The prophet 100 is one of the easiest skis to ski in every condition i've ever been on. It floats well in powder due to its really wide tip and waist. It has a layer of titanal (the metal matrix) and has quite a bit of camber, that combination makes it bite really well and makes it really responsive on hardpack. Either length won't have that issue of gettin squirrely in crud, because they are a much more stable ski than your bandits. The 186 with the added length is obviously going to be more stable. According to line the running surface is 155cm for the 186 and 148cm for the 179. So the extra 7 cm of length does equate to 7cm more of running surface. Also, the turn radius is 18.9m on the 186 versus 17.2m on the 179. Both are relatively tight, so you will be able to make a variety of turn shapes. If you are coming from a 177, you will probably be more comfortable on the 179. But at your height and weight, you are better suited for the 186 and will probably feel the 179 is too short over time. One of the most common complaints about this ski is when opting for the shorter models (172, 179) people say they should have gone longer. I've skied both lengths and liked them both. The 179 was more fun, and definitely more nimble. It was easier to throw around in the woods and off windlips, cat tracks, etc. The 186 was more stable, floated better in pow, and absolutely tore up wide open terrain. My only complaint about the 186, was that for me at 5'8" 160, as responsive as it was, 186cm was still a lot of ski (for me) to turn well(it was hard work), when the bumps and trees got tight.

I have tele bindings on the Karhu Team 100s, which are the exact same ski with a different top sheet. They rip. I use Hammerheads, but it depends on what boot you have. If you've got a T-Race or Custom, I'd go Hammereheads, they pair up nicely with stiff boots to provide a lot of power and control. If you're into touring, Black Diamond O1s. You can check out the factory mounting recommendations here: http://karhuskico.com/images/tech/karhu_techbulletin_0910.pdf. Use the measurements from the Team 100. The numbers refer to mms measured from the tail along the surface of the ski to pin line of the bindings.

Personally, I think the 179's should be fine considering your height. As for the bindings, the jester schizo is a good choice. The ability of changing the postition by a few cm by turning that screw is unique. Just to be sure that you condider your options, you should check out some of marker's other bindings and salomon's bindings. But the schizo is for sure a good possible choice.

I'm a smidge under 5'11 and a bit under 165. Skied on the 186cm 100' for a season before the public knew they existed. The 100 will be more useable in varied conditions with a better more balanced platform when you are off piste. On piste if its a 35/40+ degree super hard surface the fronts will shudder through the finish of the turn if you carry alot of speed. Never noticeable any other time and super stable more so than the 90. In the NW we get lots of icy days as well as crud (where the 100 absolutely kills it) and pow pow. The 100 is so fun you'll put that 8000 away imo. It became my go to ski. 3 pairs later I'm burned out on em and trying other skis now. Another ski to consider would be the Movement Source or a slightly more progressive one I just picked up from BC the Lib Tech NAS Freeride Recurve.

You go with the 100s. My quiver (as a racer) are my race skis for the groomers, but then the Prophet 100 and the Volkl Gotama, and its a dream.

You will not regret the 100's, and don't waste your 10 cm. on something that won't hold up as well on a pow day.

I purchased the Prophet 100 in 2007 as a northeast pow ski after demoing the P90. I quickly realized that they rip up the groomers, bumps, glades, and made sticking big air landings easier. I have not met a condition that these skis did not excel in. My last ski was a Volkl AC3 Unlimited. Since getting the P100's the Volkls stay in the garage. Go with the 100's. You won't regret it.

If you looking to use them in pow, go with the 100's. If you wanted an all around that can do pow as well, go with 90's. But since you've got your everyday sticks, these are a great powder ski for the east and the trips to the deeps out west.

I find the Prohet 100 to be pretty forgiving - I definately do not have to pay attention to it much. It does have a speed limit - but I'm also 20 lbs heavier and that if going to 'pre-load' the ski more than you and might be inspiring a little 'tip flap' at speed. I can point out that while there is a speed limit, it is above what I noramlly cruise at so for me - it's not real limitation. It isn't a race ski speed wise. Correspondingly it has slow speed turning ability and float that make it easy to get through tight trees and chutes. Just in case the above isn;t clear - I really like this ski a lot!

Still looking for answers? I live and ski in Utah and on the Prophet 100. I'm 5'10''and 170 and 179 is perfect. This ski does it all...backside, frontside, inside, outside! Very stable at speed. You will love this ski as so many of us who already have it do.

The Prophet 100 likes speed, is pretty stiff, and not "forgiving" per se, but is a great ski for hard/soft snow, variable conditions...I ski these for packed powder/hard pack days and Volkl Kuros for the deep stuff. I really like the Lines.

I went for the Solomon Z12s (not too much cash and reasonably light), but haven't skied 'em yet. Tell me if you like what you get.

Well, I've got Marker Griffons mounted on both Prophet 100s and Prophet 90s, and have been very happy with them. Admittedly, I've only run them for one season, so I can't speak to long term durability. I'm 5'11", 185, advanced/expert. I ski trees, bumps, steeps, but am rarely hitting drops bigger than 15-20 feet. I hike a lot at Taos, Alta, Snowbird, so I like the light set up of the Griffons. Your experience may vary, but this has been a good set up for me. If you plan on hitting big drops or features, I suppose you might want to think hard about the Jester or the Salomon Sth 14 or 16.

I skied the 179 Prophet 100 last year at Mt Crested Butte for over 60 days(single, double blacks), 6 ft 185 lb, 68 yrs. I tried the 172, not enough length, got more control at 179. This ski will dive if you are not careful, one serious face plant. Griffon bindings worked. Not best mogul ski. Will probably move to K2 or Rossi tip rocker for 09-10. give the 100 a 3-1/2 star rating.

I love the 100s, but if you are not going to be using this ski specifically for powder, I would get the Prophet 90. The 100s are an outstanding but soft powder ski. If you are mostly going to be ripping hard pack groomers, it's too soft. Now, if you've got another pair of skis for those hard pack days, pick up the 100s and you'll love them in the fluff. Also, they turn unbelievably well, and they ski short, so I would pick up the 172s if I were you.

I echo the call for the 179cm Prophets. They are light and quick. I am 170 lbs and love them in bumps, crud and powder. Any shorter you would feel like there was not enough ski.

I agree with Shane that you'll be better off with the 179s. I'm 5'11", 185, ski the 179s and I would go up in size before I ever considered dropping down in size with these skis. They are light, soft, and the turn radius is tiny for a ski this size, so don't downsize.

I say that the 179 is your ski, since you still ski aggressively, but if you don't feel comfortable with it then sizing down will not really effect the performance that much.