realskiers

I simply found the 184 to be more versatile.? A little easier to engage and just a little more stable.? Bigger sweet spot.? I've found no conditions where I would consider the MR in 184 to be cumbersome.? Even skiied them in the bumps and I don't go looking for bumps...

Greg, that's very good to know. ?Thanks for that. ?I've never skied on anything longer than a 175, so this is new to me. ?My assumptions and preconceptions about how a longer and wider ski handles are being blown away pretty quickly here. ?And it's all good!

Jim -- gotcha! All clear....

As for Terryl's length, my thoughts were similar to yours -- about the 165 to 168 would be perfect. ?That still puts the ski just under head-height, and should be easily manageable given the right sidecut and flex.

Gary -- thanks for the recommendations.? The Wateas certainly are on the short list.? Nothing but positive reviews and comments on these, and they sound like a great all-round ski.? Give us the liveliness and agility that we're looking for (your Fun Factor!), and the float and crud busting that we need to get us through the rough and deep.

OK, so here's our personal short list, in no particular order of preference:

Terryl -- Head Great One (78mm); Watea 78; Watea 84; Head Monster 82; Elan 777; Elan 888 (both Elans highly recommended by Dawg - the 888 being his top choice overall)

Me -- Watea 84 or 94; Mythic Rider; Elan 888; Head Monster 88.? Not sure I can get Icelantics anywhere -- a rare bird.? Nordica Afterburner (84mm) is also getting great reviews, but they tend to be pricey (ugly graphics, too).? Blizzard Magnum 8.7 might be a consideration, too, but I don't know much about them, other than they're really good on hard snow.

Still waiting for Ron and Phil to stick their oars in here -- whaddya think guys?