Durability
I’ve put quite a few days on the Armada AR7, and at this point, I am very impressed with how it has held up. Certainly, the ski has experienced its share of cosmetic damage, particularly on the inside areas of each tip of the ski. Other than that, there really isn’t much to be noted in terms of damage. I have yet to find a single edge crack, which is absolutely astounding, given my history of beating the hell out of my equipment.
Also, the core is breaking in nicely. I can tell that each ski has softened a bit since I first started riding it, but they certainly haven’t softened too dramatically, as I experienced toward the end of my time on the Atomic Punx.
Bottom Line
The AR7 is, in my experience, unparalleled in terms of versatility. it’s also an absolute blast on all sorts of jibs, while it can still handle big jumps predictably and remain quite stable on high impact landings.
I would recommend this ski to quite a range of intermediate to expert park skiers. It’s not exactly a price point ski, and it also might be a bit too much ski for an absolute beginner; but it has a lot to offer for just about every other type of park skier.
It could easily be used as a competition slopestyle ski, unless you want something really quite stiff like the Nightstick. And if you’re someone who would rather casually cruise rail lines than train to go to Sochi, you’ll still really enjoy the AR7.
I’m looking to buy these skis, I live in South Dakota and the only riding we have for park is some basic rails, boxes, and jumps. I am 6 foot 160 pounds, and have been skiing for 2 years now, I used to snowboard for probably 6 years. this is really my first year going out, but I can do most of the rails and hit jumps and plan on trying to start tricks sometime soon. would this ski be suitable for me? also for my size and weight would the 176cm or the 181cm version be better? I would consider myself an intermediate rider. Thank you.
I think that the 181cm length would probably suit you well. I’m 5’9″ and I prefer a slightly longer ski but I think you’d do fine on the longer length given your height.
This ski is an excellent option in terms of being able to conquer a variety of park features, and its flex is fairly neutral in terms of being solidly stiff enough to feel stable underfoot without losing much playfulness. I’m convinced you’ll enjoy the AR7 in the park.
I’m thinking about buying a pair, however I’m stuck between which length to get either the 171 or 176. I’m 5’10 150lbs, and I hit reasonably big jumps around 30-45ft. Just to give you an sense of my ability level I can spin off and on rails,switch up, throw 5’s with ease, and occasionally send a cork 7.
u should buy 176. 171 skis are very short to hit the big jumps.
I’m 5’8″ 150lbs about to pick up some AR7s in 176 but I’m wondering about the mounting position. Armada recommends -2.5 but I see that you mounted yours at -1. I’ve heard many terrible things about mounting a ski in front of the center of it’s sidecut, but I will be skiing mostly rails and jumps and don’t know if -2.5 would make spinning weird. Do you have any information on where the best mount for AR7s is to ski park. What about center mounting them?
Thanks.
how do these compare to the atomic infamous?
AR7 or ARV 86? I just bought the ARV 106 for All Mountain, but want to have a few days dedicated in the park to dedicated practice. I am a heavy skier and am concerned with “grip” of the ski on beginner landings in the park.