Armada ANT vs. other big skis

[El Chupacabra]

Reviews on the Armada ANT posted so far don't provide much for comparison' sake in terms of how they actually ski, compared to other big skis (188-195cm length, 95-105 waist).

Any ANT owners wanna offer up a review or two?

Comparisons to any of these would be helpful to me, since I've spent some time on them:

stiff Bros (like)
Explosivs (like)
Big Daddy (dislike - dead feeling)
Kahuna/ Maid'n (too soft)
Apache Chief (like, but a little too soft in the tip, too much chatter)
Spatulas (like - but not really similar to any other ski)

[Vicious]

Well, here's my .02:

A few people have asked me recently if I had to choose only one ski in my quiver to use everyday for all conditions and my answer has been my ANTs without a second thought. I definitely liked them my first few times out on them, but have grown to love them.

As for comparisons to the skis you mentioned, I'd put the flex of the ANT in the same general vicinity as Exploders or stiff Bros (not as sure on the Bros as I've only fondled them). Definitely one of the most stable and confidence-inspring skis I've ever been on...no chatter whatsoever at any speed and they really have no top speed.

I originally mounted -11 from center after some research and enjoyed them there. However, after breaking them in a bit and getting more used to them, I moved them up to -9 from center, which is still further back than Armada's line, but I think it's a perfect mount for everyday/versatile use. Anymore forward and I think I'd be worrying about tip dive in the deep. I skied a pair of next year's at +7, which were alright, but too much tail for me and not enough tip to stay afloat.

Edge grip on hardpack is superb, although they aren't 'turny' by any means.

These are super light considering the size of the ski, but they don't give up in stability for the lighter weight. They plow through crud and chop with no deflection at all and always track true. (I was on my 190 Gots today up in Parsenn Bowl today with an inch or two of fresh on windbuff and ended up going back to the car to get the ANTs as the Gots just aren't the same at speed)

Also, 30ish days on them so far and they are quite bombproof. Topsheets look nearly new and bases have taken a few hard shots with no problems.

FYI, I've skied next year's ANT too and although the tips are rumored to be softer, the difference is negligible...they ski virtually the same.

I'm 6'3" 190# if that helps.

Bottom line: I'll have my eye out for an extra pair of discounted pair of ANTs toward the end of the season.

GET YOURSELF A PAIR!

Let me know if I can elaborate as I'm sure all the info above is quite random.

[El Chupacabra]

Thanks Vicious - have you owned Explosivs too? A wider Explosiv, but similar flex, sounds sweet.

I'm thinking about it, but think the ANT would be really similar to the stiff Bros, probably too much overlap there.

[Vicious]

I've owned older Exploders, but I think they've all been virtually the same.

I actually prefer the ANT over the Ex's I've been on.

Perhaps too much overlap, but I haven't skied stiff Bros (or any Bros) to make a comparison.

However, my quiver is the king of overlap, so I'm not one to talk.

[Jim S]

I would infer one needs superlative ski skills and aggressiveness to ride the ANT. Otherwise they will ride you. Concur?

[Vicious]

I would infer one needs superlative ski skills and aggressiveness to ride the ANT. Otherwise they will ride you. Concur?

Concur. The first time or two I got on them, I thought, "Dayum, this is alot of ski." But, as my legs got more used to them (stronger) and they broke in a bit, they f'ing rip!

El Chup...get some.

[iggyskier]

However, my quiver is the king of overlap, so I'm not one to talk.

At least you admit it.

and yeah, your quiver is ridiculous

[Vicious]

At least you admit it.

and yeah, your quiver is ridiculous

I'll be the first to admit it.

But it is ooooooh, so fun!

[Jim S]

quiver pic?

[iggyskier]

quiver pic?

he's waiting for his FFFs to arrive.

then you'll get to see how ridiculous it is.

luke - you should gather all the quiver pics you have together to see how much it has changed

[Greydon Clark]

The ANTs sound sweet, but they might be a little beefy for a tele ski. Any opinions on the other fats from Armada? The VNT and the JP vs. J are almost as big as the ANTs with minimal sidecut (JP vs. J is the same shape as the Super Mojo). Are these pure jib skis or do they bring the noise off piste?

PS: Evo Gear in Seattle (not the website) has JP vs. Js for $315, the ANTs are a little more.

[El Chupacabra]

I've owned older Exploders, but I think they've all been virtually the same.

I actually prefer the ANT over the Ex's I've been on.

Perhaps too much overlap, but I haven't skied stiff Bros (or any Bros) to make a comparison.

However, my quiver is the king of overlap, so I'm not one to talk.

What do you like more about the ANT vs the Explosiv?

What else is in your quiver? (I may be challenging you for the title of king of overlap.)

