Looking to conquer the park? ARMADA "KIMBO" or ATOMIC "BENT DECODE"? | 26-27 New Model Comparison

The differences in the "feel" and "character" of skis cannot be fully understood from the spec numbers alone. This is the depth and enjoyment of choosing skis. Therefore, we've picked out two similar 26-27 model skis to highlight. Let's explore their individual characteristics based on user test ride reviews. Which one will you choose?

ARMADA “KIMBO”? ATOMIC "BENT DECODE"?

These lightweight, directional pants have a waist width of around 95mm. Both models, reflecting a strong freestyle mindset focused on pursuing individual style, seem somewhat similar, but..

Model	D (Dimension)	R (radius)
KIMBO	D = 130-95-121mm	R = 15m (182cm)
BENT DECODE	D=125.5-93-119.5mm	R = 18m (185cm)

"KIMBO" is this kind of ski

The ARMADA"KIMBO" is a freestyle model developed as a signature model for Kim Boberg. Based on the ARV series, it's a street-oriented derivative designed with park and terrain play in mind. Also known as the "Narrow Stranger," it combines the ease of handling of ARMADA's popular freestyle model "STRANGER" with a significantly lighter swing weight. It features a light and loose ride, suitable for cruising on groomed slopes, but truly shines in soft snow and spring snow. This model is for skiers who prioritize style and expression.

Keiji Takagi of the ski shop "OFF-1" tested the KIMBO on the snow and shared his impressions as follows

The Armada Stranger, a short, fat ski, has been adapted for park riding. Despite its directional shape, it feels as nimble as a twin-tip, yet it's sharp and allows for smooth sliding. The wide sidewall area provides a flexible feel while maintaining stability, so chatter is not a concern. The

15m sidecut makes carving sharp and swinging light. However, currently it's only available in 182cm, which might be a bit too long for Japanese parks, so it might be better suited to freestyle riding that utilizes the terrain and incorporates tricks rather than being primarily a park ski. It's a ski that will make you rediscover the joy of turning.

With a 35mm waist width that balances turns and buoyancy well, and its easy-to-handle nature, it's also recommended as an all-mountain carving ski for those with less strength or those who want to enjoy the mountains in a relaxed manner.

"BENT DECODE" is this kind of ski

The Bent series, which was formalized in 2022, originated with the freeride-oriented ATOMIC masterpiece "Bent Chetler 120." As the series expanded to include all-mountain and touring models, the "BENT DECODE" was the first to appear as a pure park model. With competition and video appeal in mind, it features a modern and sophisticated design that reflects the opinions of the next generation of athletes, as well as "HRZT 3D Park" for improved maneuverability and "ABS CoreGuard" technology for increased durability

The person who test-rode the BENT DECODE was Yutaro Tsubata from the ski shop "Vail"

At first, the board felt stiff to the touch. When I actually rode it, it felt just as stiff as I expected, confirming its tough construction. Unlike the popping feeling of riding a twin-tip, it felt more like a basic board, with a feeling of the tail staying in place.

The tip has a three-dimensional shape and is equipped with Atomic's proud "Horizon Technology," which provides buoyancy in powder and offers maneuverability and stability on rough snow surfaces. The tip is light, and when doing nose-buttering tricks, you don't feel any stiffness in the tip, and the swing weight is very light. Butter 360s were very easy to do. Tricks like tail presses look great.

I think this board is a bit more geared towards advanced riders. I would recommend it not only for park riding, which is its main battleground, but also for those who want to work hard on ground tricks and freeriding.

What we learned from the comparison

Both are undoubtedly "fun skis," but the way they offer that fun differs slightly. If you want to enjoy the terrain and turns, and freely explore the entire mountain, including cruising, then KIMBO is the one for you. If you're looking to pursue aggressive skiing in the park and tricks, and hone your style and technique, then BENT DECODE might be the better choice. Which one best suits your style?