Editor's Note, 27 September 2026: New review from our Whistler Blackcomb test week.
The most fun ski we tested on firm snow, with explosive turns and a damp, quiet ride on ice. Save the deep days for something wider. It averages 76 out of 100 across our six ratings in our best all-mountain skis guide.
Our Favorite Carving Ski
Armada Declivity 92 Ti
- Status: Carryover, after the upgrade to a denser poplar core
- Weight: About 1,920 g per ski (180 cm)
- Construction: Articulated Titanal with elastomer damping
- Best for: Carvers on firm snow
- Sizes on Amazon: Listings are size-specific, check the length
Bottom Line : The most fun ski we tested on firm snow, with explosive turns and a damp, quiet ride on ice. Save the deep days for something wider.
Pros
- Explosive energy out of turns
- Damp on ice
- Good in bumps for a carver
Cons
- Best kept to firm snow
- Stiff tail needs a committed skier
Test Notes
Before the sun softened the snow, James took the Declivity onto the steep groomers below the Jersey Cream lift. The energy out of each turn is addictive, and the rubber-filled slits in the front metal sheet soaked up the icy vibration.
Where It Fell Short
It is a firm-snow specialist. When heavy snow fell in the afternoon, Tom found its 92 mm waist and stiff tail sank in Symphony Bowl. On groomed and firm snow, where most resort days are spent, nothing we tested was more fun.
Who It Suits
Best for: carvers on firm snow.
Compare With
- DPS Kaizen 100: playful skiers in soft snow and trees.
- Fischer Ranger 96: intermediates and progressing skiers.
- Nordica Enforcer 99: heavy chargers in steep, chopped snow.
See all ten in our best all-mountain skis of 2026/2027 guide.
Our Testers
This review was edited by Sean Williams and tested at Whistler Blackcomb by our lead tester and ski crew.
- Sean Williams, Editor-in-Chief. Sean built the team of researchers and testers behind our reviews and edits every guide. His rule: we say what we actually found.
- Ryan Williams, Lead Tester. An aggressive, heavy charger who hunts for steep, punishing terrain. Ryan has led our field tests from Whistler Blackcomb to the shore of Lake Louise.
- James Warburton, Tester. On skis since he was 3 and an ex-racer, James drives gear hard and has no patience for anything that lets go. He also tested our fat bikes at Lake Tahoe.
- Libby Louise, Tester. An expert freerider with several seasons behind her, Libby would rather surf, smear and pop off features than straight-line. She also tested our fat bikes at Lake Tahoe.
- Tom, Tester. A strong advanced skier who loves bowls and glades.
- Amy, Tester. A progressing intermediate who wants gear that builds confidence without exhausting her legs.
- The wider crew. Intermediate resort skiers who give us the everyday-skier view.
