Expert Review: Armada Declivity 102 Ti Skis · 2023

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

My take

The new Declivity 102 Ti is a great ski to ski everything. It’s wide enough to ski powder conditions and a great shape to carve. Armada has absolutely constructed an awesome ski with the new Declivity Series. If someone is looking for a ski that can do it all and rip like a race ski and take on powder like a big mountain ski, the Armada Declivity 102 Ti is it.

About the gear I own

• Model: 2023 Armada Declivity 102 Ti
• Size: 180cm

About me

• Height: 6’0”
• Weight: 185lbs
• Experience: 26 years skiing, 16 years ski racing

Test conditions

• When I bought these: October 2022
• Days tested: About 14 days
• Mount position: Factory recommended
• Boots: 2022 Salomon S Pro Alpha 130
• Boot Size: 26.5
• Bindings: 2022 Look SPX 12
• Where I’ve used it: Mt. Bachelor in Bend, OR
• Terrain: Groomer, mixed snow, and good powder.

How they perform

What I was looking for

Having skied the Armada Decilivty 92 Ti, I wanted a ski that could carve just as well, ski some more soft snow, and ski all-mountain. I wanted a ski that could do it all.

Why I chose this gear

I considered a few other skis, including the Head Kore 99 and the K2 Mindbender 99Ti. But the Armada Declivity 102 Ti was stiff enough and carved so well that it was the best match for me.

What I love about it

• Speed:** **The speed of the ski is awesome and very quick. It comes with a good fast base right out of the plastic, but I added a race grind to my base, and it is quick as lighting. Even though it's 102 underfoot, this ski is very quick.
• Edge hold: Edge hold is phenomenal. I feel like I’m on a pair of race skis again. These skis can hold an edge for some big long turns and are quick and agile edge to edge. I did make mine a little sharper than the factory tune, but the edge hold is great.
• Turns: Turns are great. Edge holds in nicely. I feel very comfortable making big long turns with a lot of energy put into the ski. The ski is also quick and nimble and can move with ease.
• Groomers: These skis rip on the groomer. I can lay them down doing big long giant slalom turns at high speed. Very quick skis, with or without a lot of energy having to put into the skis.
• Powder: These float great for the PNW conditions with 5-7 inches day after day of soft on top of some good snow accumulation.
• Trees: In the trees, the Armadas handle very well. As mentioned earlier, the skis are very nimble when I want them to be. They’re quick and light and can maneuver in the trees great.
• Durability: Overall, the durability of these skis is great. Even when the skis smacked against each other for a few weeks of skiing, the topsheet, the plastic, and the sidewall did not seem very beat up. Sure, scratches happen, but overall very well put together from Armada.
• Weight: The weight of the skis is good. They are not too heavy, considering they have a metal core, but heavy enough to feel good while carving the skis on the groomed runs. They are not ultra-light in weight but are considered a great profile for a ski that can crush the backcountry.
• Stability: Cruises like an old Cadillac. These are smooth, fun, and reactive if one wants them to be.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Switch riding: Without a large rocker profile off the tails, these skis are more directional.
• Any workarounds? In a perfect world, I wish these skis were 184cm because I could ski powder and be nimble with that size, but it could benefit the big long turns on the groomers.

Favorite moment with this gear

I think my favorite moment with the Armada Declivity 102 Ti might be the first time I tried them out. During the first few runs, I couldn’t stop smiling, hooting, and hollering with joy as I ripped down the groomers. These skis were so fun to rip. They could lay it down like a GS race ski but were so nimble and fun that they felt playful rather than stiff. Then, later on in the season, when we were able to get some soft snow, they floated so well and crushed it in the mixed snow.

Value for the money vs. other options

These skis are 10/10 worth it if someone is looking for a ski that can do it all. The 102 Ti can rip, charge right through the mixed snow, and float great in powder. I usually don’t say that there is a ski that can carve great and handle all-mountain skiing all that often, but these Armada Declivity 102 are a great ski to do it all. Another option for skis in that family might be the Volkl Blaze 104, a fun carving and playful all-mountain ski. The Kastle FX100 is a fun and stiffer option, but the Declivity series is fun and dynamic for an all-mountain ski.

Final verdict

The Armada Declivity 102 Ti is a great ski that can do it all, especially for PNW skiing. The 102s will make one love skiing all over again, and hopefully, then some. They can carve like a carver and ski all-mountain like a bigger ski underfoot. I can’t say anything bad about these, as the skis are nimble and playful but can be stiff and aggressive if I want them to be.