I usually ride about 1 inch back from center, but if your not riding switch much you could go back a tad further.

Go with the recommended mounting position. Its been tested.

I think the 185cm's would have no trouble keeping up with you

check out the armada AK JJ, those are just what you need.

thats such a personal preference. For me, I have gone 2.5cm back from true center for the last 4 years. This year I may go 3 cm back.

no dog, 185cm all damn day! perfect for you

this hat was recently eaten by my dog, but if I remember correctly, its just a small tag on the bottom edge.

You couldn't find a better ski. Unbelievable in the powder, and they are very responsive in the trees.

165 cm. for cheap bindings maybe try and find some used ones.

The JJ's are pretty symmetrical, so naturally you are going to have more tail. I would suggest skiing them first, and if you feel the edges aren't holding on firm snow, get them tuned up. I like to keep mine nice and sharp.

I would suggest the 183cm. The TST is a far more directional ski than the JJ, but because of that its more stable on conditions that you would find out east. Of course its also a superb powder ski once exit the evil groomers.

I don't think its a big deal, not much difference anyway.

tough call, your right in the middle. If you ski aggressively than you could handle the 175cm, they are very easy to manage.

I don't have any experience on the Katana, but these jj 195's will be perfect for charging the wasatch bc. you seem like a good candidate for these skis.

the 175's will definitely keep you afloat in pow. Im 6'1" and they (jj's) worked well for me, obviously more nimble than the 185cm's im used to. If you really ski hard and think you can handle a bigger, stiffer setup, than consider the jj 185cm. But I would first suggest the 175cm vjj.

the 175's will definitely keep you afloat in pow. Im 6'1" and they (jj's) worked well for me, obviously more nimble than the 185cm's im used to. If you really ski hard and think you can handle a bigger, stiffer setup, than consider the jj 185cm. But I would first suggest the 175cm vjj.

Im no tele-skier, or chick for that matter, but these would be stellar I think

195cm IMO

don't center mount them. Find a happy place in between center mount and recommended.

good question, seems odd.

THe ARG's do not perform their best at high speed. If the conditions are at all variable, like you find sometimes on the big mountain lines, than you would want something else. These are powder skis.

I agree with Jack

I haven't noticed any unusual chattering in the tips. They're stiffer than the s7 I believe. Also, the tip is capped construction which cuts down on weight, combined with stiffness throughout the tip means they don't bounce much.

which do you like better? they're both sick.

Grant,

I haven't skied these through the moguls yet, but my guess is you could hammer these things through the bumps. They have a rockered nose, but traditional camber all the way back to the tail and a stiff flex profile, which I think would be nice through the bumps. These things were designed for the steeps though, really. They are very stable even considering the rockered nose which will be a dream in powder snow.

The widest part of the ski is about half way between the front of the binding and the tip of the ski. Its 131mm, but the actual tip is about 118mm wide. The narrowest part of the ski, near the waist is 101mm. The tail is about 122mm. Im not sure exactly how much they weigh, but you fan feel instantly that its a light ski for its size.

the 195cm jj's would be a better choice.

Im pretty sure there is no difference. The dimensions are the same.

do you mean the 175cm? If so, those would be a good fit for you. If you are a really aggressive skier you may prefer the 185cm.

You can ride these very aggressively. It will take a bit of adjustment coming from traditional camber, but after the short learning curve you will be seeing the benefits of charging on skis like the JJ. You have an unbelievable amount of control in a variety of conditions. Skinning is not a problem for the most part. There's not a skinner in the wasatch I haven't been able to climb, but again, a slight adjustment in technique is required. There is just enough camber to give you purchase 98% of the time.

185cm is a good size for your scenario I think.

Its more bomber in terms of durability. I remember the galactic jacket had a softer polyester shell material which could tear, but the event membrane did have better breathability. The Angle jacket has a more durable shell, and breaths and protects against elements about as good as the older galactic. In my opinion, the 3 layer jackets from armada have gotten better every year, with more good things to come I think

the 195cm JJ was designed for people like you, I believe. You can turn those things no problem! you won't regret it.

They are more stable. Wider also, and the turning radius is less. Since its a bigger ski, more ski to turn. I'm also 155 and can handle them just fine. If you had problems with stability on the 185cm, than you can definitely do the 195. incredibly light for big skis.

I don't know from experience, but I would imagine these would be fun to tele.

I say yes. These are highly versatile skis, and incredible in powder. Another ski from Armada, the JJ, is my personal favorite for skiing powder in the trees. they really turn on a dime and are very stable in that environment. I think the TST might be a more well rounded east coast ski however.

