rsvpi think it's more a matter of preference than anything. I'm 6' 165 lbs and been skiing on a 186 for a few years now just fine, but i definitely wouldn't go any shorter
The average male is what? Like 5'9"? So obviously a 186 is the size usable by the most folks. That's why. I'm just a little bitter because I'd love to try one in a size that fits me better haha. Sounds like it'd be fun.
I prefer the ON3P model of having a 181 and 191. I think that covers a much larger slice of the skier pie.
It doesn't sound like much, but any ski with reverse sidecut at the tip/tail needs to be of decent length or it will suffer from tip dive and wheeleying out from under me. That extra 5cm makes a very noticeable difference in that regard as well as it's stability at speed.
I'd love to get on a demo ski though- I love stiffer smeary skis.