The Armada Tracer 108, a standout model from the 2019 Armada lineup, has carved a niche for itself as a versatile and playful ski, adept both in the backcountry and within resort boundaries. During the past season, extensive testing of the Tracer 108, paired with the Fritschi Tecton 12 bindings, spanned across diverse terrains – from the backcountry of Colorado’s Front Range to the groomed slopes of Taos. This review delves into the performance of the Tracer 108, highlighting why it’s a compelling option for skiers seeking a blend of lightweight agility and robust stability.
Powder Performance of the 2019 Armada Tracer 108
The allure of powder snow is undeniable for any skier, and the question arises: how does the 2019 Armada Tracer 108 handle these coveted conditions? While skis, inanimate as they are, can’t “enjoy” skiing powder, the experience on the Tracer 108 in 12 inches of fresh snow was undeniably enjoyable.
For a ski of its waist width, the Tracer 108 exhibits above-average floatation. At a height of 5’8” and a weight of approximately 155 lbs, tip dive was not an issue in up to a foot of powder. Although personal preference often leans towards powder skis in the 185-190 cm range, the 180 cm Tracer 108 proved to be a reliable touring companion on days promising fresh snowfall. For primarily in-bounds use, the 188 cm version might be even more suitable.
Luke Koppa skiing 2019 Armada Tracer 108 skis in Cameron Pass Colorado powder
The Tracer 108 doesn’t boast an extremely high tip splay or an exaggerated tip rocker, yet it planes effectively and feels remarkably maneuverable, particularly in the tight, tree-filled backcountry terrain typical of Colorado winters. While it may not offer the same level of pivoty and loose feel as reverse camber skis, its flotation and pivotability in powder are commendable, especially considering its performance in less-than-ideal snow.
Navigating Soft Chop with the 2019 Armada Tracer 108
Encountering soft chop, whether it’s backcountry tracks or resort snow, is a common skiing scenario. The 2019 Armada Tracer 108 maintains predictability and intuitiveness in these conditions. However, it’s not designed as a hard-charging ski. Weighing just under 1900 grams in the 180 cm length and featuring a moderately stiff flex pattern, the Tracer 108 performs optimally with a lighter, more dynamic skiing style in soft, chopped snow.
2019 Armada Tracer 108 ski review in Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico
For skiers who prefer a more relaxed pace in chop, the Tracer 108’s design is advantageous. Its generous sweet spot enhances balance and control, crucial for a lightweight 50/50 ski. When skiing in resorts on lighter skis like the Tracer 108, adjusting skiing intensity is expected compared to heavier, dedicated in-bounds skis.
For a 50/50 ski, prioritizing predictability and intuitive handling over extreme stiffness is often preferable. The Tracer 108 excels in providing consistent performance, even when conditions become challenging, without demanding absolute precision from the skier.
Groomed Slope Performance of the 2019 Armada Tracer 108
Given its powder prowess, expectations for the 2019 Armada Tracer 108 on groomed runs were moderate. However, testing at Taos revealed the ski’s impressive versatility extending to corduroy carving.
When tilted onto its edge, the Tracer 108 feels surprisingly strong, particularly around the binding area. It confidently executes medium to large radius turns on relatively soft groomers, maintaining edge hold as long as the surface remains consistent and smooth.
However, as groomers become tracked out and bumpy, the Tracer 108’s limitations become more apparent. On uneven groomed surfaces at higher speeds, the tips can be deflected. This is a common trait among lighter skis, where added weight typically enhances stability. Nevertheless, the Tracer 108’s stability remains comparable to other skis in its weight class.
Mogul Handling with the 2019 Armada Tracer 108
Moguls represent the terrain where the Tracer 108’s performance is less exceptional. In softer bumps, it felt somewhat sluggish. While still forgiving, particularly in the tails, the edge-to-edge quickness felt less responsive compared to other skis of similar weight and rocker profiles.
For skiers prioritizing bump forgiveness over rapid zipper line skiing, the Tracer 108 remains a viable option. Notably, it excels in steep terrain where slower, more deliberate movements are required, contrasting with the demands of quick mogul skiing.
Playfulness of the 2019 Armada Tracer 108
Despite its directional design, the 2019 Armada Tracer 108 stands out in the 50/50 category due to its playful nature. It features a forgiving, rounded flex pattern and ample tip and tail rocker, facilitating easy turn release. While best skied with a forward stance, the Tracer 108’s tips and tails offer pop on jumps and allow for effortless speed checks and slashing through powder stashes.
Playful 2019 Armada Tracer 108 skis demonstrated by Luke Koppa in backcountry
In the evolving 50/50 ski market, options for playful backcountry skis remain somewhat limited. With Atomic’s Backland FR 109 replaced by the more touring-focused Backland 107, the Tracer 108’s playful character becomes even more distinctive in the 50/50 segment. While not a freestyle ski, its design caters to a more relaxed and less aggressive skiing style than many other directional 50/50 skis.
Who is the 2019 Armada Tracer 108 For?
The Tracer 108 is ideally suited as a true 50/50, one-ski quiver, particularly for regions like Colorado and Utah. While not excelling in any single domain, its consistent performance across diverse terrains and conditions makes it a reliable all-rounder – a key attribute for a one-ski setup.
For skiers prioritizing ultimate stability at high speeds over playfulness, stiffer and burlier ski options are available. However, for those seeking a ski that transitions seamlessly between resort and backcountry, offering predictability and a playful feel, the Tracer 108 is an excellent choice. Its predictable nature is particularly valuable for touring in variable conditions. The weight strikes a balance, being light enough for touring yet substantial enough for demanding resort skiing.
Bottom Line on the 2019 Armada Tracer 108
Revisiting Armada’s description of the Tracer 108 from 2019 Armada: “For 18/19 we’re still focused on a stable and predictable ski in versatile conditions, but added subtle rocker and taper regions to keep the Tracer series nimble and playful when you want to have a little fun.”
Extensive time on the Tracer 108 validates this description almost perfectly. It’s a consistently predictable ski across varied conditions, remarkably stable for its weight, and more agile and playful than many directional skis in its category. The 2019 Armada Tracer 108 successfully delivers on its promise of versatile performance and playful handling, making it a strong contender for skiers seeking a do-it-all ski.
