Blizzard Titan Argos IQ Skis 2008/09

Bruising big mountain skis with a super-solid construction and hefty 101 mm side-cut.
Reinforced through the mid-section for enhanced grip under-foot on firm, variable conditions the Argos IQ should handle fast freeride-all-mountain skiing like a carpenter wields an axe - they will chop, carve and power their way through. A strong ski for the expert skier looking for a fraction more flexibility rather than just plumping for the full-on back-country behemoths, the Zeus.

A touch more accessible and versatile than the Zeus, but do you compromise?

The manufacturer says this about the Blizzard Titan Argos IQ Skis 2008/09:

The Titan Argos plunders powder like an ancient hero giving epic, breathtaking rides. And true to Blizzards racing roots, its hard-pack edge hold is awesome and reliable like a sword. With unique IQ Freeski Sandwich Side-wall construction arms this ski is for unflappable performance - whatever the mountain throws at it.

Citizen Ski presents Armada Skis 2009

Citizen Ski launches the new 2009 Armada ski reviews today. With a fleet of free-skiing models to make the pro-rider, fashionable or both very happy their new range is stunning. Aesthetically very lively, technically inundated and certainly a line of skis to lay your eye upon if your brand of soul skiing is in the park or powder.

Rock solid performers like the El Rey, a veritable all-mountain power-house, are great for a broad range of skiers up to the hyper-refined, spinergistic Pipe Cleaner for pipe and park competitors. Also check the incredible back-country inspired ARG's or JJ's for innovation, with their "five-width dimensional, sidecut-within a reverse sidecut and rockered ski construction that should provide a sublime ride. Gotta check 'em out!

The manufacturer says this about the Armada 2009 Ski Reviews Online:

Armada Pipe Cleaner Skis 2009

THE most specific park ski in Armada's formidable free-skiing line-up.

Aimed at the expert to pro, the Pipe Cleaner shares the same dimensions as the T-Hall model but the core is lighter than the Core 1 featured on the T-Hall pro-model. Also the base is slicker and this ski has Armada's finest finish for a limited edition competition model aimed at the best - or those aiming to be there!

Four sizes available and all tuned to park perfection.

The manufacturer says this about the Armada Pipe Cleaner Skis 2009:

Returning again for 2008 - 2009, the PC is our highest performance park model. The PC took Gold at the Winter X-Games, World superpipe championships, US Open, Honda Ski Tour, World Skiing invitational - the list goes on and on. Point is, Armada team members are an ass ton with this model. No park ski has a resume close to it. The public can purchase the very same ski tanner, TJ<>

Armada JJ Skis 2009

Complex freeski-freeride-freestyle new school behemoths. Another reversed-camber, multi-side-cut ski. They look truly fascinating as well as awesome and I for one cannot wait to get on a pair - these are the future of all-mountain new school skiing.

With every technological and design input you could imagine - the JJ should prove awesome.

The manufacturer says this about the Armada JJ Skis 2009:

The 2009 - 2009 JJ gets the biggest overhaul of the year. Staying true to its heritage of back-country-jib greatness, this model evolved closer to the ARG. JJ is now a five-width dimensional, side-cut within a reverse-side-cut and rockered ski. JJ has a longer reinforced AR Fifty sidewall area over the side-cut, making it friendlier to regular resort riding. Rockered skis don't have to stay in the deep. A slight camber along the sidecut makes JJ hold an edge like a traditional wide ski, while still slicing through skier chop. Backcountry booter sessions just got that much better. JJ's rocker makes switch off's and landings smoother, while reducing the swing weight for easier spins.

Armada Cantika Skis 2009

A much finer looking prospect than last seasons "black rose" Cantika. Armada have refreshed their all-mountain performer in the looks department, the price remains highly competitive and the ski most versatile. Averaging out around 80 mm underfoot the Cantika are pretty much adept in most conditions and if you're looking for a cool free-ski to style your season with then the Cantika could be your choice.

The manufacturer says this about the Armada Cantika Skis 2009:

Lift tickets and season passes are expensive enough. Start getting more out of every run with this affordable all-mountain ride. Cantika covers the area between ARW and ARVw at all ability levels. It serves up enough waist width for storm-ride shredding and enough side-cut and flex for snappy turns on groomers and ice. First tracks to late-day ice, Cantika takes anything your mountain can dish out, including the park. It's low maintenance with a 7 Series base and 2.5 Impact Edges.

