Review: Armada ARV 100 Skis · 2024
By Curated Experts
Jake Renner and Luke H.
Armada ARV 100 Skis · 2024
$409.99
$699.95
41% off
9 photos
The Curated Take
4.3/5
The Armada ARV 100 Skis, with their 100mm underfoot and full tip/tail rocker, offer excellent flotation and performance in powder and soft snow. The medium flex rating ensures stability at high speeds and enhances playfulness, which is ideal for freestyle maneuvers. Their nimble 18.5m turn radius aids in carving and turns ease, making these skis versatile for both park and off-piste terrains. The innovative 3D-printed sidewall technology increases their durability, and the skis' overall construction ensures a mix of stability, playfulness, and maneuverability across various conditions.
Ideal for
- Offers a bit more float than narrower skis, allowing this ski to excel in fresh snow
- Full tip/tail rocker with symmetrical design allows for ease of skiing switch and hitting features or landing switch
- Not as much camber underfoot as the ARV 88s, but the 100s offer a surfier feel and make it easier to pivot in ungroomed terrain
Not ideal for
- Doesn't offer quite as much float as a true powder ski at 100mm underfoot
Flotation
The ARV 100 skis offer good flotation and performance in powder and soft snow due to their width and tip rocker. They can handle off-piste conditions and provide a smooth...Read more
With a 100mm waist, the ARV sits squarely between all the ARV models. If someone wants a narrower, quicker-style ARV, then the 94 or 88 would be better. And if...Read more
High Speed Stability
The ARV 100 skis feature a medium flex pattern, contributing to their responsive and lively feel. This flex allows for confident carving and stability on groomed runs while maintaining playfulness...Read more
When I bought the ARVs, I was specifically looking for a more playful ski, not a hard-charging speed demon: I already have those. So when I really open it up...Read more
Carving
With high-speed stability, a light touch of camber underfoot, and a nimble turn radius of 18.5m in 186cm length, the ARV 100 really shines concerning carving. Hard to find skis...Read more
With its 100mm waist, soft and forgiving flex, and twin-tip design, the ARV is a far cry from a dedicated carving ski. That being said, I've been pleasantly surprised by...Read more
Playfulness
As mentioned, the ARV 100 has a medium flex pattern, which contributes to its responsive and lively feel. Its flex allows for confident carving and stability on groomed runs while...Read more
I purchased the ARV 100s mainly because I wanted a softer and more playful ski to complement my stiffer all-mountain skis. The ARV is incredibly playful, and surprisingly, it has...Read more
Durability
Armada has included a new technique that involves 3D printing the sidewall in one piece, which they then press together with the wood core. This allows the ski sidewall to...Read more
Having only had the ski for half a season, I can't speak at great length to the ARV's overall durability, but I know that Armada invested in new ski tech...Read more
Turn Ease
A supremely nimble turn radius of 18.5m in 186cm length for a ski with 100mm underfoot width combined with a light swing weight allows the ARV 100s to feel easy...Read more
Despite a 100 mm waist width, the ARV 100 is actually incredibly easy to turn. This is due in part to the skis flex and shape and profile. ...Read more
Versatility
Overall, the ARV is a pretty versatile ski. I've never actually owned a softer twin-tip style ski until my ARVs, and I was pretty skeptical at first that I could...Read more
Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
Luke H.
About the ski gear
- Model: Armada ARV 100 Skis · 2024
Test conditions
- When I bought these: 2023
- Where I’ve used them: Deer Valley, Park City, steeps, groomers, trees, and powder
- How many times I've used it: 20
Expert Reviews of the Armada ARV 100 Skis
Jake Renner I had a blast on the Armada ARV 100s. It is a versatile freestyle ski that can hold its own in a bit of powder while still feeling intuitive while lapping the park. The ARV 100 doesn't have as much camber underfoot as the ARV 88 but feels a bit more surfy and playful. A well-balanced flex rating provides stability at higher speeds without sacrificing forgiveness on jump landings while still feeling easy to butter. The 100mm underfoot provides enough float to handle ungroomed terrain and a bit of fresh snow without feeling too bulky or cumbersome when going edge to edge on groomers.
