realskiers

70/30, meaning 70 off or on-piste? What is your height and weight? I am 178, 6' level 8. I bought the 176 as I plan to use it for soft groomed or left overs and piled stuff, I actually own the watea94 as well. The 84 is a fantastic ski it does ski a bit shorter however it has a very slightly turned tail. I would recommend going with a railflex (tyrolia makes heads and Fischers) so you can move. I think the binding needs to be moved forward.

As in 70/30 on-piste/off-piste.  I'm 34 years old, 5'10", 160 lbs.  I'm a former level 7 or so skier coming off a long layoff and was using old school skis, and this will be my first pair of shaped skis.  I'm probably medium-speed and medium-aggressive oriented, had a knee surgery 10 years ago that keeps me from going all-out ever.  I ski Mammoth 90% of the time.  Some reviewers on epicski are saying to go head height with the Watea 84, which would put me at the 176.  But I'm almost 20 lbs. lighter than you and a level below in ability.

Also am considering the Watea 78, but I can get a great deal on the 84 and hear it sacrifices very little on-piste relative to the 78.