Slalom Ski Recommendation for 220 pound skier

[roberts]

We just purchased the Connolly Big Daddy for my husband. He's 6' and 220lbs. He got up on it fine but it skied terribly. I think it's too much a surfboard for him to do anything on it.

We ski behind a 16' boat with a 90 hp outboard. Fine for me but a struggle for him to get up on a regular slalom, but he can do it. He currently skis a Kidder Parabolic, 69", 15 off at 32 to 34 mph. We attempted to upgrade to the Big Daddy but would like to exchange it for a better ski. Help!

He's an aggressive skier who could really grow with the ski. The guy at Overtons recommended the Connolly FX, 70". Can anyone help us out with advice/ recommendation? Our budget isn't big on this so we can't aim too high on this one. Thanks!

[mikeyg]

my buddy just got a 69" connelly outlaw with double wiley's and he is about 6'1" 225. He seems to like it but he is not as advanced as it sounds your husband is. It's not nearly as big as the big daddy and is capable of handling your husbands skill level and up. Maybe call darren at wileys for some ideas. he is really helpfull.

[D3skier]

sounds like a 69" Connelly F1X might be the way to go

[mrprostar]

I know its similar to the Big Daddy, but my dad ski's 425 square inch Connely Pilot and loves it. Again, may not be quite as advanced.

[shepherd]

Yes, call the guys at Wiley's http://www.wileyski.com/catalogs/categories.asp?catid=34621&fileID=287439 or H2Osmosis http://www.h2osmosis.com/. They are very helpful people.

I can't help imagining the whupping a 220 lb slalom ripper must put on a 16' outboard boat! :headbang:

[JohnE]

sounds like a 69" Connelly F1X might be the way to go

I vary from 200 - 210 lbs and that's what I ski, FWIW. They are very affordable too.

[mikeyg]

I can't help imagining the whupping a 220 lb slalom ripper must put on a 16' outboard boat! :headbang:


that 90 would be getting a workout at 15 off running 32 mph!!

[mikeyg]

before my bud got his outlaw I read reviews on alot of skis and finally had to decide between the outlaw and f1x. opted for the outlaw because its more of a shaped ski and figured it would be the easier option for him to learn on. He got up his first try! I ski at a similar level as your husband and am 6'1" 190 lbs. I tried his ski when just free skiing and thought it had alot of potential. Fun ski!

[JohnE]

that 90 would be getting a workout at 15 off running 32 mph!!

I think the post might be misleading. He isn't running the course in a 90 ob. At least not within the boat guides. I assume he is free skiing 15 off at 32. And that has to be WOT. I learned on a 90 hp ob years ago. And to get up with 2 feet in the bindings was a beach. Developed a lot of bad habits from it. But had plenty of fun.:cool:

[coz]

Can anyone help us out with advice/ recommendation? Our budget isn't big on this so we can't aim too high on this one. Thanks!

You need a bigger engine to pull him with, that 90 probably strains to get him up and when he cuts across the wake I'm sure the speed probably drops 5mph or more.

Another option is to hook up with a TT member in your area, offer to fill the boat with gas, the cooler with food & brewskis and I'd bet you'll find a pull, good luck.

[JohnE]

Where in the "east" are you. My boat likes gas and brewski.:D

[mikeyg]

mine too!!

[shepherd]

I think the post might be misleading. He isn't running the course in a 90 ob.

I didn't think he was, but still..... if he's cutting across the wake and putting a decent pull on that rope, I'm thinking the back of that boat would be all over the place. :D

I used to have trouble pulling a 200 lb. skier out of the water with my 140 hp I/O. One option is to have the guy get up on two skis and then drop one. That would take a big load off the engine and make it easier to get up, but it would preclude the use of double boots.

[Plymouth Family Guy]

My dad weighs around 230 pounds and is a pretty good slalom skier. Last summer, he bought an HO Rival with a Connelley Draft front binding and RTP. He loves it. The Rival has a deep V bottom so it is kind of hard to be super aggressive on turns as you have to switch from the edge, go through the deep V and then on to the other edge. I have skied the Rival many times. Getting up is very easy - like sitting in a laz-y-boy recliner compared to my HO System 8. I have been able to get fairly aggressive on the Rival at 15 off, although I have never run one through a course.

[h2oskifreak]

I can't believe the man can get up on one ski behind a 90 o.b., that's impressive. In addition a 220 lb'er behind the 16 ft. boat has to be an interesting thing. I only weigh 178 and can almost pull my fathers fishing boat (16 ft. w/ a 115 o.b.) sideways. I would concentrate on a boat, more than the ski. First things first.

[cbryan70]

sounds like a 69" Connelly F1X might be the way to go

this is what i ski and im 6'1 235

[roberts]

No course, just free skiing behind the boat. He's very impressive to watch, especially since he learned to ski only nine years ago. Has a lot of natural ability. For the longest time he's gotten up with two and dropped one. This weekend the Big Daddy ski got him out with just one (not really a surprise there). Taught him some form and he was able to get up on his current Kidder, which was amazing. Took a bit and the boat definitely didn't like us but he did it.

I tell you, when he pulls we all know it. I'd love to increase to a "real" ski boat but it's just not in the monetary cards right now. We ski in Maine so if anyone wants a full tank of gas and some beer you've got a deal!

What are your thoughts on the shaped skis? They are a bit wider than the normal ones (more surface area = easier to get up) but I've always felt they're more of a teaching ski and easy to surpass in a couple of years.

[JohnE]

Where in Maine? We spend a lot of time on Ossipee in NH.

[JohnE]

I can't believe the man can get up on one ski behind a 90 o.b., that's impressive. In addition a 220 lb'er behind the 16 ft. boat has to be an interesting thing. I only weigh 178 and can almost pull my fathers fishing boat (16 ft. w/ a 115 o.b.) sideways. I would concentrate on a boat, more than the ski. First things first.

I used to ski behind an 86 thundercraft with a 90 ob. If I used the rtp I could pop right out but could never get my foot in the rear plate far enough. If I used the double boot I would drag for hundreds of yards keeping my head down gasping for air in between all the water running over my head. I created some real bad habits because I had to sort of keep the ski tip way down so the boat could drag me. It put a lot of strain on my lower back, too. When I started skiing behind a MC, I'd get pulled over the front often until I realized I could stay back and pop right up.

[Jorski]

Anyone given the Goode WideRide a try?

It has had several strong reviews, and is truly a high end ski...

http://www.schnitzskis.com/goodeskis.html

http://www.thewaterskiforum.com/forum.html