By Liam Anderson
Armada Arv 116 jj ul
Overview
The ARV 116 JJ UL is an ultralight, surfy powder ski aimed at advanced to expert skiers who want playful backcountry freestyle performance with reasonable touring efficiency. It feels lively and nimble: the wide waist and AR Freestyle Rocker deliver strong float and easy pivoting for slashes and directional tricks. Reduced swing weight makes tight manoeuvres and long approaches less fatiguing. This is not a hard‑charging piste tool, but rather a creative freeride instrument designed to prioritize fun and mobility in deep, variable terrain.
Construction and Key Technologies
Construction mixes an ultralight Caruba wood core with a directional Laminate Matrix and an AR75 partial sidewall. That combination keeps swing weight low while providing tuned torsional stiffness for predictable turn initiation. A sintered S7 base balances durability and speed; the 1.7 mm lightweight edge protects the ski without excess mass. Smear Tech adds 3D‑beveled geometry in tip and tail to reduce catches and make butters and slashes feel effortless. Altogether the build balances weight savings with performance and reasonable durability.
Powder and Backcountry Performance
In powder the ski really shines: the 116 mm waist and AR Freestyle Rocker (rocker tip and tail with camber underfoot) produce excellent flotation and a surfy, pivot‑happy feel. The ultralight core lowers swing weight, making it easy to pitch and pivot without using brute force, which is especially welcome on long tours and technical lines. You can slash, smear and spin with confidence, and the ski rewards playful inputs with lively recovery, making it a great option for riders who favor creativity over straight‑line speed.
On‑Piste, Variable Snow and Handling
On groomers and mixed snow the ski shows both strengths and compromises. The underfoot camber and partial sidewall provide reasonable edge hold for controlled arcs, but a 116 mm waist won’t match the quick edge‑to‑edge response or absolute grip of narrower piste‑oriented skis. At higher speeds it can feel a bit buzzy compared with heavier freeride models, yet the playful flex and Smear Tech give forgiving release characteristics that many riders will appreciate. It’s best seen as a powder‑first ski that can cope with transitions rather than dominate hardpack.
Who Should Buy & Quick Specs Explained
Who should buy this ski? Target buyers are tour‑minded freeriders, backcountry freestyle enthusiasts and anyone wanting an ultralight, surfy 116 mm tool for creative skiing. Quick spec explanations: tip/waist/tail (e.g. 139/116/135 mm) dictate flotation and turning behaviour; rocker/camber/rocker controls float and edge bite; turning radius (16–19 m depending on length) influences turn shape; listed weights (~1550–1850 g per ski) affect swing weight and uphill efficiency. If you value playful powder performance and lower weight, it’s an excellent choice.
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