Volkl Mantra 88 – 177 vs 184 length advice

Looking for some real-world advice on sizing the Volkl Mantra 88.

I’m 184 cm (6'1"), 80 kg, expert skier with 40+ years on snow. I ski mostly in the northern Alps, a lot around Engelberg.

My main skis are Kästle TX98 (188) and TX103 (189) on Tectons, which I love, but with current snow conditions I’m doing more piste, variable and chopped snow. Wider skis are starting to annoy my knees, so I’m after a narrower, metal, charger-type ski that’s still usable off-piste.

I used to ski Volkl Katana (191) and Gotama (194) and loved them, which is why the Mantra 88 appeals. I recently demoed a Stöckli Stormrider 88 in 179 cm (no 185 available) and had a great time both on piste and on the off-piste routes around Engelberg - which has made me question length.

I’m currently leaning toward the Mantra 88 in 184 cm, but wondering if 177 cm might make more sense given how much I liked the shorter Stormrider.

For those who’ve skied the Mantra 88:

• Which length did you choose and why?
• How do 177 vs 184 compare for stability vs ease of use?
• Any thoughts for aging knees but still skiing hard?

Cheers!