You might consider Line's Sir Francis Bacon. It goes everywhere out West, is 182 w/ 115 underfoot. I've skied it 2 years in Alta and Squaw. Love it. Powder, steeps, even park if you do slow spins All of it with ease and style. Crud, pow, groomers -- no problem. Ice -- keep those edges sharp and you'll have grip. The SFB rocks it all.

I would say you could handle the 186, without too much problem. Adds weight for busting crud, float for the deep, and doesn't really impede you in the bumps.

Yup pretty much identical ski. Same basic flex pattern and size.

The Prophet 90 is a better all-mountain ski in my opinion, and that means it will handle the groomers with less chatter and smash the crud easier. Don't be scared by the width, they are super responsive and easy to handle.

If you ski more bumps, you would like the performance of the 90, but if you ski more pow, you definitely should look at the 100. If you are good enough, the 100's can be thrown around in the bumps too.

The 186s are going to feel real long your first couple of times on them. At your size, and taking into the fact that you are progressing and enjoy off-piste, they would work. But, if possible, you might want to go with the 179s now and step up to the 186s when you have a couple more days under you. Going too long too soon could hurt your skills and slow down your progression slightly.

Well, if you're like me and have several pairs of skis already with alpine bindings, you can keep with your alpine bindings and pick up a pair of Backcountry Access Alpine trekkers, which converts any alpine binding into a AT binding for climbing. But either pair of the AT bindings you mentioned would serve you well, with minimal (if any) performance loss.

I personally use BD ascension nylon STS skins on a pair of old line pollards (86mm under foot), and have been very happy with their performance. Also check out some G3 skins.

Will they work? Yes. Are there better options out there? Also, yes. Anything that can effectively attach your boot to your ski will work. I assume you will have to bend the brakes to get them around the waist of the Prophets, but they will definitely work.

The 179 would probably be a great option for someone your size, and easy to handle. They shouldn't make it hard on your back and knees either.

I'm looking at exactly the same set-up, if I purchase the Prophet 100's (as I'm currently planning). I have the older Fritschi Freeride's (same as new black ones, just white), and I'm 5'10" and weigh bout 170. My biggest question has been what size of ski to buy? Any help or comments would be appreciated. I currently ski on a 184 Mantra w/Freeride bindings, and LOVE the set-up...but want the Prophet's for more ski underfoot and because I've trashed my Mantra's! I just can't choose between the 179's or 186's. I've been comfortable on 184's (especially since you sit up a bit with Freeride bindings) and I'm a pretty agressive skier, mostly off-piste, tree, pow...charge all the time! What should I get - 179 OR 186? Wish there was a 184 or 182. Also, I'm a bit worried about the 186 touring ability. Might be a bit too long for long tours, which I do frequently.

For my backcountry set-ups that I rip in the way you are talking, I like the +5 from traditional position. It's a pretty good spot to be. More normal than center mount, but still good switch control. Personally I think you will struggle for at least the first little while on your skis though, pretty long for your size, but you'll get used to them.

I'm pretty sure it's the stance back in mm's is 81 for the 186, 77 for 179, 74 for the 172, and 70 for the 165.The 100 is a directional twin so the mounting point is farther back then you would expect on a twin.

The centerline should do you fine, but I agree with a back by 1cm if you want powder performance. But the centerline should be fine and if you are a good powder skier then diving should not be an issue. Hope that helped you.-- yeah thanks.. How far is the factory mount from the actual center of the ski? TIA

No the 90 is a fair amount stiffer then the 100, maybe take a look at the k2 obseth in a 179 or the line blend in 178 its flex is similar to the obseth with almost the exect same diementions as the 100.Just a note...At 5'10'' you need to be at the 179 length. Remeber the prophet 100's are a twin tip and will naturally ski shorter. They feel like skiing a 175 and one other thing, the prophet standard mounting is set ahead of most other traditional skis so you are natually forward on the prophet 100 which results in a little more forward foot placement on your ski...i.e. less ski in front of you to turn which makes this ski feel very nimble, quick and extemely fun to ski in all snow conditions. All though the ski is bulit very light it can handle your weight @ 215 lbs. You should be very happy with what the 100's bring in their natural make up. Trust me here...the prophet 100 is just about as perfect of a ski as you can buy for a one quiver ski, the 90's in my opinion are a bit of a compromise from the 100's and why compromise.

