go with the smaller size i think its a 176, youll have more fun on it. instead of asking if it floats and carves well, just look at the specs. obviously its going to float better than a salomon spk but not as well as a volkl gotama. its also going to carve better than a line elizabeth, but not as well as a stockli gs ski. so if youre skiing on the east coast 90% of the time get a different ski, no matter how much you want a slightly fatter ski for your week at breck every year. if you live in colorado, utah, or anywhere else where youre going to need a bigger ski, then go for the big trouble but dont expect it to carve and perform in the park like other skis will