ARV 106 v. 96 East Coast

yeh I'm in the same boat with the ARVs, kinda torn.

Anyway for length I reckon 180 because I feel 188 would be far better suited to big-mountain rather than skiing in the trees where u need to make quick turns as the 188 would have a larger turn radius.

id say 96 for east coast, 106 does you no favors on ice and IMO 96 is plenty of width for soft snow

as for length id say 180 for east coast, 188 for west coast. but that's super subjective

Sheeeeetttt. Same boat here but already bought some 106, 188cm because I have other skis for the shitty days. Honestly I prefer longer skis and am used to 185 so 3 extra cm isn't much. The 180cm will definitely be more nimble in those tight af EC trees. The 96 waist is probably better for east coast if you're using this as your daily driver. If you have some skinny skis to use for those really icy days instead of the arv, then the waist is a toss up.

Will you take any trips out west? If so, how many and how often? If a good amount, then I'd say go with the 106.

Where in the east coast? Are we talking Jay Peak or other parts of New England that get plenty of snow but also icy at times? Or NY resorts? If somewhere like New York, then 100% go with the smaller waist.

96, I have 84s, and the edge started separating all along the underfoot after 25 days on them. Fuck you armada!!!!! I’m either swapping to On3p or icelantic.

Honestly the width is your choice. I tested out the 106s on some really bad ice at Jay and they held up fine. I also took these down the icy icy icy Wall at Holiday Valley in a Santa Suit (+1 if you saw me, +2 if you waved to santa) and they were fine. Sharp edges are where it's at. Groomers felt great once I got a feel for a ski, and soft snow was a dream.