Armada’s Invictus 89Ti has all the super sidewall, carbon kevlar stringers and two titanal layers of many of the other performance skis in this category. But it also has a playful nature that just upped the stoke factor for everybody who took the ride. Super easy to initiate in all conditions, especially off-piste, the way Armada structured the early tip rise in the Invictus (with tip rocker and a traditional sidecut) also lets you make just about any turn shape you want at any time.

As usual, our East Coast edgehead contingent felt it got a little loose on the hardpack, and that the ski’s playful nature equaled less stability at high speeds. This an excellent all day–and all season–lift-serve ski that almost packaged with a guaranteed smile.