2009 Volkl Mantra 191cm - Length and Binding questions

Hello,

I just got a pair of 2009 Volkl Mantras ordered. 191cm. I am an expert skier, 6' 200#, and after reading some forums I was slightly concerned about the length.

I am coming off some volkl v-pro 180s that I loved (but finally I blew up), I have always told myself that I should have got the 190 v-pros.

However, I also picked up some Igneous Fat Carvers 195cm with Fritschi Freerides as an AT setup. This setup will kick your ass without a lot of work keeping the nose under control, and tree skiing is kindof a pain. Otherwise, those boards are stiff as hell, fat, and charge all. A little long.

So what do you think? I will get them tomorrow so I can see how they are actually sized. I hope that the stiffness, while supposedly close to the v-pros (which are pretty damn stiff) will not be anywhere near the Igneous boards, and as such, the slightly overhead length should not be an issue. 

I hope to use them as my main alpine tool.

Also, what do you think about bindings. I was reading that these skis may perform better with a low mounting point (as opposed to, say, the boot height of the freerides). I was gonna get the marker jester or griffons, just per some suggestions, any comments on that?

Thanks, Alex. 

191 should be fine for your specs.  I've only skied the 191 and 184, and those only briefly, but the 191 was much more to my liking -- almost a different ski.

As for bindings, I've grown to believe that stand height is a personal issue, and I personally prefer it even on wider skis.  If you like the height of an AT setup, I certainly wouldn't pay the Marker Royalty (pun intended) to get them.

What is your weight, height, prefered ski level? 

I am thinking the Look Px 15 FS is the way to go. They are on the heavy side, but they are cheap (~180$ on the net) and I have heard good things about their release mechanism. I have mostly only skied Markers (and Fritschi AT) so far, the Looks are highly rated and the markers cost $$$. 

I just went to a ski shop, damn those 191 Mantras look big, but I am not afraid...

Thanks,

Alex

The PX15's are a great binding. I've got a pair on my Gotama's

 I'll throw in another vote for the PX15's, I have a pair on my 183 BROS, and they are bomb-proof!  They're currently on backcountry.com for about $180.  (msrp is closer to $400!!)

I notice that all of your heel-pieces are up (engaged) in this photo... is there a reason?  Something I should know about??

I learned that I should store my skis with the bindings engaged over the summer b/c its better for the binding..I assume this is what he's doing?

I both back down the spring settings and put the heels in the position that has less preload on the springs. Been doing it for 30+ years.....