Blends and Soul Riders are very similar skis in that they are both quite soft and easy to ski. They are both more suited to softer snow and less aggressive, lighter skiers who enjoy buttering and jibbing. The Armada Arv 96 would be a very playful ski as well but with more backbone so it's abilities outside the park, on harder snow and at speed would be much better the the Blends or the Soul Riders. Another very good ski similar to the ARV 96(stiffer underfoot but playful tip and tail) would be the Volkl Revolt 95 which is a great ski for the money.