I'm partial to Dura-ace cranks. Currently using the 7800 in 180mm (light, smooth, stiff). but have also own or have owned and used the following 180mm cranks: sram Rival, Force OCT, TA specialties carmina (185), Shimano Deore XT (several generations, currently using last gen of 9 speed triple), takagi, campagnolo nuovo/super record and ritchey pro logic (sugino). I am just shy of 6'4" and 190 lbs. I realize there are many factors contributing to the added performance that I perceive, including stiffer chainrings, Stiffer hollow arms, stiffer spider, and not least, stiffer axle and axle interface. But the benefit of that added stiffness when I am "dropping the hammer" is a significant one for me.