Armada Locator 96 Skis 2024

ON THE PROWL.

REVIEWED BY: Joe Riccio

The new Locator skis from Armada live in an ever-growing category of touring-focused, but resort-capable skis that have come on the scene. As far as skiability on the decent goes, the Locator is one of the best. It has a quick, maneuverable feel underfoot, but isn't nervous thanks to a good blend of titanal and carbon in the ski. At 96mm underfoot the Locator is quick edge to edge and has great grip, even on some more firm terrain. The most surprising thing about the Locator is how it feels in a carve. Usually, skis in this category, especially ones this wide are gonna feel a little sloppy and nervous if you're trying to dig your edge in, not the Locator. The Locator initiates smoothly and provides a confident and relatively stable feel. Compared to downhill resort skis it's not powerful, but it does hold its own impressively. In tight terrain and off-piste, it feels energetic and predictable and will keep you confident. It likes soft snow, and it's very easy to pivot. Making weaving through trees and searching for good snow a blast. If you're looking for a touring ski that you might want to take on a resort lap here and there this should be high on your list. Pair this with a tech binding and you've got a killer lightweight setup. 

Who's this ski for? Skiers looking to complete their uphill setup with a hybrid ski that just so happens to be the best in the category at actually skiing. There I said it. 

Who isn't this ski for? Skiers looking for a resort ski. If you're not planning on touring you probably don't need to get a ski this light. Anybody whose main priority is skiing aggressively downhill. 

Tested by

George Michaelsen

Joe Riccio