I have skied all three lengths, and the 182 is by far the most impressive of the three. I am guessing it is the "reference" length and really brings out all the best characteristics of this ski. I am a big guy, and I own the 187 length. My son is average size and loves his 182 cm size. I have the first gen. ski and had to move the bindings back 4cm from the factory line to make the ski work well for me. Same thing on the 177 length. The 182 skied well on the factory line. I am not sure where the factory line is on the current, 2nd gen ski, but be advised the factory line may not be the optimum placement. I come from a directional ski background, just for reference. This is my favorite ski in my quiver, I can make it ski however I want, which is money. Funny, it is my go to tree ski, as the tester mentioned.