I have been riding (and loving) 168 Gotamas for yrs now, but am due for a new ski. These Kiku's sound super- just wondering if the 170 is too long. I am 5'2" 105 lbs but rip fast, large-radius turns, and in Tahoe, so heavy/wet pow...Any advice on this size, or have another rec? I heard the women's version of the K2 Sidestash, the GotBack, is also solid though i think smaller underfoot, though i have loved Voilks for years now.

Allison, I ski the Kikus myself in the 169cm length. The Kiku is great big handful of a ski (i.e., you’ll find it a more powerful, aggressive hard-charger than your other considerations, the GotBack and SideStash). Being a smaller-framed girl myself, I found the Kiku challenging at first; it felt like the ski was taking me for a ride rather than the other way around. But now that my skills have grown into it, I absolutely adore this ski and couldn’t picture myself on anything else. Even if you’re a petite shredder, if you’re already used to the 168 Gotama, I’d say you’re more than ready to step onto the Kiku. You’ll never look back.

Hi! I live in Tahoe too! I'm a bit taller, 5'5" and about 115lbs. I have skied the 168 Gots for years as well, always wanted the 176, but felt I wasn't quite strong enough. I just bought the Kiku 170's and they are fantastic. I don't think you should downsize. Too slow. The 2 cm difference isn't much, plus the kiku is a bit softer than the older Gotamas. AND-I have a friend who is a ripping skier, 5'2 and about 130 lbs, and she's on the 170 kiku. Get em!!