Is this the right ski?

[gogo2390]

I've been skiing slalom for probably close to 10 years and have gotten pretty decent. I dont have a place to run a course but my freeskiing seems to be pretty good. Going to start practicing some course at the team/club at school. Right now I have a 65" HO vengeance with dbl venom bindings which i got back in 2003. I first outgrew the bindings last year and had to get new ones (dbl Approach) which I love. Now I've since gone to college and gained some weight and am around 180 pounds and probably 6'1"...probably around 50 pounds heavier then when i got the vengeance. The ski seems to just dig in like crazy and I get tired extremely fast(could just be out of shape ha). Plus getting up is even a bit of a drag even for my boat. My friend is trying to set me up with a (07..08??) HO System 8 68" blank for $175...used once last season and since the beginning of this year.My friend has one himself (65) and loves it. Never used one. Also, is this the right size. Looked at sizing it seems im around a 67 maybe a 68 would this be too big or just unnoticable? Any input would be great on this..thanks

Mark

[sand2snow22]

Depending on your speed, I think a 68" System 8 would be a good size for your height and weight. I used to ride a System 8, but switched to a Obrien Synchro last year. A little more forgiving than the System 8. System 8 turns sharper, that's for sure.

[russlars]

Best thing to do is demo one if you have a shop that will allow you to do that. Each time I try a different ski I am always amazed at the difference in the way the ski rides and turns. They each have subtle differences. I still love my Connelly F1 but I am sure that a lot of it is that I am used to the way it handles and for me it is predictable. I've never had anyone else try my ski and like it and when I first got it I didn't like it either. It took some time for me to get used to it's characteristics and get it dialed in right. Bottom line is to demo before you buy if it all possible.:twocents:

[gogo2390]

what differences will i feel skiing on this ski as oppose to mine...meaning how much will my runs be improved by increased size and the level of the ski

thanks for the input

[sand2snow22]

System 8 is a higher performer than your current ski. You won't get as tired as quickly with the extra 3 inches, that's for sure.

[PT 1999 ProStar]

I have a similar question and could use some feedback. I'm 36 years old and I've been skiing since I was 8. I go at it pretty hard on my Kidder Redline Classic (68 inch) and I too get very tried quick plus I feel like I have to go much faster these days. I am 6'1 218. My buddies tell me I need to "graduate" to a larger ski -70 inch. I love my Kidder but maybe I should step out and try something. RUSSLARS I have demoed the F1 and I too did not like it but perhaps I should try it again. I guess my question is should I go bigger with my next ski - 70 vs. 68? Is there really that much of a difference? I never put much thought into it. I always grabbed my Kidder and hit the water but now I'm feeling my age a bit......Can I still have the performance and slow down a bit?
Thanks.

[Jorski]

There is a ski size chart in this months Waterski magazine that would suggest a larger ski for you...there is also a similar chart on just about every ski manufacturer's site.

You might want to consider some of the wider skis. There is the Goode 9900 Wide Ride, also the HO S1 (a wider forebody than the A1, to help with 34 MPH skiing), and a bunch more.

Try them if you can.

[russlars]

What I have noticed is that a slighly larger ski will make it easier to get up on and seems to ride higher in the water, thus not tireing you out as much. One of my ski buddies went up a size in his ski last year and I am amazed at how much longer he can ski without getting fatigued. That being said, I don't like his ski because it rides more on top of the water and I don't feel as secure with it as my F1 which seems to ride deep.

[gogo2390]

okay good to know..thanks