A solid big mountain ski that’s stable to boot but surprsingly soft, the Armada JJ Skis are built for deep powder, but benefit from their traditional shape and sidecut. The early rise design means that there’s no need to lean back – in fact, many testers preferred the JJ with a slight forward of center mount.

Because the JJ is cut differently from many similarly sized big mountain skis, it’s easier to pressure the edges on hard snow. While their softness means they aren’t built for considerable speed on hardpack, they still grip and stop pretty well.

ARMADA JJ SKIS // WHO IT’S FOR
Big mountain skiers who play in the powder on a regular basis, and need the versatility to occasionally cut through wet snow. Not for anyone who regularly encounters hardpack.

ARMADA JJ SKIS // WHAT THEY SAID
“An interesting combination of characteristics that work well together. Deeper sidecut than most powder boards, but softer too.”

“Has a great pop, but it’s a little on the soft side in the tip & tail.”

Check out more in-depth reviews by real skiers in our 2010 gear guide.

Tagged as: 2010, armada, big mountain