Go for it i have skied two seasons with them and really like them. They are not the lighter ski out there, but athey are not at all a heavy ski. on the durability, is the most durable armada ski i have owned (thall 06, 07 and ar6), i can still make another season with them, and i ski like 70 days a year, and only park with them (60% rails).
so imo they are a pretty good ski, i would go for a 176 tough. im 5'7' and im thinking of getting 182 alhpa 2