Armada Declivity 92 Ti Review
Our Verdict
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This Product
Armada Declivity 92 Ti | |||||
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Awards | Our Favorite Carving Ski | Best Overall Men's All-Mountain Ski | Best Bang for Your Buck | ||
Price | $799.95 at Evo Compare at 2 sellers | $850.00 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $409.00 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers | $467.46 at Amazon Compare at 4 sellers | $699.95 at REI Compare at 2 sellers |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | A versatile design makes for a well-accomplished all-mountain ski that excels in the art of the carve | This legendary ski will help you overcome any challenge the mountain puts in front of you | Strong, athletic skiers will be able to dance down the mountain on this powerful ski | A solid blend of performance and value for the intermediate-to-advanced skier | An eco-friendly, but slow-flexing core limits the performance of this otherwise versatile ski |
Rating Categories | Armada Declivity 92 Ti | Volkl M7 Mantra | Atomic Maverick 95 Ti | Salomon QST 92 | Dynastar M-Pro 94 Ti |
Stability at Speed (20%) | |||||
Carving Ability (20%) | |||||
Powder Performance (20%) | |||||
Crud Performance (20%) | |||||
Terrain Playfulness (20%) | |||||
Specs | Armada Declivity 92 Ti | Volkl M7 Mantra | Atomic Maverick 95 Ti | Salomon QST 92 | Dynastar M-Pro 94 Ti |
Length Tested | 188 cm | 184 cm | 180 cm | 184 cm | 178 cm |
Waist Width | 92 mm | 96 mm | 95 mm | 92 mm | 94 mm |
Dimensions (Tip-Waist-Tail Width) | 133-92-119 mm | 139-96-121 mm | 129-94.5-113 mm | 129-92-117 mm | 128-94-118 mm |
Turn Radius | 18 m | 17.9 m (calculated) | 19.3 m | 16 m | 17 m |
Available Lengths | 164, 172, 180, 188 cm | 163, 170, 177, 184, 191 cm | 172, 180, 188 cm | 152, 160, 168, 176, 184 cm | 154, 162, 170, 178, 186 cm |
Camber Profile | EST All Mtn Rocker | Tip/Tail Rocker | Tip/Tail Rocker | Tip/Tail Rocker | Progressive Rocker |
Manufacturer Claimed Weight per Pair | 8.5 lbs | 9.6 lbs | 7.9 lbs | 8.6 lbs | 7.9 lbs |
Core Material | Poplar, Elastomer, Titanal | Multilayer Woodcore, Tiitanal, Carbon Fiber | Poplar, Titanal | Poplar, Carbon/Flax, Titanal | Poplar, Titanal |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Updates for 2024-2025
We tested the 2023-2024 Declivity 92 Ti (left). For the 2024-2025 season, Armada released an updated version (right). Aside from new graphics, poplar wood replaces the coruba core used in the 23/24 model. Even though both are softwood cores, our experience is that poplar is slightly more energetic than coruba wood. Otherwise, geometry and other materials remain the same – Armada even claims that despite the change in core material, the flex pattern is unchanged. The two skis are likely very similar, and as a result, we may link to the new version based on availability.
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.
What Other Skis Should You Consider?
The Declivity 92 Ti is a beefy ski with a healthy dose of personality. It's not quite as stable as the similarly high-scoring Volkl Mantra M7, but it is slightly more fun. The Faction Agent 2 is another good alternative, particularly if you prefer a twin-tip ski, though it is nowhere near as stable or powerful as the other two skis. If you're a relatively newer skier or you're still developing your skills, the Salomon QST 92 is a more forgiving ski with more of an entry-level price tag.