Ski Shopping

[BWB-745-]

I have been looking for a new (new to me) ski on Ski-it-Again and was looking for some insight as to what would suit me best. I am currently on an older Obrien with a RTP. I have been on my Dad's HO (from early 90s) with double boots and would like my next one with front and rear boots. I like the HO because I can make harder cuts and quicker turns and the current ski feels less responsive.

I free ski fairly aggressively but have never had the opportunity run a course. I would like to get a ski that is a more aggressive and get me up to par before running through the course.

I'm 5'8 and 145lbs.

Thanks in advance

[Double D]

I have been looking for a new (new to me) ski on Ski-it-Again and was looking for some insight as to what would suit me best. I am currently on an older Obrien with a RTP. I have been on my Dad's HO (from early 90s) with double boots and would like my next one with front and rear boots. I like the HO because I can make harder cuts and quicker turns and the current ski feels less responsive.

I free ski fairly aggressively but have never had the opportunity run a course. I would like to get a ski that is a more aggressive and get me up to par before running through the course.

I'm 5'8 and 145lbs.

Thanks in advance

My brother has an older model Kidder Redline with double comp boots that he never uses. Not sure if he wants to sell it but if your interested I can get you guys talking. Honest, it's lucky to be used maybe 6 times.... :rolleyes:

[Covi]

My brother has an older model Kidder Redline with double comp boots that he never uses. Not sure if he wants to sell it but if your interested I can get you guys talking. Honest, it's lucky to be used maybe 6 times.... :rolleyes:

Double D what are the specs on the Kidder? Size, and year. I skied on one for a long long time and loved how it responded.

[Double D]

Guys, the ski I mentioned is for sale and its a Kidder Redline series RL Comp Pro Graphite Plus. It has the Micro Calibration Adjustable fin. The boots are double pro wrap size large and the ski is 68" long. Minor scratches here and there, but otherwise good shape.

My guess is he bought it between 1996 and 1998.

I can PM you his contact information if there is interest.

LMK

[ski/hunt]

Not a pro here but I just got an 08 f1x and in 20 mins on it I've never skied better!! It actually turns compared to whatever was in the boat I was invited into (low grade combo skis). Could be that it's behind my first MC and my own!!? Spend a little more for good equip. And then you'll be happy is my motto.

[Kevin 89MC]

IMHO the best thing is to try any ski before you buy. They can ski quite differently, and it is important to find one that suits your style. If you like the HO and can't try any others, it might be better to stick with a higher end HO. If you're getting into it and have a desire to get into the course, I'd go high end, but understand that you will likely give up some free skiing comfort.

I just switched from a '97 KD7000 (older Denny Kidder ski) to an '08 D3 Nomad RCX (newer Denny Kidder ski) and couldn't be happier with it's performance in the course. However, if I'm free skiing in a bit of chop, the D3 doesn't do so well. I just got into double boots too, won't ever go back to a rear toe plate. FWIW, I am about 5'8" 160, and I run a 68". According to some charts I should be on a 67" but that felt too short. The guy I ski with also is on a 68", and he's like 6'2" or so, but he runs shortline (28 off and up) at 36 mph and I run "midline" (15-22-28 off) at 34 mph.

So size, weight, style, boat speed, and line length all play a part in ski selection. That is why it is so important to demo skis I think. Find a ski boat shop near you, most of them have demo plans. Even if you end up buying from someone else, it's still money well spent I think. That's what I did, and ended up buying mine on ski-it-again.
Good luck,
Kevin

[jwroblew]

Go with an HO A1!

[BWB-745-]

So with my size I should be alright on a 66-67?

I ski around 32-34mph currently behind an I/O Crownline but graduate from college tomorrow (finally) and am already saving for a MC.

I am currently in Tuscaloosa, AL and am not aware of any ski shops that demo skis otherwise I would try and go that route.

Thanks for the advice so far, keep them coming.

[Kevin 89MC]

So with my size I should be alright on a 66-67?


That would be a good guess I'd say.

[LaRue]

here is an overall guideline

[sk8salomon]

I ski around 32-34mph currently behind an I/O Crownline but graduate from college tomorrow (finally) and am already saving for a MC.


not trying to be an a-hole here but you won't be able to really give the ski a fair chance behind that wake (if you want to be agressive). you can buy the best ski out there but it will still feel like a wakeboard once you hit that wake. kinda like buying a high powered rifle and only using it at a shooting range.

[D3skier]

So with my size I should be alright on a 66-67?

I ski around 32-34mph currently behind an I/O Crownline but graduate from college tomorrow (finally) and am already saving for a MC.

I am currently in Tuscaloosa, AL and am not aware of any ski shops that demo skis otherwise I would try and go that route.

Thanks for the advice so far, keep them coming.

You can get demo skis from H2Osmosis.com they'll hook you up with a ski you are looking for

[BWB-745-]

not trying to be an a-hole here but you won't be able to really give the ski a fair chance behind that wake (if you want to be agressive). you can buy the best ski out there but it will still feel like a wakeboard once you hit that wake. kinda like buying a high powered rifle and only using it at a shooting range.

Well there isn't really much I can do about the boat situation other than be grateful that I have access to a boat and lake house.

Hitting the wake is not what I am concerned about but rather making quicker turns and basically just an all around faster ski.

[sk8salomon]

Well there isn't really much I can do about the boat situation other than be grateful that I have access to a boat and lake house.

Hitting the wake is not what I am concerned about but rather making quicker turns and basically just an all around faster ski.

no prob, i just hated to see you spend lots of $ on a sweet ski but not be able to make it work like it was designed for. "quicker turns" come from speed that is generated from good strong wake crossings.

[Wacko]

How much difference is there in 1" between skis. How will a ski that is too short feel?

[piper_chuck]

How much difference is there in 1" between skis. How will a ski that is too short feel?
Length isn't the only consideration, width matters too. If you're using a ski that's too small (too short and/or not wide enough), you will feel extra drag because the ski doesn't displace enough water. Extra speed will help to some extent.