When you look at the pros riding, ie. Pep, tanner, JP who ever, most of these guys are not tall and they always ride like 185. Now i'm not saying anybody's pro or anything(maybe you are) but if they are riding say a 185 and are 5'8'' and say 160lbs, a 185 is a great length for everything, especially for a kid who can't get a new pair of skis everyday.