- Joined
- Mar 5, 2017
- Posts
- 1,202
Andy Mink: When I tested the 2018-19 Tracer 98 last year at Mammoth, it was a bluebird day with wonderful groomers. I loved the ski. This year’s conditions weren’t so great. There was a lot of heavy, chopped-up powder, and visibility was marginal. That didn’t stop the Tracer, however. It felt stable and composed, though it did tend to sink at the lower speeds at which I was traveling. (Put a 225-lb guy on a ski like this and that’ll happen!) As soon as I found some groomers, it became obvious the 98 still has carving chops. It is a confidence-inspiring ski.
The main difference between the 18-19 and 19-20 models is the change in Armada’s dampening technology. Last year it used Crystal Mesh to control vibrations, which worked quite well, but Armada changed to Adaptive Mesh, a variable-angle mesh weave, for 2019-20. Instead of remaining a constant size throughout the ski, the new mesh tightens as it goes from tip to under foot, then opens up again. It works quite well and provides a smooth, stable ride. Paired with a revised core construction, the 19-20 version is 12% lighter than the 18-19 ski.
The main difference between the 18-19 and 19-20 models is the change in Armada’s dampening technology. Last year it used Crystal Mesh to control vibrations, which worked quite well, but Armada changed to Adaptive Mesh, a variable-angle mesh weave, for 2019-20. Instead of remaining a constant size throughout the ski, the new mesh tightens as it goes from tip to under foot, then opens up again. It works quite well and provides a smooth, stable ride. Paired with a revised core construction, the 19-20 version is 12% lighter than the 18-19 ski.
Insider tip: For the bigger skier looking to spend more time off piste, see the Tracer 108.
- Awards
- Who is it for?
- A stronger, lighter skier who likes to spend a lot of time off piste but needs to get back to the lift sometime. A heavier skier looking for an easy, all-conditions ski.
- Who is it not for?
- A heavier skier looking for a powder ski.
- Skier ability
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- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Expert
- Ski category
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- All Mountain
- Powder
- Ski attributes
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- Off Piste
- Trees
- Touring/Backcountry
- Segment
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- Men
Specifications
- Available sizes
- 164, 172, 180, 188
- Dimensions
- 133-98-124
- Radius
- 18.5m@188cm
- Rocker profile
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- Camber with tip and tail rocker
- Construction design
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- New graphics
- Binding options
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- Flat
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