Head 2 Head: Armada ARV 106 vs. Atomic Bent 110
Ski Experts Hayden Wright and Brandon Westburg test these skis against each other for carving, freeriding, and freestyling.
On this episode of Head 2 Head, we’re in Powder Mountain, Utah, testing the Armada ARV 106 versus the Atomic Bent 110. Which ski will win out in the carving, freestyle, and freeride categories?
Check out the video below or read on to see what happens.
And before we jump in, a quick note that we aren’t sponsored by any brands to create this review. These are our own personal opinions on these boards. Now let’s get to it!
A bit about us
- Height: 5’10”
- Weight: 170 lbs
- Years Skiing: 23
- Favorite Terrain: Park and fresh groomers in the morning
- Height: 6’0”
- Weight: 175 lbs
- Years Skiing: 28
- Favorite Terrain: Steep and deep terrain
Armada ARV 106
- Full Twin Tip
- Light Poplar / Ash Core
- Rocker / Camber
Armada claims that the ARV 106 is a ski that can go straight from the park to the pow.
Atomic Bent Chetler 110
- Full Twin Tip
- Light Poplar Wood Core
- Rocker / Camber
Atomic claims that this is a lightweight, hard-charging, all-mountain, freeride ski.
First up…
[Brandon] Our first category is carving performance. I noticed that the Bent Chetler chattered quite a bit on firmer snow. Wouldn't you agree, Hayden?
[Hayden] There was some tip and tail chatter, probably because it's so light. So, definitely at higher speeds, the Atomic Bent Chetler 110 did chatter.
[Brandon] But contrary to that, at some lower speeds, the Bent Chetler was super fun, playful, and surfy. We were smearing turns out there on nice corn snow once the sun came out.
[Hayden] Meanwhile, the ARV106 is a super fun ski with tons of the camber underfoot. Being only 106mm-wide under foot, I had a real easy time getting it edge to edge.
[Brandon] I thought the ARV carved really well. Going back to why the ski is so damp and didn't shatter, the weight difference between both of these skis definitely makes a difference. The ARV is about 20% heavier than the Bent Chetler 110. So that's certainly a reason why it's more damp and able to hold a better edge while carving. Overall, I thought it takes quite a bit to actually drive the ski though. If you're in the back seat or not wanting to put a lot of energy into carving this ARV106, it may not be for you. The Atomic Bent Chetler 110 is definitely more of a chill, slower, fun groomer ski.
[Hayden] So for carving, what do you think, man? What are you picking?
[Brandon] My final decision in the carving category here is the ARV 106.
[Hayden] I'm also going to have to give it up to the ARV 106 in the carving category.
Next up…
[Hayden] For freestyle, the ARV 106 can go from the park to the pow, just like Armada states. It’s a very poppy, fun ski. It’s not too wide; maybe not my first choice for a park ski, but it still held its own for freestyle in some of those jibs.
[Brandon] I thought the Bent Chetler 110s were an absolute dream to freestyle on. The ski is quite a bit lighter than the ARV 106. We were both able to do some threes, nose butters, and tail butters. It was awesome to have a fun and playful ski that's also flexible. We were both able to catch some air and do some spins. I would definitely say it has a little bit of an upper hand on the ARV in terms of both swing weight and overall weight. I think the ARV106, being a bit heavier, was way more supportive on landings than the Bent Chetler 110. It's a bit skinnier, and I didn't expect it to be more supportive than a 110 underfoot, just because of the weight of that ski. It was super stable when catching bigger air. If you love a damp ski with stable landings and you love going bigger a lot more than you like going smaller, then the ARV106 might be for you.
[Hayden] The Bent Chetler 110s were a super-fun ski. Brandon said it best about the swing weight: when we were throwing threes and getting it up on edge and buttering, it was like there was barely anything on our feet.
[Brandon] It’s a really hard pick for me. But I'm going with the Bent Chetler 110 here—mostly because of the swing weight; it felt like nothing.
[Hayden] Atomic doesn't necessarily advertise the 110 as a park-specific ski that's a little bit wider. Whereas Armada’s ARV 106—that has a little bit less of a ski under your foot—does claim “from park to pow”. But for me, as well, I’m going with the Atomic Chetler 110s for freestyle.
Last up…
[Hayden] It was super fun taking the ARV106 off trail. Both skis have pretty unique tip and tail designs. Armada’s is the schmear tech. Basically, that means the ski isn't flat all the way on the bottom. So, picture a boat hull. Off trail, in the free ride area, this ski gets to those jumps and zones where you can free ride at a resort. It definitely helped once the snow got a little softer. That’s something to consider if you're spring skiing. What do you think about the Chetler 110s?
[Brandon] There’s a bit more rocker in the tip on the Chetler 110s, which gives me great confidence that this ski would rage in the pow—any amount of snow from two inches all the way to two/plus feet. It would be an excellent ski for it. Though I would've appreciated if it were a bit heavier or damper of a ski.
[Brandon] For freeride, I’m taking the ARV106. I just enjoy a damper ski for my skiing style.
[Hayden] For me and my skiing style, I enjoy the Bent Chetler’s little bit of quickness edge-to-edge. Even though it is a little bit wider of a ski, I think the weight played into that. So I’ll have to go with the Atomic Bent Chetler 110s in the freeride category.
The verdict…
[Brandon] For my personal skiing style, I like to feel supported underfoot, and I like to remain stable when I'm going bigger or doing sketchy airs. So, I'm gonna go with the ARV106.
[Hayden] That being said, I’m choosing the Atomics. It wasn't the easiest decision, and I have no beef with these skis whatsoever, but the Bent Chetlers were just light. They were quicker edge-to-edge, and they fit my style of skiing better.
[Brandon] Skis work differently for everyone. If you need help finding the right pair for you, reach out to Hayden, me, or any of the other Ski Experts here on Curated.
[Hayden] And if you like what you see, don't be shy. Subscribe and drop a comment in the video on Youtube. Tell us what skis you'd like to see us face off, and we'll start making more Head 2 Heads.
