HO Syndicate

[rowey...]

Can anyone please tell me the key differences between the A1 and the S1 skis?

[thijs]

I am not a pro but I hear tail shape is quite different, I also suspect flex is quite different. I think the S1 is the ski for almost anyone who is good but bot so good they make a living skiing. It has been dubbed the 34mph ski.

[D3skier]

found this on the HO website under the S1 features


Analysis of the tournament market has determined two unique skier styles and resulting skier tastes in slalom skis. Some skiers prefer skis that rider deeper in the water, have a tip down attitude and more of a “carving” turn shape. While other skiers choose skis the that ride higher in the water, require less physical exertion and have quicker more “skidded” turn shapes. More often than not this first type of skier is a 36mph skier and an A1 user, while this second type of skier is a 34mph skier and now a S1 user. The S1 design produces its specific type of on-water attitude by employing a 34mph specific hybrid concave design. By utilizing a 5.75% smaller bevel, narrower traction rail width and a 17% shallower concave depth, the S1 delivers a faster, lower drag, quicker, more “skidded” turn shape, all without sacrificing the stability and predictability the A1 has become famous for.

[skisix@38]

The A1, A stands for Angle, is generally thought of as the 36 mph because the way they have cut the sidewall and bevels. It rides deeper in the water. The S1, S stands for speed, is nearly the same ski only it has a little sharper bevels to lift the ski and a thinner sidewall to allow that ski to ride higher in the water which creates less drag and thus less effort to accelerate- it also means that it will carry more speed into and through the turn. Depending more on a skiers style then speed, one ski may be more suitable than the other.

I like the S1 a little better then the A1 as the S1 rides a little more like my 9800SL did and was an easier switch for me to make.

[MYMC]

The A1, A stands for Angle, is generally thought of as the 36 mph because the way they have cut the sidewall and bevels. It rides deeper in the water. The S1, S stands for speed, is nearly the same ski only it has a little sharper bevels to lift the ski and a thinner sidewall to allow that ski to ride higher in the water which creates less drag and thus less effort to accelerate- it also means that it will carry more speed into and through the turn. Depending more on a skiers style then speed, one ski may be more suitable than the other.

I like the S1 a little better then the A1 as the S1 rides a little more like my 9800SL did and was an easier switch for me to make.
+1...the A1 made me work too hard, much prefer the S1 but feel it is still too small for me...no matter what HO says the 68.75 is small for me.