After my surgery, I went down in ski length by roughly 10cm for two winters. Now that my knee is up to strength, I've been back to my regular sizes. Obviously, this situation is a personal preference at its finest. But if you're even questioning this, shouldn't you be fixing that knee...?if i had a blown knee i would chose a softer ski then the prophet 100 to make it easy on it, a trick us older guys use after we have worn them out.

you prob. sould have gone 179mm but the 172 will be ok, mount on rec. since you got the 172's if you go foreward it may make them ski to short.

Prophet 100 in a 186 or line mothership in either size if you want a twin. the dynastar in a flat tail. these will suffice.

the prophets blow the fury off the mountain , you will feel like a kid in a candy store when you get them in powder, they ski much smoother without all the chatter on hardpack.

These guys will handle it just fine.ESTtoMST speaks the truth!!

your to heavy for the px12 in your skiing style, you will break the griffon unless you step up to the jester (more money) i would say STH14, or step up to the px14, but the salomon is lighter. glad to see you based your decision on graphics alone, your like a fish, you see a color you like and attack.

If i was you i would go with something between 100-115 in the waist and maybe with some rocker to them, k2 obseth, salomon czar, moment bibby they all have some rocker to them, for traditional camber skis the prophet 100 in 186 would be ok or even the 130, or rossie s6, if you like soft skis the hellbent in 189 would be a solid choice also take a look at 4frnt ehp.

No, stick with the px12 if they work for you, I use the px14 on bacons with no problem at all. have fun on them!!

I know k2's twins run long but i don't about their other skis i would guess they would all measure the same way, Twin tips ski short in genral and lines run a little short so it would be a safe bet to go 186 they would prob. feel the same length as your 178's. also mounting spots on twins tend to be more foreward, also making them feel shorter.

These are a great all around ski, and will handle anything you throw at them! These handle well in powder, and my friend can ski gates in them almost better then with his race skis!

What brand are you current 178-cm skis? K2, for example skis longer than say 178 from Rossignol. Also, are your current skis twin tips? Twin tips take away edge-to-snow contact length.

Hi henry-- so your up in whistler- lucky, the 90 is stiffer then the 100 by a fair amount, also you were on a 172 and your a big guy, the vct would give a little more float then the 100 because it's softer and has minimal camber to help it float better, but the turn radius is wider so it's not as quick, the 100 has metal in it so it will ski crud/groomers better, i agree the 186 would lose some playfulness for all mountain jibbing around, maybe its time to try a slightly rockered ski to get the float yet still ski groomers the two best out there in that waist size would be the k2 obseth in 179 or the salomon czar in 182 or maybe it's 184 i can,t remember, see if you can demo those two ski's. if they don't work for you you will maybe have to comprivise and get a fatter ski. also look at the rossie s6 its this years sratch steeze it's around 110 in the waist but a real fun all around ski.

I ski the 186 Prophet 100's and my buddy has a pair of the Obsethed. His are definitely softer flexing than the prophets. Not sure about the rocker.

I bought the 179 s earlier this year have had them out a few times and they absolutly rip. Im 5'9 170lbs and I m a pretty aggressive skier. The turn radius is pretty good, and because of the slight twin tip your ridding a shorter base surface. I dont think there should be a question in your mind, Go Big 186

The prophets are just as stable as the volkls but will be WAY better in powder and off-piste, one of the best all-mountain skis you can get as long as you don't ski much park/freeride jibbing, belive it or not i am hearing about guys using the prophet 90 for racing and winning, thats how good they carve. if you ski more groomers go 90 if you want to get into more powder go 100. Another ski you might want to check-out is the 4frnt msp, IMO the best on-piste twin you can buy.

