Brands send us the sticks and we spend a solid chunk of our own seasons shredding them.
The new version however, is all new.
Phil: It’s a full redesign, we moved on for the best!
Phil: Indeed, but mainly a ski that would ride well all around was the focus.
Tom: Where do you think the new BDog sits within Armadas current range?
full urban, park, all mountain, or bit of everything?
Phil: Will see after I try it out!
Tom: Anyone you want to thank?
Phil: Logan Imlach for his concern, he is open-minded and understands what we are trying to create.
Construction
The new Armada BDog is a more conventional shape than the five point sidecut of previous versions.
The rest of the build is similar to what you will find in the ARV range.
It uses the Ar rocker, which although not extreme, does make the tip and tail more playful.
There is a good amount of camber underfoot, much like the Ar7 and Thall used to have.
This wider shape does have its benefits, but it’s not without down sides too.
Flex-wise, the Armada Bdog is on the softer side in the tip and tail.
If you look in the catalogue it is by far their softest ski.
I would not call them a soft ski however.
These are not an X Games competition ski, they are an all-round high performance jib ski.
All of this is not really the BDog.
They encourage a lazier attitude, smearing and pressing your way around the park and mountain.
Most of the testing I did was in the later spring season conditions when the snow was softer.
In the cut up late season park, these skis were perfect.
The flex helped them negotiate the ruts and for a softer ski they still had plenty of pop.
For the urban skiers out there this will be a big plus.
On jumps they again favour a more playful approach.
One thing I did notice was how fast the skis were.
Out of the park the skis maintained the jibby feel.
I would instead be looking at the slightly stiffer ARV 96 or even the 106.
Overall
The Armada BDog is basically what I always hoped the Thall ski would evolve into.
It feels like a wide ski, but without the compromises of a fatter ski.
Although I did enjoy the BDog, it is tough for me to say whether I would buy it.
As an all-round park-to-urban ski they are a lot of fun.
Shop For armada bdog
Skied the Armada BDog?
Thank you to Phil, Sharpy, Soren, Dan and Peter for their help with this article.
