i'm not seth but i'm 5'11" 160lb or so (15 yrs) and have the 179cm you're freakin psycho for even thinking about the 169cm. I was caught between the 179cm and 189cm but after skiing them a fair amount I'm happy with my length but could still see myself skiing the 189cm pretty easily. I mounted them at tradish (-7.5cm from core center) and everytime i look down i feel like there is very little tip. that being said i haven't had any tip diving problems at all it's just a mind thing. especially at 6'1" around 200lb i could definately see you rocking a 189cm. that being said i don't skin with mine since i have jesters on them (only short little hikes) so the weight of the 189cm might be too much but don't be afraid of the length. lay them down on the ground and stand over them and you will see that they really aren't that big of skis. also i just got back from whistler where there is absolutely no snow unless you head over to blackcombe and hike the glacier and they still ripped everywhere. also its fun to see that you are the practically the only person with skis over 85mm underfoot. all i can say about the coomba is that i ripped past a guy who was having trouble on some down some chopped up mogels off of harmony. bottom line get the 179's or start the squats and wall-sits and go for the 189cm.oh and if your still undecided go to tetongravity.com and search "obsethed". And don't be afraid to pull the trigger you'll drive yourself crazy if you keep asking more and more questions.