Armada JJ vs Armada Norwalk vs 4FRNT YLE

MadSteezin

MadSteezin

Active member
I ski at Crystal Mountain, WA which has a wide variety of terrain and conditions. Charging powder to groomers to crud to ice. I weigh 155 lbs and am 5'11".

I have been riding my Armada JJs since they first released the 5 dimension and rocker with camber underfoot. I am now turning these skis into my strictly touring setup by slapping some barons on them.

Anyways, I am having a hard time deciding between a new daily driver/everything ski. The playing field is the Armada JJ, Armada Norwalk (same as JJ with camber in the tail) and the 4FRNT YLE...

What I love about the JJ is that it can ski absolutely ANYTHING and rip the fuck out of it. Some times the tails can wash out, but the quick turning radius through trees, agility to correct mistakes quickly and that it can carve up the hardpack is what draws me to this ski. That is why I was contemplating the Norwalks to prevent tail wash, but I dunno... Then i was told about the 4FRNT YLE which is similar to the JJ in ways, but I am nervous about that whole center mount deal and possibly the turning radius.

Hopefully I laid out everything in a cohesive way, so you cats can help me out. Let me know if something doesn't make sense or need some more background info.

BTW i love carving the fuck out of a groomer on a pair of fatties.
 
Though the yle is the same width tip and tail the taper is increased in the tip and the sidecut is shifted back so it is actually mounted at -2 or -1.
 
Norwalk's ski longer than a comparable JJ. I've been in your same boat for a few seasons now. My JJs are just so damn good at slaying pretty much everything.
 
faster and bigger you go the more the jj's are gonna wash out on you, its a good senior ski or kid getting into freestyle because it easy, maneuverable and soft. try some more serious and stiff skis you might like em, YLE's volkl 2 but mount +5 if you want it to be stiff and check out the volkl shiros, rossy squad 7, line sick day etc. go demo some

 
Not trying to start an argument but a lot of very good skiers like the JJ. its not "less serious" its just meant for tight spaces and jibbing. Ya seniors and kids will not have a hard time on them, but A lot of pros really enjoy JJs because they make their job easy, and they can still stomp 40 foot cliffs on them. I love JJs, and my preference is normally for stiff uber-burly skis. Each has their place in a quiver, but neither is less serious.

It is true if you like to straightline down the fall line at mach looney, then Armada skis (even norwalk or AKJJ) aren't the best option... but If you like to spin and flip of every terrain feature you can find, than armada is one of the best brands out there.

 
I have the Norwalk's and really love the traditional tail, helps stomp everything but can't go switch in the pow. as you know they rip through everything like the jj's(which is the ski my brother uses)
 
The TST/Norwalk are still super playful skis, though a little bit less so than the JJ. Norwalk obviously has More purchase throughout the tail, and just a touch more stability at speed (neither are speed demons). Both still want to arc across the fall line, though the norwalk less so. Both are very good in tight places, but JJs are better. Both are good in moguls for their width range, Both are decent in chop and Both are light as a feather.

Deciding between the two can be difficult (i guess?) since both are extremely fun skis. the main thing to think about is preference, Do you want tail rocker/shorter radius or not? thats it.

If you dont have a larger quiver to address different scenarios, than the Norwalk would be my choice. Its still playful and snappy, but can handle speed a little bit better.
 
I'd go with JJs or Norwalks. Right now I'm torn between the AK JJs in 195 and the Norwalks in 189. I'll probably go for the 189 Norwalks since it will be my everyday ski and I like the idea of only having tip rocker since I don't fucks wit switch.
 
I got my first pair of JJs in 2011 and I have been having a lot of fun on mine. I get why people hate on them though. I think Elan is looking sexy with that boomerang. Check that ski out
 
Sounds to me like the YLE should be your ski. (no rhyme intended)If you are going to be using a JJ as a touring ski, the norwalk would not be a good all mountain alternative. It is made mostly for charging huge lines. I ski the wiley and I love them. It is my one ski quiver and they rip. you could get the 177 and have it charge on groomers and do tricks or the 187 and slay in bounds line. But all in all the Wiley should be your choice. Hope that helps!
 
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