I am about 5'11' or 6, and I ride the AR5 in 176. They just feel right to me. I only use them for park, but they feel so good. The only problems I have had was in some deep snow going to fast, but in the park, they are the best. I think at your height, you will be happier with the 174.
I was a snowboarder, and then realized how much faster, bigger, and stylish things looked on skis. It also seemed natural since I came from a Rollerblading background. So for the past three seasons, I have only been on skis. (also, the last time I was on a snowboard, I slipped on a rail and...
yeah, they hold up good. The edges are nice and thick, the skis are nice and stiff, I have had no problems. I have heard of none de-lamming, nothing. Liek they said, if Anthony Boronowski cannot break them, they are pretty tough.
I have the AR5s in 176. I am also six feet tall. I only use them for park, since that is what they are essentially designed for. Yeah, they are stiff, but again, they are a park ski. They are a pleasure to ride in, absolutely bomb proof. The edges are nice and extra thick for rails, I have...