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Line Blend - 178 or 185?

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Gustenhoff
Posts: 109 - Karma: 112
I'm considering going for the Blend as one-ski-quiver but I feel uncertain regarding which length I should get.

I'm approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall and weigh around 161 pounds (73 kg).
I currently ride the Liberty LTE (2012) at 178 (specs: 117-87-106) and feel like this size is right for me but I know that the early rise in the Blend will affect how they feel riding and how long they should be (right?)

Will the 178 be too short or fine? Are there any other aspects I should consider when switching from a ski like LTE to a ski like Blend? I wish to ride this ski in the deep and on the slopes but I prioritize that it works for me in the park which is why I'm a little scared of buying the 185 - it seems a little too long for me (I do rails/jibs way more than jumps)

Sorry for the kind of long post and huge thanks for any advice!
Apr 13 2015 8:40AM
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Gustenhoff
Posts: 109 - Karma: 112
I've also been considering the Candide 2.0 or Kartel 98..
Apr 13 2015 8:43AM
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VD.
Posts: 4054 - Karma: 4,564
It's a real trade of between park performance and all mountain performance, if you're set on the latter it's 185, if not then 178; at least that's what I'd do. It is a tough one though, and to be honest I think you'll be happy with your set up if you go either way.
Apr 13 2015 9:13AM
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steezy.stew
Posts: 1137 - Karma: 568
In terms of durability and over-all quality I would prefer the Candide or Kartel over the blend any day. All three skis are solid all-mountain rippers but if you're looking for something that will hold up for consecutive seasons of abuse on rails I would be wary about the blends. That being said, IMO bigger is always better. Bigger skis are more stable on jumps and for mobbin' the entire mountain. The additional swing weight might initially throw you off but just don't forget leg day this summer and it will help you progress into a faster, more confident and generally steezier skier. SEND IT!
Apr 13 2015 10:00AM
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RcRacing
Posts: 51 - Karma: 106
I got the Blend and my advice for you if you hit rather park than backcountry go for the 178. Vice Versa if you rape the whole mountain more often.
Apr 13 2015 6:12PM
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Gustenhoff
Posts: 109 - Karma: 112
Some very helpful advice guys! thanks a lot!
Apr 14 2015 2:48AM
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razors-chaz
Posts: 2255 - Karma: 1,250
personally i would say get the 185. I'm similar height and weight to you and got the 178 and wish they were longer. You have to remember line measure their skis short so the 185 measures more like a 182/183 and then after the early rise you are realistically riding on a full camber 178 so it would be more comparable to your LTEs. as for the weigh they will be a bit heavier but that will just mean they will handle crud etc better and with regard to swing weight with the thin tip design on the blends they dont feel as heavy as it would with regular construction.
Apr 14 2015 7:38AM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,178
Go 185. I'm 5'7 and would take the 178s, at 6' you should be more than fine
Apr 14 2015 9:06AM
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 8913 - Karma: 57,407
185 for sure, especially if you get noodly, early rise Blends
Apr 14 2015 12:01PM
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