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Oh well Crister you better be rigth because I sold my 188 FT for the promise of better K&G with the 196.
I was really happy with the 188 but I expect the 196 to be even better for my body size and my terrain.
Correct me if i am wrong, but i think the FT62 « should » be picked a bit longer than your body height and the Rabb is better a bit shorter than your height. Well, it is my conclusion after skiing both skis in 188 length. The Rabb is definitively not a good tracker without the skin or fully waxed so I don’t see the benefit of a longer ski. I know Wooderson prefer the 180 Rabb and Johnny rave review was based on the 172 cm Rabb if I am not mistaken.
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You will definitely get better K&G performance with the longest ski! That is just a fact.
Choosing a length of ski doesn't really have a specified, correct, and universal answer. It all depends on skill, personal preference, use, body weight, body length, and so many other factors. A lightweight skier can easily manage with a short ski whereas a heavier skier needs a longer ski. A good skier can easily handle a long ski, and a more novice skier can not. There is just a lot of factors here.
But, from a simplified perspective; yes, it will probably be more beneficial for many to choose a longer FT62.
With a simplified perspective, I mean the following:
If one only takes body weight and body length to consideration, and give all skiers the benefit of the doubt as "excellent skiers", most would probably choose a longer ski for the K&G performance.
It's like with anything else. When you add up the +/- most really good skiers will probably choose a longer ski 90% of the time - because there are just more advantages with a longer ski versus a shorter ski. Beginners and intermediate skiers, will probably go for a shorter ski, as they probably see more benefits of a ski that is easier to handle.