Stuck deciding between these Locators and the Dynastar M-Tour 99 for an all-around, variable condition touring ski in the Northern Rockies. Main characteristics I’m looking for:
- Still floats well enough in deeper snow
- Capable in steeper, technical terrain
- Not critical, but bonus points for more playfulness
Also open to other suggestions, these are just the two I’ve landed on!
Armada Locator 96 Ski
While out for a day in the mountains, it’s highly possible to find perfect powder up high, refrozen coral reef in the middle, and slush at the bottom. This variety of conditions necessitates a versatile tool, which describes the Armada Locator 96 to a “T” (and then some). Using their EST Freeride Rocker profile (rocker in the tip and a flat tail), Armada has ensured that the Locator 96 floats well in the soft stuff without sacrificing much on harder snow. To help with longevity, Armada employs their Comp base, which combines UHMW polyethylene and carbon for durability against rock strikes while billy-goating through rocky terrain. Finally, TI Binding Dampener is on hand to smooth over those teeth-rattling descents down frozen coral. Whether skiing powder, hard snow, or anything in between, the Locator 96 is designed to be a versatile tool for whatever the day holds.
- EST Freeride Rocker combines a rockered/tapered tip, camber underfoot, and a flat tail, providing reliability in all conditions.
- Comp base is UHMW polyethylene and carbon, helping to keep the bases durable and gliding smoothly over the snow.
- 1.7mm Lightweight edges provide excellent durability while keeping the weight down.
- Caruba core provides damping without adding unnecessary grams.
- TI Binding Dampener combines rubber and Titanal under the binding, helping keep the vibrations down whilst traversing frozen sastrugi.
| Specifications | |
| Lengths (cm) | 157, 164, 171, 178, 185 |
|
Weight |
1160g [157] 1260g [164] 1315g [171] 1410g [178] 1440g [185] |
| Weight (pair) | 2320g [157] 2520g [164] 2630g [171] 2820g [178] 2880g [185] |
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|
124-96-114 [157] 125-96-115 [164] 126-96-116 [171] 127-96-117 [178] 128-96-118 [185] |
|
Turn |
18m [157] 19m [164] 20m [171] 21m [178] 22m [185] |
|
Skin |
Armada AR Bat Tail Self Center |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Early tip rise, camber underfoot, flat tail |
|
|
Tapered/rockered tip, flat tail |
|
|
Ti binding dampeners plus carbon reinforcement meld dampness and energy |
|
|
Caruba |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Daily ski touring |
| Notes | Comp series bases incorporate carbon for glide and longevity |
| Bottom Line | Do-it-all ski with a freeride twist |
| Compare to other Mid-fat Skis | |
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Questions & Reviews
11/29/2023
11/29/2023
Ben,
Shoot us an email at help@skimo.co and we can go more in-depth.
I've skied both, and both would be great options for what you're looking for. Both I would consider pretty much equal in float. I haven't gotten the chance to ski either in steeps, but I suspect they would be about equal. Both are also playful in their own way. The Locator is very energetic, and likes to slash turns. The M-Tour feels a bit damper but still pretty energetic.
Shoot us an email at help@skimo.co and we can go more in-depth.
I've skied both, and both would be great options for what you're looking for. Both I would consider pretty much equal in float. I haven't gotten the chance to ski either in steeps, but I suspect they would be about equal. Both are also playful in their own way. The Locator is very energetic, and likes to slash turns. The M-Tour feels a bit damper but still pretty energetic.
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10/25/2023
I’m looking for a ski similar to the WNDR Alpine Vital 100 camber but a bit lighter. I am 6’, 210 pounds and just want something I can use for longer days and steeper lines when the snow gets firm and chalky and that I can at least survive on when it’s refrozen and icy. Does this ski feel similar to the vital 100? Or do you have any other recommendations that might fit what I’m looking for? I have a pair of the k2 dispatch 101 that i skied one time, but they offered a refund for durability issues.
10/27/2023
Hi Ammon, the Locator 96 is a good option for you. It's stiff and cambered enough for good confidence on harder snow but springy and poppy when you carve like the Vital 98/100. Enough tip rocker and width for softer snow and powder, too! Go for at least the 178cm at your height and weight.
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9/1/2023
very interesting ski, do you know how it compares to the black crow camox? the armada is a bit lighter but the camox might be better suited for hard snow. I'm looking for a one ski quiver for continental Europe condition: a ski that can handle compact/hard snow in steep mountaineering terrain but also something to have fun in fresh pow
9/1/2023
Hi filippo, per Black Crows' site, the Camox "... is known for its forgiveness and playfulness. Its progressive flex makes it a great ski for progression ..." The Armada Locator 96 is a stiffer and more stable platform, so I'd characterize it as better on the kinds of compact and hard snow in non-forgiving terrain that you're describing. It's still got the width and enough tip rocker to handle deeper fresh snow, too.
9/2/2023
Thanks for the comparison
how does the locator 96 compare with the new blizzard zero g 95, it’s lighter and seems a good alternative in European kind of terrain
how does the locator 96 compare with the new blizzard zero g 95, it’s lighter and seems a good alternative in European kind of terrain
9/2/2023
The Zero G 95 (newest 2023 version) is stiffer overall, the middle and tails in particular. It's got a fairly traditional cambered shape and has less tip rocker than the Locator 96. Good for steeps and harder snow.
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12/14/2022
How would you compare this in a 178 to the Fischer Hannibal 96 in a 176? Looks like the Armada weighs a bit more so I'm mostly curious about the downhill comparison. I'm searching for a daily driver to use in Colorado when I'm not sure what the snow conditions will be.
12/14/2022
Hi Matt,
The Fischer Hannibal has the edge on stability, while the Locator is more playful and maneuverable. Both of them would make for great daily drivers, it just depends on your skiing style! More trees and butters and I'd recommend the Locator. If you just like skiing fast in open terrain, I'd recommend the Hannibal.
The Fischer Hannibal has the edge on stability, while the Locator is more playful and maneuverable. Both of them would make for great daily drivers, it just depends on your skiing style! More trees and butters and I'd recommend the Locator. If you just like skiing fast in open terrain, I'd recommend the Hannibal.
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11/23/2022
Are the weights (178cm) on these and the 104 version verified?
Armada's numbers are different (1375g) for this ski, but the same (1450g) for the 104, but another review calls the 104 "more than 1500g"
Armada's numbers are different (1375g) for this ski, but the same (1450g) for the 104, but another review calls the 104 "more than 1500g"
11/23/2022
Hi Jim,
These weights as well as those for the 104 are verified. We weigh a handful of each and take the average weight. Because wood, a natural material, is used, weights can vary. You can always check for "Specs Verified = Yes" at the bottom of the Specifications section.
These weights as well as those for the 104 are verified. We weigh a handful of each and take the average weight. Because wood, a natural material, is used, weights can vary. You can always check for "Specs Verified = Yes" at the bottom of the Specifications section.
Answer this question:
9/7/2022
It seems that most skis in this weight class do not have any metal under the binding, is that true? The rubber + titanal combo appears to be a standout feature of this ski.
9/8/2022
Hey Dan, many skis do have titanal under the binding and all have rubber for dampening. With that said, the Locator series is a fun, versatile ski that is confident at high speeds.
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