Narrower tires are actually better for "flick" and handling, but wider will give you better traction in a straight line....arguably what the Max was designed for.
Though I've found (at least at MC superstore) the 170 is actually $20-$30 cheaper than the 150. I assume because that 150 is kind of a "specialty" size it costs more.
I had about 6000 on my last Metz, had probably another 2k to go but even after repeated plugging/patching it just wouldn't hold air after picking up a nail literally on the first ride with it, so I chucked it. I ride fairly hard also....lots of high speed highway, hard accel, ect. Though I do try and keep the burnouts to a minimum....one big smoky one just kissed off 1000 miles of riding and tires are too expensive for that.