ARV or Kartel Series?

ON3P

I’ve heard in passing that on3p has changed something in their production that has made the skis edges and sidewalls less durable than the mythical on3ps of years past. Conversely armada has developed a new sidewall that is supposed to be more durable for this production years skis. I really don’t think you could go wrong with either brand, it more comes down to personal preference, but I thought I’d offer my 2cents.

I have the ARV 106 and they're pretty nice; I can't complain. I do like how armada is increasing the edge thickness this year (since the 106 previously had thinner edges).

Never had the chance to ride Kartels unfortunately, but the way people jizz all over them on here makes me jealous I don't have a pair. Word is they're an amazing ski and if you have the extra cash, go for it. Might want to wait for black Friday sales too.

It all comes down to what you're willing to spend. Don't feel bad either way. A lot of folks on here will say Kartel over any ski ever made so keep that in mind when filtering recommendations as your target audience is partially biased.

steezy.stewI’ve heard in passing that on3p has changed something in their production that has made the skis edges and sidewalls less durable than the mythical on3ps of years past.

This is false. In what context did you hear we've change materials or production processes?

We are using the same sidewalls (Crown Durasurf 2001 UHMW) and edges (2.5mm x 2.5mm) now that we started with in 2009, only now our production tolerances are substantially tighter, the bonding strength of our plastics are better after bringing all the processing and prep in-house, and we're detuning edges on park skis, as no one knows how to do it properly.

CUSHKOMAIt’s already August and I’m starting to think about new whips for this season. I’m caught between the ARV and Kartel series. I’ve always been a big Armada fan but I’ve been pretty hyped on everything ON3P has done lately. Obviously I’d save money by going the ARV route especially with clearance deals from last years models, but I’m all for supporting smaller brands that are more in the hands of actual skiers. Quality, performance, and durability are of top priority. Any thoughts or opinions would be appreciated.

OP - I'm obviously biased, but put our skis durability, fit, & finish up against anyone. If you ever want to talk skis, just give us a call and happy to walk you through our thoughts.

Sort of as a general rule between the Kartel & ARV line, at least last season which is the last time I saw a pair of ARVs, the ARV is notably softer so I would lean ARV if you wanted something a bit more playful and tighter turning, and Kartel if you want something more stable with a more aggressive turn radius.

I’ve skied the ARV 96 for a good 35 days and I’ve loved them. They are flexable versatile and just a super fun ski. But I have also heard great things about ON3P and a brand and their skis. Both ways your gonna get a quality ski.

i had always just assumed the kartels were heavier than the ARVs but i just checked and supposedly theyre just about the same. weird huh?

I think they are very different skis. I ride kartel 108s, tried arv 106s and hated them. Rode them down the same run that I had just done on my kartels and they felt awful. It was chunky cut up snow and I like to ski it really fast and hard, and the arvs couldn't handle it all, just got knocked around and were impossible to control. Of course that is not exactly their intended use, I'm sure they would be fun in the park, at slower speeds, and in softer snow. It's up to your preference, but I would advise against the arvs if you want to be able to charge at all. They're probably more playful but I didn't get a chance to try that kind of skiing on them. It's up to your style, but I wouldn't want arvs for all mountain.