Length ? for big mtn Aura/Mantra riders - help!

[volklgirl]

So....

It's finally time to stop drooling over the Auras and actually BUY them. As you probably know, I demoed the 170 Mantra and the 163 Aura earlier this year. I found the Mantra to be rather tiring after a while but the Aura was just perfect. However, that impression was based on trying to make more than 2 turns on our 450' hill and I noted in my review that I'd want something longer if I actually got to ski out west. Since I already have the 177 Karma for our midwest "powder" and for putzing around on our bumps, the Auras would be primarily for those incredibly rare "deep" days and for trips to places with real vertical.

Hubby has found a screaming deal on the Aura in a 177. Is that going to be too long for real versatility? I'm hthinking that the Aura is soft enough to be skiable at 177, but I'd like to hear from those of you with experience.

Stats: 190+ lbs (but currently losing 1 lb/week), 5'5", agressive skier and racer with a love of speed.
Current quiver: SL Race 155cm, 6* 168cm, Karma 177cm, Gamma AX3 177cm, GS Race 180cm.

 

[pinto]

So....

It's finally time to stop drooling over the Auras and actually BUY them. As you probably know, I demoed the 170 Mantra and the 163 Aura earlier this year. I found the Mantra to be rather tiring after a while but the Aura was just perfect. However, that impression was based on trying to make more than 2 turns on our 450' hill and I noted in my review that I'd want something longer if I actually got to ski out west. Since I already have the 177 Karma for our midwest "powder" and for putzing around on our bumps, the Auras would be primarily for those incredibly rare "deep" days and for trips to places with real vertical.

Hubby has found a screaming deal on the Aura in a 177. Is that going to be too long for real versatility? I'm hthinking that the Aura is soft enough to be skiable at 177, but I'd like to hear from those of you with experience.

Stats: 190+ lbs (but currently losing 1 lb/week), 5'5", agressive skier and racer with a love of speed.
Current quiver: SL Race 155cm, 6* 168cm, Karma 177cm, Gamma AX3 177cm, GS Race 180cm.

Mine are 177, and they're great. I agree, I think their "lighter and softer" characteristics enable them to be skied longer. Plus, I've heard they ski short. because I never skied the 170.

Besides, the rest of your skis are similar in length. My others are 163 or 164, and I was still fine (better than fine!) with these. I'm sure you will be, too!

 

[Lori_K]

I think you'd be fine with the 177, Volklgirl, especially if they are going to be more for big mountain/powder situations.

I am 5'3" and 140 pounds, and been skiing on my 163cm Auras for a year now. Terrific do-it-all skis. I'm even getting them to work decently in the bumps.

Shoot, once you buy them you may find yourself skiing them more often than the Karma....

 

[pinto]

...Shoot, once you buy them you may find yourself skiing them more often than the Karma....

I think this might be true. I have the women's Karma (Queen Attiva), and the only reason I'm skiing them is because they are considerably shorter than 177 ... if the day will have soft snow but lots of bumps and trees, the 164s are better.

Actually, the 177 Karmas are probably better in bumps than the Auras. But otherwise ..