There's no real way for us to tell you the perfect pilot. I would probably say a 27.5 would be a good start, and screw your air screw all the in then back in out .5 turn, wait 20 seconds for everything to adjust, then ride it, and do this adjustment until you get it where you like it.
As for having less "snap"...that's how the 'shees are, that's the powerband kicking in.