So, I rode the 163s today...and I still absolutely love them. They felt a little shaky on the first run or so, but after that, I felt completely comfortable on them.

I wasn't able to try them out in powder or trees, but they were still as good for bombing down groomers as the 156s (actually, I felt like I could go much faster, which makes sense since they're longer)...and they still turned quick enough on bumps. I did find, however, that I have to go on edge a bit more with the 163s than with the 156s.

I weigh a little more than your girlfriend, and I don't really know how our levels compare, but I'm definitely happy with my decision to go with the 163s over the 156s.

Thanks Sonya, yes the cost is a factor. Please post your thoughts once you have had a chance to try out the 163's

I demoed a pair of this year's Auras in the 156 size...I'm 5'6" and would consider myself a Type 3 skier (I can get down anything I end up on, although it may not always look all that pretty).

I had wanted to try the 163s but they didn't have them at the shop I was demoing from (seems to be a common problem). I also fell "in love" with the 156s...I felt very stable and comfortable on them and they turned really quickly. However, they only came up to like my chin...and my old skis are 160s leading me to believe that the 156s are too short for me. So, I went ahead and bought the 163s from a shop near me without having tried them out first.

I had the same debate going on that you have right now. I would suggest going for the 163s so that she'll be able to grow into them (they're not the cheapest ski to get just to use for a year or two). I haven't tried out my 163s yet, but I plan on going in the next few days and will let you know my thoughts then.

I'm 5'1" just under 100 lbs expert skier and I have the 156. I bought these after skiing on 8 yr old volkls (!) with a parabolic sidecut - 149 length. Compared to my old skis, these ski short but I know that's the difference in sidecut. I think you'd probably be fine with the 163s.

if you are being honest about your ability as an advanced to expert level skier (double blacks mean nothing...is that in Wyoming or Ohio....run ratings are relative to the hill, not an actual standard) than you will have no problem with these. However, if youre not confident enough in your ability that you question the stiffness, then there are better skies out there for you.

another confidence booster for ya, im 5'7, 140 lbs and my boyfriend is 5'5 150 lbs--we are both very good skiers, i have auras, he has mantras and he loves them. he has also skied my skies a few times and would choose his mantras over mine any day. i would also choose my auras over the mantras, its the same ski, just built for a girl. you will be fine with mantras.

There is no real reason you couldn't ski these other than the obvious.. "Dude, aren't those chick skis???". The Mantras would not be too beefy for you though man, if you are a strong skier, you will be able to adapt to how it handles. The Mantra is a good ski, and will ski pretty much the same as these, so the 170 in these or those, or depending how strong a skier you are, the next size up in the Mantra.