The reason your'e sinking in powder is your skis are to short,your pretty light so you could get by with the 172 but you sould be on 179's. these in a 172 would ski like about a 168, they are fatter, but very quick skis. the lightest binding for your weight would be the marker griffons. The only other ski i can think of thats mid-fat and short would be the 4frnt vct, i think they make it in a 168. a another ski you might look at is the line elizibeth, its a short powder/park ski that does very well as an all-mountain ski for lighter skiers.

You could go either way. If you like short turns go smaller. Jay is extreme though, the '86s may work well if you want to have them for a few years.

I would go prophet, wider for more float in powder, plus will ski the hard/ice groomers better and hold up better overtime

It really depends on how much you ski bumps. yes the 90's will be noticably better in the bumps than the 100's. but if you only ski bumps when you are lead to them and you don't really have a choice but to ski them then go with the 100's. they are far better better off piste and busting crud then the 90's (not to say the 90's aren't great) and are equally good on groomers. plus because of their wide base they are more stable at high speeds. so IMO it's not worth it to give up all that the 100's brings to the table just so you can ski bumps more conveniently with the 90's. So once again IMO go with the 100's. Also not to add another ski to the table but you might want to check out the liberty helix. great all around ski. little softer and more playfull than the 100's due to the bamboo core. also lighter. and Oh and definately go with the 186cm.

Check this out:http://www.backcountry.com/store/dc/498/Backcountry-Ski-Size-Guide.htmlThat should help to steer you in the right direction!

Skis come with a factory wax which should last you a few days. After you notice a white-ish color on your bases (especially near the edges under foot) you'll want to get an iron wax for em.

The bacon's are a fat-mid soft powder ski, designed for backcountry jib and powder sking, that happens to carve groomers really well and are very stable and smooth doing it, They have a ton of float and are pretty quick for their size,To me they feel no wider then say a mid 90 waisted ski, They are the funnist ski i have ever skied, a total freestyle ski. But there is no way you could charge as hard on them as you could on the prophets, they (prophets) will bust apart any crud and rip down the hardest/icey slopes. they are a directional twin that skis more like a conventional ski, but do ok switch, a ski that anyone can jump on and feel comfertible on, were as the bacon has a more loose freestyle feel to it that some people might not care for, IMO you really can't compare the two. As for all-mountain,it depends on your own personnel sking prefrence to what you consider all-mountain.

Yes you could handle the 186, if your still growing you may out grow the 179 pretty quick. if your worried about them being to long just mount more foreward of the line. if you look at the turn radius of the 186 it is 18.5 meters still a very quick ski. I know a lot of people love the jester and its a good binding just expensive, the griffin is really light because of all the plastic in it, to me it does not seem like it would hold up, also the toe piece mounts with only two screws. I could see a big guy pulling it out, people are to concernd about the weight of bindings 1/2 LB is not enough to notice under your foot. I don't know if a wide brake comes standard on the jester, but they are used alot on fat powder skis so there must be a brake availible, and i heard its expensive. good luck with your new skis, they rip.-onece again willie i appreciate all your help

Hi henry--- I would go 186, the running surface is about the same as a 182 plus they ski short, I would also mount them 2 to 3cm FOREWARD of the suggested mounting line to make them handle better all mountain and park. In two years you will be ready for the 130's--- such a fun ski.

same binding different color, the factory mount is 8cm back from center, I would 2cm FOREWARD of that line at 6cm back from center. That would work fine for what you want to do.

