D3 ARC Review - First ride

Horton

I just got off the water and I have to say I think it might be the best D3 I have ever ridden. I ran a 28, a few 32s and 35s and then took some stabs at 38. On my last go I ran inside 6 ball at 38. For a first ride that is freaking really really good for me. I fully expect to ski up to my all time PB score on this ski.

The ski has some of the attributes I remember from the Quest. The ski is very stable and supportive approaching the ball. You need to remember to keep your head up and shoulders extra level going into on side.

Oooo yea and it is the fastest D3 by far. That is for sure.

19 rides to go….

Andre

All Kidder,KD, D3 skis i had were all very user friendly out of the box.
I thought about going for the ARC but bought a Vapor because of the hype on BOS.
See John,your site does influence ski sales...

ozski

Faster than the Helix even? That's pretty fast...

gregy

ARC or ARC-s?

Horton

@gregy I have both. I am starting out on the Yellow ARC.

I made the mistake of loaning my Blue ARC-S to my neighbor "Bad Water Bob". He told me I could have it back when I pulled it from his cold dead fingers. He claims he has ordered his own ski so I should be able to ride the S soon.

Horton

@ozski faster and way way way way better (based on only one ride but yes I think this ski is killer)

Howa1500

@Horton I think we're going to need a video

Jaypro

I demo'd the vapor and the ARC S. I wanted to like the vapor more because Brooks Wilson was such a fantastic ambassador to radar, and helped me get the demo. I will be going to ski with him this fall when it gets cold here in Vermont. That said, the ARC S was just easier to ski and i could get more balls. It was fast and stable and it comes around quicker. I am nothing special, i aspire to be a 22' off skier and am struggling with 15 off, but this newbie loved the ARC S.

whitecaps

@Horton I'm on a Helix 67" now, what can I expect to gain with the ARC? Doesn't sound like there is much of learning curve with this ski. I am a 22-28 off skier,53 yo, 6'1" 180lbs. Also curious as to what length is best for me? Skiing now at 32 mph but should be at 34mph.

Horton

@whitecaps I would say a 67 ARC-S (blue) for you. I only have one ride on an ARC but have been watching skiers on them all season. Everyone seems to be stoked with it so far. I did not love the Helix skis but the ARC seems to be a the real deal.

santangelo

FWIW, @whitecaps, I've ridden the Helix, Q45, ARC, and ARC-S. Personally I found all these skis to be very stable, with the Helix being a bit more aggressive everywhere and sacrificing some stability. You can surely expect to gain stability with the ARC(S). It will be wider from mid front foot forward and if I recall correctly, about the same width mid front foot back, so you gain surface area up front.

As for size, I would definitely go with the 68" ARC-S. I think this will be skiable at both speeds for a person of your size.

The ARC(S) is a rare combination of speed and stability...not quite sure how they pulled that off but there's many skiers on it that feel comfortable on it the first set.

whitecaps

@Horton, @santangelo... My first post on BOS may cost me a lot of money. Something inside was hoping you'd say "stay on the Helix until your at shorter lengths", or "if you think an ARC is going to make you into a 32 off skier you are mistaken"

Horton

@whitecaps NO ski is going to give you 6 balls unless your current ski REALLY SUCKS. The difference between an average ski and a very good ski is a few balls and platform to build better skills on. Personally I can run a few at 38 on some real crap skis but to run 38 I need a really good ski. The delta is less than 6 balls but it is also huge. Depends on how you think about it.

When you call D3 to get your ski tell Kari I said "HI"

UWSkier

That's not how this place works. We're really really good at spending other people's money...

santangelo

@whitecaps, funny. Talent and dedication will make you a 32 off skier, the ARC S will just make it a little easier to get there.

Try the Demo team, or Demo program.

303Skier

I'd love to ride the Arc and have heard some great things about it! I'm very familiar with D3's and demoed a Quest last year. Def remember you had to have your shoulders level on the off-side or else it would break you. Loved the 68 but couldn't get it to turn.

But if you love stable and supportive approaching the ball and a fast forgiving ski you have to try the Rev 6 @Horton. Would love to get your review on it

Bdecker

@whitecaps - I'm thrilled with my new ARC. Like santangelo, I've been on a bunch of D3's and found them all really easy to hop on and ski to or above my average (x5, Fusion, Helix, Helix H2, Quest45). I have achieved a couple more buoys on the ARC than some of the others, but I think the difference between skis for me is the consistency with which I get to take on that challenge pass. All of the D3's I've tried have played well with my particular style vs the others I've tried, but the ARC is definitely a step above.

whitecaps

@Bdecker --thanks for the insight. The helix is my first D3, purchased it off SIA used. Since I don't see much about folks using the Helix I thought I might benefit from an upgrade. I do like the Helix but haven't skied a lot of others. One question, are you on the ARC or ARC-S?

Bdecker

@whitecaps- I am on the standard (yellow) ARC in a 67" and I'm approximately your size (just a bit shorter and heavier...). Skiing 34mph, trying to find the exit gates at -38, but -35 is still far from automatic. I have a helix H2 which I really liked as well.

Horton

Ride two. 2 @ 39

thager

Doesn't count!

Horton

@thager 100% agree

Chef23

@Horton pretty impressive for your second set on the ski.

The_MS

@Horton gave himself an AWESOME tag.

skidawg

Someone forgot to shorten the rope???

ForrestGump

Exactly what I was thinking Dawg. Or Horton just got really drunk and dreamed he ran [email protected]

The_MS

52k

Horton

@ms i am awesome

jrs

I have a 66" D3 Arc S (blue) for sale $1,200 plus shipping. Anyone interested send me a message. I could also deliver it to the Southern Regionals or the Nationals.

Horton

So I am 3 rides in on the ARC. I am taking the next 5 or 6 days off so I will try to have more comments late next week

6balls

Cool. Was on KD's and D3's for 20 years and loved 'em all. @Andre I will have a Vapor to try soon as well. If that's not the ticket may give the ARC a whirl. So many good skis, so little time (and a crappy spine).