2027 Armada AntiMatter 82

With a new graphic, the 2027 Armada AntiMatter 82 continues the trend of a high-powered, narrow, all-mountain ski that blurs the line between carving and versatility. The construction and shape carries forward into this year, but with AntiMatter’s name and style moving forward. This has always been an interesting ski as it fits in a very small category. For skiers who aren’t looking for a full-on front side ski but still want an amazing carver, this is the place to be. At the same time, if you’re interested in a narrow all-mountain ski that rips carves, you can certainly get an AntiMatter 82 and have an awesome time. With a strong build and a more traditional shape, this is a modern and progressive ski even though it’s been around for a few years now.

Length166 · 174 · 182cm

Side cut

128/82/110 mm

at 174 cm length

Turn radius

15.9 m

at 174 cm length

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

Built with a full poplar core, the AntiMatter 82 also gets two sheets of Articulated Titanal Banding laminates. By milling some of the metal out of the shovel in strips and replacing them with an elastomer material, Armada silences the ski even further and adds some torsional flexibility to the ski. Since part of the fun of skiing is getting the ski up on edge and having it bend through the turn, Armada’s keyed into this by allowing skiers to access easier performance. Make no mistake, though, these skis are still quite stiff and energetic, especially through the tails. You can certainly feel the rebound in the AntiMatter 82, and it takes a pretty good skier to access the entirety of the performance here. That said, the AntiMatter 82 isn’t terribly heavy, with the 182 sitting on the scale at a stated weight of 1725 g/ski. Part of the charm here is that the AntiMatter punches above its level when it comes to precision and performance without losing much in the way of versatility. There’s a lot of confidence here in a carved turn.

The Rocker / Camber / Rocker profile of the 2027 Armada AntiMatter 82

Thanks to the shape, we get to have an interesting discussion. Is this a front side ski masking as an all-mountain ski or is it the other way around? At 82 mm underfoot, it could certainly fit into the wide front side category, but the overall footprint is born from the wider skis in the AntiMatter/Declivity lines. This makes it more versatile than a race-inspired shape if you’re looking for all-mountain performance. Conversely, it’s narrower than many all-mountain skis, really all all-mountain skis, but it still carves incredibly well. We get a 16.4-meter turn radius in the 182, which is pretty short, but also really fun to hook into. Either way you choose to slice it, the narrow-bodied all-mountain ski will get the job done.

Enough edge grip to make some dynamic turns, but it's not punishing either. Kind of a nice level of forgiveness compared to a narrower, stiffer, more traditional frontside ski.

Jeff Neagle

This ski is a bit of a challenge to place in terms of ability level and skier style. Similar to the discussion on shape, it could be used by either a carving enthusiast or a versatile all-mountain skier, and neither would be wrong. That’s a big part of the appeal here—many skiers can hop on the AntiMatter 82 and have an absolute blast. I think the main strategy here is to not overthink it, rather just enjoy it.

Tester Reviews

5 testers reviewed the 2027 Armada AntiMatter 82

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 82 Skis

Size Tested:

174 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Pico, Vermont. Relatively firm packed powder groomer.

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 could go longer, but 174 is snappy and quick and fun!

Scores

Floatation:4/10

Stability:7/10

Quickness:7/10

Playfulness:6/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:7/10

Overall:7/10

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

The Antimatter 82 is a replica of the Declivity 82 Ti, but with a new name, and that's ok with me! This ski is a lot of fun on groomers. Enough edge grip to make some dynamic turns, but it's not punishing either. Kind of a nice level of forgiveness compared to a narrower, stiffer, more traditional frontside ski. Would be quick in the bumps too.

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 is mostly skiing groomers. It's quick edge to edge and makes really nice round turn shapes, even if you're skidding a little bit. That said, it's versatile enough that it could certainly act as an all-mountain ski, especially for someone in New England, the mid-Atlantic, midwest, etc.

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

I think it's approachable for an intermediate, although the sweet spot is probably an advanced skier who doesn't ski tremendously fast. If you prefer making pretty turns at more moderate speeds, it's fantastic!

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

I hope changing the name gives the skis more attention than Declivity ever got. They are better skis than the amount they sell would indicate.

tester:

Jonas Engle

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'4"
Weight: 135
Days / Year: ~50
Age: 24
Years Skiing: 22

Hard charging, but with lots of little breaks. I mostly chase where the snow is good and skiing is fun rather than particular terrain, although I do love a technical line. I am almost never in the park and would never touch a race course.

Ski:

2027 Armada Antimatter 82 Skis

Size Tested:

174 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe gondola, blue groomers with variable ice with some mixed-condition bumps, and stowe forerunner on steep, icy groomers.

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?

These felt like the right length for me, I appreciated the extra stability going a bit long for my height but would recommend most ski this true to size.

Scores

Floatation:4/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:7/10

Playfulness:4/10

Forgiveness:3/10

Edge Grip:10/10

Versatility:6/10

Overall:9/10

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

These punch dramatically above their price point as a mid-waist carving ski. The edge grip and steering is absurd, although mileage may vary on the driver.

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

These are for groomer terrain, although they can handle moguls in the hands of somebody with good technique.

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

Advanced skiers will enjoy these on piste as a great carving ski that’s not as demanding as a more aggressive, narrower carver, but it takes an expert with a dialed-in turn shape to get the most out of these. They want to be on edge and are fairly grabby, so you need to have the skills to handle that to not feel like you’re wrestling these.

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

These feel like a budget Kastle MX ski, with comparably incredible edge hold. They cut through ice like butter.