I'm no ski expert but I was looking at all three of those skis for myself, all three are really good skis. The 100 is stiffer then your average twintip because of the metal metrix cap, floats well in powder, busts crud apart and very stable at high speeds and on big mountain lines not to mention very quick for a midfat ski. The mantra is a very stiff ski. It rips on groomers and ice, you could ski some powder with it but it's way to stiff to be a true powder ski. It's also not a full twin tip only a slightly raised tail if it makes a difference to you. The gotamas are more like the 100, holds well on hard groomers but skis great in powder. So all great skis but if you want my opinion I'd go with the 100. They are perfect for how and what you want to ski. Hey, wanted to throw in my two cents. Keep this in mind when picking out a big mountain ski: sidewall or cap? The Volkls you've mentioned have a sidewall construction which I find easier to fix if I bash something funky under the snow...which happens a lot at a place like Bridger Bowl or Big Sky. Cap construction helps to provide a quicker edge-to-edge feel, but can be a tough fix if you blow an edge stomping that big hit. No brand loyalty here, I love my Lines and I love my Gotamas!

The 100's will do ok in the park, the problem is that the mounting spot is about 8cm back from center so you loose some of that park performance.you could move it foreward a little to help but if you only ski park now and then they would be fine. As for the blends you could spend all day in the park and feel like your riding just fat park skis. as for bindings look px12 or 14, rossie sas120 or 140, salomon STH 12 or 14 or marker griffins would all work good.

I remember those days growing up in mn and skiing buck hill and those massive mougals. NO. the 100 will not be to big for your hills, it is very quick and you won't even notice the width until you need it in pow. for size go186 because they ski short for their size.---Willie, Good to know there are MNskiers around these parts. Thanks for the help! well I left the cold of MN a number of years ago for the warm beaches of CA, but now live in the tahoe area, way more snow- less cold

prophet 100-- directional twintip ski that skis somewhat like a traditional ski, stiffer then your average twintip because of the metal metrix cap, floats well in powder, busts crud apart and very stable at speed on big mountain lines not to mention very quick for a midfat ski. blends---- a fat freestyle ski that floats well in powder, carves the groomers and still does well in the park. its softer then the prophet because it does not have any metal in it and would not be as stable at speed or on big mountain lines as the prophet. So it is kind of personal prefrence .depending on your skiing style and how you like to ski. both are excellent skis. As for the 90, you live in washington why even consider it.Much appreciated Willie

Nah, go for it.

The mojo 94 is a fatter version of the old mojo 90 which was heads fat park/b.c. jib ski but was stiff enough to rip on the groomers. The prophets are big mountain charging skis that float well in powder and still able to dabble in the park now and then, Not really comparible IMO, the mid 90mm waisted ski is null@void, its better to just move up to a 100mm ski and gain the extra stability and float and crud busting ability without losing any groomer performance. Not to mention the overly high price of head skis.

they will work in the park, but they are more of a big mountain ski. The suggested mounting is about 7 to 8 cm back from center so they would be unbalanced for spinning and they are to stiff to butter, but their is guys who mount them more foreward to get better park performance out of them, they are super stable off jumps, so if you just dabble in the park now and then they sould be ok, If you are looking for a more freestyle type ski look at the 09 blends almost same diementions but softer and more park freindly.

The 90 is is very close to the 100, except it is stiffer , more like the vokl bridge, and of course 10mm less in the waist, The 90 is more of a eastcoast groomer/ ice ski kind of like the mantras. IMO they are not fat enough for tru off-piste use, they are a little quicker then the 100's but not by much you wounldn't notice the difference, go 100's over 90's. Also take a look at the 09 line BLENDS they are the same width as the 100's but a more freestyle type ski that are just as versatile but lighter and softer in their flex. I think for where your at in your skiing and want to go, they would be a great option plus save yourself 100 bucks, You don't need a stiff ski unless your charging steep crud/ icey most the time, softer skis are funnier and easier, and more foregiving, plus if your good you can ski a soft ski anywhere.