[Vicious]

What do you like more about the ANT vs the Explosiv?

What else is in your quiver? (I may be challenging you for the title of king of overlap.)

I like the twin on the ANT in billygoating and other situations. I find the ANT to feel a bit more lively underfoot than the Exploders. The ANT is also a bit lighter than the Ex I believe. Both are great sticks, I just find subtle differences that put the ANT on top.

My quiver:

191 ANT w/ Deadbolt 614
190 FFF w/ 916
190 Got w/ 916
189 Made'n w/ 916
183 m103 w/ Mojo 15

I realize they are all 'powder' skis, but each serves it's own purpose in a very specific way...at least that's what I tell myself

[marshalolson]

My quiver:

191 ANT w/ Deadbolt 614
190 FFF w/ 916
190 Got w/ 916
189 Made'n w/ 916
183 m103 w/ Mojo 15

don't worry:

103, 105, 106, 108, 118

no overlap!

[Vicious]

don't worry:

103, 105, 106, 108, 118

no overlap!

Precisely!

[El Chupacabra]

My quiver:

191 ANT w/ Deadbolt 614
190 FFF w/ 916
190 Got w/ 916
189 Made'n w/ 916
183 m103 w/ Mojo 15

OK, I concede the title of king of overlap.

Mine (currently active):

188 Beasts w/ Freerides
186 Spatulas w/ 997
188 stiff Bros w/ Axial 140
195 AK Rocket swallowtail w/ 997

I've never skied an Igneous or the Head m103, both supposed to be pretty burly (Iggies depending on flex I guess). How's the ANT compare to those? And when would you pick the ANT vs m103 vs FFF?

[KANUTTEN]

I got to fondle a pair of Ants a couple of days ago. They do indeed appear to be a sweet set of skis. And the skier on them was absolutely rippin it, which I guess doesn't hurt. So no real info here, just a bit of public drooling...

[KANUTTEN]

don't worry:

103, 105, 106, 108, 118

no overlap!

The ant is actually 106 so the numbers should be;

106, 105, 106,...

Overlap extravaganza. Hah!

[Vicious]

OK, I concede the title of king of overlap.

Mine (currently active):

188 Beasts w/ Freerides
186 Spatulas w/ 997
188 stiff Bros w/ Axial 140
195 AK Rocket swallowtail w/ 997

I've never skied an Igneous or the Head m103, both supposed to be pretty burly (Iggies depending on flex I guess). How's the ANT compare to those? And when would you pick the ANT vs m103 vs FFF?

I just sold my Spats last night.

My FFF's are on the way from Iggyskier, so no time on them yet, but I can't f'ing wait. They are RA 265, so I'm guessing they'll be pretty burly.

I mounted the m103 +2 to make it a bit more agile and the tips dive a bit, so they generally come out when there's a few fresh inches and I want to just go mach 2 in more open areas, although I've been skiing them in tighter spots more and more and like them more and more.

I ski the ANT anyday anytime anywhere. Mounted -9 where I have them, they have plenty of float for the deepest of days, but are light enough to ski tight trees as well. Definitely my do-everything skis.

FFF will be for any day with new snow. From what I understand, with the stiffer flex I'm getting, they are ideal for boot - shin deep days and just love to FLY.

[Dromond]

191 ANT w/ Deadbolt 614

Dumb question, but which binding is this, exactly?

[Vicious]

The ant is actually 106 so the numbers should be;

106, 105, 106,...

Overlap extravaganza. Hah!

Nope, Schral was right:

m103 - 103
Got - 105
ANT - 106
Made'n - 108
FFF - 118

Soooo, I have NO overlap...technically speaking.

[Vicious]

Dumb question, but which binding is this, exactly?

4frnt

It's actually virtually the same as the Vist binders.

I've got probably 30ish days on these and plenty of beating handed out and they are perfect...I'm quite happy with them. Got a good deal on them and decided to guinea pig it as no one else really had them and I'm stoked. Similar feel to a 916, but much lighter and maybe not as durable as they aren't all metal, but holding up well so far. Also, no toe piece adjustment needed, which is easy.

[marshalolson]

Nope, Schral was right:

m103 - 103
Got - 105
ANT - 106
Made'n - 108
FFF - 118

Soooo, I have NO overlap...technically speaking.

not to mention:

twins: 189, 190, 191

squaretail: 183, 190

dude, you are all set!

[Vicious]

not to mention:

twins: 189, 190, 191

squaretail: 183, 190

dude, you are all set!

Soooo $$$$!

Any day this week you can mount my FFF's?

[marshalolson]

Soooo $$$$!

Any day this week you can mount my FFF's?

give me a call... maybe wednesday eve?

like 7ish at my house?