ARV and BC are somewhat similar. The ARV is wider, and the flex pattern seems to be a little more consistent throughout the ski when compared to the BC. It also feels lighter, and seems like it'll have more 'pop'. Better edges on the ARV, as well as a wood core with carbon stringer from mid-boot to tail, as opposed to the THC core in the BC. THC being wood, isocore, and microcell. Basically, 2 different foams and the wood. Lots of pop, but it could, in theory, ride a little harsher than the ARV. This is due to wood's dampening characteristics. The ARV has more wood in it, so it should be more damp. This doesn't mean it won't feel 'poppy' though.
I ride a scratch BC, and so far, no complaints. Though, in all honesty, I'd be on the ARV if it weren't for the massive deal I got on my BCs. What I've found the coolest about the BCs so far is the balanced feeling. If I get backseat, the ski seems to want to throw me forward. It's not huge, but it is occasionally noticeable. It may also be due to my 1cm+ mounting position.
Either way, you're getting a good ski. If you can afford this year's ARV(price drop..yay!), then you might as well give it a try. It won't suck, and at worst will only be as good as the BC. If you go with the BC, don't worry, it's damn good too.
The PR is much softer than either, and features a nice metal laminate as a part of the core. That means that if the ski is bent past a certain point, the metal will deform and not bend back. If this happens, you end up with a PR that has reverse camber, and you're fucked because Salomon doesn't warranty it. I know that some 'salomon rep' will see this and probably post something along the lines of 'yes, we warranty bent PRs', but I've seen quite a few of them go in for warranty, and every single request denied.
Bottom line: Go Scratch BC or Armada ARV over a PR. You could also consider a Line Mothership. Yes, it has a titanium laminate in it, but the stiffer wood core helps that 'bending problem' stay at bay.
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Crystalneedsa...
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Midwest_rep
'I think skiing in general is just a phase'-My friend Josh.