Armada Coda Skis 2009

The coolest kids skis par excellence. Funky, attitude, tough and with heaps of street cred, needn't say more.

The manufacturer says this about the Armada Coda Skis 2009:

Coda is our grom shred machine. Built just like the full-size El Rey, it can stand up to all our young skiers can dish out. Learn your tricks in the park and take them anywhere on the mountain with this cap-constructed and light-weight all-mountain model. Mom and Dad will love the price and you come away with out lightest and burliest youth model ever. Coda boasts a medium and continuous flex, generous side-cut and requires minimal maintenance.

Armada ARW Skis 2009

Versatile, feminine and very light park and pipe to all-mountain skis. With a curvaceous profile and 80+ mm waist this ski can stomp landings, give you a solid platform on rails plus float in the fluff when you get some fresh.

Wood-core sandwich construction gives good durability and ski-snow contact. A good all-rounder for the advanced free-skiing girl.

The manufacturer says this about the Armada ARW Skis 2009:

Our exclusive women's park model also got lighter and stronger with the new AR Core 2. ARW women say they have better shit to do than tune - like skiing for example. Well, we completely understand. That's why the ARW has the same rugged base and edge of the men's AR6 minus some of the weight. The lighter core and side-wall construction mesh for the unmatched edge hold and pop on pipe walls and jumps. That same pop and low-weight makes the ARW easier getting on and off rails.

Armada El Rey Skis 2009

Amazing really, it is only now that Salomon, one of the world's largest ski manufacturers, have stopped producing their top park skis with a cap (or "Monocoque" construction in Salomon's case) whereas one of the coolest brands on the market heralds the arrival of its "burly Cap Construction"........!

Either way the El Rey's are another top-end, expert to pro-rider level park and free-ski "stick." It is a new-ish model in the Armada range, introduced last year but with a lighter core and improved agility for 2009. Available in a fleet of sizes there is a size for everyone from a Communist dwarf to, well not NBA basketball jock, but certainly someone above the average.

Versatile, not too fat and competent enough to ski the whole hill - park skis for "skiers."

The manufacturer says this about the Armada El Rey Skis 2009:

Our newest men's model took the industry by surprise last year. Officially TJ Schiller's favorite new work horse, El Rey is taking competitions by surprise too. TJ is winning competitions on it. The 2008- 2009 version is lighter and slightly softer, but stronger from its new and more refined Fleet Core 3. Its burly Cap Construction, mid-fat waist, continuous flex and minimal maintenance seal the deal. This model wil cut up the powder, arc on the groomers and shred in the park. Whether a first-time lesson, ducking work for some turns or bringing your skills to the Open, the price will leave enough money to "give er", as TJ would say.

Armada T-Hall Skis 2009

Tough urban freestyle skis for the dedicated jibber. T-Hall signature skis are always the top-rocket for park frolics in the Armada range. Built to withstand pro-level battery these skis have every bit of Armada technology to battle against breakage yet remain skiable and tactile in the park.

Available in five sizes, the T-Hall's are bullet-proof and as solid as any jibber could want.

The manufacturer says this about the Armada T-Hall Skis 2009:

What else pisses you off like washing out your landing on the nastiest trick or losing all your speed carving off the lip because of your noodle park ski? How 'bout having to ollie over a thrashed transition onto a box with a stiff ski and then trying to butter it? Problem solved. The T-Hall is our premier park stick. The burly re-designed AR Core 1 is super-solid under foot, but profiled toward the tip and tail for butterage. Stomp the hell out of your tricks and rails with confidence. The T-Hall slides on the toughest base and edges we offer. Hmm where do you think all this great input came from? Maybe it's from the best skier on the planet.

Armada ARV 175 Skis 2009

A wicked graphic (each size has a different graphic) and an awesome pair of boards for the freeride orientated. Retaining the same properties as last season each of the three lengths features a slightly different profile - so the ARV's really are tuned for the rider to excel in the back-country or on the front-side of the hill.

With a tough ABS (buffeting Acrylonitrile butadiene styren thermo-plastic!) Sandwich construction and lighter-weight wood-core the ARV's are designed for full-blown all-mountain skiing - I know the guys here in my little Alpine ski town adore the ARV's as they have the cred and the ability to ski well and make you look good!

