By Alice Ivey
Armada Reliance 88 c
Overview and Character
The Reliance 88 C is a versatile frontside‑focused all‑mountain ski aimed at skiers who want a lightweight, playful yet stable ride. With an 88 mm waist and subtle tip (and slight tail) rocker it balances quick edge‑to‑edge feel with dependable grip. It’s approachable for intermediates improving their technique and lively enough for advanced recreational skiers who enjoy carving and occasionally pushing speed. Overall it presents as a modern piste‑leaning all‑rounder that handles varied conditions predictably while keeping a responsive, fun personality.
Construction and Specs Explained
Construction blends a Caruba/Poplar lightweight wood core with woven carbon stringers and a full‑length AR100 sidewall sandwich build. Tip/waist/tail dimensions change by length (for example 130‑88‑111 at 168 cm) and affect how the ski initiates and releases turns: a slightly wider tip smooths turn entry, while a relatively narrow tail helps quick exits. The 88 mm waist is a true middle ground for groomers and light off‑piste, and the EST All‑Mtn Rocker (tip and subtle tail rocker with camber underfoot) offers easy turn initiation with secure edge hold. Sintered UHMW base and 2.1 all‑mountain edges round out durable, fast hardware.
On‑Snow Performance
On snow the ski feels snappy yet composed. Carbon stringers add pop and energy return that make short, dynamic turns playful without the ski becoming nervous at speed. The camber underfoot provides reliable edge hold on hardpack and icy patches, while the early‑rise tip helps when encountering variable or chopped up snow. In softer, deeper snow it stays manageable but won’t replace a dedicated powder ski. This is a resort‑first design that can handle occasional excursions off piste but shines on groomers and mixed conditions.
Who It’s For and Comparisons
Who should consider the Reliance 88 C? Intermediate to advanced skiers seeking a lightweight, responsive piste ski with modern materials will benefit most. Compared to typical 85–92 mm all‑mountain skis it feels lighter and quicker edge‑to‑edge than titanal‑heavy competitors, yet it still offers more damping and stability than purely park or race‑course‑biased models. If your days are mainly hardpack and mixed snow and you want a ski that snaps into turns quickly, this model is a compelling pick.
Pros, Cons and Buying Advice
Pros and cons: strengths include low-ish weight, easy turn initiation from the rocker/camber profile, lively pop from carbon stringers and solid edge control from the full sidewall. Potential downsides are that extremely aggressive skiers or those who like to charge at very high speeds may miss additional damping, and the 88 mm waist won’t be ideal for deep, frequent powder. My buying tip: match length and binding mounting to your weight and style, and demo if possible to dial in the right size and feel.
Loading images...
Community Opinions
Missing a hand while carrying ski gear?
A friend of mine created Clipstic, the easy way to attach your poles to your skis! Using this link you get 10% off as well as support for Pick-a-ski!
Check it out!