Armada Tracer 118 Review For 2023

If you’re a backcountry skier looking for a ski that can handle deep powder, steep terrain, and variable conditions, you might want to check out the Armada Tracer 118. The Tracer 118 is a high-performance ski designed for advanced and expert skiers who crave the thrill of off-piste skiing. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the Armada Tracer 118, its features, pros and cons, and help you decide if this ski is right for you.

Armada Tracer 118

The Armada Tracer 118 is a ski that excels in deep snow and challenging terrain. It features Armada’s “Xrystal Mesh” technology, which enhances torsional stiffness while keeping the ski lightweight. The ski’s rocker-camber-rocker profile provides excellent floatation in powder and stability on hardpack. The Armada Tracer 118 comes in two versions: the “CHX” version, which has a carbon and kevlar layer for extra stiffness, and the “Blister” version, which has a fiberglass layer for a more playful feel.

Our Verdict

After testing the Armada Tracer 118, we found it to be an excellent ski for advanced and expert skiers who love to explore off-piste terrain. The ski’s floatation in powder and stability on hardpack are top-notch, and its Xrystal Mesh technology provides impressive torsional stiffness without adding weight. The CHX version is stiffer and more aggressive, making it ideal for hard-charging skiers, while the Blister version is more playful and forgiving. Overall, we highly recommend the Armada Tracer 118 for advanced skiers looking for a high-performance ski.

Price

The Armada Tracer 118 is not a cheap ski, with a retail price of around $900. However, its high-quality construction and advanced features justify the price for serious skiers looking for a top-of-the-line ski.

Why Choose Armada Tracer 118

Versatility: The Armada Tracer 118 is an all-mountain ski that is suitable for a variety of snow conditions. Whether you are skiing on groomed trails, fresh powder or tackling steep and deep terrain, the Armada Tracer 118 can handle it all.

Stability: The ski’s rockered tip and tail and camber underfoot provide excellent stability at high speeds, making it ideal for advanced skiers who want to push their limits.

Durability: The ski is constructed with a blend of materials, including carbon, fiberglass and wood, which make it lightweight, strong and durable. The Armada Tracer 118 is built to last, so you won’t have to worry about replacing your skis anytime soon.

Control: The ski’s flat tail and tip shape provide exceptional control, allowing you to make quick turns and adjust your speed with ease. The ski’s construction also helps to reduce chatter, which means you can ski with confidence.

Floatation: The Armada Tracer 118 has a wide waist, which provides excellent floatation in deep powder snow. The ski’s rockered tip and tail also help to keep you on top of the snow, making it easier to ski in deeper snow.

Maneuverability: The ski’s lightweight construction and rocker profile make it easy to maneuver through tight trees and narrow chutes. The ski’s shape also allows for quick and easy turns, making it ideal for skiing in more technical terrain.

Aesthetics: The Armada Tracer 118 has a sleek, modern design that looks great on the mountain. The ski’s graphics are also eye-catching and unique, making it easy to spot your skis in a crowded ski rack.

Brand reputation: Armada is a well-respected brand in the ski industry, known for producing high-quality skis that perform well in a variety of conditions. When you choose the Armada Tracer 118, you can trust that you are getting a ski that is backed by a company with a reputation for excellence.

Issues To Look Out For

Heavy weight: The Armada Tracer 118 Ski is a ski designed for powder skiing and backcountry adventures. However, with its wide waist and sturdy construction, it can be quite heavy compared to other powder skis. This can make it more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces and can lead to increased fatigue on longer runs.

Stiffness: The Armada Tracer 118 Ski has a relatively stiff flex, which can make it more difficult to initiate turns and can make it feel less playful than other powder skis. This stiffness can also make it more challenging to ski in variable conditions, as it may not absorb bumps and other obstacles as well as a softer ski.

Limited versatility: While the Armada Tracer 118 Ski excels in deep powder and backcountry terrain, it may not be the best choice for skiers who like to switch up their terrain frequently. Its width and stiffness can make it less suitable for groomed runs and hard-packed snow, which means it may not be the best choice for skiers who want a single ski that can handle a wide range of conditions.

Price: As a high-performance ski, the Armada Tracer 118 Ski comes with a high price tag. While it’s worth the investment for serious backcountry skiers and powder hounds, it may not be the best choice for skiers who only venture off-piste occasionally.

Size: The Armada Tracer 118 Ski comes in a limited range of sizes, which may make it difficult for some skiers to find the right fit. It’s important to choose the right size ski to ensure optimal performance and control, so it’s worth taking the time to find a shop that carries the right size for you.

Final Words

Overall, the Armada Tracer 118 is an excellent ski that offers advanced skiers the performance, floatation, and stability they need to tackle deep snow and challenging terrain. Its Xrystal Mesh technology, rocker-camber-rocker profile, and two versions, CHX and Blister, make it a versatile ski that can handle a variety of conditions. Although it comes with a high price tag and some durability concerns, the Armada Tracer 118 is an investment that serious skiers looking for a top-of-the-line ski won’t regret.

FAQs

Here are five possible FAQs:

Q: What is the Armada Tracer 118 Ski Best Suited For?

Ans: The Armada Tracer 118 is a powder ski designed for advanced to expert skiers who love deep snow and want to charge down the mountain. With a wide waist and rocker profile, it floats effortlessly in deep powder while still being responsive and stable at high speeds.

Q: Can the Armada Tracer 118 Ski Handle Other Types of Terrain Besides Powder?

Ans: While the Armada Tracer 118 ski is primarily designed for powder skiing, it can still handle other types of terrain such as crud and chopped up snow. However, it may not perform as well on hardpack or icy conditions due to its wider waist and rocker profile.

Q: What is the Construction of the Armada Tracer 118 Ski?

Ans: The Armada Tracer 118 ski has a full-length Poplar-Ash wood core, sandwiched between two layers of fiberglass and carbon fiber. This construction provides a balanced flex and durability, while the carbon fiber adds torsional stiffness for improved edge control and stability.

Q: What Sizes are Available for the Armada Tracer 118 Ski?

Ans: The Armada Tracer 118 ski is available in four sizes: 180cm, 188cm, 194cm, and 202cm. The ski has a progressive sidecut, meaning that the sidecut radius increases as the ski length increases. This allows for better turn initiation and control at higher speeds.

Q: What Type of Bindings Should I Use with the Armada Tracer 118 Ski?

Ans: The Armada Tracer 118 ski is compatible with most alpine touring and freeride bindings that have a brake width of 115mm or wider. However, it is recommended to consult with a certified ski technician to ensure that the bindings are properly mounted and adjusted for your specific skiing style and ability level.