Armada Declivity 92 Ti Review

This is a powerful ski that takes a strong skier to pilot – a layer of titanal on top of a coruba core provides a stiff, progressive flex laterally while a sidewall that runs the length of the ski adds maximum torsional rigidity. Despite its versatility and high-performance ratings in all of our test metrics, our test team agrees that the Declivity 92 Ti is best suited for advanced- and expert-level skiers.

Performance Comparison

Stability at Speed

The Declivity 92 Ti remains poised and agile at high speed, regardless of snow conditions or terrain. Even with a smaller sweet spot than many other skis we tested, one of our testers aptly commented that this ski “seems to have the personality of a GS ski”. The Declivity 92 Ti stays connected to the snow, even through divots and undulating terrain, and maintains supreme composure at any speed.

The 100% coruba core is relatively simple compared to the complex blends other brands are using, but the articulated titanal banding – what Armada dubs ATB technology – is fairly unique. The combination of titanal and elastomer helps reduce chatter, although a few of our testers still noticed some tip rattle that they could feel vibrating into the forebody of the ski. They noted, however, that any vibrations are minor, especially compared to other comparable skis we tested.

Carving Ability

Armada delivers a carving monster with the award-winning Declivity 92 Ti. The heat-treated edge is sensitive, and a full-length sidewall provides consistent edge hold. These features, melded with the relatively stiff, progressive flex of the core deliver the type of energy that had us craving the next carved turn.

The AR100 Sidewall is thicker underfoot and tapers towards the tip and tail, which allows for easier turn initiation but a strong grip underfoot. The additional torsional rigidity of the full-length sidewall amplified our team's confidence to tip the Declivity 92 Ti way over on its edge.

Turn Radius

With a stated 18-meter turn radius, this ski isn't in the same ballpark as the radius of a Giant Slalom ski, even if it sometimes felt that way at speed. More like a slalom ski, the Declivity 92 Ti exited turns just as smoothly as it entered them. It was incredibly quick edge-to-edge, with a very precise feeling when it hooked up to start the turn. Thanks to the tapered sidewall, it then finished turns exactly where you wanted.

Powder Performance

Armada designed the Declivity 92 Ti to “excel in a wide spectrum of conditions with enough rocker to float in the deep.” For seasoned powder skiers, our testers agree that there is just enough rocker and width in the tip to push through the deep stuff. The ski flexes and reacts in a predictable way, even if the top sheets were generally lost underneath the fluff.

With its tendency to sink in deep powder, the Declivity 92 Ti required aggressive maneuvers to keep it closer to the surface. While expert skiers will be able to pivot this ski through powder, it will be much more difficult for intermediates due to the relatively small sweet spot in the shovel.

Waist Width

We're impressed with the versatility of Armada's modern all-mountain ski. Even with its relatively narrow waist width, the Declivity 92 Ti performs admirably in soft snow and even in deep powder. There are always compromises in ski design, but this ski's tip shape and progressive flex provided just enough float to keep the good times rolling.

Crud Performance

Armada's Articulated Titanal Banding (ATB) technology helps the Declivity 92 Ti crush through ugly snow. The combination of titanal and elastomers dampen the ride without eliminating rebound energy. Many companies are incorporating these specific types of material blends into the cores of their skis, including other skis in our lineup.

Armada claims that their ATB technology equates to “more horsepower with a livelier response” – our testers absolutely agree with this description. The best example of this is when the Declivity 92 Ti transitions from easy-going to difficult conditions. Despite the change in the snow surface, you can keep doing exactly what you want to instead of having to respond to what the ski dictates. In a word, one of our testers described the Declivity 92 Ti as “agile” through crud.

Terrain Playfulness

Armada's proprietary EST All MTN Rocker – which tailors the hybrid rocker-camber profile to a tapered sidecut – keeps the Declivity 92 Ti playful and fun through terrain of all kinds. However, the skis' small sweet spot underfoot requires at least an advanced skier to unlock its potential. Even though it's more difficult to make shorter-radius or pivoted turns with this ski, it's still possible with enough athleticism. Even though smearing turns takes some focus, it's still very doable and speaks to the balanced nature of this ski.

When it came to skiing moguls, one tester suggested that a skier could just ram it into bumps and have enough faith in the design that you'll be able to deal with the outcome. Now that might sound a bit ridiculous, but it's true that the combination of design and technology makes the Declivity 92 Ti well-poised to deal with rapid change. It's particularly deft in the air and lands with grace. The front of the ski is supportive enough if you happen to land a little too far forward, while the tail is forgiving enough if you end up in the backseat.

Should You Buy the Armada Declivity 92 Ti?

Armada's description of the Decilvity 92 Ti as a “modern all-mountain ski with serious frontside ambitions” resonates with our collective experience after testing this ski. It is exceptionally good at carving, is remarkably solid in powder for a 92-millimeter ski, and busts through crud with ease, yet is playful enough to find the fun in any terrain. Although it is a bit more expensive than similar skis in our lineup, the Declivity 92 Ti is a must-consider for the aggressive, advanced- to expert-level skier who enjoys exploring the whole mountain.

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