Replying to Gah! Choosing skis is a pain in the neck! :)

Alright.

I'm going to be doing about 95% all-mountain. I'm in the northwest, so the snow ranges from fluffy to wet and heavy with a fair bit of ice when it hasn't snowed in a while.

I'll rarely head into a terrain park this season, but may hit up a halfpipe on occassion... thus the remaining 5%.

Of that all-mountain use it'll be about 50/50 on and off piste. I'll want to be stable at speed and be able to hold a line on edge well. Enough power through the crud, and enough float in the powder to be fun, but not so much that I have to sacrifice fun on the hardpack.

The reason I'm looking for a twin is because I want to be able to ride switch, and intend to hit up some cat lips and kickers pretty consistently.

I'm going completely crazy with all the options. I'm looking to spend less than $400 new or used, and would prefer closer to $300 if possible.

I'm open to suggestions. My latest inclination is the Line Skogen from last year, but honestly I have no idea.

There are almost no shops in my area to check out skis let alone demo them. The only skis I can demo are Salomon Foils in a 160-something and the K2 PE's in a 169.

One last thing why in god's name does every sales person try and fit me on a 165-170 when I tell them I'm 5'9" 165-170? I've been skiing for two decades and figured a 172-178 would be a better range.

THANK YOU! :)
-Nathan