How short do the armada alpha one's feel?

i haven't skied the alpha 1s but I've demoed a rockered park ski(rossi s3). The only size they had was 166 which was too small to begin with, well anyway the actual running surface of the ski is much much smaller than the actual length(because of the rockered tips and tails). It felt like i was skiing on a 140 when I normally ski on a 171 or up. this actually made my feet hurt because I was skiing on hardpack and it was pretty bumpy. I don't know about the alpha 1s, but I hope this helps

I rode the alpha 2s a little last year, in the longest size (I forget what it was, sorry). 

anyways, I felt they were just not enough ski for me.  I am 5'11, 180 as well (probably 190 last winter).  They were unstable on jumps, and just too light for me.  I felt like there was nothing on my feet and I didnt like it.  I just felt like they really lacked control.  The small surface area with small waist made just skiing down the hill feel unstable. 

I know some people like light noodly skis, I am not one of those people, so just realize that when taking my opinion under consideration. 

thanks for the review. I was thinking about getting the alpha 1 but now I'm thinking of getting something sturdier for my weight as I'm around the same height and weight as you guys. What are better options? I've done the same research about the alpha 1 as I wanted the alpha 2 but found out that it was softer. I know it's not a true indication of anything but I hand flexed the afterbang and they seem slightly stiffer than the alpha 1s. Probably closer to the Volkl Walls. sorry to change the topic abit but I think we may be searching for the same ski.

^Afterbangs will soften up to total noodles..Many skis seem stiff before they are broken in.

Alpha 1s will feel shorter than 178 PEs, but it's all preferance.  I think they look fun..but I have LL2s so I couldn't justify getting a rockered park ski knowing I will use those when I want a rockered ski in park.  181 Pipe Cleaners measure 183.5 along the base,and 181 tip-tip.  That is how ARVs/AR6s/PCs/Thalls are measure..yet JJs are 183s along the base, and ARGs are the labeled 185.  It's hard to know how Alpha's are measured, but they might be in the 184.5 range.  Not sure if that helps..  They will ski shorter, but their rocker is fairly short and low profile.  A normal tip is about 12cm..so if you flatten that and make it part of the low profile rocker, it makes it look like you lose more effective edge than you do.  I think that the biggest thing to note is the SL turning radius of 15.5 in a 182.. 22 is fairly common in a 181,so these might get a bit squirmy. 

Thanks man, I know it was kind of a negative review but that is really what i'm looking for. I still have the public enemies in pretty good condition, so when i want a stiffer heavier ski i can use those, and then have the alpha ones as a park ski

If you want a rockered park ski I would suggest the Moment Reno Jib.  I havent skied them personally, but I have heard they are pretty awesome.    I would look up more info on them, or maybe just the jibs.

I personally am not looking for a ski like this, though I would rock the reno jib for sure.  I am looking for a fat park ski, and at this point my options are kung fujas, ON3P jeranemo, Line anthem, or bluehouse MR. 

I have heard good things about the volkl walls, and when I rode the afterbangs I thought they felt kind of damp and unresponsive (I may have been just expecting too much).

I would look at the ARMADA AR6, I really liked it when I rode it.  I would also suggest maybe looking at the k2 dissorderly, I havent ridden it, but I was thinking about getting it. 

The only thing with going with the alpha series, is that they are a very different kind of ski, and if you realize you don't like it (like I did), then you are out money.  I would suggest trying to demo something like that before buying it. 

Then again you guys can do what you want.