I skied a pair of the 08" Katanas at Squaw a few weeks back. They were sweet for wide open powder but they felt like a lot of work in tight stuff. I felt way back seat off of drops, although it didn't seem like there was much tail even with my boots at the center line. Although I could handle them, they just seemed like more ski than I was ready for at time they were quite heavy with demo bindings and all. I usually ride a pair of the (169) bridges but I definitely want a wider, longer, larger turning radius, reverse camber ski that is more hard charging. Im about 5'7 and 135lbs. Im thinking the 178s are my calling. Any advice if these would be good for me. Are they "less" of a beast than the Katanas?

Tech Specs:

Lengths:

178cm, 186cm, 194cm 

Dimensions:

137 / 106 / 122mm 

Turn Radius:

[178cm] 26.1m; [186cm] 28.8m; [194cm] 31.5m 

Construction:

Sandwich Powerbox 

Core Material:

Sensorwood with Carbon 

Tail:

Twintip 

Binding System:

No 

Binding Included:

No 

Recommended Binding:

No 

Recommended Use:

Powder, crud, all-mountain, advanced to expert 

Manufacturer Warranty:

1 Year