Bmcgraw73Hi NS, my name is Ben and I’m looking to get new skis this season. I’m long overdue for new skis - the last time I bought skis was freshman year of high school and now I’m graduated college. I’m 6’2 and 185 lbs still skiing my 161cm Solomon Threats from 2013. I’ve been skiing most of my life and I live in the northeast (Pittsburgh). I consider myself an advanced skier, not much skill in the park but I want to improve and start spending more time in there. So, I’m looking for an all mountain/freestyle ski that can rip groomers and hit the park when I want to. From research and reviews I’ve already read, I’m currently considering the Armada ARV 96 or K2 Poacher, size 184cm. My price range is around $500 (which both these skis are on evo). Looking for any more advice or recommendations on skis and thoughts on the ARV/Poacher and sizing. Thanks!

ARV 96 and Poacher are both great options that can handle park and rest of the mountain stuff. Both are on the stiffer side of the spectrum so if you’re looking to butter and press it might take a bit more work but given your height you should have some good leverage over the skis. Either one would be great

+1 for the ARV. Go for the 184cm. It's actually 182cm and you'll be fine on it.

Look for 2020 models to save $$. Found this. Site appears legit

https://www.eriksbikeshop.com/armada-arv-96-skis-2020-pr3e21255/p?adpos=&gclid=CjwKCAjw0On8BRAgEiwAincsHPnSSU6IzsPQvOibqkX3QPki_tMX2-KYUFHh5DQfEyNRji8eeSrZRRoCn6YQAvD_BwE&sc_intid=EK3E106681&scid=scplpEK3E106681&skuId=8028247&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google

If you are in Pittsburgh swing by Willis ski shop they usually have great deals on last years stuff. But I would for sure go ARV.

Bentchetler 100. Comes in a 188 that's what I would get it I were you

Trumpkin2020+1 for the ARV. Go for the 184cm. It's actually 182cm and you'll be fine on it.

Look for 2020 models to save $$. Found this. Site appears legit

https://www.eriksbikeshop.com/armada-arv-96-skis-2020-pr3e21255/p?adpos=&gclid=CjwKCAjw0On8BRAgEiwAincsHPnSSU6IzsPQvOibqkX3QPki_tMX2-KYUFHh5DQfEyNRji8eeSrZRRoCn6YQAvD_BwE&sc_intid=EK3E106681&scid=scplpEK3E106681&skuId=8028247&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google

thanks! Do you know about the ARV UL? I know they are a bit lighter than the regular ARV but not sure what that really means in terms of performance or feel on the mountain.

found them here: https://www.evo.com/outlet/skis/armada-arv-96-ul?image=165019/674849/clone.jpg&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjZrF4Pzi7AIVFY7ICh0FCQEDEAQYAiABEgIcDPD_BwE

Both those skis sound like great options to me, and they'll be a huge upgrade on your threats.

I reviewed both the ARV:

https://www.newschoolers.com/news/read/The-Roofbox-Review-2019-Armada-ARV-96

And the ARV 96 UL, with comparisons to the regular ski:

https://www.newschoolers.com/news/read/The-Roofbox-Review-2020-Armada-ARV-96-UL

TwigBoth those skis sound like great options to me, and they'll be a huge upgrade on your threats.

I reviewed both the ARV:

https://www.newschoolers.com/news/read/The-Roofbox-Review-2019-Armada-ARV-96

And the ARV 96 UL, with comparisons to the regular ski:

https://www.newschoolers.com/news/read/The-Roofbox-Review-2020-Armada-ARV-96-UL

Awesome, thank you. I saw your review of the regular ARV before but didn’t know you had one for the UL too. Great reviews, I learned a lot about the skis and I think I’m leaning towards the UL because of its price point and smoother/lighter feel. I also like the more low-key graphic, it looks sleek.

I think this would be a better upgrade for me too since I’m used to my small and stiff threats - the transition to a significantly bigger ski might be easier with the UL version.