boot center a plus 5 or 6

The closer to the core you get, the easier it is to turn them, so I would bet that you should handle them close to the core. That said, mounting at something like +6 would be about all this ski would ever need, and mean that the Schizo's wouldn't really be necessary. If you have the money and want them, then go for it, but otherwise, you will probably only ride them in one mounting position anyway.

I think you will feel a lot more float and control in the deep stuff than the JJ's, which are nice in it, but sometimes feel a little lacking. The 'Bents will have a hard time feeling lacking in the deep. The 189's should work for you if you kill it on the 185 JJ. Remember they are actually longer than 189, about 193-194, since K2 posts effective edge, and the rocker makes it shorter.

I just ordered the 189, thinking of putting the schizos on them this time so I can play around with the postion.

If they are a tad too long for me, would setting them closer to core make them easier to ski?

If the 179s feel too short for you, go with the 189s. Especially at your height and weight. The dramatic rocker of the Hellbents makes them ski much shorter than their length. Rocker helps skis initiate the turn, so you can ski a longer ski than you normally would. I don't know what that rep was talking about, but I hardly know anyone who skis the 179s, and I have seen people ski tight lines with the 189s no problem.

The 169 probably, you aren't exactly tall enough for the 179, nor weight enough to drive it, in my opinion. The K2 rockered skis run longer than posted, since they post the effective edge, which is shortened with the rocker, so the 169 will actually be around a 172-174, which is a good length for someone your size.

you might want to look at the chopstick in a 185 too

The 179 should be good for you if you aren't a hard charger. It's at the length that it has the right float, but still looks long enough for your height.

i want to do bc jibbing, i dont chrage that much. just i dont want to sink, neither have a very heavy ski. would the ep pro be better? or too short?
thx in advance

I agree--marker griffons are amazing bindings. and the fat toe piece helps with turning fat skis such as the hellbents.

I agree--marker griffons are amazing bindings. and the fat toe piece helps with turning fat skis such as the hellbents.

Marker griffons or jesters...depending if you want a din of 12 or 16 respectively.

I put a pair of the Marker Griffons on my EP's last year. I'm about the same size as you... never had problems- I was very happy with my choice.

Just for future reference, you can find that piece of information in the "tech specs" box. If you look at dimensions it is 150/122/141mm. The middle number is the width of the ski under foot. The two other numbers are the widths at the widest point of the tip and tail.

Thanks man.

Yes, 122mm.

Yeah, the same 20/40 rocker from last season

I highly Recommend the prophet's if you do not ski much park. They are sick and bombproof.

Are you going to be skinning on your new skis in the backcountry, or just hiking, etc...

Because it kind of depends if you are using skins, I'll assume you're not.

Have you looked at this years JJ? Steller all around ski, you should put some consideration into that. But EP pros are gonna be way softer than hellbents, both do alright on the hardpack, and survive the park. I'd say the main difference, is that the EP is way more forgiving, and playful, and the Hellbent is stiffer and can charge harder. I'm almost positive the EP pros are lighter than Hellbents just for reference. Hope that helps a little.

K2 hasn't put them up yet, but on their website, check out the athlete's profiles. They will tell you what size skis they use, and where they mount them. They did it last year, and will probably do it again this year once we get closer to the season. The +4 or +5 marks are pretty forward yet still versatile enough for all mountain riding. +7 is true center by the way.

As far as binding placement goes, it is mostly personal preference. But, based on what was said in your question, I would think about mounting your K2 Hellbents a little bit back from true center. The common consensus is this: the more spinning and switch riding you do, the closer the bindings need to be mounted to the true center of a ski.

I'd go with the obsetheds if i were you because theyre skinny enough that they work on groomers yet they have a slight rocker for those powder days, unless you can have a quiver of skis in which case i'd get the hellbents for those deep pow days and have another ski for the icy days

Hey so i have last years and contrary to common belief these hold up pretty decent on groomers. last summer i rode them in the park up at hood. the only thing is with the flex you need to be careful on big jumps if you land back seat your screwed.

Take a look at the Line Prophet 90's or 100's. You can't go wrong on them. Twin tips with wood core and metal. Hold on most everything fun everywhere!

I own a pair, and even outwest really only use these when there is a foot or more of pow. otherwise i use my seth pistols.

Um, no. You will be really unhappy skiing these in anything but packed pow or powder.

They don't hold an edge on anything remotely icy...and even chopped pow they are suirly.

I would say get the extremes or kung funjas.

It more depends on how much you weigh...I am6'2 and about 180 and i ride last years 189s

179, 184, or 189. its all personal preference, and what type of skiing you do

189 without a doubt.