For me, yes.
But I think it depends on the skier, and their style(s) and intended usage; and the other skis in their quiver. It's not an either/or thing, in this case: it's open to subject preferences. Such great options. But I've encountered gentle resistance to this here on pugski, consistently, for the different AX lengths in particular.
I think for most it's a simple matter of which ski would work best for the most skiers, basically - as maybe a good first, second or third ski option. For that I might well chose the 175.
I finally got to ski the 175 AX at SIA demo, and found it really great also. It's quicker edge to edge than the 182, and feels lighter, easier. In bumps or trees, I'd rather be on the 175. In tighter spaces or steep bumps, the 182 mounted from 0 to +1 or so at least starts to feel heavier, and more work, as
@James has described well and accurately in another thread. And the 175 length ski is very stable at speed, and stable at longer turns at speed. So for most, it's probably the better option.
But the OP wrote he wasn't skiing bumps, more frontside use for this ski. So the advantages of the 182 come into play. Yes, the 175 is stable at speed, and has a great "in between" quick sort of feel and dynamic. But the 182 has a wonderful, more stable gs feel at speed, a real tank there, no problem. It has optionally real GS ski dynamics, in an easier, more versatile package than a gs ski, ESPECIALLY IF ONE USES AN ADJUSTABLE BINDING to find best mount positions. (Mine happen to be from +2 to +4.) So smooth, strong and effortless at GS type turns. One can really tirelessly lay it over. I own a number of FIS GS skis I love; a pair of Stockli Laser GS in 180/18 I love also; a pair of Head Rebel WC iSpeeds too, also in 180/18 (and they are different from the Laser gs in a fun way); but the 182 AX is just as fun at gs dynamics, etc. to me, nicely different, while more relaxing, and more versatile.
Perhaps surprisingly, the 175 Laser AX has a much greater overlap (centered around quick edge to edge turning) with the two 180/18 gs type skis mentioned - all very quick edge to edge, in the fall line. The AX in 182 is distinctly different in this regard - in some ways between these three and an FIS GS ski. (And a Sean Pettit type turn ski once one gets close to +3 or +4.)
To me, this stuff is not an either/or thing. Many good options. Subjective preference, fun to explore.