video sold me a pair of 172s on SE yesterday. Nice work! Hoping these will be the answer to my 70/30 East & Piste/Off

[@SkiEssentials]

Nice! Pretty universal appreciation for those skis--hope you have a blast too!

[@EdgarSnowSki]

Sick graphics! Thanks for the review , one of the skis I’m looking for the next year, as my wife grabbing my Nordica navigator 85 😊

[@SkiEssentials]

Nice! The graphic fits in a bit better in that it separates from the more creative ARV/ARW lines and puts a more utilitarian look to it.

[@ThePro116]

Excellent review! Thank You

[@JaspervanNistelrooy]

Thanks for the thorough review! How do these compare to the declivity 82 ti in construction and performance?

[@SkiEssentials]

They share the same build, but the 92 has slightly more rocker and width. This makes the 82 quicker and more mobile while the 92 is more versatile. Some skiers prefer the wider shape of the 92 when it comes to on-trail performance, especially if conditions are soft. For firmer snow, the 82 will provide more torsional stiffness, and since it has a higher and longer camber profile, it's pretty darn grippy and poppy as well.

[@ThePro116]

I was wondering the same. I have many Arv models and bought the 82ti and absolutely love them and they can carve but are fun all around but when we get some fresh snow it makes me wonder how the 92ti's are.

[@bpb5593]

Hey Guys - I ended up purchasing the Declivity 92ti based on your advice and they are awesome! For me they do everything my Enforcer 94 did just with less weight and effort. I like them so much I’m considering getting the 108 to have as my big mountain powder ski. I’ve seen in a couple places that they are updating the Declivity line next year but there isn’t much info out there yet. One source said they were just updating the X model, another said they were only updating the 102, 108, and the X, and another said they are coming out with a “Enforcer competitor” which I thought was odd because I think the Declivity already competes with that ski. I’m curious if you guys have any more information about this? Is it being updated and if so which models/sizes? Just looking ahead and thinking about the timing of possible future purchases. Thanks again!!!

[@SkiEssentials]

I skied the new 102. The X now denotes the 102 and 108 as those have a slightly different build than the narrower ones. All are now getting poplar wood cores instead of caruba, so it's a bit quieter and smoother of a feel--slightly less pop. The 102 is awesome. They also lowered the articulated part of the titanal banding, so you feel more stability in the middle of the ski with more playfulness in the tips and tails. We don't have details on sizing yet, but I am pretty sure I skied the 188 and it was sweet.

[@bpb5593]

Awesome thanks for the info. I appreciate you guys!

[@urbanrunoff]

i am probably wrong but shapewise they remind me of the Ripstick. could those be the skis i am looking for, a "riptick" with a layer of metal to perform better in crud / mixed off-piste snow?

[@markfriedman8892]

That's the reason why I am getting the Declivity 92ti and ditching my Ripstick Black Edition which I love.

[@SkiEssentials]

In the shovel, I definitely agree that the shapes are pretty similar. They're more "spatula" than "spoon". The tails are pretty different, though, with the Declivity having more of a rounded profile and that takes it an inch away from being a true directional ski shape like Ripstick. Add this to the list along with the Salomon Stance 90/96.

[@oscarpreuss2347]

Great review, hopefully Matt will be back for more reviews! How would you say these compare with the Serpo and the Maverick 95?

[@SkiEssentials]

Thanks! The Serpo comes to mind a lot when discussing this ski in that it has excellent energy out of the turn as well as a very quiet and silent personality. The Serpo feels slightly more directional with a more squared-off tail, but it also has less metal, so there's more flex to it. I'd say the Serpo has a wider range in terms of skier audience while the Declivity is more advanced to expert focused. Maverick is great--again, not as round as the Declivity, and even though it's a bit wider, it's not necessarily more versatile. Maverick is also not quite as quiet as either Serpo or Declivity in terms of chatter.

[@PlaneImpactGolf]

Got it down between the Declivity 92 ti and Stance 90 , had the 2023 Stance 96 but had to put more effort into the ski and at 73 limited my day on the slope. Ski 70 % on groomers , btw can’t seem to feel the difference between 90 vs 96 ( 1/4 inch ) both have wide tips and tails , feels like is more hype than actual performance Thxs

[@SkiEssentials]

I notice a bit of a difference with the quickness of the 90 over the 96, but I actually prefer the carving capabilities of the 96, even though it's wider. I prefer a slightly wider platform for all-mountain skis like this just to take advantage of the leverage, especially in slightly softer snow. The Declivity has a quieter and smoother feel than the Stance--the performance level is very much the same here, it's more about how they feel on your feet. The Armada is simply less chatty.

[@darinsmith2458]

When you compare a ski to Stormriders I take notice.. You got a lot of footage of this ski.. In the beginning of the video and at the end of the video I could hear the ice underneath..

