Rossignol S5 Barras Alpine Ski - 2008 BCS

If you are looking for edge to edge performance, the Mantra is probably the best out of the group you mentioned above. The S5 is going to perform more like the bridge.In going down in size, you are going to loose some stability at speed as well as total effective edge. This may be why you did not like the Bridge in that length as much. Not sure of your height, so length reccomendation is tough, but if you're on 177s and are comfortable there, why change?

If this is what your going to use them for I would go with a fatter ski then the s5 and maybe something with some rocker to them, check out the k2 obseth or line bacon, or s6 all 3 blow the s5 off the mountain.

My buddy owns the S5, and he can rip anything, anywhere. They are super playful skis, hold lines in crud and chop, float pow, slay trees, and destroy the park. From the options you are looking at, I say check the Rossi out first, demo it, whatever, because in my opinion it's the better option. Another good choice is the K2 ObSethed, just as another option.Take a look at the moment line of skis made in reno they have some great skis for sierra snow, the s5 is not fat enough or beefey enough for what you want to do with them.A few of us have them here at bc.com and a few of my friends also have their predecessors. The S5 has a smaller waist then most of the beefier cambered planks out there, but due to its more rigid nature and this skis camber, they will get you through thick, thin, pow, hell and back again, all while leaving you with a smile on your face. Overall these are a sweet buy and a solid ski. everyone has their preferences, but for an overall great go anywhere, do anything ski, I fell in love with these. Go for them! the 185s are at a sweet price right now and even the 178s are at a sweet deal too. The chances are in your favor thaty these will be your new favorite, go to ski...they are mine....whther it is UTAH or NY, they will conquer the mountain. Hope this helps.=)

The 178 would be a great ski for you especially if you ski all around the mountain. I skied these last year and really enjoyed the control and edge to edge control. And you can definitely ski em well on rails.

no the 178 sould be about right for you.

I would also look at the rossignol CX-70. It is a great ski for hitting the groomers and you can definitely rail it when you get a little bit better.

This is a more advanced ski, i would not rec. unless your advanced intermidate at best. If you want a twintip the line invader is easy to ski in a 171 or the rossie S2 in about the same size. a little bit stiffer ski would be the fischer addict or last years scratch getto from rossie.

this would work, or better would be the line blend for less money.

178 sould be fine, but if ski more then 50% backcountry i would go 185.

if you are a decent skier get the 185, if not 178. you know this is the same ski as last years brigade just different graphics so if you can find your size, you will save a lot of money.

This is the same ski as the scratch brigade of last year, and yes it skis well on groomers, probably not as well as your b2's, but will work very well in powder. it,s a great ski all over the mountain including the park, but will really shine in the trees and off-piste.

This ski is the same as the 07/08 Scratch Brigade, just with a new top sheet & graphics.As for size, I personally suggest the 185, keeping in mind I am a Backcountry rider. If you are more of a jibber/ resort head, you should consider the 178.