#FIRSTLOOKFRIDAY - ARMADA ARV x MADSTEEZ

#FIRSTLOOKFRIDAY - ARMADA ARV x MADSTEEZ

Coming soon for Winter 2018 - Armada Skis

By this point in time, it's highly unlikely that the news of MADSTEEZ's return to the Armada Family for Winter 2017/18 has passed anyone by.... and there's one reason for it: The unanimous conclusion that the ARV graphics for next winter are freakin' rad. Yes, this winter’s best selling jib sticks are undergoing a full face-lift for 2017… and we’re drooling.

Armada Skis have been pretty prevalent in the Freeski News recently with some big changes at the top. In light of that, what better way to remind and reassure Armada's core fanbase that at no point have they forgotten what they stand for or where they’ve come from, than to reinvent a classic design from back in the day. And it seems Armada’s industry leading ‘anti-establishment’ attitude has been perfectly illustrated here through the medium of sexy purple ladies.
 
For those of you who are new to MADSTEEZ, or even Armada: MADSTEEZ is a Cali based graffiti artist with an insane portfolio of collaborations. Having commissioned work for the likes of Nike, Stussy, BMW and Capita Snowboards (and even decorating the Armada Skis L.A. office with an enormous mural of a back flipping Easy-E,) there's no room for doubt that this long-haired lunatic from "Weensville" is top of every brand's list for a collab.  


And so, in 2006 Armada did just that. This is the year that brought us the original ARMADA SKIS x MADSTEEZ collaboration - (there’s a throwback for you):
 

 
Naturally, this was not a partnership to be forgotten. Fast forward to winter 2017/18 and we see MADSTEEZ’s signature style recaptured exclusively for Armada’s flagship collection: The ARV series.

Already, the range's fresh paint job has had a huge amount of publicity and positive feedback. Last year saw the reinvention of Armada’s jib fleet and the first season launch of the ARV series – the ‘funnest’ family in skiing for the new generation of all-mountain freestyle riders. MADSTEEZ’s artwork can be seen across the entire range, including the ARV 84, 86, 96 and 106.

ARV 84 (Youth) - £259.99 

ARV 86 (167, 170, 177, 184) - £329.99

ARV 96 (163, 170, 177, 184) - £419.99

ARV 106 (172, 180, 188) - £499.99

However, this visuals are not the only development to chat about… New to 2018 is a fresh backcountry freestyle weapon to add to your quiver: the 3rd generation JJ. Yep, this iconic ski has undergone a transformation. Described as "a game-changing advancement in backcountry powder riding"… yeah, it’s sick.

ARV 116 JJ (165, 175, 185, 192) - £549.99

Introducing the ARV JJ – It’s usual self, just a bit different. Re-engineered with ‘smear-tech’, the bevelled 3D base technology combined with an AR75 sidewall construction and carbon-kevlar struts, equals no-catch, deep snow turn hold and high-pressure durability. A slight decrease in acuteness of the classic JJ elf-shoe shape in the tip and tail make the new design perfect for aggressive runs at higher speeds whilst keeping it's playful personality.


And what’s a ski without it’s matching accessories... The graphics have been continued across a small selection of the brand's best-selling accessories and softgoods including: 

Carmel Windstopper™ Mitt - £59.99

   

Contra Crew LS - £64.99

       

Guardsman Suspender - £44.99

Scooby Multi-tube - £22.99

So there you go, a little insight into Armada Winter 2017/18… Available for pre-order August.

Check back here throughout the summer for more hardgood and softgood sneak peaks.

 

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