[@andersjuulstergaard7456]

I am 5´8 160 47 old. Looking for a new ski that can do all mountain. Mostly gromers but want to go in powder between pistes if its there. I love carving medium to long turns mostly moderat to higher speed. My kid is starting out skiing, so the ski have to be good on low speed going backwards and forgiving enough to ski her between my legs, and go ripping precise carving turns, and good float in powder and stable on black hard pack when i have time for my self. My favorit skis so far is the Atomic 9xs 168 and Montero AR 175. But now looking for something lighter and more playfull when im skiing with my kid. Been Looking at Armada Declivity 92 172, Head Kore 94 170, Rustler 9 172, Atomic Maverick 95 172, BC serpo 168. Or would you recommend something else? Thank you for a great channel!

[@SkiEssentials]

You're in a pretty good zone--I'd try to find something light in this grouping, and the Kore is the lightest. The Rustler is the most versatile and is pretty darn smooth--I think this should be a top choice. It has the tails that allow for more backwards and playful skiing while also having the metal for stability and power in a carved turn. The other skis are great, but more directional. I'm not sure you need that for your application--the Rustler should be able to handle it all easily.

[@andersjuulstergaard7456]

@@SkiEssentials Thank you!!!

[@doctorzoota806]

hey if im buying this 2024 Armada declivity 92ti Which bindings is the best for this skii? I really dont know knowledge about bindings, is a 110mm binding enough or should i get 120mm (Mark Griffin 13D) Im 185lb 6ft

[@SkiEssentials]

We pair them with Marker Griffon 13's. The 110 and the 120 refer to the brake width, and both of those are too wide. The 90 mm brake will fit great on this ski.

[@Ethan-um7cp]

Excited to hear more from Matt in the future. Could you mention his height and weight please?

[@SkiEssentials]

Definitely more coming from Matt, who's 6'2 200.

[@VitalSignAndGraphicsCo]

Currently riding moment wildcat 101s. 174. They feel perfect. I want something smaller waist and am wondering if 172 or 180 in the declivity is the right choice. Any advice before I click buy?

[@SkiEssentials]

Tough to know for sure without knowing your physical stats, but I would venture a guess you'd prefer the 172 if you liked the 176 Wildcat 101 length. Hope that helps!

[@VitalSignAndGraphicsCo]

@@SkiEssentials I’m 5’7” 180. Ski aggressively. Was thinking 180 is right but I might want to go +1.5?

[@mikewilliams6086]

Good review guys

[@SkiEssentials]

Thanks!

[@turbo66]

What are you thoughts on this for a heavier intermediate skier that's keen to progress? I'm 260lbs, 6ft and 30 years of ice hockey background so have really strong legs and mind-body connection, but only 3 years skiing - Instructors are surprised how quickly I'm picking skiing up! Mainly skiing ice, hard pack and slush (Australian conditions, similar to east coast apparently), 70/30 on/off piste. I'm keen to get out of rentals so I've been looking at the Kore 93 in 177cm and Declivity 92 Ti in 180cm. I can save a couple hundred dollars on the Kore with it being on sale but still having a hard time deciding between the two. I'd rather the better ski for me :)

[@SkiEssentials]

I'm 6'2 225 and I love my Kore 93. I think it's stiff and damp but light and quick. The Declivity will offer a bit smoother of a ride due to the metal laminate, but I've always really liked the Kore skis as a heavier skier. Both are great, but if you can save some money and get the Kore, I think you'll be happy there.

[@turbo66]

@@SkiEssentials many thanks!! True gentlemen of the snow scene as always :)

[@NicolasMerk-z7m]

Great video - thanks for the review! How does this compare with the Stance 90? I like to set down some good turns on the east side of the continent. 5'11, 185lbs - 172cm or 180cm length?

[@SkiEssentials]

They're right there with each other--smooth, silent and stable. The Declivity might have a bit more kick at the end of the turn, but I really like the overall feel of the Stance, especially when it comes to bumps, trees, and off-piste zones. I'd go 180 in the Declivity for pure east carving.

[@taziokastelic_films]

@@SkiEssentials I'm a 5' 10'' (178 cm) and 175 lbs advanced skier in the alps, is the 180 too much ski and should I stick to the 172?

[@SkiEssentials]

@@taziokastelic_films I'd think the 172 will be fine while the 180 might be on the long side.

[@DerickElliott-mg1fy]

I am 5’ 7” 190 and live in Midwest. From CO and former racer. I have Ripstick Black 180’s and are great from fast groomers. Looking for a pair for out west that will be fun in trees, bumps, off piste while stable at high speeds. Does Declivity 92 fit description and would you suggest 172 or shorter? Thanks

[@SkiEssentials]

Pretty much everyone who skis the Declivity 92 loves it. Great energy on groomers and wonderful versatility elsewhere. I'd say the 172 is fine if you are hanging on to your former racer personality and ski style.

[@huwwatkins1332]

Switched from Nordica Enforcer 93s in 191cm to Declivity 92s in 186cm. Found the latter to be much more versatile and ‘turnable’ than the Enforcers but miss the hard pack edge grip and pop of the former. Is there a ‘half way’ ski between the two that can ski all the mountain?

[@SkiEssentials]

There's always a halfway ski somewhere! This is a tight grouping, though! Check out the Black Crows Serpo or Salomon Stance 90 as options here.

[@huwwatkins1332]

Thank you!

