ScottyBuggatii just traded my 2012 K2 revivals up for 2014 Armada AR7s, and the difference is night and day, I've never been so impressed by a ski before, my k2s were great, but lacked pop, flexibility and felt heavy. They sort of felt like dead weight on my foot. The AR7s on the other hand are said to be mostly a park ski but out perform the f*ck out of my revivals on regular trail riding, and dense wood tree dodge riding. They accelerate faster than a Lamborghini, bend like beckham, pop like popcorn, and spin like a helicopter (360s come around so much faster compared to the k2s). I also have Tyrolia Aaatack 13 bindings and there also kick ass, super smooth in and out. Overall i recommend the AR7s. If your looking for a stiffer set of skis that also bang in the park, check the LINE after bangs... any year. There also great. Remember, ya can never do enough research and reviewing.
While I agree with everything you said, the ar7's are the exact opposite of what he is looking for. "Soft and playful".
@OP pickup last years factions or al dentes.