stinky_petedesperation bump. I'm still losing my mind over this plzzzz help
I d go for a 182, especially when you re planning on touring more. A 189 ski with your size needs some good kickturn skills to make them properly, if you' re not planning to fall, slide down and blame yourself in front of the hardcore touring guys ;)
182 is perfect for where you live, Imo (If you still live in Utah). 182 isn t too short if you re charging down chutes or big open faces. Enough stability cause of the pretty traditional shape with the stiff tail. On the otherside not too long, so the ski is still nimble enough to rip the trees fast.
I am 6"3 and I am touring on 183 (light setup for long ascents) and 188 (for anything under 7000 vertical feet). Especially my 188s are sometimes a pain in the ass after the 35th kick turn... I dont wanna go longer.
The kick turn argument is useless, if you re either doing 0 kickturns or less than lets say 2,5k vertical feet.
tl;dr go for 182 perfect mix for everything. Trees, open bowls, chute or tight stuff