The 181cm Mt Baker is longer than it sounds. I compared it with my old 188cm Dynastar Legends and it is about as long. I am 195lbs, like longer skis, and was perfectly happy with the 181cm. Did have to be persuaded in the shop by comparing ski lengths, and it is scary how different manufacturers measure their skis. I was advised though to skip the superlights and go with the regular bakers. I use mine with dynafits and have been very happy.

I bought this ski a few months ago because I wanted something for all around use. So far I have used it in perfect powder, ice, crud, mashed potatoes, wet snow etc. No problems in the powder, was skittery on the ice (but my friends with heavier skis had the same issues), had a hard time forcing the turn in really wet snow but this may be more my skiing ability than the ski. I felt like when I got on something really choppy I was thrown around a lot - but the only ski I was able to ski ice and crud perfectly with was the hippy stinx and there is no way I'm taking that thing backcountry. Anyway, all said and done I would buy this ski again- I think the weight is worth the trade in performance- especially if you are going to be doing a lot of backcountry.

The 181 should be alright, might feel a little short. This probably isn't the BEST all around ski, mostly because the light weight makes for a weaker hold on hard pack and groomers. The normal version of the Mt. Baker would probably be a better choice for this, and isn't that much more weight to burn you out. The Superlight handles heavy spring conditions okay, but again, the light weight is difficult to master. As for light weight bindings, you can not, and I mean NOT beat a Dynafit binding for weight saving performance. Unfortunately that means you need Dynafit compatible boots too.