Luke H. I will admit I was quite skeptical when I first stepped into my new ARV 100s. Being an ex-racer, I had never owned a twin tip before, much less such a soft ski, and I was afraid it would not stand up to more aggressive skiing. Boy, was I wrong! The ARV 100, a brand-new ski from Armada, is an utter blast. The Goldilocks flex pattern of the wood core, paired with a twin tip design and slight rocker in the tip and tail but camber underfoot, makes for a deliciously versatile mid-fat ski. It carves quite well on groomers, but it is easy to flip around and get some air off jumps due to its low swingweight. I'm not a big trick guy, but I find myself landing switch on these early and often just because it was so easy. A lot of twin tips tend to be too soft for my liking, but Armada nailed it with the ARV 100; this is a very well-rounded ski that can be enjoyed by adventurous intermediates all the way up to expert park skiers. Long live the ARV 100!
Product Specs
| Age Group | Adult |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Includes bindings | No |
| Model year | 2024 |
| Ski type | Freestyle, All Mountain |
| Skill level | Intermediate, Advanced |
Review Ratings
Averaged between reviewers, view below how all experts voted.
Flotation
4/5
Jake Renner gave 4 of 5 stars. The ARV 100 skis offer good flotation and performance in powder and soft snow due to their width and tip rocker. They can handle off-piste conditions and provide a smooth and playful ride. At 100mm underfoot, they provide enough flotation for those powder days without feeling bulky and still get up on edge with ease when on hardpacked snow or in the terrain park.
Luke H. gave 4 of 5 stars. With a 100mm waist, the ARV sits squarely between all the ARV models. If someone wants a narrower, quicker-style ARV, then the 94 or 88 would be better. And if they want the ultimate powder float, then the 106 or 116 JJ are unrivaled. Compared to those, the ARV isn't as floaty, but I've skied it in a foot of fresh powder, and the ski surfs easily and confidently. On very deep days, I can see myself wishing for a wider ski, but for most powder days, the ARV 100 can handle them.
High Speed Stability
4/5
Jake Renner gave 5 of 5 stars. The ARV 100 skis feature a medium flex pattern, contributing to their responsive and lively feel. This flex allows for confident carving and stability on groomed runs while maintaining playfulness for freestyle maneuvers. A light amount of camber underfoot helps hold a solid edge with no chatter in the nose or tail. A relatively damp ski that provides stability at higher speeds without forsaking its freestyle performance.
Luke H. gave 2 of 5 stars. When I bought the ARVs, I was specifically looking for a more playful ski, not a hard-charging speed demon: I already have those. So when I really open it up on the ARVs, and they start to feel skittish and chattery underneath, I can't say I'm surprised; that's just the nature of the beast. The ski's soft flex, which makes them so playful, is a detriment at very high speeds, where the tip and tail flap a bit too much for my liking. I definitely find a speed limit on the ARVs and aim to stay under it.
Carving
4/5
Jake Renner gave 4 of 5 stars. With high-speed stability, a light touch of camber underfoot, and a nimble turn radius of 18.5m in 186cm length, the ARV 100 really shines concerning carving. Hard to find skis with an underfoot width that allows for flotation in powder while still feeling nimble and easy to get up on edge if on groomers and hardpacked snow, the ARV 100 is one's solution.
Luke H. gave 4 of 5 stars. With its 100mm waist, soft and forgiving flex, and twin-tip design, the ARV is a far cry from a dedicated carving ski. That being said, I've been pleasantly surprised by how well it does carve. Keep in mind, I can't open the ARV up and rip big GS-style turns, but I can comfortably set the ski on edge and carve short to medium radius turns very happily. Despite being a twin tip, the new ARV profile actually creates a long, effective edge between the tip and tail, allowing for easy carving. I can't charge on the ski, but I can make happy little arcs through the fresh snow, and it's quite fun.
Playfulness
5/5
Jake Renner gave 4 of 5 stars. As mentioned, the ARV 100 has a medium flex pattern, which contributes to its responsive and lively feel. Its flex allows for confident carving and stability on groomed runs while maintaining playfulness for freestyle maneuvers like butters and presses. Less camber underfoot than the other ARV models offers a bit more of a surfy feel, especially when pivoting in ungroomed terrain and fresh snow. This also contributes to the playful feel they provide.
