2025 Armada Reliance 88 C

The Armada Reliance 88 C is a highly versatile, on-piste professional that draws quite the crowd thanks to its ease of use, lightweight nature, and energetic performance. Though sometimes overlooked by the Ti versions, it’s safe to say the Reliance skis appeal to more skiers given the friendlier build and higher level of forgiveness. Those looking for stability on groomers with great carving capabilities in an all-mountain shape will love the supportive flex pattern and confidence-building nature of this ski. While more aggressive skiers will turn to the TI option, intermediate level skiers who prefer slower or more moderate speeds will benefit greatly from the accessibility and reliability of the 88 C.

New for this season, Armada is moving away from caruba and implementing poplar wood in the core to reach a higher level of dampness and density. This alteration also changes the flex pattern slightly, giving it more stiffness and power. What really puts this ski into its own category is the use of carbon stringers, which provides amazing energy, quickness and responsiveness. Combined with the poplar, the overall feel is nice and balanced, with a high level of performance without it feeling demanding or fatiguing. The thin core goes quite a ways in increasing the bendiness of the ski, allowing lighter weight or less aggressive skiers to flex the ski with ease, receiving quicker feedback and enhanced management. Though it is lightweight and peppy, it holds its own on firmer conditions, with impressive edge grip and stiffness. According to Samantha Jolly, the 88 C is “really good for everyday rippers. Can cut through a little bit of snow. Stable and aggressive skis.” Proving how versatile it is, despite the lighter, less demanding build, the 88 C can tackle a bit of everything.

As for the shape, we continue to see consistency each year, which goes to show its success. A narrower yet highly versatile width waist of 88 mm underfoot is bookended by 126 mm tip and 108 mm tail in the 152 length. Weighing in at 1350 grams and with a 15.7 meter turn radius, it’s easy to see why this ski would be easy to flick around. Intuitive and predictable on-piste, if you’re venturing into soft snow, the slight tip rocker allows for off-piste performance. Traditional camber underfoot with an emphasis on directional skiing, it most certainly shines when casually skiing groomers and making smooth, round turns.

Progressing skiers in the intermediate realm will gravitate to the Armada Reliance 88 C for its forgiving nature, lightweight maneuverability and well-rounded personality. More aggressive skiers looking for a higher performance ski have the option of the Ti version, but we’ve found that skis like the 88 C reach a wider audience of skiers who simply want to boost their confidence and enjoy frontside terrain with predictability and ease.