ARMADA ARV 106 REVIEW + THOUGHTS!

Season 04, Episode 76: sup squad! in this first installment of my armada quiver review, we go over the mighty Armada ARV 106 ski. this is a powerhouse of an all-mountain ski that is stiff by design, but still retains a lot of playful ski qualities. is this the right ski for you for this upcoming season or should you look elsewhere?
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0:00 Intro
0:56 technical features
4:38 what does playful mean?
6:25 personal experience
8:27 similar options
11:00 who is it for?
12:04 outro
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Lucas Catania
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[@LucasCatania17]

the first installment of going over my Armada quiver. this is a beast of an all-mountain ski and i'm stoked to share my thoughts on it!

[@BreauxSegreto]

Nice review! Pontoon boards with agility 😮 Can’t wait to see the White Walkers in action again this season! Yewww! ✌️

[@db-dh2us]

I cant wait to watch your adventures this winter. Glad to see that your channel is growing. Stay blessed and ski as much as you can!

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks man!!

[@36DesertWizard]

I just got the Dynastar M-free 108s last season and I absolutely love them. They take me through anything, and I 100% recommend these gorgeous skis.

[@LucasCatania17]

heard nothing but great things about those! keep rippen.

[@justinbayola]

Congrats on 47k subs man! Great review

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks dude. onward to 50k.

[@louisolberding5245]

I bought the ARV 106’s at the beginning of the season and got about ten days of riding on them in all conditions. I have to say that I do like the ski but I don’t love it. Yet. Your review was spot on and well thought out. They are definitely stiff and very heavy compared to others. I also have the Declivity 102 Ti’s and I found myself always reaching for those instead. For me, those are more fun and are an all around great ski.

[@shawneggers4484]

Great review Lucas! I ride the Bent 100, thanks for the 2 cent comparison to the 106. I strongly feel Armada will be reaching out to you very soon lol!!! You deserve it! I’m SURE your videos have sold a ton of Armada’s!! Always a pleasure watching!

[@LucasCatania17]

ha thanks shawn! regardless, i truly love the armada skis so its all good!

[@thedemogorgon4830]

ay lucas, if i wanna shred the park and fast groomers but also want to rip deep pow double blacks and stuff, do u think the 116 or 106 is the better pick overall??

[@whiteblade8877]

Nice review stoked to rip again

[@LucasCatania17]

me too!

[@cyehle7]

Picked up a pair of ARV106’s this season and I am super stoked to get into Bigger Mountain!

[@cyehle7]

I say bigger cause we don’t really have “Big” Mountain at my home mountain.

[@LucasCatania17]

nice dude! the 2023 or 2024?

[@Bryan-rl2ik]

Dont know if you would be up for it but would be cool for you to demo some skis throughout the season. Kinda like you did with the bikes. Just to get your thoughts. A lot of resorts rent high end skis. Just a thought

[@LucasCatania17]

that would be fun! im definitely open to it! could make for some good switchup content on down days

[@Bryan-rl2ik]

@@LucasCatania17 I for one would love that kind of content on your channel

[@kyleroman9326]

@@LucasCatania17I def agree everyone else’s reviews sucks I think you could accel doing some of this… I’m watching

[@moofasaCJ]

Currently own the 21/22 ARV 106s and have to say these are some underrated skis. ON3Ps, Moments, Dynastar M-Frees seem to get the most hype (and I'm sure deservedly so) when it comes to the mid 100s all mtn freestyle skis, but these ARV 106s should be up there as well. Yes they are heavy and stiff, but not difficult to ski if you're a relatively strong skier. Definitely worth a look if you're looking for something more of a charger in a balanced, twin tip package.

[@LucasCatania17]

very well said dude! its definitely a hard charging ski for something made out of wood, but still allows for a lot of fun and freestyle-orientated skiing around the mountain!

[@MaxRank]

This season I’ll be out in Montana on my new Armada declavity 98s. Looking forward to seeing how they go on highly variable conditions often found at Whitefish.

[@LucasCatania17]

Nice man! The declivity seems like a great ski.

[@MaxRank]

@@LucasCatania17 would not have even looked at Armada had it not been for you, so thank you. Looking forward to seeing how they run.

[@walterwilliams2473]

Hey Lucas. This is my 2nd season watching, 1st time commenting. Did you mention what your binding mount point is for the 106?

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks for watching man! i have them mounted at the factory recommended point! nothing special there.

[@justsenditbrady]

i just got K2 reckoners 112 2022 cant wait to try a wider ski the ski i had before and will still use on the certain days is a vokl walls 86 2007

[@LucasCatania17]

wow nice man! ive heard great things about the reckoners and that 112 is gonna be a beast!!

[@juryacquittal]

I am considering the ARV 116 JJ as my dedicated pow ski. I already have my daily driver (Nordica Unleashed 108). The Unleashed is a awesome all-mountain ski, but the tip rocker is not long enough to offer adquate float in powder deeper than 6". A lot of skis in the 116mm underfoot range will float well and be playful, but not a lot will also handle the cut up powder well (they will get deflected around). How well does the ARV 116 JJ handle crud? I see you ski a lot of crud on powder days (as we all do at resorts after the first 90 minutes). Thanks

[@mr2fyre]

Yewwww! Good review.