Luke H. gave 5 of 5 stars. I purchased the ARV 100s mainly because I wanted a softer and more playful ski to complement my stiffer all-mountain skis. The ARV is incredibly playful, and surprisingly, it has the softest flex pattern of all the ARV models, even softer than the 106. This makes the ARV very poppy underfoot. I'm a big guy at 6'2", 210lbs, and I love getting the ARVs into the air just because it is so easy. I can also easily flick them around to ski switch; again, it's just too easy and fun not to do so.
Durability
4/5
Jake Renner gave 4 of 5 stars. Armada has included a new technique that involves 3D printing the sidewall in one piece, which they then press together with the wood core. This allows the ski sidewall to merge with the core, keeping it tight and compact. Known as the w3Dgewall, I lean toward rating the ARV 100s 4/5 for durability. Not to mention, the continual edge wrap and 2.5mm impact edge also help to keep this ski held together for longer than previous ARV models.
Luke H. gave 4 of 5 stars. Having only had the ski for half a season, I can't speak at great length to the ARV's overall durability, but I know that Armada invested in new ski tech this year to increase the ARV's lifespan. One tech is the 2.5mm impact edge, in which Armada increased the size of the ski's edge to make it beefier and heat-treated it to temper the steel, resulting in a longer-lasting edge that stands up to more abuse. Most importantly, though, is the w3Dgewall, a 3D molded, injected sidewall that is a lot thicker in terms of older sidewalls. With more material, the sidewall stands up to a lot more abuse over time. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for my topsheet, which is already peeling in many areas. It doesn't affect the performance, but it looks unsightly.
Turn Ease
5/5
Jake Renner gave 4 of 5 stars. A supremely nimble turn radius of 18.5m in 186cm length for a ski with 100mm underfoot width combined with a light swing weight allows the ARV 100s to feel easy to turn relative to other skis with similar width and length. A full tip/tail rocker also helps to keep less of this ski in contact with the snow, aiding with the ski's ease of maneuverability.
Luke H. gave 5 of 5 stars. Despite a 100 mm waist width, the ARV 100 is actually incredibly easy to turn. This is due in part to the skis flex and shape and profile. the ARV has a simple wood core, with no added carbon or metal to stiffen the ski; instead, the flex is poppy and playful in nature. Combined with this, the ARV has a touch of rocker in the tip and a twin tip tail versus a flat tail; the rockered tip allows for easy turn initiation and the twin tip tail lets me smear and slarve turns if I want to do so. But the ARV is also decent carving ski, so it lets me turn the ski anyway that I like.
Versatility
4/5
Luke H. gave 4 of 5 stars. Overall, the ARV is a pretty versatile ski. I've never actually owned a softer twin-tip style ski until my ARVs, and I was pretty skeptical at first that I could do much with them other than mess around in the terrain park a bit. But they do so much more than that. With my ARVs, I've carved happily down groomers, I've romped through some trees on a powder day, and I've even hit some steeps. And yes, I've even dabbled in the park with my Shrek-like frame attempting to land switch. But I've been very happy with how confidently I can take my ARVs all over the mountain.
FAQs
What was your favorite moment with this gear?
Jake Renner My favorite moment on the ARV 100s was when my buddy, Hayden Wright, and I got to take them out at Aspen Snowmass during a late-season powder day. We had about 6-10" of fresh snow. This ski performed very well, remaining nimble and stable at speed while cruising through variable terrain. Playful enough to butter, jump, and jib around without feeling like noodles if we had to plow through the chop and slop. We got to take them all over the mountain, hitting jumps in the park, throwing them side to side in the soft bumps, and slashing powder stashes. I kept a smile on my face the whole time.
Luke H. My favorite moment with my ARV 100s was when I took them to Woodward, the terrain park-themed ski resort frequented mainly by park and freestyle skiers. I was there with my 10-year-old, who is obsessed with park skiing. Being an ex-racer, I was completely out of my element. But for the first time ever, armed with my ARVs and not my overly stiff all-mountain skis, I felt like I had a fighting chance. And it totally worked. I followed my kiddo off every jump and tabletop, even landing switch, which is not easy for my 6'2", 210lb frame. But the ARVs were easy to swing around and land on due to their softer flex. And when I didn't feel like hitting a jump, I was happy to arc lazy turns down the groomed runs. It was a pretty awesome experience to finally chase my kiddo around the park and not pay for it the next day. And with the right skis, I'm not half bad at throwing a few spins.
Why did you choose this product?
