Armada ARV 88 Skis Review
The Armada ARV 88 is an all-mountain twin ski that embodies a special blend of freestyle and freeride performance. While it’s perfectly at home in the park, this ski is built to confidently and stylishly handle all types of terrain across the mountain. With a narrower 88mm waist, it’s a nimble and responsive ride that’s ideal for skiers who prioritize agility and versatility. The ARV 88 offers a unique balance of stability and playful energy, making it a great choice for intermediate to advanced skiers looking for a do-it-all ski that can shred park laps and still perform on the rest of the mountain with ease.
Tech Specs (At a Glance)
- Ability Level: Intermediate-Advanced
- Rocker Type: Rocker/Camber/Rocker
- Turning Radius: Medium
- Core: Poplar
- Tail Type: Full Twin Tip
Rocker Type and Flex
The Armada ARV 88 features the brand’s AR Freestyle Rocker, which combines rockered tips and tails with positive camber underfoot. This design allows the ski to easily navigate through varying snow conditions while maintaining a strong edge hold for carving. The flex profile is tuned for a blend of performance and playfulness, with a rating of 7 in the tip and a stiffer 8 in both the waist and tail. This flex pattern provides the stability needed for stomping landings and holding an edge at speed, while still allowing for easy presses and butters in the park and across the mountain.
Core and Laminates
At its core, the ARV 88 uses a 100% Poplar wood core. This construction is paramount for providing a stable, powerful, and easy-to-manage ride. The Poplar core is known for its predictable and smooth feel, ensuring consistent performance in all snow conditions. For enhanced durability and binding retention, the ski incorporates Ash binding inserts, a more sustainable option that provides maximum strength for a secure connection between your bindings and the ski.
Durability and Construction
Durability is a key focus of the ARV 88, thanks to the innovative w3Dgewall technology. This unique 3D molded, injected sidewall is angled to create a mechanical bond with the wood core during construction, resulting in a stronger and more uniform connection. By adding more material in critical areas, the w3Dgewall enhances durability and edge grip while keeping the ski’s weight in check. This construction ensures the ARV 88 can withstand the high-impact demands of park and all-mountain skiing, while the oversized and specially heat-treated 2.5 Impact Edges provide exceptional resistance to damage.
Base and Edges
The ARV 88 is built with an S7 Base, which is both durable and low maintenance. It includes a speed additive to ensure quickness and glide. The ski’s 2.5 Impact Edges are oversized and specially heat-treated to resist impact damage. This robust edge construction is crucial for a ski that’s meant to take a beating in the park, on rails, and in other demanding situations.
Binding Compatibility and Tail Design
With a full twin tip tail, the ARV 88 is designed for freestyle performance, allowing for easy switch skiing and landings. The ski is compatible with most bindings, and it’s recommended to use a brake width that is equal to or at most 15mm wider than the ski’s 88mm waist width. This setup ensures a proper fit and optimal performance, whether you’re hitting jumps, sliding rails, or cruising down the slopes.
Pros:
- Exceptional durability for park and all-mountain use
- Balanced flex for a mix of stability and playfulness
- Nimble and quick with its 88mm waist
- Full twin tip for freestyle and switch skiing
Cons:
- None provided in the available information
| Size (cm) | Tip Width (mm) | Waist Width (mm) | Tail Width (mm) | Turning Radius (m) | Indiv. Ski Weight (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 156 | 116 | 88 | 110 | 14.5 | 1440 |
| 161 | 117 | 88 | 111 | 15 | 1520 |
| 166 | 118 | 88 | 112 | 15.5 | 1470 |
| 171 | 119 | 88 | 113 | 16 | 1600 |
| 176 | 120 | 88 | 114 | 16.5 | 1690 |
| 181 | 121 | 88 | 115 | 17 | 1710 |
Where to Buy
The Armada ARV 88 Skis are available at evo.com, a reliable and well-known retailer for all snow sports gear. Evo.com offers a seamless online shopping experience with detailed product information, customer support, and a wide range of skis, bindings, and other equipment. By purchasing from evo.com, you can be confident in the authenticity and quality of your new gear. As with other Armada products, the ARV 88 can only be shipped within the United States and Canada, so make sure to check their shipping policies before placing your order.
Final Verdict
The Armada ARV 88 is a standout all-mountain twin ski that perfectly blends park performance with all-mountain versatility. Its durable construction, including the w3Dgewall and 2.5 Impact Edges, makes it incredibly resilient, while its balanced flex and Poplar core provide a smooth, confident ride. The full twin tip design makes it a top choice for freestyle skiers who love to ride switch and hit features. Whether you’re lapping the park or carving up the groomers, the ARV 88 is a fun, responsive, and durable ski that’s ready to handle it all with style.
