ARV 86 Skis 2023

About the Armada ARV 86

The ever-popular ARV series returns. Whether you're looking for a snappy park weapon, all-mountain machine or powder tool you can find your ideal freestyle ski somewhere in the ARV range.

Coming in at 86mm underfoot, the ARV 86 is most comfortable lapping the park, carving up groomers and jibbing in firm and shallow snow conditions. Armada’s Pop-Lite core sets the pace with springy, snappy flex that's geared towards big airs and fast rebound through turns. That flex comes in part from hardwood stringers running tip to tail, with lighter woods surrounding them. This lowers the weight overall and eases the flex for a nimble personality that's easygoing when initiating turns, but retains stability for high speeds and big landings.

This ski uses AR75 sidewall construction, meaning that the center 75% of the ski is using a sidewall construction. The majority of the ski's length also uses a camber profile, so these two work perfectly together to provide excellent edge hold and to compliment the snap and stability provided by the ski's core. Out at the tip and tail of the ski, a rocker profile combines with a capped construction and softer flex to create the playful side to this ski's performance- low swing weight keeps the ski maneuverable, and with a flex that presses and butters smoothly, while retaining the stability needed for big park features. Furthermore, the thinned, lightweight materials that comprise Armada's Spin Tip tech lower the swing weight even further, which really makes the difference when dialing in new tricks.

Those capped tips also boost durability, alongside a fast sintered S7 base. Add to that the 2.5mm extra thick edges and you have a ski that's fully prepared to stand up to the impacts and scrapes that are inherent in freestyle skiing.

As the most frontside focused ski in the ARV lineup, the ARV 86 excels in the park as well as for jibbing features outside of it. It's carving ability and nimble turning make it a ski that's plain fun to use in any groomed or firm snow, as well as shallow areas of fresh and chopped snow all over the mountain.