In the 165 length with an 89 mm waist the ARV's will come over as substantial but retain a certain amount of agility - when you power up to the 185 cm ski then the 95 mm waist with 130 tip and 119 tail are going to be kinda strong and somewhat a handful unless you're strong technical skier.

The manufacturer says this about the Armada ARV 175 Skis 2009:

The manufacturer says this about the Armada ARV 165 Skis 2009:
Don't sacrifice great turns because you're waiting for the next storm. This high-performance all-mountain model shreds trees and bites into the ice. When pow days finally roll in the ARV's faster base, extra width and new lighter core add speed and floatation in the deep. Dial your can nines in the park after winter storms. That shit-eating grin (these aren't my words!!) you'll have is for the lion's last April roar - almost like a work of art.

Armada ARV 185 Skis 2009

A wicked graphic (each size has a different graphic) and an awesome pair of boards for the freeride orientated. Retaining the same properties as last season each of the three lengths features a slightly different profile - so the ARV's really are tuned for the rider to excel in the back-country or on the front-side of the hill.

With a tough ABS (buffeting Acrylonitrile butadiene styren thermo-plastic!) Sandwich construction and lighter-weight wood-core the ARV's are designed for full-blown all-mountain skiing - I know the guys here in my little Alpine ski town adore the ARV's as they have the cred and the ability to ski well and make you look good!

In the 165 length with an 89 mm waist the ARV's will come over as substantial but retain a certain amount of agility - when you power up to the 185 cm ski then the 95 mm waist with 130 tip and 119 tail are going to be kinda strong and somewhat a handful unless you're strong technical skier.

Skiable on anything, well I wouldn't want to spend an afternoon in the bumps on them, but for the free-ski generation, especially those with a penchant for powder, couloirs and escaping their and the boundaries the ARV's are fine freeride skis.

The manufacturer says this about the Armada ARV 185 Skis 2009:

Don't sacrifice great turns because you're waiting for the next storm. This high-performance all-mountain model shreds trees and bites into the ice. When pow days finally roll in the ARV's faster base, extra width and new lighter core add speed and floatation in the deep. Dial your can nines in the park after winter storms. That shit-eating grin (these aren't my words!!) you'll have is for the lion's last April roar - almost like a work of art.

Armada ARG Skis 2009

This is a serious, but highly accessible piece of kit, the ARG is where ski design is at if you are looking for the future of freeride skiing. With five different sidecuts built into the one ski, they only come in a 185 length but check the profile out.....125 - 135 - 133 - 134 - 120.....that is going to make you ski somewhat differently I would imagine.
Not to mention the, well almost innovative and certainly weight reducing, AR Fifty side-wall - a mixture of Cap and ABS side-wall construction.

I haven't had the chance to test a pair yet but reports back are that it is relatively easy to ski, the rockering makes powder skiing more accessible, the multi-cut profile makes smearing turns a breeze, and controlling your speed with it!

Can't wait to get atop a pair. Will keep you posted.....

The manufacturer says this about the Armada ARG Skis 2009:

The ARG is leading the reverse-camber, reverse side-cut powder ski revolution. By now you've seen Armada team members using this ski everywhere. What you haven't seen is how well received this ski was with heli-ski operations in Alaska. Even those with little or no deep snow experience were slashing turns and getting more runs thanks to ARG's user-friendly shape. This year's ARG is even lighter and faster with a new re-configured Ultra Light Core and 50/50 base. It tracks even better on groomers thanks to AR Fifty Side-walls - a reinforced ABS side-wall over the side-cut area with a small amount of camber in the same zone. Limited production means you have even less time to think about snatching a pair.

Armada ARVw Skis 2009

Re-developed for 2009 the ARVw is a ladies (girls) version of the highly-versatile and recommended ARV skis. The main difference is in the newly developed, lighter core which is stuffed with "high density, low weight woods" for great performance, less fatigue and good durability.

Check out the ARV review for further details.

The manufacturer says this about the Armada ARVw Skis 2009:

The all-new ARVw is sort of a marvel in its own right. This model is like the mood ring of skis, doing everything but sensing where a woman wants to ride at and how. We gave it a good advantage making it possibly the lightest and fastest women's fat ski ever. ARVw is the hiking, deep-snow shredding, corn-turning,, park-killing all-you-need-in-a-ski-women's ski.

