2024 Armada ARV 106 - SkiEssentials.com Ski Test

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[@davezimmerman3044]

Spot on review. Was out in Little Cottonwood Canyon last week. We had four days of powder - these things float. The last day was warm - chopped up bowls and groomers at Snowbird. You can do 50mph on a groomer easily.

[@SkiEssentials]

The Ash wood core definitely gives this ski a pretty sturdy feel!

[@Sck519]

I'm really interested in this ski. I skied the camox and mordecia in 186 for the last 5 years and now have the libery origin 96 (182) in place if the camox, i really love that ski so far, looking for a wider AM ski to complement it. I just hate thr new top sheets haha. I was also looking at the faction prodigy 3 or just going with the origin 106 since I like the 96 so much.

[@alexgianino2394]

Love the reviews! I'm 6'1 and 225lbs and looking at this and the Dynastar M-Free 108. Looking for a big mountain ski to be a one ski quiver for the west. Use my Brahma 88's on the ice coast so making sure I have my bases covered and can explore more off piste out there and in case of pow days. Relatively aggressive skier. No problem moving the 88's at all. (tried to catch yall at stowe last year but must've missed ya)

[@SkiEssentials]

I really like the energy and pop of the Dynastar while the Armada is denser and more stable. If you're used to the stability and power of the Brahma, the Armada will be more of a similar experience, so that might work well for you. I'd lean that way!

[@W36Birty]

Looks like a great ski, I ski a lot in Europe and ride ARV 96 for a few years now but looking to upgrade. Would you recommend the arv 100 or arv 106, for all mountain riding?

[@SkiEssentials]

The ARV 106 has the same build as it has in the past--similar to that of your 96. The 100 has the new build, which is lighter and snappier. There's not a huge drop in on-trail stability, but it is a noticeable upgrade in terms of energy and versatility. I'd go with the new 100.

[@nikke787]

Comparing this to the Faction Prodigy 3... would like to get your comments and especially do you feel that Prodigy 3 could be too soft or lack speed abilities for a heavier and advanced skier? Thanks!!

[@SkiEssentials]

I think the Prodigy is pretty flexible, especially compared to the sturdier ARV 106. That's good for skiers that are looking for more creativity and playfulness. but the ARV has more stability and power for the heavier and more advanced skiers.

[@Wajcheusz]

How do you consider this ski for a person who is an intermediate skier and likes both carving and powder riding? :))

[@SkiEssentials]

The ARV 106 is pretty hefty. If you're not a hefty skier, it may feel cumbersome. Something a bit narrower like the Blizzard Rustler 10 makes good sense as it's still a twin tip style of ski with good carving and powder performance.

[@bruhroyale12123]

How do these compare to the dps koala 103? I am 6’3 and 215 lbs intermediate-advanced skier, i ski playfully but still love to go fast. I love to hit jumps, the trees, ride switch, as well as groomers. This will by my trip ski so it just needs to be good in any condition. Any feedback would be much appreciated thank you!

[@SkiEssentials]

The Koala is interesting because it has pretty dramatic taper and skis best when central. The ARV is more amenable to different styles of turns and higher speeds. The Koala feels more specific while the ARV is more universal and therefore a safer bet.

[@joshuac87]

Ok so one ski quiver but park oriented. I ski 70% ish park and 30% all mountain, steeps, powder. I live out west (Washington state and California). I’m try to decide between the bent 100 mounted at +6 from recommended or the arv 106 mounted at the free style recommended. I real prioritize park and just general jumping off of anything. Between the arc 106 and bent 100 what would you guys recommend for a 1 ski quiver but park oriented? (Or any other ski suggestions). Thank you!!!!

[@SkiEssentials]

The big difference here is the weight, with the ARV being about 500 grams heavier than the Bent. It definitely matters how heavy you want your skis to be between these two. You'll get way more stability, especially in landings, on the ARV, but the mobility and agility are drastically reduced. For park-oriented skiing, I feel the Bent has more upside due to its ease of use, but some skiers prefer heavier park skis!

[@nirmoskovitz3652]

Just a question, it's heavy. But can i still easily and fun play with it on low speeds on powder, moving it side to side as well between trees fast shifting...?

[@SkiEssentials]

Other than the heft, it's a surprisingly nimble and agile ski due to the shape and flex!

[@sweeko_9916]

what are the differences between the K2 Reckoner 102 and the Armada ARV 106?

[@SkiEssentials]

From a build perspective, the Armada uses a blend of poplar and ash, and this makes the ARV quite a bit heavier and sturdier than the Reckoner. The K2 uses an aspen wood core with carbon stringers, and this keeps it on the lighter and more flexible side. It takes more effort and energy to get the same playful performance from the ARV as it does from the friendlier Reckoner.

[@darinsmith2458]

I just watched a review on this ski.. Even though there is no metal there is also no carbon.. The shape seams very similar to my Enforcer 104 Free.. How would you say they compare?

[@SkiEssentials]

The Enforcer, even with a lot of metal, is a bit more energetic than the ARV, which feels more smeary when it comes to softer and deeper snow. The Enforcer turns considerably better, especially if you're in a pure carved turn.

[@darinsmith2458]

@@SkiEssentials Thank you... That was pretty detailed..

[@mitchp3431]

How would you compare the stability at speeds/groomer performance to the bent 100?

[@SkiEssentials]

The ARV is quite a bit sturdier than the Bent thanks to the partial ash core--this does add weight, but you do get the resulting performance. The Bent is lighter and more flexible, so that doesn't normally equate to strong and stable groomer performance. Even though it's wider, I'd trust the 106 over the 100 at speeds.

[@mitchp3431]

Thank you!@@SkiEssentials

[@jamesprescott4334]

How would you say this compares to the Volkl Revolt 104? Looking for a freestyle-ish daily driver ski in Utah

[@SkiEssentials]

The ARV is a bit more competent when it comes to turning, especially in a traditional tip to tail format. The Revolt is a lot smearier and drifty--if you try to load it up and rip a turn, something else may happen while the ARV is more predictable. Additionally, while the Revolt is on the sturdy side given the core thickness, the ash wood in the ARV takes the stability to the next level--if you're looking for something with some heft to it, the ARV is solid.

[@mitchfitz6333]

I’m 5’ 11” around 160lb, and am looking for a ski that can handle anything on the mountain while still being playful. I like the ARV 106 but am worried it might be too stiff. How does the ARV 106 compare to the ARW 106 UL?

[@SkiEssentials]

The UL is quite a bit more playful. By kicking the ash wood core of the regular 106 to the curb, the more flexible and lighter UL is more energetic, more poppy, and a better floater than the 106. What you're losing is the stability and power, and a decent amount of it. That's the tradeoff. Is it worth it to you?

[@mitchfitz6333]

@@SkiEssentials thanks for the reply! That sounds like it’s exactly what I’m looking for!

[@bindiutudor2603]

Hello ! I m really sorry for sounding like i am rushing you and demanding for your response . Tommorow I need to choose between the arv100 179cm and the bent100 180cm , I am 188cm and 95kgs . I ski on the. mountain and i really want to learn some freestyle and tricks in general . Which pair should i choose?

[@SkiEssentials]

There's some more energy and pop to the ARV vs. the Bent, but more playfulness and creativity in the Bent. Depends on what you're looking for, but it sounds like you are leaning more to the ARV's all-mountain use more than a flexible freeride ski like the bent.

[@oskarfreeski]

Sounds alot like a my old k2 marksman, just a bit better overall

[@SkiEssentials]

Definitely a bit sturdier than the Marksman--the ash of the ski really makes it stable and smooth without removing any of the fun.

[@whoisthe1412]

First