ARV Ti
Armada was the first of the microbrew brands to realize the advantages of using an existing, state-of-the-art factory. Their decision to use some of Atomic’s excess capacity continues to pay off. Most small brands can’t afford to put metal in their skis and more than...Daemon
When you examine a pair of Black Crows Daemon’s base-to-base, you can’t help but notice the baseline is so rockered it could be marketed as “endless rocker.” How can a ski with so little snow contact manage to earn a solid overall score and high Power rating? The Daemon’s secret is its pre-bent shape means it’s arcing before you are. As long as the snow isn’t bulletproof, the full curve underfoot grips the snow from just behind the shovel to the very end.
Dictator 2.0
If there’s one word that captures the Dictator 2.0’s personality it’s “combi.” It feels quick edge to edge like a slalom, yet as you increase turn radius and speed, it morphs into a GS ski. No matter how you like to ski, you don’t have to change to love the Dictator 2.0. You can just go ski. Bob Gleason of Boot Doctors pinpoints the Dictator 2.0’s profile: “A bit more traditional in feel than other Faction models. Smooth and substantial. Strong at speed. Powerfully predictable yet not overbearing.”
Backland FR 102 W
In its prior life as the Century 102, the Backland FR 102 W offered the best cost/value relationship in the genre; last season, Atomic sweetened the deal. The addition of the Carbon Backbone adds more muscle and pop without any negative side effects. The Backland with a Backbone is still a superior choice for the lighter weight woman, such as a teenager getting her first off-trail ski.