AT ski dilema/setup

Just finished my avy level 1 course. I have a pair of black diamond factors for ski boots. Normally ski inbounds harmony and peak, I love the big bowls. Would like to sell my big 4frnt skis and get a back country touring setup that would be 80% bc 20% resort on the powder days. I currently found some k2 Baker SL (new) in a 181 or 174 length for 225 american. I'm 180 lbs and 6 feet tall. Wondering if this is a good all around ski. I've been looking for reviews and they sounds pretty good. They do get thrown around on ice/hardpack apparently but that's due to the weight. Other candidates are kilowatt, g3 reverend, karhu storm bc, head monster 95 OB. anyone have suggestions? I'm thinking if getting my next ski in a 180 ish length for trees, chutes etc. But of course I don't want to be in the back seat or flipping over my tips b/c the ski is too short. Not sure if a 184 would be too long for touring. My current skis are nordica beasts 189 (92 waist) and 4 frnt VCT's in a 189 (108 waist). I would like to get a short 4frnt b/c I find it's too much ski for me in the trees. I'm not in a rush to get skis right now. I'm wondering if early fall or mid summer would be a better time? They would also be mounted with dynafits or the g3 onyx if I can wait that long.

I will be skiing out of vancouver BC. Any help please?

Congrat's on the Avy1 course. For your 80/20 split, the Baker SLs should fit the bill. Their dimensions are ideal for our denser maritime snowpack. Keep in mind the K2s measure out about 3cm longer (ie, a 181 is closer to 184). The 176 Baker SLs should suit you well. I skied the Baker SL in a 181(184) for tours last winter. Trying to perform kick turns on 184s was a bitch for me. I loved the Baker SLs for most tasks, but found them a bit soft for my uses (more resort like 40/60 resort/bc riding), and now skiing the Atomic RT86 (nearly identical dimensions as the Baker SL) in a 176. For reference, I'm 6'1" and 180. I have some hard chargers for the resort, then the RT86 for the groomers, or when it's icy, and for when I'm out touring. After one season on the RT86, I can't say enough great things about them. The only other ski on your list I'm familiar with is the Kilowatt. It's a strong choice as well, heavier and stiffer than you probably need.

Get the 174 Baker Sl or the RT86 176. I would choose the latter though I hear it is a bit more demanding. Would have better firm edge hold when you need it. And you will need it! Prices are good if you do patient searching. You don't want or need 180+ for bc at your size. What are you doing 90% of the day: touring and doing kick turns. Either would have plenty of float except for yesterday and today (where you should NOT be in bc anyway).
Black Diamond Factors: sounds over booted. Long spring skin fests and trail approach in those things will tell you why.
Dynafit only way to go. Standard classic model has least problems unless you want brakes and is the cheapest. Leave the Onyx to early adaptors with lots of headache pills.
Good choice with avy 1 course.  Now you are just learning that there is a whole lot more to know.

iac27,

I see that you also posted this on TGR. I'll be amused to see the contrasting replies.

I'm with NickD and Plinko -- go light and short cuz even the most aerobically fit tourer spends 80%+ of the time going uphill. I also agree with NickD that Factors might be overkill for a real touring setup. I'm 6'2", 245+ and I use Scarpa F3's and they ski fine. YMMV, of course.

it was amusing to see contrasting replies between TGR and here.

The reality is that TAY draws meadowskippers.

TGR draws wannabes who find ski size correlated to penis size

TTips queries will be prefaced by a 1,000 word biography then a carefully worded passive-aggressive self-involved diatribe that doesn't really answer the question

Clubtread is too small a sample size as most people there snowshoe.

Did I forget to insult anyone else? Recall that IAC is skiing on FACTORS. Not F3's, but Factors.

NOTE - not directed at Big Steve (who's opinion re F3s I respect)

btw IAC - the Sluffs are a good ski. They're heavy as hell but I think they will be fine for you as long as you don't plan on long walks on glaciers

Heh -- no, I think you generalized everyone nicely Lee.

IAC, the folks I've talked to who've skied the factor like it well enough, but remarked on how heavy it was for touring, generally. That in mind, it's probably quite a bit of boot for the Baker SLs, but I'm sure they'll work fine. Maybe take a look at the Atomic Kailas as well, similar size but slightly stiffer and pretty light. I've been happy with mine.