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Armada JJ in tight terrain

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nopain_nojane
Posts: 3 - Karma: 34
I'm looking for a new ski this season. I spend most of my time on the bumps and in the trees at Mary Jane so I need something that handles well in tight terrain but also can float in POW. I'm 6'4" 220 and am pretty sold on the Armada JJ 185. What are your thoughts?
Sep 19 2014 11:32PM
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GrahamGould
Posts: 713 - Karma: 2,439
Should work fine. It's a very maneuverable ski, and it slays pow. I'd say get it
Sep 19 2014 11:41PM
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theVan
Posts: 204 - Karma: 225
I've been on 185 JJ's for 4 seasons and they are the best skis I've ever had. They are very versatile, very quick, and dominate all but the deepest of days.
Sep 20 2014 12:09AM
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theVan
Posts: 204 - Karma: 225
wtf, how did that link get into my reply...
Sep 20 2014 12:11AM
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Drail
Posts: 14012 - Karma: 10,011
They work just fine in the tight trees. Any ski with early rise on nose and tail are generally able to turn pretty quick. Being as tall/heavy as you are though, I'd recommend something a bit longer. 190+ or bust.
Sep 20 2014 12:24AM
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Erikgorn
Posts: 369 - Karma: 1,844
I'm 6'1 200lbs and ride the 190 magic J. Almost did the 185 JJ. Glad I got the taller beefier ski. I had 175 JJ before and the magic j turns just as easy and is taller and wider. My favorite ski to ride period.
Sep 20 2014 1:55AM
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skier58284
Posts: 1705 - Karma: 5,365
They're quite maneuverable for their size. Good choice for you.
Sep 20 2014 4:20AM
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board2skis
Posts: 50 - Karma: 235
To echo others, at 6'4" 220 you will 100% want the AK JJ

I'm around 5'9" and ski the 185. It skis really short.
Sep 21 2014 12:58AM
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theVan
Posts: 204 - Karma: 225
how in the name of Holy Jesus is SKIS.COM getting their smelly ass into replies automatically?!
Sep 21 2014 8:50PM
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theVan
Posts: 204 - Karma: 225
it did it AGAIN! god damnit
Sep 21 2014 8:50PM
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Caucasian_Asian
Posts: 2447 - Karma: 1,665
theVanhow in the name of Holy Jesus is SKIS.COM getting their smelly ass into replies automatically?!


They pay to advertise.
Sep 21 2014 8:55PM
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MartianMan
Posts: 1101 - Karma: 2,099
Caucasian_AsianThey pay to advertise.


Capitalism - God's way of determining who is smart, and who is poor
Sep 22 2014 4:55PM
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nopain_nojane
Posts: 3 - Karma: 34
Thanks everyone for the responses! I am really torn about the length. I agree that for my size I should definitely be on the AK but for the type of skiing I'll be doing I just don't think the extra width/length will be ideal. Lots of tight/steep trees and bumps/powder bumps, will the 185 really not do well for me? I skied the helldorado in a 185 and the length felt fine (although it is a much stiffer ski).

Thanks again.
Sep 30 2014 1:15PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
nopain_nojaneThanks everyone for the responses! I am really torn about the length. I agree that for my size I should definitely be on the AK but for the type of skiing I'll be doing I just don't think the extra width/length will be ideal. Lots of tight/steep trees and bumps/powder bumps, will the 185 really not do well for me? I skied the helldorado in a 185 and the length felt fine (although it is a much stiffer ski).

Thanks again.


At your size, definitely go with the AK's. The added length will benefit you in both the flotation in soft snow and more beneficially for you, stability when it's chopped up or on hardpack.

I'm 6'2" @ 185lbs, and I got rid of my 185cm JJ's because they were too short and unsupportive for my size. The AK's were not yet on the market at the time, so I only had the 175's or 185's to choose from. Since you are bigger than I am in both height and weight, I can only recommend the AK's.

You could definitely make the 185cm's work, but you will give up confidence and stability in favor of very little. The maneuverability difference between the 185's and AK's at your size would be minuscule; if you are an aggressive skier there is no reason you should be considering the 185's.
Sep 30 2014 2:13PM
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