ARMADA's "LOCATOR SERIES" announced in the 2022-23 season. LOCATOR, the successor to "TRACER & TRACE", which has been popular with ARMADA users for many years, is a "completely new tour ski" that is ultra-lightweight and has improved riding performance. What exactly is “completely new”? Let's take a look at the performance of the full model change.
The features are divided into four main categories: "ultralight", "high gliding performance", "ingenuity for hiking", and "unisex concept".
It's super lightweight, so it can take you farther
This LOCATOR is a model for skiers who enjoy HIKE&RIDE style. Amazing lightness is realized by Carbacore material and 1.7 Light Weight Edge. The thickest 112 is 180cm and weighs 1500g! Its lightness leads the rider further.
High gliding performance coexists
If it's a light ski, isn't the grip effective? Is the performance when gliding down? I tend to think. However, by reinforcing the core material of the carba core with carbon, this LOCATOR obtained the rigidity, repulsion, and flex necessary for gliding while remaining lightweight. It became possible to achieve a more pushed slide.
Easy to walk! Ease of detachment of the seal
The large radius not only matches the gliding in the BC scene, but also considers the ease of walking. In addition, the tail end of the ski is processed with a bad tail, and the seal clip is automatically centered, making it easy to attach and detach the seal, which is often troublesome when hiking.
The unisex concept makes it easier to choose!
It is super lightweight, has high gliding performance, and is easy to remove the seal. On top of that, LOCATOR has been changed to unisex development without being separated into men's and women's like the previous TRACER & TRACE. With a wider lineup, you can choose according to your physique and style.
LOCATOR 112
The 112 was developed for long hikes on more inland slopes. A super lightweight ski weighing 1500g at 180cm. Although it is a wide top that generates powerful edging and buoyancy by increasing power with carbon, you can glide deep powder at high speed by setting the camber arch low. It also features good maneuverability that you wouldn't expect from a ski with a radius of over 20m. The main size in Japan is 180cm for men and 173cm for women.
LOCATOR 104
The successor to the legendary TRACER108, the 104 is an all-around touring ski that delivers high performance in all conditions. In the BC area where soft burns and hard burns coexist, buoyancy in powder and good response that enables quick and powerful edging are essential.
The most versatile waist of 104mm and strength derived from carbon realize a worry-free ride. Riders who want to specialize in riding performance in the style of hike and ride are sure to choose 104. The main size in Japan is 178cm for men and 162cm to 170cm for women.
SHIFT is recommended by the manufacturer for both 112 and 108 bindings. If mobility is a priority, the tech pin type is also a good option.
LOCATOR 96
96 demonstrates the best performance in the total balance of hike and ride.
Riders who want to specialize in more mobility in the style of hike and ride should choose 96 without hesitation. When hiking, the waist width of 100 mm under which the seal grips steadily makes it easy to walk, and you can perform kick turns and other BC-specific movements smoothly. Accumulation of small movements deprives you of physical strength, and on long tours where you have to leave reserves for riding, it is a big advantage to suppress unnecessary physical strength.
In terms of gliding performance, the edge response is the best in the series, and the total balance of stability underfoot is excellent.
It is easy to control the ski even on ice, and supports safe skiing even in more severe conditions. In addition, the top catches fresh snow easily and the binding position is set back to generate buoyancy that you wouldn't expect from a ski with a waist of 96mm, so powder riding is no problem. The main size in Japan is 171cm to 178cm for men and 157cm to 164cm for women.
LOCATOR 88
The 88 was developed as an ultralight long touring ski to take you faster and farther. In addition to the highest mobility in the series, by using carbon, we have obtained gliding performance that far exceeds that of the previous TRACER 88. A model that demonstrates its performance in a harsher environment. The main sizes in Japan are 172cm to 182cm for men and 152cm to 162cm for women.