[@huwwatkins1332]

@@SkiEssentials One more thing, do you think I should include the Atomic Maverick 95ti in my considerations?

[@SkiEssentials]

@@huwwatkins1332 I'd never say no to looking at more skis, but beware of diluting your focus.

[@huwwatkins1332]

@@SkiEssentials Thank you. Have taken the plunge with some 186 23/24 Serpos. SportPursuit (in the UK) are doing a ski & binding package for $500 instead of $1100!

[@alexanderlin2022]

Great video! Curious how’s this skis compare to Volkl kendo 88?

[@SkiEssentials]

The performance is pretty similar--Kendo has a bit more edge grip and pure carving prowess, but Declivity is more versatile. Strong skiers can stand on the edge of the Kendo with full confidence, but it sounds a bit more metallic than the Declivity, which is more of a silent ski.

[@sepultubob]

I just came across a good offer at an excellent price for the 188cm. Would you say that it's a bit too long for a skinny 6.1 dude ? 70% carving and 30% bumps/off piste/powder is my program. I think the 180cm would help me in bumps and trees where a like a quick release from the back and front. What do you think ? Thank you !

[@SkiEssentials]

I fear the 188 is too long, but if you know you prefer longer skis, it'll just take some getting used to. The 180 will certainly be more maneuverable and agile for tighter spots.

[@sepultubob]

Thanks you very much. I'm not used to ride skis taller than me, so I'm gonna wait ! @@SkiEssentials

[@stant1347]

1:13 does the declivity 92ti chatter at speed on really hard snow or ice & does the wide shovel get deflected in crud. Really hard to tell watching your videos, I think all 3 of you could make skiing on a railroad tie look good

[@SkiEssentials]

At some point, all skis will chatter at speed on really hard snow and ice. The Declivity is one of the quieter skis out there at this width, so the suppleness is one of its strengths. It is very silent and smooth for the amount of energy it has--no issues with chatter here relative to competing models like Salomon QST 92 or Black Crows Serpo.

[@NikosPer]

Look great skis! How would you compare these with maverick 88ti?

[@SkiEssentials]

Very similar in terms of blending light weight and stability. The Maverick has a more unique mix of attributes, with the HRZN tech in the tips and a pretty darn flat tail. The Declivity is more consistent in its shaping methodology, and that results in a smoother, more well-rounded ski. It's not as sharp or precise as the Maverick, but not much out there really is.

[@henryhebron5319]

I’m also deciding between these 2 skis. Ripping on trail and being versatile off is of most importance to me. But when I wanna pop the odd 360 and jump off trail, would the 88ti still allow that? They seam nice and light but how are they in the air? Thanks

[@NikosPer]

@@henryhebron5319 don't know about jumps, perhaps maverick have better landing feeling due to stiffer tail(?). You might have to try both before you buy.

[@rooskiroos]

Looking at buying a pair, I am 5’11” 185 pounds. What length would you recommend for me? Thanks

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd go 180 in that ski, especially if you're okay with skis slightly on the long side.

[@rooskiroos]

@@SkiEssentials cool thanks! Recommendations on bindings?

[@michaelacharya7126]

How do they feel vs BC Serpos?

[@SkiEssentials]

A bit more whip out of the Serpo's tail. The Armada is quieter and more stable overall, as well as being slightly more consistent from tip to tail. The metal plate of the Serpo give the very ends of the ski a whole lot of energy while the metallic zones are more powerful. If you value rebound, go Serpo, but if you're more interested in a smoother character, the Declivity is awesome.

[@davekline6817]

How do they compare to the Volkl Blaze 94

[@SkiEssentials]

The Blaze is still considerably lighter, especially in a swingweight realm. The Declivity is more stable at speed, but for the weight, I'm continually surprised by the Blaze's ability to handle higher speeds and more aggressive skiing. More float in the Blaze due to weight and rocker profile.

[@davekline6817]

@@SkiEssentials Thanks for getting back to me, I'm also considering the Head 93, any thoughts on Head 93 vs Declivity 92, thanks, last question!!

[@swedishburrito5073]

❤👍

[@bradl1369]

Can you get some icelantic skis to review?

[@SkiEssentials]

It's definitely a company that we'd like to check out.

[@arpadhamori711]

How do they compare to a Stormrider 95 in terms of onpiste performance?

[@SkiEssentials]

The Stormrider is smoother and likes to hold on to the turns a bit longer. You get more pep and rebound out of the Armada. The Stockli is a bit more flexible so it likes to sink into the turns more than the Armada, which prefers quicker transitions and more energetic skiing.

[@arpadhamori711]

@@SkiEssentials thank you for the very detailed answer! Love your videos!

[@arpadhamori711]

@@SkiEssentials just 1 more question. I'm still between. Which one tolerates more of the "lasy skiing" with good technic and heavier weight. I'm 44, 176cms, 95kgs, experienced, but not professional skier. TIA

[@SkiEssentials]

@@arpadhamori711 I find the Stockli to be more tolerant of lazy skiing. The energy of the Declivity is a standout feature while the forgiveness of the Stockli allows for easier skiing.

[@arpadhamori711]

@@SkiEssentials Thank you for your answers!