Antimatter 92 w review

Overview

For 26-27 Armada folds its women's Reliance series into the new Antimatter collection, and the Antimatter 92 W is the successor to the Reliance 92 Ti. Armada describes it as "a true women's all-mountain ski with stability at speed". The shape and core carry over; what changes is the name, the graphics and the Speedmetal branding for its Titanal laminate. It comes in three lengths — 156, 164 and 172 cm — and weighs 1650 to 1885 g per ski. With an Armada flex rating of 8.0 out of 10, it is the stiffest ski in the Antimatter W line.

On-snow performance

On paper, this is the most serious women's ski in the collection. The EST All-Mtn Rocker profile pairs a rockered tip with camber underfoot and a subtle tail rocker, so turn entry should be easy while the cambered midsection keeps a firm hold on hardpack. Radii of 15.5 m at 156 cm, 16.5 m at 164 cm and 17 m at 172 cm point to medium-to-long turns rather than quick slalom arcs. The Speedmetal Titanal layer is there for damping and edge hold, and Armada says it keeps a lively character rather than a dead, glued-down feel. By design, the ski should move from high-speed groomers into chopped-up powder without much fuss. The trade-off is effort: the stiff flex and the metal reward a strong, centred stance and will feel demanding at low speeds or for lighter skiers.

Construction & specs explained

Armada builds the Antimatter 92 W around a 100% Poplar Core with a triaxial glass lay-up. On top sits Speedmetal, which Armada describes as a strategically shaped Titanal laminate; the exact shape of the metal is specific to each model. A full-length AR100 sidewall backs the heat-treated 2.1 All Mountain Edge for torsional rigidity and edge grip. Dimensions are 128.5/92/114.5 mm at 156 cm, 130/92/116 at 164 and 131/92/117 at 172. Weights are 1650, 1765 and 1885 g per ski. At 164 and 172 cm those figures equal the men's Antimatter 92, which shares the construction but runs from 164 to 188 cm.

Who it's for & comparisons

It suits strong intermediate to expert women who spend most days on piste but want a ski that stays composed when they head into soft or cut-up snow. If you know the Armada Reliance 92 ti, this is its direct successor; the 180 cm length is gone. Taller or heavier skiers can move to the Armada Antimatter 92, the same build in longer lengths. The Nordica Santa ana 93 mixes a wood core with carbon and a metal layer; it comes in more lengths (151 to 179 cm) and is slightly lighter at 172 cm (1840 g). The Head Kore 93 Ti W uses two Titanal layers and Graphene, at about 1705 g in 170 cm, with a shorter 14.7 m radius at that length. The Kästle Sublime 93 W goes further toward the damp end with two full titanal sheets. Compared with those, the Armada leans on a stiff flex and partial metal for a balance of stability and liveliness.

Pros, cons and verdict

Pros

• Stiffest, most stable ski in the Antimatter W line (Armada flex 8.0/10).
• Speedmetal Titanal adds damping and edge hold without a full metal sheet.
• Rockered tip and camber underfoot for easy entry and firm grip.
• Full-length AR100 sidewall and heat-treated edge for precise, durable edge hold.

Cons

• Stiff flex asks for a strong, active skier; less forgiving at low speeds.
• Only three lengths, with 172 cm as the longest W size.
• Heavier than metal-free women's skis around 90 mm — not a touring choice.
• Medium-to-long radius is less suited to short, quick turns.

Verdict: The Antimatter 92 W is the Reliance 92 Ti under a new name: a stiff, Titanal-reinforced women's all-mountain ski built for speed and edge hold on piste, with enough tip rocker for mixed snow. For strong skiers who want stability first and liveliness second, it is one of the most capable 92 mm women's skis in its class.