the 182 will be better for sure on deep days. if you've skied a similar length in the past... Yeah you might wanna go that route... especially if that's the way your leaning. go with your instincts ;)

Yo Chris, I just added my 2 cents on your ghost boot question. after reading this I'd be inclined to recommend the shogun boot and the 173 shogun ski. I think this because of your size, the fact that you are gonna be hitting the park, bumps, and trees, and because you are in Breckenridge where it can be FRIGID... and boots get stiffer in the cold. all these factors point to a softer boot and a quicker ski. I'm interested to hear what others think.

As far as rockers go this is good for all conditions if you want. Holds the edge on groomers, and has minimal chatter, but there still is, like on all rockers. The effective carve edge is shorter, by a bit, which kind of changes the bite just a bit, but nothing super noticeable. The stability is really good, and the turnability is the same as any ski this size.

Sounds like the 173 would be a better fit for you for performance and agility. Since the Shogun's woodcore (and 101 width underfoot) inherently creates great flotation and stability, you might do better with the slightly shorter shogun for the rebound and edge transfer, giving you more versatility and flexibility in your on and off piste adventures.

Although somewhat similar in their dimensions they are two very different skis. The shogun is more of a big mountain/all mountain ski. It is the type of ski that someone who wants an everyday ski out west or one ski to do it all, would get. The kung fujas is more of a freestyle all mountain ski. It is based off the original seth pistol, but modified slightly. It is more of an all mountain freestyle ski. Which ski to get really depends on what you plan on using it for.

The shogun has a fairly log turn radius, and a stiffer flex compared to the kung fujas. If you huck stuff, charge hard, straightline chutes, and ski pow, but still want a ski that does really well ripping all over the mountain even in firmer conditions. The shogun would be a great choice.

The kung fujas has a shorter turning radius and a softer more playful flex, especially compared to the shogun. If you ski mostly on piste but still hit up the glades every now and again, and are looking for the kind of ski you could use day in day out all over the mountain, regardless of conditions, including laps in the terrain park, then the kung fujas is the way to go.

Basically, both are all mountain skis but the shogun is a better big mountain ski, and the kung fujas is a better freestyle ski, not to say you can't spin and ski freestyle with the shogun, it is quite capable, after all Mark Abma and Mike Douglas designed it. So depending on what type of terrain you are more inclined to ski, should be the deciding factor on what ski to get. For me personally, I think the shogun is the better all around package.

It depends on where you set you dins at. The baron goes upto 12, the duke goes upto 16. If you are anywhere from 10 on up, and don't mind the extra weight of the dukes, the dukes are the better choice. They are a little heavier, but some metal in critical areas that the barons do not. They are a more bomber binding for sure. But if you are not dropping huge cliffs, want your skis to stay on no matter what, and want to save a little weight, the baron is a great choice.

I'm not sure when the 191 are coming in, but as far as the bindings go, I'd definitely go with the higher din dukes. You might be able to get away with the lighter ones, but I wouldn't risk it.

It's always hard to say what ski size works best for what person not knowing how they ski, or ever seeing them ski. I'm 5'8", 160, and an expert skier. And to ski the shogun for the terrain it was designed to ski, I would go with the 182 personally. It is a great length to balance stability with maneuverability, for me. It is a little bit stiffer than skis salomon has made in the past in this category. So if you are not a very strong skier, the shorter length will be easier to ski.

If you ski more aggressively, then the 182. If you like to take it mellow then you should be alright with the 173. Overall though, I think that the 173 is too short for you.

Hi Don, the shogun is very stable at speed, very damp. You will love it in the bowls, makes life a whole lot easier.

The shogun will cover more of the mountain in more conditions than the tornado. So if you ski on and off piste and could only choose one I say Shogun, it is wicked fun everywhere, and carves really nicely. But its not as quick and snappy as the tornado, so if you prefer a racier ski the tornado is it. but the tornado is much narrower so I wouldn't recommend it off piste. Shogun is about as close to one ski quiver as you can get. hope that helps!

I say Shogun. Its the perfect CanCan ski. great at speed so it will be excellent for those fast Canyons cruisers. Its got a little rocker in the tip, noticeably helps on the deep days and smooths out the crud. plus they are the odds-on favorite to outlast anything else: full wood core w/ edge armor... made in Austria vs China. can't wait to ski 'em again! they kicked ass at snowbird all spring.

True, the gold Gotamas were insanely good. I think the 09s were very similar if not identical save the graphics. However, I checked out the new Gotamas at the store the other day and they look like downhill, as in Bode Miller downhill, skis. They flattened the tips out big time. They look like racing planks not all-mountain rippers. Seems like overwhelmingly the Shogun is considered the ski that's broken the whippy, too-soft Salomon mold.

go gotama and don't look back. i'm not sure about this year's version (i haven't skied them) but i've skied the golds and the black buddha and this ski is the BOMB! can do anything, trust me - gotama is the gold standard for all around ski. still can't believe how well it kills the crud!

The 191 would probably be better for your height/weight for speed and powder, that said, depending on how aggressive a skier you are and if you prefer smaller radius turns to larger radius turns, and are a more agile/quick response skier vs. big mtn skier/big arcing, then the 182 might work well for you.

you think the 182 would be way to short?

This is a solid ski that will work great in versatile endeavors- on the resort, backcountry, hucking, tricks etc. The big mtn guys love this ski and so for your height/weight it should be just fine. It is considered an all-mountain freeride, and some folks love the twin tip in the backcountry. It performs well on hard pack as well as in flotation and glide through powder. In the right length, this ski should be a great fit for your diverse needs.

The ski has a lot of snap, and is highly responsive- bamboo fibers in the wood core allow for absorbtion and pop. With some sidecut and a transitional tail, it edges well and maneuvers/responds quickly, & agressively in the bumps.

The Shogun should suit your needs perfectly. It is a much beefier ski then the Fury, and a step up in width underfoot from the Gun/Sandstorm. With the rockered tip, it has great flotation for powder and crud. If you're looking for a stable, fast, floater, the Shogun should probably suit you better then the Fury- especially with your height, weight, level of skiing etc.

Dude buy them now. This ski is a total winner. It can handle lousy, icy snow with ease and is a cinch in pow. Much sturdier and snappier than what you'd expect with a Salomon ski. Seriously.