This years BC and FS are way stiffer than the ARV's man. I have last years fs, this years fs, and last years ARV's. Last years FS were soft, this years fs are wider and not even comparable to the old scratch. the 06 scratch are quite stiff and way bomber. Last years ARV was supposed to be a fairly stiff ski according to Armada, it was their BOMBER ski. My new scratches are way stiffer than my ARV's, and this years ARV are even softer. So, to sum it all up, this years BC is stiff wide, and a really good ski for big guys IMO.