Jake Renner I chose the ARV 100s because I was looking for a daily driver that was forgiving enough to play around on jumps, rails, and buttering knuckles while still holding up well at higher speeds. A medium flex rating and a full tip/tail rocker gave me a ski I could feel natural within the park skiing switch and hitting features without holding back when in off-piste terrain on those fresh snow days. All in all, I wanted a versatile freeride ski that was not just limited to the terrain park but could last for longer than one season.
Luke H. I bought a pair of ARVs because I wanted something other than a very stiff, heavy all-mountain ski for the first time in my life. Don't get me wrong, I still own a very stiff, very heavy all-mountain ski, but I wanted a softer, more playful complement to them on days when I would be chasing my 10-year-old around the mountain at slower speeds. Obviously, I had heard of the ARV for some time—it's arguably Armada's flagship all-mountain ski, but I always knew it to be an overly soft twin-tip ski, something I was sure I would hate. Turns out, that wasn't true at all. It's a fun, very well-rounded twin-tip ski and a lively all-mountain ski that I've been happy with. When I want to go out and rip groomed runs at high speed, I have a better option. But when I'm just going out to ski and have fun, and I don't need to hurtle down a groomer at Mach 5, the ARV is a super fun option in my quiver that keeps me from taking skiing too seriously.
What is the value for the money versus other options?
Jake Renner The ARV 100 is definitely worth the money. I like that they bumped the waist width of this ski to 100mm. This offers a more versatile feel than the previous ARV 106s and 96s, meeting right in the middle and giving freeskiers the daily driver they'd been asking for. New and improved sidewall tech known as "w3Dgewall" is a promising innovation in the realm of durability. This new feature added with a 2.5mm edge leads me to believe this ski will hold up much better than past models. All in all, the ARV 100 is very much worth the money and is a versatile, well-rounded freeride tool for skiers to lean on.
Luke H. There are several other ski options similar in shape and style to the Armada ARV 100s that are also worth considering. The most notable is the Atomic Bent 100, which looks very similar on paper to the ARV—100mm underfoot, a twin tip/partial twin tip design, and a simple wood core construction to keep the ski light and playful. And the Bent 100 retails for $50 less than the ARV, so what gives? For one, I give the ARV the edge in construction due to Armada's new w3Dgewall, which is a much burlier sidewall than the Bent, and the 2.5mm impact edge. Combined, this makes for a much more durable ski than the Bent, which will last much longer. Having skied the Bent as well, I can confidently say that the ARV carves much more confidently than the Bent.
Another option is the Faction Prodigy 2. Again, it is very similar in paper—98mm underfoot, twin tip design, and simple wood core. And the Prodigy is $100 less than the ARV. However, the same principles above apply when comparing them, as does the fact that the Prodigy has a much, much softer flex than the ARV. Faction markets the Prodigy as being ideal for progressing skiers, whereas the ARV is much more oriented for established skiers.
So, the ARV 100 is a bit pricier than its competitors, but I get quite a bit more ski overall.
What do you love about this product?
Jake Renner I really enjoy the surfy feel and ease of flotation when in fresh snow. At 100mm underfoot, the ARV 100 blends the best of both worlds with regard to freestyle and freeride characteristics. The full tip and tail rocker make it easy to pivot in choppy, off-piste terrain. The symmetrical design and rocker profile aid in keeping this ski feeling intuitive while skiing switch and in the terrain park without holding back when someone gets into their powder stash in the trees or if they want to drop that cliff under the lift. I highly recommend the ARV 100 for a daily driver if skiers frequent the park and also commonly get more than 4-6" of fresh snow.
Luke H. I am pleasantly surprised by how my ARV 100s have handled overall. I was very skeptical when I first picked them up. After years of using stiffer, heavier skis, the ARV was my first time purchasing a more playful twin-tip style ski. Safe to say, I was expecting an absolute noodle underfoot. But I was wrong; the ARV is a very versatile ski. Yes, they are much softer in terms of flex, but they still hold a nice edge and carve well on groomers, which I had not expected at all. But I love that I can also use them to chase my son through the terrain park, throw a decent trick here and there, and not worry about landing on an exceptionally stiff and unforgiving ski on the downslope. And when a few inches fall, I can rip easily through some glades on the ARV and not worry about sinking in. In short, the ARV is much more versatile than I was expecting, and it's a ski I can ponder taking out on any given day, no matter the conditions.
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Jake Renner
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