I believe they come long, and then you cut them to size.

These skis are definitely directional. You can ski backwards for sure, but stomping big drops might be another story. I haven't tried so I don't know for sure, but just from the profile thats the feeling I get. JJ's are the best for that kind of skiing, there's no doubt about it.

I am 187cm tall and I have the 183's which I'll use for more technical skiing. If I was to choose a size for my "everything" ski I would probably go with 192cm. The rocker profile in the tip make the ski ride a bit shorter than you think.

Its doable, but not entirely enjoyable. If you are cutting trail in fresh snow its not really a big deal. But when the skin track gets hard, steep, slanted, you may find yourself in some trouble. The JJ's are excellent skis for touring, and equally as fun.

Based on your height, I would say go with the 185cm. If you are a really aggressive skier, than you may even consider the AKJJ 195cm. Im 6' 165lbs and I really like the 185cm skis.

You're right, they would be better for charging on any type of snow. There is no doubt that the JJ is the ultimate versatile powder ski, but these have found their place as well.

these have a nice camber profile paired with a very effective rockered nose allowing you to go hard at fast speeds, but also allowing you to have alot of fun in the pow pow. #winning

Andrei,

I would highly recommend these skis for ski touring. They are incredibly light and have an awesome profile/shape for just about any type of condition, and they are sublime in powder. You may also look at the JJ's from armada for ski touring, but I think these would be your best choice.

in my opinion it would be too floppy under a helmet. try the basic beanie under the helmet.

You are a pretty good candidate for the AK/JJ 195cm. Like everyone says, they ski a lot shorter than they really are. I've skied the 185cm with marker dukes for the last 4 years, mounted about 2-3 cm's back from "core/true" center. If you want to ride switch than mount a bit forward of the recommended position.

Yes. It depends on what size you wear, but armada's jackets are generally looser fitting and baggier than most.

I'd go with a large or medium.

yes, they would. They might be a touch big, but you have to remember that they ski a bit shorter than the advertised 175cm length, this is do to the rocker profile.

sounds like the jj's would be perfect for you. They handle all of those conditions exceptionally well.

for this year, the 185cm is the biggest size, which you would need. Look out for a 195 cm AK/JJ coming out next year. its big.

It seems like the Smith I/O's would fit well with this helmet. Those goggles are amazing.

not really. They have a liner for added comfort, but it doesn't add a lot of warmth.

If you are 5 foot 3, than these are probably too big, unless you intend to grow into them. Look into the 175cm JJ's.

These....

The JJ's have a stiff flex, allowing you to power through high speed scenarios and stomp cliffs. The rocker is pretty significant though. add that to the stiff flex and what you have is a stable, yet playful profile.

You should get the 185's. You will be able to manage them now, at your size, but you'll also be able to grow into them, becoming more comfortable as the skis help you progress. By the time you are done growing you'll know how to ride those things anywhere. Also, they are the best skis for snowbird, hands down.

It sounds like you could go either way. They do ski quite a bit shorter than the actual length. If you have skied on 183 cm's before, than the JJ 185's will be much easier to manage. If you are a solid skier, and can handle some bigger rides, than you can surely benefit from the 185's, especially on any deep powder days.

I have never mounted the ARG's with Marker's, But have you looked into their "wide" brakes to see if they would fit? I use the marker dukes on the jj's, and there is room to spare. I bet if you got the wide brakes from marker, and bent them out a bit, they would be just fine. Or.... powder leashes.

Its not a heavily insulated coat. It has an outer-shell material, and internal liner. Loose fit, very comfortable and easy to move around in for sure

I wear a helmet, and I have never had a problem using the hood and helmet with any of the armada jackets. They are designed to accommodate helmets, with plenty of adjustment options.

The Recco chip cost all but a few dollars to integrate into outerwear, which is why you see this in so many pieces. This is Armada's top of the line technical pant, and its certainly not the recco chip that reflects the price.

This is a 3 layer shell. No insulation at all. Why would you want it without recco?

no zipper on the powder skirt. It attaches with button snaps, and it seems that every jacket is compatible with every pant.

Most of their jackets generally run larger than other brands. keep that in mind. A small armada jacket will be larger than a small AK jacket, thats for sure.

The 185cm would fit you well. I'm about your size, and I use them for everything, including couloirs. The best part about them is they ride exceptionally well on hard, choppy snow. Of course they rip in the pow! Great touring ski as well.

Out of all those you mentioned, I believe the jj's are the stiffest. With your size, you need a good stiff ski that won't wash out on you. I would recommend the 185cm jj for sure. You will be able to turn those things on a dime, and, the design of the skis along with the nice rockered tips will keep you floating through the powder, guaranteed.

go for the 185cm so you can charge! you'll be able to turn them on a dime.

