for strictly pow skiing in big open bowls the 179s will be fine, however if you want to venture into the park or do anything technical i think it will be a little too much ski for someone your size. personally i would go with the 169s (remember they actually measure to be 172ish or something due to the rocker). 179's will also be a bit heavy. i wouldnt worry about 169s being too short, my roommate who is a little taller than you had this same delima last year and he ended up going with the 169s and was glad that he did.