2027 Armada AntiMatter 100

While it’s sad to see the Declivity X 102 go away, it’s even more exciting to see the 2027 Armada AntiMatter 100 come to life. With an updated shape and construction, this all-new ski leans a bit more to the creative and freeride side of the spectrum versus the outgoing model which blended some all-mountain into the mix. That’s pretty much gone now, with a more dramatic rocker profile, taper shape, and more central mount point. At the same time, the construction of the ski is still all there, providing burly and rugged construction to accompany a more drifty and smeary shape. This ski is certainly an advanced and expert level product for high-end skiers looking for versatility, performance, and fun.

Length168 · 175 · 182 · 189cm

Side cut

130/100/120 mm

at 182 cm length

Turn radius

17 m

at 182 cm length

Recommended terrain: All-Mountain, Freeride, Groomers
Ability level: Advanced, Expert
Rocker profile: Rocker/Camber/Rocker
Construction: Poplar Wood Core, Titanal, Sintered Base

The new construction from Armada isn’t all that different from Declivity. We still get a full poplar wood core and two sheets of titanal. This year, though, for AntiMatter 100, they use Speed Metal instead of Articulated Titanal Banding. Speed Metal uses two narrower layers of metal that run tip to tail to increase the longitudinal smoothness while boosting the lateral freedom of the ski. We also get full sidewalls here for increased edge grip on firmer snow. While Armada doesn’t list their weights in the catalog as of yet, we can somewhat assume about a 2000 g/ski outcome in the 182 cm length based on other AntiMatter skis. they are not overly stiff or demanding due to the build, with a slightly softer shovel than underfoot and tail.

The Rocker / Camber / Rocker profile of the 2027 Armada AntiMatter 100

We are seeing massive differences in the shape and profile of these skis when compared to their predecessors. While the Declivity X 102 had a lower profile, a flatter feel, and a more directional nature, the new AntiMatter 100 is considerably more freeride oriented. There’s quite a bit of splay in both tips and tails to go along with a bit less camber underfoot. We also see increased taper at both ends and a rounder style shovel for increased playfulness. When that’s paired with a more centralized mount point, these skis are almost blurring the line between freeride and straight-up twin tip. The 182 utilizes measurements of 131/100/121 mm to generate an 18-meter turn radius. While the total taper drop is 10 mm, it overall feels like it’s more symmetrical than it’s ever been before.

These bad boys want to conquer the world.

Ashley Maxfield

This new AntiMatter 100 uses the shape of a wider freeride ski in a “narrower” format to give more of that creative feel for everyday skiing. It doesn’t have to be a bottomless powder day in order to enjoy a fun and playful ski shape. AntiMatter 100 provides skiers with the same sensations as wider and more buoyant skis but in a more comfortable width. The metal, weight, and innovative shape combine to put this ski into more of an advanced and expert realm, but if you’re an accomplished intermediate and want an entry level freeride ski, this would be a heck of a lot of fun.

Tester Reviews

8 testers reviewed the 2027 Armada AntiMatter 100

tester:

Josh Wolfgang

Ability: Expert
Height: 6 foot 1
Weight: 200
Days / Year: 50+ days
Age: 31
Years Skiing: 31

Playful

Ski:

2027 Armada Antimatter 100 Skis

Size Tested:

182 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Woods and groomers. Mixed conditions for sure.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Just right.

Scores

Floatation:8/10

Stability:6/10

Quickness:8/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:6/10

Versatility:6/10

Overall:6/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

If you like center mounted skis this is a great option for you. More progressive than a park twin it allows a versatile all mountain option for someone who likes going in all directions.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

All mountain / big mountain ski. 100 underfoot so needs a little snow to feel more at home.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Advanced. Requires you to initiate the turn and do the work.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

All mountain park skier type of ski.

tester:

Jose Darias

Ability: I'm A Pro
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 175
Days / Year: 100+
Age: 32
Years Skiing: 30

Fluid, powerful and charging; looking for natural takeoffs on freeride features

Ski:

2027 Armada Antimatter 100 Skis

Size Tested:

182 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Skied from the top of the gondola at Stowe down Perry Merrel. Jumped in and out of some ice moguls and even skied through the trees separating Perry Merrel and Gondolier, ending the run on the lower pitch of Gondolier.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

This ski feels true to length, I would be happy skiing this ski in a 182 as my personal ski.

Scores

Floatation:7/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:8/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

I’m very impressed with this ski! So far it’s my favorite ski from this years test. I was a big fan of the previous Declivity skis from Armada and this new Antimatter 100 is an incredible update. The shape is very playful with a very pivoty and forgiving rocker profile that encourages quick and smeary turns. The construction uses metal laminates with a thick wood core to provide a lot of stability and a damp feeling on the snow, especially the faster you ski. The skis have a great edge hold for a 100 waisted Freeride ski and encourage you to commit to a big radius, then when you have enough space to let them run. They’re super quick and easy to navigate though icy moguls and the small line I skied in the trees. It’s a super versatile and fun Freeride ski.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

This ski feels like you can take it pretty much anywhere but it’s a Freeride ski first, and an all mountain ski second. The more steep and exposed terrain you feed this ski the better. I wish we had the snow to ski Lookout or Goat to really push the shape and construction of this ski and air some features. I can tell right away that this is where this ski wants to be.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

