K2 DarkSide Alpine Ski - 2010 BCS

You are pretty small so you for sure wouldnt overpower the 181 but if you really want to charge hard and never sink in pow go with the 188

Just don't buy for your eventual 6'2" size. It's going to take a while to get there and ski styles and technology will change enough between now and then that you'll have just wasted several years on skis that are too big for you.

depends a lot more on how aggro you are and how you like to turn, than how tall you are. go longer and its tougher to turn quickly, but more solid if you are pushing it. Also conditions, are you jumping out of helis? Getting 100+ days? Go longer. If not the shorter length might rock 4 you.
Enjoy!

They are pretty turny with all the rocker. Go shorter for the tight stuff.

At 72" (your height), Standing barefoot, where did the length of the SideStash 181's hit you? Do you know if the DS 181's will be the same lenght as the SideStash 181's ?? Thanks!

I would go 188s, with the rocker they will ski like a 181

if you want to push them real hard and you feel like your 181s are short go ahead and grab the 188s...its not a big enough jump it will throw you off your game

Could not find any weight info for the 181's, but the 174's weigh in at 2100 grams or 4.6 lbs, if that is any help.

The darkside has pretty significant tip rocker that almost goes to the toe of the binding. For yourself, being 165, using the skis for the fast deep lines, and skiing off-piste in Europe, you should stick pretty close to the traditional mounting point. Maybe 1-1/2cm forward if you like to be more centered on the ski. But don't worry, the tip rocker is so substantial lengthwise that you shouldn't have to worry about compromising float. That being said, also don't worry about the length issue either especially if you are going for big lines. Go for the 188s.

Depends on what you are looking for. For your size if you are a charger go for anything over a 12 DIN. Anything over a 12 DIN goes for all bindings in my opinion. Taking them in the backcountry I would use a Duke or Fritschi, not dynafit because of the torsional torque on sucha big ski underfoot. Alpine bindings, go with a strong toe always. Automatic toe height style bindings can be bothersome when they release under a little tail pressure. Go with an adjustable toe height binding for maximum security like the Salomon STH 16 if you want to have full confidence.

I would definitely recommend you go with the 188. The rocker will make the ski feel a bit shorter than a normal cambered ski and with your height, you'll want the leverage of a longer ski. I'm slightly smaller than you at 6'2" 185 lbs and any rockered ski below 185 really feels unskiable because it washes out on turns and doesn't provide enough stability at speed.

You would handle the 188 with no problem. Go long! These skis ski short with the amazing front rocker. Love these boards! I am 6'3" 240 skiing the 188 and wish it came in a 195!

Marker Duke would be a good choice. Iam using Marker F12 Tour on my Darkside and that works just fine.

K2 has much better options for typical resort days.

Then these skis will be perfect.