I skied a 188, which, with me being only 5' 10", was too long. I could definitely ski it, and they rocked, but if I hadn't bought them used, I would have gone with a shorter length.
I'm a huge fan of shorter skis now, esp. for touring. my two favorite pairs of skis are both 175s now.
My new dream is a pair of this year's AK launchers in a nice short lenght. pick them up...they are *super* light...would make an awesome fat touring ski. Unfortunately they are damn expensive, so I'll wait until they can be had used or on sale.