Armada ARV 165 Skis 2009

A wicked graphic (each size has a different graphic) and an awesome pair of boards for the freeride orientated. Retaining the same properties as last season each of the three lengths features a slightly different profile - so the ARV's really are tuned for the rider to excel in the back-country or on the front-side of the hill.

With a tough ABS (buffeting Acrylonitrile butadiene styren thermo-plastic!) Sandwich construction and lighter-weight wood-core the ARV's are designed for full-blown all-mountain skiing - I know the guys here in my little Alpine ski town adore the ARV's as they have the cred and the ability to ski well and make you look good!

In the 165 length with an 89 mm waist the ARV's will come over as substantial but retain a certain amount of agility - when you power up to the 185 cm ski then the 95 mm waist with 130 tip and 119 tail are going to be kinda strong and somewhat a handful unless you're strong technical skier.

Skiable on anything, well I wouldn't want to spend an afternoon in the bumps on them, but for the free-ski generation, especially those with a penchant for powder, couloirs and escaping their and the boundaries the ARV's are fine freeride skis.

The manufacturer says this about the Armada ARV 165 Skis 2009:

Don't sacrifice great turns because you're waiting for the next storm. This high-performance all-mountain model shreds trees and bites into the ice. When pow days finally roll in the ARV's faster base, extra width and new lighter core add speed and floatation in the deep. Dial your can nines in the park after winter storms. That shit-eating grin (these aren't my words!!) you'll have is for the lion's last April roar - almost like a work of art.

Armada The Ant Skis 2009

Seriously quick, firm flexing back-country, powder power-houses. The Ant's are Armada's "traditional" big-mountain freeride ski. Inspired by Ant Boronowski the ski is built for high-speeds, durability, reassurance and playfulness in the deep and steep. There is no "reverse camber" here but you do get a dedicated freeride stormer that is light enough to be agile, strong enough to handle high-speed hucks, crud and impacts plus they look great!
The profile is a more pleasing and less "tram-lining" 133 - 107 - 123 mm in a 191 cm (the only length they produce). This is a good thing though, the ski is more stable, less likely to catch in older tracks and is more predictable in tricky terrain and snows.

Personally I really enjoy the non-reverse camber and the stability of a slightly narrower (in relation to some of the 130 to 140 mm skis out there) ski - it is a bit like skiing a broad Super G or World Cup GS ski, but in the powder!

Beautiful long silky turns or pure hooliganism if you're up for it - I'm getting on a bit too much for hooliganism, plus I have to watch my hands for fear of no longer being able to type! .....perhaps I should rebel then.

Strictly for experts or pro riders.

The manufacturer says this about the Armada The Ant Skis 2009:

Back-country skiing is quickly becoming the fastest growing genre of skiing with a plethora of reverse camber skis hitting the market. Though we offer our fair share of rockered skis, we realise that some of you still want a more traditional shaped fat ski. For those of you that feel this way, the Ant is still here for you. This is the burliest ski we make - period. Directly inspired by Mr. Boronowski, the Ant is absolutely for Churgach walls and monster airs at downright stupid speeds. Still want more? Starting to sound like a fun day? If you're thinking yes, you're probably a member of ANT's cult following. You'll also be stoked to know the Ant is lighter, stronger and faster this year with a 50/50 Base and re-configured Ultra Light Core.

Armada AR6 176 Skis 2009

Armada took off a good few years ago as a company, and their highly-fashionable skis were always designed to launch you the skier up to the highest peaks. With their heavily re-worked range for 2009 Armada have made some serious inroads to becoming a major "player", this range is deeper, tougher, more precise, lighter and refined.
The AR6 is a defining ski in the range for the majority of skiers. They are versatile, tough, built to withstand week-in, week-out hammer in the park and pipe plus provide a decent ride when you're takin' a breather from all that jibbin'.

There are four lengths available,181 cm is the largest, sporting a versatile 118 - 86 -- 108 profile - the AR6's drop down in 5 cm increments and loose 1 mm off the profile for every corresponding drop in length.

A tough sandwich construction as you would expect, a refined wood core where the heavier woods are appropriated to not only strengthen the AR6 but also to balance the swing weight for improved park performance. Fat edges, strong flex but not overly stiff and you have a great all-mountain twin-tip with a seriously flash graphic not only on the top-sheet but also the toughened bases.

