About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the skis, which I purchased with my own money in January of 2022.

My take

The Armada ARV 106 skis are super lightweight and flexible. They are great for the days I want to be playful and have ultimate control over my skis. I highly recommend this ski to anyone who wants a high-end freeski that can shred anywhere on the mountain.

About the skis I own

• Model: Armada ARV 106
• Size: 188

About me

• Height: 6'1"
• Weight: 185lbs
• Experience: 18 years of skiing

Test conditions

• When I bought these: January 2022
• Days tested: 40
• Mount position: Freestyle
• Boots: Lange XT3 Tour Pro 130 Ski Boots
• Boot Size: 27.5
• Bindings: Armada Warden MNC 13, 2022
• Where I’ve used it: Vail Colorado
• Terrain: All mountain, groomers, moguls, trees, park, backcountry

How they perform

What I was looking for

I was looking for a ski that I could use all over the mountain and was more of a freestyle ski than the Atomics I was using before. I wanted something wide enough to handle heavy snow and that I could also take into the park.

Why I chose this ski

After watching some videos about the ski, it became obvious that this was the perfect option for my skiing style. I was in between the 106s and the 86s, but it came down to whether I wanted a pure freestyle ski or a hybrid that I could ski with all over the mountain. I went with the fatter option since I usually ski on a wider underfoot.

What I love about them

• Speed: This ski performed very well when taken down steep groomers. I feel completely in control while moving very fast downhill making long, spread-out turns.
• Edge hold: Though this is a freestyle ski, it still allows me to make sharp turns and really feel out my edges. Once I got used to the lightweight feel of the ski, I felt extremely confident getting onto my edges even at high speeds.
• Groomers: This ski performed very well when taken down steep groomers. I feel completely in control while moving very fast downhill making long spread out turns.
• Powder: The Smear Tech technology Armada has developed makes it so I can take this ski into deeper conditions and power downhill without a problem.
• Trees: Though this is a wider ski, I have no problem with it in almost any tree run. I make sure to keep my skis together in more narrow lines, but this ski floats nicely through the trees.
• Park: I use them as my everyday, all-mountain ski; but I will also take this ski into the park where it handles boxes and rails with ease. The twin tip tail profile allows me to land gracefully, backward or forwards, after catching air on a jump.
• Backcountry: This ski will perform well in the backcountry. Though I prefer to ski on something wider and stronger when I am in the deepest of conditions.
• Durability: I know this ski will last me for years, as it has been super durable for the time I have owned it. When this ski is taken proper care of, it can last a very long time.
• Weight: It is a lightweight ski that allows me to have fun and be playful, while it can also hold its strength when needed in more intense conditions.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Moguls: I ski a lot of Moguls, and I felt just as strong skiing moguls on the ARV as I would any other ski. Its flexibility allows me to wedge my ski onto bigger moguls while maintaining power. However, moguls can be difficult at times since it is a 106 underfoot. A wide ski is not the best option for moguls; but for more advanced skiers they can use this ski on moguls no problem.

Favorite moment with this gear

My favorite moment with this ski was the first day I took it on the mountain. I was very pleased with my ability to ski backwards and catch air with ease. I immediately knew I had made the correct choice in buying a new ski and I was stoked to keep riding on it.

Value for the money vs. other options

I would say that the ARV line is well worth its money. One is receiving a very high quality ski that is priced fairly for what they are getting. A ski this strong that is just as flexible is well worth the price it is set at. An alternative I would recommend would be the Armada ARV 96 since it is the same ski but not as wide. A more narrow ski is better for people looking to focus more on tricks and not ski much deep snow.

Final verdict

I have nothing but positive things to say about this ski. Very fun yet durable option for anyone looking to get creative and treat the entire mountain like a terrain park while getting into other intense terrain.