Armada Trace 98 (2018)

New this season, the Trace 98 soared nearly to the top of the category. It’s both light and powerful, a stellar blend of pop and smoothness with groomer-grip that surprised some testers who were expecting Armada’s softer, jibbier skis of the past. Built with a lightweight wood core—heavier hardwoods underfoot—carbon-fiber reinforcements, a stabilizing 3-D topsheet, and flat tips, it carves on groomed, plows through crud, and floats in pow. It has no speed limit. “Armada is killing it!” Brent said. “Looking for pep? This girl’s got it.”

Strengths: Playfulness, Balance of Skills