Surely now the Armada AR6 is a benchmark park to all-mountain skier for the free-ski generation.

The manufacturer says this about the Armada AR6 176 Skis 2009:

A new AR Core 1 makes our all-mountain park model lighter and stronger. A low-maintenance, burly, base and edge assembled using high-performance ABS Sidewall construction makes this the most versatile park model we offer. Smack these skis on rails, still hold your edge on icy morning turns and take off's, send it off cat tracks in the afternoon slush and pop an ollie onto that kink you've been eyeing up all season.

Blizzard Titan Zeus IQ Skis 2008/09

This is one fat pair of puppies, in fact they are verging on obese, but then they are tuned and built for high speed powerful back-country free-riding, so guess they are athletes in some form. The 191 cm version has a colossal 58 m radius! Surely one of the largest run radii out there, this is going to be one very fast pair of skis, especially when you check out the Titanium sandwich construction with half a tree in it.

Power, power, speed, stability and heaps more power. Man-sized is the 183, or for very capable girls! Super-human size is the 191, more stability, a smoother ride and great for big open bowls.

Titanic without that sinking feeling.

The manufacturer says this about the Blizzard Titan Zeus IQ Skis 2008/09:

Oversize tips and a perfectly dimensioned tail let the Titan Zeus power through powder, crud and junk like a god with thunder and lightening. The powerful IQ Sandwich Sidewall Titanium (I am writing this by hand, not copy and pasting!!!) creates an incredibly stable ski in all conditions and terrain. Aggressive and undaunted powder skiing has never been so supernatural. The steeper it gets the more divine the Zeus becomes.

Blizzard GS Magnesium Skis 2008/09

A serious pair of GS rockets for the club racer, ski instructor or speed freak. With a 25 m radius for girls or 27 for men this is a FIS reg ski with the performance one would expect.
Sidewall construction, metal race plate, two choices of bindings, a 192 length for the competitive FIS racer or 182 for girls.

Sure to be fun, fast and handful, are you up to it?

The manufacturer says this about the Blizzard GS Magnesium Skis 2008/09:

Top World Cup Giant-Slalom racing ski with sandwich magnesium technology for the most demanding requirements in the most technically challenging discipline. This ski is powered by Magnesium, the wood-core is reinforced by high-strength, lightweight aluminium alloy. Unlimited performance in medium and long radius turns. Excellent ski control in all phases of a turn, precise turn control, direct transmission of power and perfect grip at high speeds.

Blizzard Viva Sonic IQ Skis 2008/09

Racer ready, well not quite racer perhaps but very sporty and feisty females are required to tame a pair of Sonic's. No bad thing at all, if you want to ski with some fire in your loins and cease to remain a soporific skiing slacker then grab some skis with fire in their construction and design.

The Viva Supersonic's are built with fast, fun and good female skiers in mind. With a snappy 12 m radius short turns have never been quicker, a Ti Powerframe keeps the ski light but ups the power ante and the sandwich construction gives you good feel for the snow.

A ski built to hammer the pistes, burn your legs and give you a beaming smile.

The manufacturer says this about the Blizzard Viva Sonic IQ Skis 2008/09:

The Viva Sonic IQ if fully equipped with the latest technological and innovative features as well as the same high demand for quality as the unisex model. Powered by the IQ system, a side-wall construction and the Powerframe technology you might expect an unforgiving woman can admire. But you'd be surprised: an awesome balance of power and quickness, energy and forgiveness make this model remarkably manageable when you don't feel like proving anything.

Blizzard Viva G3 IQ Skis 2008/09

The Viva G-3 is mid-range in Blizzard's women's specific Viva range. The G-3 retains the IQ system of an integrated binding and ski. The Viva G-3 is a clean looking ski with a light-construction and versatile profile for the all-mountain skier.

The G-3 Viva has a sharper turn than lower models plus a sportier feel with the addition of the Carbon Powerframe. A sporty intermediate package for speedier antics on reds and more challenging blacks, the G-3 is a great ski for the recreational all-mountain female skier.

The manufacturer says this about the Blizzard Viva G3 IQ Skis 2008/09:

Designed for balanced carving with the Powerframe technology and the wood core construction, the G3 lets you experience pure joy. The IQ System guarantees buttery-smooth flex and is predictable in medium and long radius turns. The 70 mm waist is just wide enough to be consistently playful - and surprisingly good even in crud.