Armada Locator 88 Ski
Built with the up and down in mind, the Locator 88 from Armada has turned into a surprise favorite here at Skimo Co. While not the lightest 88mm ski around, the Locator is far from heavy, much to the delight of weary legs on an epic day. Compared to other mountaineering skis, the Locator features low camber and an approachable flex pattern, allowing you to ski the ski instead of the other way around. The Ti Binding Dampener helps with binding retention while also smoothing over vibrations in rough snow. To keep the skins centered and behaving, the Locator 88 features Armada's AR Bat Tail design, ensuring the tail clip doesn't obnoxiously slide off the side of the tail. With a fun and versatile shape, the Armada Locator 88 is an excellent horse to add to your stable.
- EST All Mountain Rocker allows the Locator 88 to have excellent all-around mannerisms.
- Caruba Core keeps things light, allowing you to move quickly and efficiently.
- 1.7mm Lightweight Edge finds the balance between weight savings and durability.
- Comp Series Base is durable and will help fend off errant rock strikes.
- Ti Binding Dampener helps absorb vibration and keep the bindings securely attached to your ski.
- AR Bat Tail helps keep the tail clip centered and on your ski.
| Specifications | |
| Lengths (cm) | 152, 162, 172, 182 |
|
Weight |
1085g [152] 1165g [162] 1280g [172] 1375g [182] |
| Weight (pair) | 2170g [152] 2330g [162] 2560g [172] 2750g [182] |
|
|
114-88-107 [152] 115-88-108 [162] 117-88-109 [172] 118-88-110 [182] |
|
Turn |
18.5 [152] 19.5 [162] 20.5 [172] 21.5 [182] |
|
Skin |
Round tip, tail notch |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Rocker,camber, slight tail rocker |
|
|
Tapered/rockered tip, flat tail |
|
|
Ti binding dampener, comp base |
|
|
Caruba |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Glorious spring turns |
| Notes | TI binding dampener helps with binding retention and dampens vibration |
| Bottom Line | A pleasant ski for all hard snow missions |
| Compare to other Mid-fat Skis | |
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Questions & Reviews
My goodness folks, what a ski these are. For a company with a deep history in the freestyle skiing world, they sure did an excellent job with their entry into the fast and light game. Being a ski of this shape and nature they are easy on the up, but sometimes unlike a ski of this shape and nature, they perform really well on the down. They are easygoing, yet can be skied hard with little complaint. Kind of like a grizzly bear, they're not necessarily looking for a fight, but they're not afraid of one either. Being adaptable and complimented by a surprisingly damp ride, the Locator 88 is a great ski for a lot of skier types, turning types, terrain types, and snow types. That is a lot of types.. versatile? I'd say so. So versatile, that they have replaced the majority of my quiver and can handle my sometimes volatile skiing style. From the Shedhorn Race at Big Sky to my deepest day of the 23/24 season, I had these skis by my side. Now I wasn't even close to standing on the podium or floating at the very top of the seemingly endless snowpack that day, yet I sure did have a good time and these skis deserve a lot of the credit. Now, like Armada's athlete Tanner Hall and his ankles, break some speeds on both the up and down with the Locator 88s.
10/22/2024
Considering these or something similar... How did you size them? Have you skied any other compariables?
10/25/2024
Hey Scott! I went slightly short, 172cm and have been happy with the length. I am 6', 165lbs and have yet to feel limited by length. I feel that the Locator 88 is a great example of a ski that allows for prioritizing uphill efficiency through length, without sacrificing downhill performance.
I've skied about half a dozen very comparable skis. Although there are many gems performing similarly in this class, there is a reason I own Locator 88s and none of the others! Hard to argue with the price too.. Thanks!
I've skied about half a dozen very comparable skis. Although there are many gems performing similarly in this class, there is a reason I own Locator 88s and none of the others! Hard to argue with the price too.. Thanks!
Comment on this review:
9/10/2024
Hi, I know you don't stock the majesty superwolf or superwolf carbon but if you've had any experience with that ski could you compare it with the locator? Also what are your thoughts on the locator vs the MTN 91 and the Faction La Machine Micro?
