The 2027 Armada ARV 116 JJ UL with Marker Griffon 13 ID Bindings is the ultralight take on the iconic ARV 116 JJ, a backcountry-friendly powder twin whose Caruba core trims serious weight from the original. Built for skiers who hike for their turns, slash through the deep, and launch off everything in sight, this freestyle powder ski floats and surfs like its heavier sibling while swinging far easier underfoot. We paired the ARV 116 Jj Ul with the Marker Griffon 13 ID because of the Griffon’s precision and reliability for all mountain and freeride skiers. With a robust construction and all the best tech, the Griffon 13 is a popular high-performance binding choice for wider-bodied skis for good reason.

Why we like it:

It is hard to overstate how playful a fat powder twin becomes once it weighs this little. All the surf and flotation of the standard 116 JJ stays intact, yet the ski pivots and slashes like something far smaller, which throws open tree runs, backcountry laps, and freestyle pow lines alike.

Who it's for:

This one suits advanced and expert powder hounds chasing a freestyle-leaning twin that travels light enough for the skin track. Tourers, storm-day hikers, and anyone after a lower-effort big-snow tool will feel right at home on it.

Highlights:

A 116 mm waist carries the float, while Caruba, Armada's lightest core wood, delivers snappy rebound without the heft of a standard layup, so the UL rides dramatically lighter than the base 116 JJ yet keeps the same surfy attitude. Smear Tech bevels the base in three dimensions at the tip and tail, shedding snow, resisting hooks in crud, and self-centering in the deep so takeoffs feel almost uncatchable. Lightweight Edge trims swing weight further, the Laminate Matrix layup adds strength without bulk, and an S7 sintered base over AR75 sidewalls rounds out a build that skis well above its scale weight. As we’ve come to expect from Marker, there’s no shortage of tech packed into the Griffon 13 binding. Marker’s Triple Pivot Elite Toe and Inter-pivot 3 Freeride Heel systems work in tandem to provide improved edge grip and control, as well as helping to mitigate vibrations for a smooth ride. A cleverly placed anti-ice rail sits on top of the toepiece and can be used to scrape off those pesky clumps of snow and ice that accumulate on the sole of your boot. With Multinorm (MN) boot compatibility, the Griffon 13 is a versatile and reliable choice for a huge range of skiers and applications.

Things to consider:

All that weight savings costs a little stability when the snow turns firm and fast. Heavier, harder-driving skiers who like to open it up on hardpack will be better served by a beefier freeride plank.

Fit & sizing considerations:

Thanks to the rocker, the running length comes up a touch short of the stated number, so feel free to size up when you want more surface area underfoot in deep snow.