Armada’s TSTw is the ultimate intro to rockered technology skis for women, and it makes for a fun, easy, breezy all-mountain ski for the more experienced ladies.
The Overview
Rockered skis can look a bit intimidating to some women, yet unless you’ve been living under a rock you’ve heard about the benefits of a rockered technology for both powder and all-mountain skiing. Clearly, at this point, that technology isn’t going anywhere, it’s only being further developed with each coming year. So, what to do? You may be an intermediate to advanced skier who is looking to purchase your first rockered skis, or perhaps you’re extremely advanced and looking for a fun, playful and lightweight all-mountain ski. The TSTw meets the demands of a variety of different skier’s needs, thanks to its large rockered tip and stiffer tail with minimal rocker, reduced sidecut and traditional camber underfoot—allowing for quick edge to edge and carving performance— plus, lightweight materials and smart construction make skiing any terrain in any conditions fun and efficient for women.
Note: To avoid confusion when purchasing, reading this website or speaking with ski shop professionals it’s important to note that rockered and early rise mean the same thing.
The Test
I first got on these skis last Spring (2012) at Freeskier Magazine’s annual ski test.
[Editor’s Note: Our review was conducted on the 12/13 TSTw, which was not changed for 13/14, 14/15, 15/16 or 16/17, except for the graphics.]
Conditions were mostly warm and sunny, so naturally groomers were skiing best. The TSTw had me from first turn, they could easily set an edge and carve, thanks to the skis shortened sidecut and traditional camber underfoot. It felt as if I could bust out a 360 at any given moment because of the lightweight materials used.
Although the tails are a tad stiffer and contain less early rise than the tips, they still allowed you to throw the skis sideways in case of an emergency stop or speed check. This season (2013), I got to test them in trees on a powder day at Aspen Mountain, and dang were they fun! They are just as responsive in deep snow as on hardpack. I could quickly maneuver if I wanted to or hold onto a nice turn for a while and them whip the skis around quickly when needed. And they floated like any reputable powder ski should.
Rating
5 (out of 5)
Design: Armada stepped out as technological game changer a decade ago and continues to stay ahead of the curve. While the shape and construction (rockered tip, stiff tail and traditional camber underfoot) of these skis are fun for both men and women, it’s Armada’s use of lightweight, but stiff materials that truly resonate with female skiers. +1
Style: I’ve got to admit Armada doesn’t always nail the ladies graphics, but the 2013 TSTw graphics are purple (and who doesn’t love purps?) and reminiscent of the Northern Lights meets the Pyramids of Giza. Pretty hip if you ask me. +1
Durability: Cap construction in the tip and tail, plus carbon and Kevlar stringers in the tail (for enhanced stiffness, pop and durability) and edges are heat-treated to increase their life.
Performance: What more can I say, the TSTw’s do everything beautifully. Because they are lightweight and have a reduced swing rate (ability to get the skis around) I would even suggest them as a touring ski, since they can perform well in all conditions and the construction/materials conserve much-needed energy. +1
Innovation (swapped for non-applicable Comfort category): Rockered tip, a stiffer tail and matched reduced sidecut and camber are all the rage with ski manufacturers right now, as the perfect one-quiver ski, but not everyone is necessarily doing it right. Armada’s TST and TSTw are among the few leading the charge and maintaining impeccable design and construction. +1
Buy Armada TSTw.
