2027 Armada AntiMatter 108

By taking a proven shape and design and incorporating new construction techniques, the 2027 Armada AntiMatter 108 is a big mountain ski with a fall line preference. With the new AntiMatter construction taking over many of the new models, Armada didn’t seem to want to mess with this fun-loving freeride shape. As such, the 108 keeps the footprint and adds the new bells and whistles when it comes to the build. We’ve always enjoyed and been intrigued by the shape and intent of these skis as they have a very long turn radius and very long rocker profiles. The skis feel very intuitive and easy to turn in fresh and deep snow, but the stronger construction lets you know that you are indeed at the mercy of an expert level ski. Ideally suited for experienced freeride skiers, the AntiMatter 108 is an awesome choice for those who like to point the tips down the mountain and just go.

Length176 · 184 · 191cm

Side cut

130/108/121 mm

at 184 cm length

Turn radius

24 m

at 184 cm length

Recommended terrain: Freeride, Powder, Big Mountain
Ability level: Advanced, Expert
Rocker profile: Rocker/Camber/Rocker
Construction: Poplar Wood Core, Titanal

The build adds some mystery and intrigue here, as Armada uses a new metal laminate technology to power these skis. Instead of the Articulated Titanal Banding that we’ve had for a few years, AntiMatter 108 uses Speedmetal to deliver damping and smoothness. These layers of titanal are a bit narrower than full-width, allowing for a solid spine and a more floaty and free feeling perimeter. You still get the benefits of straight-line stability but now the skis are easier to shift and smear in more lateral fashions. AntiMatter 108 still uses a poplar wood core and tips the scales at 2175 g/ski in the 184. They’re on the stiff side as well, but that’s going to be helpful when you’re hitting top speeds in the more open zones of the mountain.

The Rocker / Camber / Rocker profile of the 2027 Armada AntiMatter 108

By using the same proven shape that we’ve seen in the Declivity 108 over the years, Armada sticks to what works. Mainly, that’s the 24-meter turn radius in the 184. If you head up to the 191, then you’re getting a 26-meter arc. This makes smearing and steering very smooth and easy despite the weight. If you’re a stronger and more balanced skier, you can get these things sideways pretty easily. Just don’t expect them to turn or carve at anything less than faster speeds. That long arc needs more finesse and pressure. With measurements of 130/108/121, we see a relatively straight cut with minimal tip to tail taper. That makes the skis very floaty and drifty and not at all catchy. It’s all due to this proven shape and profile with longer and lower rocker to go along with a pontoon-style look to it.

If you want something to motor through anything in its way this is your ski, deep heavy pow to spring slush I bet this thing easts it alive.

Marcus Shakun

Ideally suited to advanced and expert skiers who like deeper snow and more creative skiing, the new Armada AntiMatter 108 is incredibly fun, but it does have preferences to skier and terrain and snow conditions. If it doesn’t all line up, it can feel like a bit of a handful, but in the proper environment, the AntiMatter 108 is an absolute blast that can handle all types.

Tester Reviews

3 testers reviewed the 2027 Armada AntiMatter 108

tester:

Ben Grunow

Ability: Expert
Height: 511'0"
Weight: 200
Days / Year: 30-50
Age: 42
Years Skiing: 40

Fun

Ski:

2027 Armada AntiMatter 108 Skis

Size Tested:

184 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Gondola granular.

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 felt very short for its size.

Scores

Floatation:7/10

Stability:6/10

Quickness:4/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:6/10

Edge Grip:2/10

Versatility:3/10

Overall:4/10

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

My first impression was that the ski felt a bit uneven in its flex pattern, with a softer, more forgiving tip and a noticeably stiffer tail. It felt easy to initiate turns, but required a more centered stance to stay balanced, especially at speed. The overall feel suggested that it would come alive more in softer snow than on firm, hard-packed terrain.

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

I would recommend this ski primarily for powder and softer snow conditions, as well as some mixed off-piste terrain. It performs well in these environments because the softer tip helps it float, stay on top of the snow, and initiate turns more easily in deep or variable conditions. The stiffer tail provides support and control through the end of the turn, which helps maintain stability and direction once the ski is engaged in softer snow.

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

This ski is best suited for intermediate to advanced skiers who are comfortable skiing in a more centered stance and adapting to a ski with a directional flex. It works well for skiers who spend time in softer snow and prefer a ski that is easy to maneuver in powder while still offering enough support to finish turns confidently. A more deliberate, balanced style will help maximize its performance, especially when conditions are soft and variable.

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

tester:

Marcus Shakun

Ability: Expert
Height: 6’ 5”
Weight: 225
Days / Year: Atleast 50+
Age: 46
Years Skiing: 28 years…learned as a kid, but it was when I went to college in VT at 18 skiing Smugglers Notch

Powerful but playful

Ski:

2027 Armada AntiMatter 108 Skis

Size Tested:

184 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe, Groomer, Hard ice surface with some granular snow.

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:9/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:5/10

Playfulness:5/10

Forgiveness:5/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:5/10

Overall:6/10

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

Its an absolute beast and takes some effort to get up on edge more so than anything I tested in the Freeride mid 100 category. If you want something to motor through anything in its way this is your ski, deep heavy pow to spring slush I bet this thing easts it alive. I took it for two runs to really try and get a feel and both I noticed it required speed and more effort. Once I got it on edge I could feel it’s power, but had to give it some attention to get it there.

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

Wide open groomers to get it up on edge and to the speeds it needs. Some open woods to power through the deep snow. It just wants to go and felt that it preformed better at speed. Didn’t have the right conditions for it to show off where it feels at home, but it was stable and reliable. It is a powerful ski and a bit wider so it wasn’t very versatile on the groomer testing grounds where it was very firm.

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

Expert free ride skier seeking out deeper snow or someone who likes to pin it in a variety of terrain/conditions!

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

Don’t let the name fool you this ski is very matter of fact, its not a mystery that its a "Big mountain charger".