Just demo'd the following in the last two weeks, below is a summary of my experience :
me: BC, whistler
180 lbs
5.11"
skier: advanced, aggressive - mostly bowls, backcountry, forest.
-Armada JJ 185cm: pros: light, playful ski, floats well on pow, great lift on jumps, rides well in switch
cons: poor performance on hardpack, icy conditions; clatters, scrapes. Not that stable in quick turns
-Rosignol S7 188: pros: Solid, powerful ski, crud buster, holds edges really well on hardpack, flattens soft bumps with weight and power. Good flotation on pow
cons: one of the heaviest skis in its class. Assymetrical twin tip not great for riding switch. not great in the air and heavy landing.
-Surface Live life 181: pros: light, nimble in turns, great edge on hardpack, super quick turn radius, three-staged rocker technology means the ski is insanely quick in turns so awesome forest performance. one of the stiffer skis in its class (comparable to JJ) so confidence insipring at speads. jumps well and stable landings.
cons: very centred so takes some getting used to as the ski puts you in the backseat. Recommend mounting -5 from centre. a bit too short for my height as the double rocker results in a relatively short mid-section. Assymetrical twin tip but didn't find this adversely affected switch or landings.
The surface live life's were my favourites - still looking to demo a pair of 4frnt CRJ 188's. Anyone?
Hope this helps!