The line prophet 100 is very quick for a fat ski, to the point that you would never know it's 100mm under foot when skiing it on groomers. yet it floats well in pow. IMO the mantra is a stiff on-piste ski, that excels in eastcoast hardpack and ice but will work in powder only because of its width not its flex. The prophet is softer, way easier to ski, rips on groomers and blows the mantras away in pow and off-piste, plus it's a tru twintip and the mantra has a slight raised tail at best. It depends on what direction you want to progress in your skiing, if you want to charge on steep groomers and ice and ski some powder and trees now and then, go mantras---but if you want to go more freeride off-piste and charge in powder and big drops landing switch and still be able to cruise groomers with your buds or rip the steeps go prophets. way more versitle of a ski then mantras.thanks dude - made my desission alot easyer - what about the prophet 90 - where do they fit in?

heck yea...get the 186 (or longer)

I got a pair of Prophet 100 179 with the Duke last year and trust me it's a sweet set-up. I would've got Barons if they were available since at 5'8" and 170 lbs I don't really need a 16 DIN binding. Depending how agressive you ski and if you're gonna drop huge cliffs you might want to go with the Duke.

The 100's in 186 would be almost the same size as your 179 p.e's as k2 skis run long and lines ski measure short. I would go 186, i think the 179 prophets might feel to short for you.

IIf he is an excellent skiier he sould have no problem with 179's, also how tall is he, and how big are his last ski's. If you measure the 179's they are shorter then 179. also what doe's he like to ski, if its groomers and park stick with the 172,s but if it's more powder and off-piste ride the 179's. I can tell you that my son who is 16 and about 140lbs rides AR6's in 171 in the park and is looking at getting EP pro's for his powder ski. there is not that big of a difference between the two sizes and they are easy to ski. I would also think about if he wants a ski this stiff for his weight, but that would be determined by what he's used to skiing. I know that most kid's my son's age are riding ski's a lot softer then the 100. But we tend to ski a lot of soft snow and park.

Prophet 100's in a 186cm would work well for you, you can ski the Big Bear resorts or drive 4 hours to Mammoth ( i live in the tahoe area but still think mammoth is the best resort in the state ) I would stay away from the marker 12.0 binding, its a piece of junk and at your size you would break it, go look or rossie px 14 or salomon sth 14 or 16, as for boots I love my salomon x- wave boots, Technica are excellent too alot of it is how they fit your foot, every boot brand fits a little different. Don't worry about going a little long with the prophets they run short and if you have never skied twin tips they also ski short, Prophet 100's would kill it at mammoth, lots of deep heavy snow and steep bowls of crud that the 100 will blast apart with no problem, good luck.

it will work (ok) however i would recommend you look at the Karhu Team 100 as this is the SAME ski made for BC use. (i think they have flat spot for skins) this said, if they don't you can always take a file and some epoxy and make your own.

The karhu 100 (telemark ski) is the exact same ski as the prophet 100. their is a review of it in the 07 powder gear guide, they loved it, and called it one of the best telemark skis out there. So i guess your answear is yes. ( karhu and line are both owned by K2 and use some of the same molds, also the karhu 130 is the same as the prophet 130.)

Sounds like 172 would be perfect. I'm about the same height/weight as you and I ski 177s in the resort, 173s in the backcountry. With fat skis you can definitely go shorter than you normally would, and I like a slightly shorter, turnier ski for touring excursions. (adding) If you ski mainly backcountry go 179cm, the prophet 100,s run short by about 3 to 4 cm. also the only difference between the 172 and 179 is 2 1/2 inches and the turn radius about 1/2 meter, they are quick skis, and won"t have any problem in tight tree"s with them, also you will love the extra stability at speed with the 179,s. The 172,s are ment for super light riders or people who only ski super tight trees. So if you are at least a advanced intermidiate go 179 i no guys that are your size that ski the 186cm and love it everywhere.

Prophets are bullet proof, Line had a problem in 06 with their invader park ski,s but that problem has been solved, Since K2 bought line 2 years ago their quility is top notch, Their bases our the toughest in the industries, and there topsheets are super durible.

