Rossignol S3

Im 5.9 and i ride the 178, it all depends what you like, i wouldn't mind a little bit more length so I would suggest going with the next size up. super good one ski quiver, iv hucked cliffs and hit rails on them and they have no problem with whatever you throw at them.

Go with 186. At your weight in pow you want that extra length. Plus rossi skis run short. I had the 186 s3 koopman (Im 5'9'' and 170lbs) my first year in CO and I couldn't of asked for a do everything ski. I pretty sure other than topsheet change and slight width change the s3 hasent changed much. You will love it for everthing.

Maybe if your a begginer go to the 178 but I'm talking total gaper begginer.  

Hope this helps.

get the 186. they are supper soft and light so you wont have to worry about them over powering you. cheers

Ski shop guy is steering me towards 178, while I was thinking 186 based on here : / more advice please, why would he steer me to the smaller one.

Get the 186 no doubt. They are light and super soft so you want that length

When it comes to "do it all" skis, the usual "rule" is to try and get a ski pretty much your height, so I can see why the guy would try to sell you the 178. He doesn't know exactly your ski level, and with you saying you want to ski everywhere, it would make more sense for the average skier your height entering a ski shop and asking for a do it all ski  to lean toward the 178. That's why he told you to go for the 178.
He also knows you're not really fat, and the S3 has 98mm underfoot and a rocker that will provide a good flotability in powder, so you won't drown with those.
Now if you go with the 186, you will have a more reactive and "nervous" ski, and you'll float better too in deep power.
The down point of going for the 186 is that you'll loose maneuverability of the ski on groomers compared to a 178, that's why he was steering you toward the 178, he's going for the safe answer, he doesn't want you coming back in a week yelling at him and saying you can't control your skis. Even tho in my opinion an advanced/expert skier won't have any problem handling the 186 on groomers.

Bottom line is: if you're still getting better and you want a ski to progress with, you might consider going for the 178, if you're already charging in powder like a motherfucker, you'll have more fun on a 186.

Extra infos to help you make you choice: with the rocker, you'll loose some edge, and the S3 has a pretty soft flex.

Hope it helps!

Going with 186, thanks ns especially monsieur. Can't figure out how to +k on mobile... But I'll get to it. Thanks again