I have my JJ's mounted with dukes at 1 inch back from core center. I did this so I could ride fakie comfortably when I wanted to. I would recommend mounting at the specified mounting point on the ski, or a touch bit forward. Because of the nice rocker, these ski wonderfully when you mount them closer to the center. Just don't center mount them, they will ski fine just not quite as nice.

go with the jj's you wont regret it. Im guessing the JJ's are alot lighter, and more playful than the 6th sense while also being able to charge just as hard. get the 175cm

The dukes and JJ's have been my set up for three years. Solid touring rig. They are nice and rockered but not so much that I can't make it up the steep skinners in the wasatch.

no rocker. Its a traditional, regular camber charging ski.

I haven't seen many ladies on the jj's, which is weird because I find them to be very easy to ski. I agree, they would revolutionize her skiing. I say go for it!

Not at all. The 185cm will be just right.

I use the Marker duke which is pretty high and heavy, and they ski fine. Mounting the jj's with the schizo or the jesters would be a good setup.

175cm - 8.9lbs per pair
185cm - 9.6lbs per pair

If you are a bit unsure, I would mount them at the recommended mounting point labeled on the ski. You can go up or back a few inches from there and they will ski totally fine. Just don't center mount them!

Keith, If you are 5'10", you may want to consider the 185cm. You are right in between the two sizes, but remember that the JJ's ski a lot shorter than they actually are. I also tour with the JJ's, mounted with dukes about an inch back from core center. Do not mount any closer to core center than that. You would probably be good mounting the bindings at the recommended location or a touch forward.

These poles are about 50 inches at their maximum size. You can cut them down to fit.

It's important to start out with a moisture wicking base layer (patagonia capalene works great). On days that are warmer than 35 degrees F, this is all you will need. On colder days, I will also wear a fleece pullover and possibly a down sweater if it gets really cold. Remember to be flexible, and adjust your layering depending on the weather. DON'T USE COTTON AS YOUR FIRST LAYER!!!

Patrick, it does have an additional cinch at the hem. It also has a powder skirt. Set those two up No snow is getting in. Unless of course its so deep that it enters through the neck area :)

I've used these skis for the last 3 years, and I've never experienced screws ripping out. Even on a pair that had two sets of holes, no problems. Make sure you have your skis mounted by a skilled tech. That wood core is one of the reasons why its one of the lightest fat skis on the market.

its too bad they dont make a 191cm version, that would suit you well. The 185cm is a very stable, floaty ski. Im sure you could pull it off. What size do you normally ride?

if you are considering these skis, I would recommend the 175cm. Its a great all mountain ski that mashes over crud no problem. you should have no problem riding these.

You can remove the battery pack, but it involves a screw driver. Its not meant to be taken off. It would be cool if they made them so you could take it off on the fly. But then you run into the problem of forgetting to put on your battery pack when it's pounding snow.

There are straps for the skis to secure them in the bag. There are multiple ways to arrange two pairs of skis in the bag. In the picture I have my pow skis (185 JJ's) and my park skis (181 THalls) and a pair of poles. There is still tons of room for other gear. I did a quick check, and the bag is just under 9 pounds, but don't quote me on that. I can't believe there is not an exact weight in the tech specs portion of this page, especially in a time when airlines are raping you for overweight bags.

(my bag may be an older version, but I don't think they have changed anything other than color ways)

Bill, it might be a little tight. I measured the bag to just a bit shy of 200cm from end to end. They fit my 185cm jj's well with room to spare. BC.com has a good return policy.

not sure what the down gram is, but the feathers are 500 fill down. which means it offers a good warmth to weight ratio.

Im 6 feet tall and I run the XL. I prefer a baggier fit, but I probably would fit into a large as well. It all depends on yo style!!

my personal recommendation would be the Marker Dukes. They will give you the best performance out of those skis. You can get the wide brakes which fit perfectly on the JJ's.

It depends on your preferred style (baggy/tight). If I were 5'7" I would go with a large.

You need the 185cm. I have used the JJ's and dukes as my one ski quiver for 2 years. I happily skied the lifts all day on this setup without ever holding back. The skis are really light and they tour quite well with the help of the camber under foot.

Its not crazy at all. I've used these skis every day for two years. It's amazing how well they perform in any conditions, anywhere. The design of the ski makes it really easy to make critical turns in tight, steep areas. They are very light which also makes turning easy. I highly recommend the JJ's as a 1 ski quiver.