An intermediate skier would be capable of skiing the Antimatter 100 but advanced to expert skiers will be happier and will unlock the full potential of this ski.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

It’s no surprise that Ben Richards has been winning so many Freeride World Tour events on the bigger brother, Antimatter 114, this season. The new line up from Armada is insanely good, it’s a winner for anyone trying to ski fast, air big features and still be playful and smooth while doing it.

tester:

Chris Patten

Ability: Expert
Height: 6’2
Weight: 185
Days / Year: Depends, this year I have about 100
Age: 22
Years Skiing: 20

Having fun where ever I am on the mountain

Ski:

2027 Armada Antimatter 100 Skis

Size Tested:

cm CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Gondola groomers, some bumps.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

I think this ski was pretty true to its size, I think you could go both to mid/high 170s and higher 180s and have the AntiMatter ski just as well.

Scores

Floatation:8/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:9/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:6/10

Versatility:9/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

I loved this ski. Skiing in the bumps - even though they are icey - you can feel the quick maneuverability and the playfulness of the ski. Apart from freeride, it has all mountain capability. I felt very stable on the harder pack. Where some skis might chatter, the Antimatter charges. I would like to test this ski in the steep and deep to discover more about it. But if it can ski this well on a day with variable conditions, I’m sure it would ski great.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Backside, trees, moguls, steep and deep. It can also rip up a groomer. I think it’s quick, playful, nature stemming from the poplar core with no metal in the tips allows for a quick fun turn. While the two sheets of metal both top and bottom underfoot gives the ski that much more power on harder packed terrain.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

This ski is easy to ski, I think it appeals to a larger scale of clients than some of its competitors like the Vera Cor. Anywhere from intermediate to the hardest charging skiers would have a great time on this ski.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

Really fun ski, I think this is a fantastic freeride option and it has the capability to be a one ski quiver. Would buy and would recommend.

tester:

Bob St.Pierre

Ability: Advanced
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 225
Days / Year: 110ish
Age: 48
Years Skiing: 38

A bit more rigid than I used to be but still trying to be dynamic, smooth, and fluid with varying degrees of success. Skis on the snow, these days.

Ski:

2027 Armada Antimatter 100 Skis

Size Tested:

182 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Skied at Stowe on a nice day with softer groomers and fun off-trail activities.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

This felt a bit short in this length, probably due to a more central and balanced feel. It's not quite as directional as the outgoing Declivity 102, so it does feel different.

Scores

Floatation:8/10

Stability:6/10

Quickness:8/10

Playfulness:7/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:5/10

Versatility:7/10

Overall:7/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

The AntiMatter 100 is a pretty far departure from the outgoing Declivity X 102 in terms of freeride feel. This 100 is a lot smearier and surfier than the X 102, bringing it into more of a creative and soft snow realm, even though it's slightly narrower. When you stand on the edge, it'll come around but there's nothing aggressive about how it pulls you into the turn--this is also a big difference from the slightly narrower AntiMatter 92.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

I love this ski in softer snow, tighter spaces, and trees! It's not quite as engaging on a groomer but the swervy shape make it a whole lot of fun in the woods and along the sides of the trails where drifting is a needed skill.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

The AntiMatter 100 could be used by a variety of skier levels and skier types. It's a well-rounded ski that is confident but not overly demanding, so an early advanced skier would have a good time using it as a softer snow option while a creative and aggressive expert will love finding out all the different things that this ski can do at a very high level.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

There's definitely a move here towards the wider and more freeride-oriented skis of this AntiMatter lineup. The 102 used to be more of a wide 92, now the new 100 is more of a narrower 108 and 115.

tester:

Jeff Neagle

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 165
Days / Year: 120-140
Age: 40
Years Skiing: 38

Flowing and Kind of Fast with Freestyle/Freeski Influence

Ski:

2027 Armada Antimatter 100 Skis

Size Tested:

182 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe, mostly groomers, but some off-piste terrain too.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Skis true to size. I liked the 182

Scores

Floatation:7/10

Stability:7/10

Quickness:8/10

Playfulness:7/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:7/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

The Antimatter 100 is a pretty interesting ski. There's a big difference between the 92 and the 100, in my opinion, and it all comes from the tip shape. This is kind of one of those reverse mullet skis. Party in the front, business in the back. The rockered, tapered tip does really well in a variety of snow conditions. Super easy to point the ski where you want it to go. It "steers" exceptionally well. Then the tail is much stiffer and has less rocker, so there's a decent amount of power behind you. It's relatively unique, but I think a lot of skier would like it a lot, especially if you like exploring different terrain.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

I think it's best for someone who goes against the grain, so to speak. If you like seeking out soft snow, new lines, technical terrain, etc, I think it's a really good choice. It doesn't have as much power or precision in the forebody, so you give up some groomer prowess in exchange for the versatility, but it's also not a bad ski on a groomer... just not the best.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

It does feel like an advanced or expert level ski just because the tail is pretty strong... and also I suppose because you have to be relatively engaged. You have to ski it and do all the things, it won't start a turn for you like some skis seem to.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

It's kind of the stepping stone ski between the more all-mountain 92 and the 114. If anything, the tip is more like the 114 than the 108, which is interesting.