In the world of skiing, the Line Honey Badger Skis and Armada ARV 86 Skis are two top contenders for 2023. Both are designed with a focus on park skiing, but they also offer all-mountain versatility. The Honey Badger is a bit wider underfoot at 92mm, making it a bit more stable at speed and better in deeper snow. The ARV 86, on the other hand, is a bit narrower at 86mm, making it more agile and quick edge-to-edge. Both skis have a playful feel and are designed for tricks and spins, but the Honey Badger is noted for its durability and affordability, while the ARV 86 is praised for its pop and smooth transitions. In the end, the choice between these two skis comes down to personal preference and skiing style.

Line Honey Badger Skis · 2023 summary

The Line Honey Badger Skis are a fantastic choice for intermediate to expert park skiers. They are designed with a playful feel, low swing weight, and symmetrical flex, making them perfect for tricks and spins. The Honey Badger is 92mm underfoot, which gives it stability at speed and decent float in deeper snow. It's not a powder ski, but it won't sink in fresh snow either.

The Honey Badger features Line’s 5 Cut side radius, which allows for a variety of turn shapes and sizes with ease. Carbon stringers in the ski give you that extra energy to launch from edge to edge or get that little extra pop when you launch off a jump. The Honey Badgers also have 30% thicker edges to handle rails and harder skiing.

The Honey Badger is also noted for its durability and affordability. Despite its low price, it doesn't skimp on performance. It's a great ski for anyone looking for a park ski that can also handle groomers and glades. However, it's not the most durable ski out there, with some experts noting that the top sheet tends to chip after a while, and the edges may crack if you're hitting rails a lot.

Armada ARV 86 Skis · 2023 summary

The Armada ARV 86 Skis are another excellent choice for park skiers. They feature a full tip/tail rocker and true twin tip design, which makes them incredibly playful and perfect for spins in the park. At 86mm underfoot, they're a bit narrower than the Honey Badger, which makes them more agile and quick edge-to-edge.

The ARV 86 has a balanced flex rating in the tips and tails, which makes it versatile for all-mountain skiing. It's also cambered underfoot, which allows it to lock onto rails and grip the snow while carving.

The ARV 86 is praised for its pop and smooth transitions, making it a joy to ski in the park. However, it's not just a park ski - it's also versatile enough to handle all-mountain skiing. It's a bit more of a park ski than the Honey Badger, but it still offers all-mountain versatility.

Similarities

Both the Line Honey Badger Skis and the Armada ARV 86 Skis are designed with park skiing in mind. They both feature a playful feel, low swing weight, and symmetrical flex, making them perfect for tricks and spins. Both skis also offer all-mountain versatility, meaning they can handle groomers, glades, and even some powder. They both have a rockered twin tip design, which helps with float in deeper snow and makes spins easier. Both skis are also praised for their pop and smooth transitions.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for park skiing, they each have their unique strengths. The Line Honey Badger Skis are a bit wider underfoot at 92mm, making them more stable at speed and better in deeper snow. They're also noted for their durability and affordability, making them a great choice for skiers on a budget or those who are hard on their gear.

On the other hand, the Armada ARV 86 Skis are a bit narrower at 86mm underfoot, making them more agile and quick edge-to-edge. They're praised for their pop and smooth transitions, making them a joy to ski in the park. They're a bit more of a park ski than the Honey Badger, but they still offer all-mountain versatility.

In terms of persona, the Honey Badger would be ideal for a skier who spends a lot of time in the park but also wants a ski that can handle all-mountain skiing. It's also a great choice for skiers on a budget or those who are hard on their gear. The ARV 86, on the other hand, would be perfect for a skier who loves the park but also wants a ski that's agile and quick edge-to-edge.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to park performance, both skis shine, but the Armada ARV 86 might have a slight edge due to its agility and pop. For all-mountain versatility, the Line Honey Badger takes the win with its wider underfoot and stability at speed. In terms of durability, the Honey Badger also comes out on top with its thicker edges and noted durability. Finally, for affordability, the Honey Badger wins again, making it a great choice for skiers on a budget.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Line Honey Badger Skis and the Armada ARV 86 Skis are excellent choices for park skiers who also want all-mountain versatility. The Honey Badger shines with its wider underfoot, durability, and affordability, making it a great choice for skiers on a budget or those who are hard on their gear. The ARV 86, on the other hand, stands out with its agility, pop, and smooth transitions, making it a joy to ski in the park. In the end, the choice between these two skis comes down to personal preference and skiing style. Either way, you're sure to have a blast on the slopes!