By Evelien Jansen
Armada Locator 112
Brief introduction and purpose
The Locator 112 is a purpose‑built powder touring ski designed for big‑mountain lines and long human‑powered descents. At 112 mm underfoot and with a heavily tapered tip, it offers strong flotation in deep snow while keeping swing weight manageable. This ski is aimed at riders who want to charge steep, technical terrain and still carry a reasonably light setup for multiple laps. It shines in variable backcountry conditions where flotation and high‑speed stability outweigh the need for hard‑pack agility or park‑style playfulness.
Construction and specs explained
Construction pairs a Caruba wood core with a full carbon layup and a titanal binding dampener underfoot for added high‑speed composure. The EST Freeride Rocker profile combines early tip rocker with positive camber underfoot and a flat tail, which gives easy turn initiation, underfoot grip and a predictable tail release. Specs matter: tip/tail taper and 112 mm waist create flotation and lower swing weight, the 1.7 mm lightweight edges balance durability and weight, the Comp sintered base favors speed and repairability, and radii (22–26 m) determine turn size and stability.
On‑snow performance
On snow the Locator 112 feels like a confident powder charger. The wide tip and early rocker keep you afloat, while the tapered tip and tail reduce swing weight and make pivots less effortful. The positive camber underfoot gives pop and edge hold on chopped snow and firmer sections, unlike full‑rocker float skis that can feel vague. The flat tail helps you commit to long, arcing turns and contributes to stability at speed. Expect compromised performance on hardpack groomers versus dedicated carving skis, but very capable mixed‑snow handling.
Touring and uphill behavior
For uphill travel the ski is thoughtfully balanced: per‑ski mass runs roughly 1,425 g (166 cm) to 1,650 g (187 cm), light enough for multiple laps without sacrificing damping. The AR Bat Tail skin clip integrated into the tail speeds up skin attachments and reduces finicky fittings when conditions are icy. Carbon construction reduces swing weight for less fatigue on kick turns, while the Ti binding dampener smooths chatter at speed on technical descents. If you chase the lightest possible uphill setup, dedicated race touring sticks will be lighter.
Comparison, drawbacks and recommendation
Compared to other wide backcountry touring skis, the Locator 112 is notable for its high‑speed stability and tourable construction. Trade‑offs include a longer turn radius that favors big GS‑style arcing turns over quick, tight pivots and a flat tail that limits playful switch riding and advanced tail tricks. If your priority is deep‑snow performance and confident high‑speed descents without carrying excess weight, this ski is an excellent candidate. For resort carving or ultra‑light rando missions, more specialized options exist.
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