By Noah Carter
Armada Arv 116 jj ul oyuki
Overview
The ARV 116 JJ UL is a playful, ultralight 116 mm freeride-freestyle ski made for riders who split their time between powder surfs and backcountry tricks. The limited Armada x OYUKI topsheet gives this run a collectible look. With rockered tip and tail and positive camber underfoot, the ski feels surfy and lively while retaining camber’s pop and edge feel for mixed conditions. It’s a choice for skiers who prioritize maneuverability and playfulness over absolute high-speed damping, and who value uphill efficiency on skin-ups.
Construction and specifications explained
Construction mixes an ultralight Caruba core (UL) with a directional Laminate Matrix fiberglass layup and an AR75 sidewall/cap hybrid. The S7 sintered base and lightweight 1.7 mm impact edges favor uphill and swing-weight savings. Tip (137–139 mm), waist (116 mm) and tail (133–135 mm) dictate float and turn personality: wide tip/tail boost powder float, a 116 mm waist balances agility and stability. Turning radius (16–19 m) controls arc size: shorter lengths spin easier, longer lengths track more steadily. Each spec affects handling and intended use.
On-snow performance
On snow the ski is exceptionally surfy in deep snow, letting you smear turns and slash with confidence. The AR Freestyle Rocker produces a loose, playful feel in soft snow, while the camber underfoot helps with edge purchase on variable or firmer sections. Smear Tech’s 3D-beveled tip and tail make butters and awkward landings much more forgiving, reducing hooky behavior. The UL chassis noticeably reduces swing weight for playful spins and long approaches, though it sacrifices a touch of high-speed dampening versus heavier builds.
UL vs regular and comparable skis
Comparing the UL to the regular ARV 116 JJ, the UL version saves a significant amount of weight—roughly 20–25%—which helps on skin-ups and during jumps. The trade-off is slightly reduced mass for absorbing big impacts and very choppy descents. Similar skis in this niche include the Line Sick Day 114 and the Jones Mountain Twin; those skis share float and freestyle bias but vary in flex, dampening, and weight. Pick the UL if you prioritize uphill efficiency and playful skiing; choose the regular for more planted high-speed performance.
Buying advice and recommendations
Buying advice: pick a length according to style — 165–175 cm for playful, park and technical backcountry work; 185–192 cm for extra float and stability at speed. Recommended brake width is 120–140 mm to clear the 133–135 mm tail on larger sizes. The ski is ideal for freeride freestylers who want an ultralight, surfy tool for touring and playful laps. Potential drawbacks: less natural high-speed stability than heavier skis and a slightly buzzy feel on very firm, chop-filled runs.
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