[@LucasCatania17]

Thanks man!

[@dominicminolli495]

Anyone have any recommendations for mount point for this ski?

[@ccpmarch1980]

Solid review!

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks bro!

[@zachmillang2903]

I stepped up to a 108 underfoot (black crows atris) this year after skiing in an absolute blizzard at Sugarbowl on 95s and being up to my waist in pow. I like the 108 for its versatility on/off groomer. I imagine the ARV 106 is similar in how you can ski it.

[@LucasCatania17]

totally agree! its tough to beat that 108mm size. can do just about anything pretty damn good! ARV 106 is definitely similar in that regard!

[@moofasaCJ]

Previously owned the Atris and put a good amount of seasons on them. Switched to the ARV 106s 2 seasons ago. They definitely ride bit different but not drastically. On snow, the Atris was much quicker whether on groomers or soft snow. I think this is what makes the Atris such a popular ski. On the flip side, ARV 106s feel much more stable and planted. Granted, I was on the 184 Atris but went up to the 188 in the ARVs. Biggest difference I noticed was in the air and landings. I never got comfortable getting air on the Atris. They've got a more rearward mount point, and big fat tapered tips compared to the tails. This made it hard for me to feel balanced in the air, but some of that was on me just not being skilled enough at the time. ARVs however are about as center mounted as you get in this category of skis. Along with a very symmetrical shape, I was much more confident in the air from the get go. Landings felt much more confident as well due to the noticeably longer contact length.

[@thecoolidiot2847]

I’m heading to park city this spring. what’s some of your runs that are a must

[@LucasCatania17]

definitely should hit jupiter peak on the park city side and 9990 and peak 5 on canyons!

[@GabriGlider]

Hi Lucas, I want you to try the Dynastar Mfree 108

[@LucasCatania17]

Looks like a fun ski!

[@nickshardlow2436]

I don’t usually post, but... You absolutely killed this review - informative, unbiased, AND you were willing to share what you didn’t know

[@PlayVintageGolf]

I just bought a set of these. Hoping they work as a one ski quiver.

[@LucasCatania17]

awesome man! hope you enjoy them!

[@etski899]

My arv 96s are nice but for more playful butters I love my line blends but the Arvs definitely outclass the blends for landing park jumps

[@LucasCatania17]

nice!! line skis are awesome too! a bit stiffer platform is helpful for landing park jumps for sure!

[@neuronflow]

What are your dimensions and weight and which size do you ride? :)

[@peternagy8363]

I skied a ARV 106 for about 2 season and last season decided to switch it up for the Declivity 102. In terms of stiffness I actually found the 106 stiffer in the tips and tails than the Declivity and but softer underfoot. This made the 106 honestly way too stiff for me and heavy as well due to the all poplar core. (Weighs as much as the JJ which is a 116). Note however I am 150 lb so it may be down to weight. In terms of the Declivity I love it, it’s a beast when you lay it down and surprisingly playful and very versatile. The light weight also helps and it somehow barely chatters. Just my two cents.

[@LucasCatania17]

Peter thanks so much for sharing! I have not personally used the declivity, but my dad uses the 102 and he really enjoys it. He started using the 106 ARV this past year, so it’d be interesting to hear how he feels about the two. The 106 is definitely a stiff ski.

[@peternagy8363]

Looking forward to the video! Keep up the good work! Btw gonna start alpine hardbooting (variation of snowboarding) so ill keep you updated on how that goes! @@LucasCatania17

[@jamesmartinez458]

If I am Armada, I put you on the payroll!

[@LucasCatania17]

ha! glad you liked it!

[@adamhansen8805]

I rode the 2023 arv 106 last season, and your review was spot on. I think this is an amazing spring ski that's stiff enough and heavy enough to just plow through slushy conditions but soft enough to have some fun. The base is stupid durable, but the top sheet got torn up pretty easily. I skied over 60 days on them last season as they were my only ski. I think for pow skiing Lucas hit it perfectly they where they kinda want to nose dive atleast on the freestyle rec I haven't ridden them with the factory rec. They seemed to just want to dive hard so if you're looking for a ski with serious float I'd get the 116 or even a bent chetler 110 for something similar.

[@LucasCatania17]

glad we are on the same page with them! i really do enjoy the ski. i just think there are certain conditions it really thrives in.

[@PreciousLettuce]

Do you think you'll give the new Armada skis a try? They made 3 new ARVs with a bunch of changes (88, 94, and 100) and I've heard nothing but good things about them. They are lighter though, so they likely won't be as damp.

[@LucasCatania17]

i would love to try the 100 but to be honest, i dont really have any plans to buy any skis this year. i invested a good amount last year with all my new pairs so unless there is an opportunity where it makes sense, ill likely sit out this year.

[@BangerBros-qu6un]

Hey Lucas I’m wondering if u can go to Sundance again but go to a time when back mounatin is open and the part in Sundance is called far East the run fills unreal

[@LucasCatania17]

yeah for sure dude!

