Black crows anima vs. Armada arv 116 jj

skied both years of the ARV 116 and they are really fun, the new 2019 one in particular is super soft so really fun as powder/backcountry jib ski and powder ski in general, turns real easy so would be good for trees. I found it pretty fun for general skiing around the hill too but since its so soft it gets knocked around a little in choppy snow.

Haven't skied the Anima but from what I understand (and based off other Black Crows I've skied like the Atris) I would imagine they're gonna be stiffer and probably handle chop/freeride terrain better but with less playfulness.

Neither is particularly light for touring but I think Armada are doing a touring layup of the 116 as part of the zero collection, called ARV 116 JJ UL. bit of a mouthful. If you're especially looking for freestyle powder skis that would go well with a touring binding take a look at Faction CT 4.0 or new Atomic Bentchetler 120

roharaNeither is particularly light for touring but I think Armada are doing a touring layup of the 116 as part of the zero collection

The Anima Freebird is the touring layup on that ski. 1850g in a 182 and 1900 for the 188, not too bad. I really want to get on the anima, it looks like it would be fun.

mystery3The Anima Freebird is the touring layup on that ski. 1850g in a 182 and 1900 for the 188, not too bad. I really want to get on the anima, it looks like it would be fun.

I skied both anima and anima freebird. Freebird is SO MUCH softer, I was shocked a bit. It's even softer then ARV116, which are one of the softest skis on my scale. Also, as I remember, Freebird has more rockered profile, so it's basically two different skis. I was not impressed with Freebird, to be honest. Not the lightest powder ski out there and really very powder specific. In any condition besides untouched powder, it's soft tips get thrown, total noodle. Absolutely not for charging. Other thing I disliked is how thin it was in tips and tails. I thought they shaved too much wood with that weight saving... It will definitely affect durability

Basic Anima on the other hand is a really nice and versatile pow ski. Reminded me a lot of Moment Bibby. It can charge pretty hard, but still remains very playful. Comparing it to ARV 116 i'd say that it depends on your style. Anima's mount point is about -7cm from ski center, while JJ was -2 or something like that? Also JJ's are surely better for jibbing, but they also suck if snow gets bumpy. Basically, ANima will be better for charging, dropping, while JJ is better for jibbing, landing switch, etc.

mystery3The Anima Freebird is the touring layup on that ski. 1850g in a 182 and 1900 for the 188, not too bad. I really want to get on the anima, it looks like it would be fun.

Yea good point, forgot about the freebirds

Thank you for all the answers. I'm defenetly going with the anima with a frame binding. I think the anima is also good for short touring missions. And from the things I've heared I can charge really on the whole mountain.

MoritzFThank you for all the answers. I'm defenetly going with the anima with a frame binding. I think the anima is also good for short touring missions. And from the things I've heared I can charge really on the whole mountain.

Have you considered the Shift from Atomic/Salomon? I don't know much about frame bindings aside from the heavy weight generally.

mystery3Have you considered the Shift from Atomic/Salomon? I don't know much about frame bindings aside from the heavy weight generally.

Yeah I considered the Atomic/Salomon Shift, but they are really new on the market and it's a new technology, due to that maybe there some technical issues.