Armada JJ Length Question

[TheSasquatch]

I am going to be getting a pair of Armada JJ's because the shop near me has a great deal on them. I am torn between getting the 175 length or the 185 length.
I currently have a pair of line anthems at 171 that I used every day last season.

Height=5'9-5"10
Weight=145+/-
Ability=Expert
Local=East coast
Days Riding=3/4 days per week opening day through closing day

I will be using the skis primarily on our east coast powder days and will be spending most of the time in the trees.
An employee at the shop was telling me to go with the 175 length cause it would be more nimble in the trees, although I know with the rocker a 185 length could feel closer to a 180 or even less.
So what would you suggest and why?

[whyturn]

185 for sure. I have skiied it and the 185 felt like a 175-178. I imagine 175 feels like 165-167. Way too short. and the 14M radius is plenty short. I live in trees, and am 6'2 for reference. Def 185, don't buy 175, you'll regret it..........

[single]

I would go 175 for skiing east coast trees. You dont need the extra length, and at your size those things will rip them.

For the record I am the same size as you, and ski at least a 185 ski every day out west. But if I went to the east coast, I would want the 175 for tree skiing. The pictures I see of that terrain is nasty tight, moreso than most things out here.

Everyone here is probably going to tell you 185 because that is the way TGR is, but if you are happy on 171 anthems as your everyday, you will be happy with the 175 in the trees.

[Lamothe]

Being from northern ontario, i know how tight tree skiing is in the east / central . Id say the 175cm would be fine ,in tight trees . You may want lest length when the trees are 2 to 3 feet apart . OR move out west like i did ! Im sure you're fine with either one though

[Sullywhacker]

I went from a 183 Goat to the 175 JJ. As said above, you can't go wrong with either but since you're going to use them in tight trees, I'd say the 175. Me: 5'8", 160.

Sully

[Eluder]

With a name like TheSasquatch you better be at least 6 and half feet and 300 lbs. Personally I think the 175 is the kid/girl size. Both would be fun Im sure but since you have a pair of short skis for when the skiing sucks maybe you should get the 185's for the deep and any trips out west. I dunno just measure out 6-7 cm or so thats about how much more tip you will have. If you think thats going to limit your tree skiing go shorter.

[Shu Shu]

Buy the 185 for sure. I am 5,10 about 160. And have easily spent 50 days on them in tight Vermont trees. (I am talking OB bushwacking)

They really only measure about 182 in true length and ski like a big fat 160 cm slalom ski on hardpack. You will regret the 175, it won't float you as well in pow making them slower to turn, and will feel even less stable on hardpack.

185 for sure... no question.

[TheSasquatch]

I appreciate all the responses. Keep them coming! Still trying to figure it out, definitely leaning towards the 185. I think it will be better in the long run, the skis need to last for the next two seasons.

Adding another question. I was thinking of mounting my markers an inch back from core center if I'm going to be getting the longer length.

But asking you, Where should I mount them?

[Shu Shu]

OK now it's time to start searching. Lots of discussion on this.

[Nordic75]

185 feels like a snowblade.. I can only imagine what the 175 feels like

[arewolfe]

Dude, go to the shop and stand over the 175 JJs. That should convince you immediately that there's no way a 175 is the right length for anyone more than 5 feet 2 inches tall. Keep in mind the rockered tip and tail will make it feel at least 10cm shorter than it really is when you're skiing.

I would get the 185 and mount on factory recommended line. I am 130 lbs and ski ARGs on pow days, mostly in the trees. They feel super short and nimble. My non-powder ski is a 176 Gotama which is really a 172. Note that a the shape of the JJ is essentially an ARG with sidecut cut into the mid section [and camber underfoot].

Don't listen to people at East Coast ski shops. 98% of them are mentally retarded. I don't know why. They just are. Spend a few weeks on here reading about skis and gear and you will be more up to date than the majority of them.

[dynodonkeyaltabird]

185 unless you are a midget or a chick. or a midget chick.

[TheSasquatch]

thanks for all the responses i am definitely going to go with the 185s. mounted at factory recommended. karma towards all of you

[Huck_Schmuck]

For an expert skier you sure do sound like a fag.

[FairlyCasual]

175 will run pretty short for sure, but for the east coast and your size it would probably be a pretty perfect fun ski. It would ski trees mad quick, Ive skied both sizes, 6'1 185, and the 175 was a pretty fun ski, too small for me, but in your situation i think itd be good

[arewolfe]

[TheSasquatch]

For an expert skier you sure do sound like a fag.

wheres the logic in that?

and arewolfe i think I will be going with the 185s. Going to pick them up today

[single]

wheres the logic in that?

You are a normal sized human being and ski 171 twin tipped skis.

[2nd mate]

185 IS NOT too long for EC trees, especially a JJ.

[DerekPersson]

185 IS NOT too long for EC trees, especially a JJ.

^^^What he said^^^

Definately not too long. If you're an expert and with your height and weight, how can you even take a 175 rockered ski (a SUPER light rockered ski nontheless) into consideration? Definately a no-brainer decision here.

[single]

If you're an expert and with your height and weight, how can you even take a 175 rockered ski (a SUPER light rockered ski nontheless) into consideration? Definately a no-brainer decision here.

If you are an expert, how can you ski a 171 line?

[DerekPersson]

If you are an expert, how can you ski a 171 line?

That too...

[TheSasquatch]

I came here to simply ask what the skiers of TGR thought I should get. Not to get called out on being a fag for riding park skis. I figured tgr would be more mature than NS. and so far it was until "single" came along.

the size difference between a 175 and 185 is quite significant and I want all the opinions I can before I spend $700 on new skis.

and DerekPearson, the shop employee was telling me to go with the 175s so thats why it was considered.

[roadgap]

I don't think you're a fag. I'm sure you're a virile heterosexual man. That said you need to punch that shop guy in the nuts for being a moronic douche.

[Shu Shu]

Even if you are a fag, that's ok. Just grow a little thicker skin and learn to laugh at yourself. It's just the internet. Far worse things have been said here. Go check out any threads started in Gear swap by lukc.

and btw you got better responses than you should expect for starting a thread thats been discussed here ad nauseum.