KD 7000 opinions and sizing

[etakk7]

I'm new to the whole waterski thing. Been doing it occasionally for the last 15 years but only a couple times a summer when not wakeboarding or kneeboarding. Due to a lower back surgery, I got into it a lot more this summer and plan to continue. I'm currently skiing on a combo "fat" ski of which the pair was maybe $150. I'm riding at 30 MPH, open water riding only. I can cut through the wake at a decent speed and am progressively getting better at the cuts.

I've got the track on a 5 year old KD 7000, 66", double high wrap. My question is, can I grow with this ski better than my other ski? It's cheap enough that I'm willing to take a bit of a chance. By the way, I'm about 185 lbs.

Any help that you guys can give me would be appreciated, I'm especially interested in if this ski will be way too small for me that buying it would be a mistake.


Thanks!

[H20ski Dude]

there are so many skis out there... I wouldn't suggest it, the 7000 was a tournament ski when made, and the high end boots I would stay away from, specifically because you've had back surgery. Its also too small for you. you should be on a 67 or 68 even because you ski rec and at slower speeds.

get a good intermediate level slalom like the F1X from Connelly or the Triumph from HO with a toe plate in the rear.

[Rich_G]

I love my KD, but I agree w/ H2O, a 66" is too small. I am 20 to 25 lbs lighter (its a seasonal thing) than you and I have a 66" (ski, that is)

It's just right for me but I could not use anything smaller. It has a narrow tail and get a workout everytime. It holds an edge really well. You need a 68"

[BrianM]

As I said in your other thread. Your size, weight and speed you need to be on at least a 68", mabe even a 70"

[corey]

As stated earlier a 66" is to small, riding a ski that is to small is going to be difficult as it will sit to low in the water as there is not enough surface area for your weight and skiing speed. Short term you can not change your weight so you will have to increase your skiing speed which will slow down or halt your learning.

Unlike down hill skis you are better to err on the long side rather than the short for skis but the best case scenario is to get the right size.

FYI Midwest MasterCraft has demo skis available, try a ski or two to help find out what you like in a ski. We also have a Performance Guaruntee so if you buy a ski and don't like it we will exchange it for another.

[Jesus_Freak]

My question is, can I grow with this ski better than my other ski?

My son just switched from a combo ski to a concept. He said it was a world of difference. I would say, based on limited experience, that you should be able to grow much better with most slalom skis than a combo.

[ironj32]

etakk, i have a KD CR7 66" w/ double high wraps at my place. you are welcome to try it out and see how you like it. i never use it, so you are welcome to take it for a week or so if you want. we are trying to plan an end of the year get together on medicine for next saturday, the 22nd.

[stevo137]

As they have mentioned, stay away from the 66".

I have the 67" 7000 CG and this ski only knows one thing, being on edge!

It will wear you out quickly...

[94PS190]

I am looking for a KD 7000 66. Any of you guy's interested in selling. I am 165# and ski between 32 and 34. I have large cinch comp on the redline I am on now, so Bindings are not important.

[Kevin 89MC]

As they have mentioned, stay away from the 66".

I have the 67" 7000 CG and this ski only knows one thing, being on edge!

It will wear you out quickly...
^^^
What he said (and many others). I'll add that I ski on a 67" KD 7000 (1997 version), and I'm about 155 lbs. When I demo'd skis back then, the KD was by far my favorite. It really does not like skiing flat, it's made for the course. I've had several friends ski on it, and most almost hate it. KD's are apparently love 'em or hate 'em skis. Make sure to demo it before buying it.
Also going from open skiing on a shaped ski to a "course" ski with double boots is a completely different animal. IMHO it will be much harder on your body/back.
Good luck,
Kevin

[Sodar]

I am looking for a KD 7000 66. Any of you guy's interested in selling. I am 165# and ski between 32 and 34. I have large cinch comp on the redline I am on now, so Bindings are not important.

How about a 66" CR-7?

[etakk7]

sounds like i should proabably get an intermediate ski - 68 - 70". Any recommendations?

Also, why would a rear boot be harder on my back?

[Kevin 89MC]

Maybe it's just me, but getting up with double boots (which I don't do very much) seems to take a toll on my back, even when I'm in "ski shape". Some here swear by them, though. I think doubles are much better once i'm up, but they take a bit to get used to. If you've always gotten up dragging your back foot, try getting up with your back foot in the RTP to see if it works for you.
As far as which ski, it's really a personal preference. Midwest MC in Crystal has (or had) a good demo plan, $20 to try any ski, with the money spent on demos put toward a purchase of a ski from them.
Good luck,
Kevin