Thanks
Thanks
9/13/2024
Hi Paul,
Unfortunately, I haven't spent time on the Superwolf, but after doing some reading on it, it sounds like a versatile, relatively traditional ski of moderate stiffness. The Locator is similar to that general description in a lot of ways, but I suspect that it is a little stiffer and might feel a little more energetic. It does have a longer turn radius than the Majesty, which I think makes it predictable, but also gives it a bit more appetite for speed if you try to ski the sidecut.
The MTN 91 is a narrower, slightly more firm-snow oriented version of the MTN 96, which we've really enjoyed. It is a nice friendly ski that will be approachable for many skiers. A great jack-of-all-trades ski, and pretty forgiving in the flex pattern. It is softer than the Locator, and not as speedy. The Faction La Machine Micro is of moderate stiffness and resembles the Locator in construction feel. However, it's much more rockered, so it will pivot and smear easier, and will float up better in powder. The Locator would be the more energetic ski to carve and will reward driving the tips, whereas the Faction will reward a more neutral stance and a more slashy style.
Unfortunately, I haven't spent time on the Superwolf, but after doing some reading on it, it sounds like a versatile, relatively traditional ski of moderate stiffness. The Locator is similar to that general description in a lot of ways, but I suspect that it is a little stiffer and might feel a little more energetic. It does have a longer turn radius than the Majesty, which I think makes it predictable, but also gives it a bit more appetite for speed if you try to ski the sidecut.
The MTN 91 is a narrower, slightly more firm-snow oriented version of the MTN 96, which we've really enjoyed. It is a nice friendly ski that will be approachable for many skiers. A great jack-of-all-trades ski, and pretty forgiving in the flex pattern. It is softer than the Locator, and not as speedy. The Faction La Machine Micro is of moderate stiffness and resembles the Locator in construction feel. However, it's much more rockered, so it will pivot and smear easier, and will float up better in powder. The Locator would be the more energetic ski to carve and will reward driving the tips, whereas the Faction will reward a more neutral stance and a more slashy style.
9/13/2024
Hi Paul,
A couple of us have been on the Superwolf (both versions). When tuned right (kinda finicky), it's decent on the frontside with the shorter radius and good edge hold, though it can be demanding in variable conditions. We felt the others you mentioned were better options, friendlier and better value.
A couple of us have been on the Superwolf (both versions). When tuned right (kinda finicky), it's decent on the frontside with the shorter radius and good edge hold, though it can be demanding in variable conditions. We felt the others you mentioned were better options, friendlier and better value.
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3/27/2024
I'm also interested in the comparison between Locater 88 and Black Crows Ova Freebird. And maybe throwing Ripstick Tour 88 into the conversation as well.
3/27/2024
Hi Frank! The Locator 88s are stiffer than the Ova, making them more precise and powerful on the down. This flex pattern is not overwhelming, however, and it is quite agreeable for the majority of skiers. Additionally, construction and shape differences make for a more damp ride on the Locator 88s while performing better across a range of conditions. The Ripstick Tour 88s are another excellent ski. Their shape lends to a tighter, quicker turn than the Locators which may allow for greater maneuverability. That is not to say the Locators are not a maneuverable ski, they just do not have as short of a turning radius. Ultimately, both are great skis, but hard to go wrong with the Locator 88!
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3/26/2024
How do these compare to the Voile HyperVectors? I'm also considering the Black Crows Ova. Overall looking for a relatively easy to ski spring ski that can handle some variable conditions. I'm currently on RMU Valhalla 107 Tours and love how they ski, but looking for something a little lighter and skinnier.
3/27/2024
Hi Emily! The Locator 88s will feel more precise and lively edge to edge when compared to the HyperVectors. These characteristics will be highlighted in firmer conditions. The HyperVectors will be better in softer snow, however the Locator 88s are no slouch. They ski quite well in a range of conditions and have proven to be a versatile option, even in variable snow. When compared to the Ova, the Locators will be a better overall ski on the down. They are a great ski and would be an awesome addition to your quiver!
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