Ski length vs price

Hi, just getting into backcountry skiing and looking for some advice on my ski length.   I've combed through tons of posts and realize there are many opinions on this matter, but before I invest the $$ was hoping to leverage some collective experience from the group.

My interest in primarily in off-trail skiing in the Cascades; occasional groomed trail, but for the most part longer trips through the backcountry, (Baker, Muir, hut to hut, etc). Looking for a light touring setup that can hold its own in diverse conditions.

I've decided on the K2 Wayback with Dynafit TLT ST bindings.

I'm 6'2"  182lbs.   I'm looking at new (last years model) Waybacks for almost 1/2 price, and the longest available is 174cm.  Given my weight, I think I could go 174  or 181. If I'm in the trees and trying to maneuver in tight spaces, not to mention carrying skis on pack, 174 might be ok. New 181s would be  $300 more. Worth it for 7 extra cms?  Thoughts?

Welcome, fish...

What kind of a skier are you? 174 may be a bit short for your height/weight, but having a shorter ski can be a little more forgiving, depending on the conditions. You may wallow a bit in really deep stuff, or have to work harder to keep the tips up. For reference, I'm 5'9", 170 and usually ski in the mid-170s on my fatter skis.

I don't know anything about the Wayback, beyond having heard that it's a fine ski. Hard to argue with saving 300 bucks on a new setup, especially if you'll be using it to learn about backcountry travel, avalanche safety etc. There are plenty of other expenses you'll run into and that $300 will buy you a nice beacon.

I'm getting back into it after many years, so I would class myself as low-intermediate. I'm also into mountaineering, and would like to get into ski mountaineering, though nothing extreme.

I'm 6-1" and 190 lbs.
174cm IMHO is too short.
Remember the Wayback has a little tip rocker so it will also ski shorter because of that.
My ideal length is 182 cm for my size I have found and with rocker that's pushing shortness for me.
I once bought a pair of 176cm and had to sell them.
I'm all for saving money and $300 bucks a lotta dough but you're gonna have to live with your purchase for quite some time.

However for ski mountaineering they may be OK but don't expect good performance in deep heavy PNW snow which we hope we get lots of ... right??

I don't know what kind of pricing you are looking at for the 174's, but the 2010 181 Wayback can be found at evo for $403, after applying the 20% PRAYFORSNOW coupon.

www.evo.com/cart.aspx

deal runs through today 10/4.


* no affiliation with evo

That is a good price. I'm committed to purchase from Marmot MW. Already paid deposit and they have spent a lot of time helping me, so they deserve the business.