[@BangerBros-qu6un]

Thx so much

[@DevonWuu]

will you be making an updated gear video this year?

[@LucasCatania17]

yeah i will!

[@darinsmith2458]

It snowed in BRECK.. Speaking of, last year was my second season skiing it and I don't know when you would need a 116 ski.. It sure sounds like the snow in Utah is fluffier than Colorado.. My motto is the softer the snow the softer the ski.. BRECK (Breaking Wind) gets a lot of wind blown snow which makes it more dense and more grippy.. I am sure that my DPS (100)(which are made in Utah) would work great in Utah.. They do work great in soft snow but if it is hard underneath or rock hard groomers they beat me up.. They don't have any metal but they do have carbon.. My Stormrider 105s work really good on the rock hard groomers and on hardpack and they have 2 sheets of metal.. My Enforcer 104 Free has 2 sheets of metal and more rocker in the tips and tails.. I used that ski the most late season and that was mostly because they handle the snow going from ice to slush well and I didn't want to wreck my Stormrider 105s on rocks..

[@LucasCatania17]

good point! a ski with more rocker will definitely handle changing conditions are bit more for sure! sounds like you have a solid quiver man!

[@darinsmith2458]

@@LucasCatania17 i am still in search for the "perfect" ski

[@alexanderprice4802]

the original ARV 106 was perfect I miss it

[@enzovictorio1304]

Anybody ski the atomic bent 110 looking at those vs arv 106 . I want a surfy fun ski that’s stable at high speed as well thx

[@Robin.B.730]

Hi Lucas, I bought a new pair of Declivity 82ti and also want one Set softer ski for off Piste. I have to say I didnt Test the 82 yet but want my setup before the Season starts. I thought about the following skis: 116 JJ 116 JJ UL Whitewalker 121 Maybe you can give me an advice. I think the ARG II would be to crazy for me 😅 We live in the German Alps Cheers Robin

[@LucasCatania17]

I would say the WW 121 is ONLY meant for powder. If you’re looking for an off piste ski, you can get away with the 116JJ but all of those skis you mentioned are dedicated powder skis.

[@LucasCatania17]

I would recommend looking into the ARV 100 or 106

[@Robin.B.730]

@@LucasCatania17 do you think the 106 have enough boost in the pow?

[@thedemonhamster]

I'm on Armada skis for the first time this year, trying the ARV 96's for the season. I'm hoping that they are good in the park but can still do all mountain riding. The 106's look really good though, maybe I'll try those too.

[@LucasCatania17]

those are gonna be super solid in the park man. honestly better than the 106's. 106's could arguably be better for all-mountain skiing, but its just a trade off! enjoy!

[@oskarfreeski]

10:21 not really tho The atomic bent 110 has a way softer flex pattern, and is 3-400 grams lighter pr ski U could kinda compare it with the UL version tho, idk if thats what u meant

[@imanoobsoyeahanyways4996]

you should go to taos this season

[@LucasCatania17]

i want to!

[@toodddddd]

I was a Bent chet 100 guy, I have to not recommend that ski TBH. It performs pretty horrible on anything but powder compared to the Atris which I ride now, and even the ARV 106 which I have demo'd. I know some people who love it though, and the 120s are still my go to pow ski

[@LucasCatania17]

intersting insight - thanks for sharing man! it seems like people either really love the chetler or end up not really liking it. would have to try it for myself one day. the atris looks sick!

[@dannenjohnstone1627]

Had the Bent 100 as well and switched to the M-Free 99. Much better ski IMO. Thing charges way above its size/weight class, but is still super easy to whip around. I have yet to try the M-Free 108 or the ARVs, but I def want to. I picked up some Nordica Unleashed 108s and... they go fast to say the least. Much different style ski with the minimal taper and long side wall though, despite being partial twin tipped. Things are bomb proof though. Not a single scratch and I was going over some pretty gnarly stuff.

[@nirmoskovitz3652]

This is not the 23/24 new model...?

[@LucasCatania17]

That is correct.

[@nirmoskovitz3652]

@@LucasCatania17 I heard that the new model is much more stiff and heavy. How do you think it will be riding with it, still playful or more a charger?

[@LucasCatania17]

based on a google search, the weight difference between 2023 and 2024 106 is about 100 grams so i wouldnt say thats a nominal weight difference.@@nirmoskovitz3652

[@nirmoskovitz3652]

@@LucasCatania17 you mean the difference between 2022 vs 2024? :))

[@nirmoskovitz3652]

The new model is 23/24... :)

[@zacharycanada]

I have just recently found your channel, what do you do for a living? KZbin, pro ski? A quick google search couldnt tell me either😂

[@LucasCatania17]

I went full time KZbin in October of 2022.

[@alainbrouillaud484]

Hi Lucas 😊 A little disagreement here… there’s no perfect ski for all conditions. 106 under foot is big for a lot of skiers… 82 to 88 will perform better for most skiers. Sadly most of us do not get to ski powder all the time.