I would go 186cm, the prophet 100's run tend to run short, The base running surface on the 186cm is about the same as a 181 to 182cm ski. the 179cm i think would be to small for you, Also they are very easy to ski compaired to your mantra,s, Even at 186cm they are very quick in tree,s and will float like crazy.

Line skis have been around for about 10 years and have been making the prophet 100 for about 5years now. Both are great skis . But i would go for the lines there less expensive and IMO are better. Also volkl had a problem with cores last year and bindings pulling out but i think they fixed this year.

Go with the Marker Griffon. The Griffon and the 12.0 have the same Din but the 12.0 has the biometric toe, which tends to pre-release a lot. The griffon,is based off the jester it is a little lighter it was a totally new design last year engineered with a wider platform, better suited for wider skis, and better energy transmission from the boots to the skis. It also has a relatively low swing weight which helps in the air, in the park, and when carving turns. The griffon also has zero ramp angle for a more balanced feel, whether riding forwards or backwards (adding) personelly i won,t jump on the griffon bandwagon, If you check them out yhey have lots of plastic to them, thats why there so light also the toe piece is mounted with just 2 srews. i don,t know about you but if i was dropping 20 to 30 feet i would thinking gee i hope my toe piece says on when i land. after looking at them i decided to stay with look bindings------- just my opinion.

Yes Do you ski Park if you ski parks go with the 90's if you think you want to do more back country go with the 100's---------(willie) YES because the 100,s do ski well on piste. But they blow the 90,s away off piste, also because of thier extra stability they handle varible conditions better or if your hauling someone off the mountain or maybe getting that private fresh snow you patrolers sometimes get. I have never heard anyone say that they wish they got a narrower ski but you hear peaple say they wish they wen,t wider. once you get used to wide skis you kick yourself for not riding them years ago.

Because you have to ski every where go prophet 100, there is no disadvantage to get this over the 90, it will work better in powder, crud,and the width will make it more stable in varible conditions, pluse it is softer making it more foregiving.

If you are using it for off piste go prophet 100. don't even consider the others if you are a good skier they will all feel the same in quickness. but the 100 will be more stable and float so much better. also the prophet 90 is a stiff ski not as good off piste imo. None of these skis is going to work real well in bumps but they will rip in trees. The arv,s are so much fun to ski but they are not fat enough IMO for off-piste when the snow is deeper. Take a look at the K2 obsethed, with 108mm under foot and slight rocker they are quick and float well they will work better off-piste then the kung-fujas.

I tell you i wish i had a pair of fatter skis... i just bought a second pair for my quiver and i went the same size 88. I love park and backcountry equally so i kinda had to stick around 90 but if you are 50/50 i would def go 100

I use look px14,s on my bacons so IMO look px12 or 14,s or rossi 120 or 140 binding would work well just make sure it has a 100mm brake.

they would work well, just mount them foreward of reccomended line which is about 2 1/2 to 3 in. back from center, a lot of peaple use them in the park as a fat park ski.

Hey if you want to be doing back country skiing go with the scratch steeze or the 2009 s6 which is more and the same for more money. My buddy said there great skis and they have rossignols WRS in them (Weight Reduction System) and there 110 in the waist of the skis so... little wider but aparently it does really well on groomed runs too. The main difference between the prophet 100 and the old blend is that it has metal in it making it more of a directional charging twin. It is one of the best skis made, and blows away any ski rossi can come up with. Maybe you sould look into the 2009 blend which is 100cm in the waist this year and is a little more freestyle oriented.

Not free shipping to Canada, and I'm pretty sure Line won't ship to Canada. I had to have mine shipped just south of the border and do a Baker trip to make it look like they were mine so I didn't have to pay duty heh. There are places you can send to directly past Peace Arch where it is ~$2-3 for them to hold the package for you. That way you get the free shipping, but the downside is you have to go pick them up, and probably still pay duty on them, if you declare em.