O'Brien Siege vs. Connelly Concept

[frog23]

Hi everybody,

I'm looking to buy a slalom ski and I have it narrowed down between a O'Brien Siege with Double Targa Bindings or a Connelly Concept with Double Stoker Plates. Both would be 68s.

I would say I am an intermediate skier. Weight 195 and stand 6'2". I have never used a double foot slalom ski before but from research it sounds like to get to the next level I should move to them. I have been using a basic slalom ski from a combo set so far. Which one of these skis do you guys recommend? What about the bindings? How do the O'Brien Targa Bindings compare to the Connelly Double Stoker Plates?

I found both skis at Overtons.com - the Siege (http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=13347&pdesc=O_Brien_Siege_Slalom_Ski_with_Double_Targa_B indings&aID=600A3&merchID=4006) is $250 and the Concept (http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=16877&pdesc=Connelly_Concept_w/Double_Stoker_Plates&aID=600A3&merchID=4006) is $420 at Overtons.com.

$250 for the Siege seems like a really good deal. Is the Concept worth the extra money?

[dstone124]

You're not exactly comparing apples to apples with the (2) ski's you have listed. My recommendation would be to check out www.ski-it-again.com. You can pick up a used stick for a lot less, especially if you're just now making the transition from a combo set slalom.
Another option is the guys at H20z. Seth and Tadd will sell and ship you a ski and with thier "ride before you buy program". If you don't like it you can send it back for credit on something different.
For me, the bigger difference in what your asking is the bindings. Making the move from the RTP will be a noticeable change for most. However, it's a matter of opinion whether it means "going to the next level". A lot of skiings best are still riding the RTP (Mapple, Asher, T-gas).
Bottom line, be confident in what you buy and have fun! If you like what you're riding, either ski will last you for many years to come!
Good Luck!

[frog23]

Thanks for the reply. Can you talk about the differences between the Siege and Concept. I was under the impression these two skis were similar.

[maxpower220]

I second looking at ski-it-again. You can find the Concept for a lot less. I haven't skied on the Siege in a very long time and don't recall what I liked or disliked about it. I used to own the Concept. A lot of people love the Concept, but it was not the ski for me. My point is, no matter what anyone says about a ski, only you can determine if you like it once you ride it. I will venture a guess that either ski will perform dramatically different than your combo set slalom, in every aspect. Both skis are very nice and have more potential than you will be able to have for several years. So you won't need an "upgrade" for a long time. No matter which ski you get, contact the manufacturer and get the stock set up (binding placement, fin placement, wing angle) and start from that point. It is usually the "best" place to start. If you buy used, someone may have changed these, so start from scratch.

There are many opinions about bindings. I moved to doubles from RTP and love it. You may feel differently. The Targa and Stokers are very similar and I doubt you would notice much difference between them riding back to back. Stokers may slightly nicer. I currently have Connelly Drafts and LOVE them.

[frog23]

In terms of sizing the bindings I read you want them tight so it is a good idea to order a size smaller than you would normally wear in a shoe. So if I wear a 11 I should get a binding for a 10. Do you agree with this?

[etduc]

In terms of sizing the bindings I read you want them tight so it is a good idea to order a size smaller than you would normally wear in a shoe. So if I wear a 11 I should get a binding for a 10. Do you agree with this?

Nope, get the correct size. If going Connelly, go with Large binding. (I have a size 11 foot.)
Stroker at one time, was the top of line binding.

Of these two skis (both older versions) The Connelly has the more expensive bindings, and will probably fit better. They take some set-up time. The Targa will have a little more adjustability. Other Connelly binding to consider, is the Fastback.

Of these, to skis. The Concept little easier to get up, maybe ride a little higher on the water. Don't let anyone talk you into a shorter ski. At least, at this point. The Seige is sexy looking. I weigh 195.

Like others have said, to some extent, you have to try it out.

I ski a KD 7000, because it matches my boat color scheme. :cool:

[frog23]

I have seen several people say similiar things about "they will take some time to setup". What exactly does that mean?

[cbryan70]

bindings moving forward and back on the ski. You can also adjust the wing on the ski

[maxpower220]

about "they will take some time to setup". What exactly does that mean?

Do an internet search, there is a lot written about it. One minor change to your bindings, fin, or wing MAY have a huge impact on the way the ski feels/performs. Ski manufacturers spend a lot of R&D to make skis and to find "the best" setup for many riders. This setting is a great starting point. You can adjust the placement of your bindings front or rear, the depth or position of the fin, and the angle of the wing (if your ski has one).

Your current slalom combo probably has no adjustment for binding position, the fin does not have a wing, and the fin make not be moveable. These are all common for newer medium to high end skis.