Time to replace my 20 year old ski,suggestions?

[madman]

Ok, so I used to ski every day during the summer back in the day (all through the 90's) and after a ten year break I am back on the stick. I am a pretty aggressive skier for a 50 year old (or at least I used to be and still think I am?) I never really spent much time on a course but I can still make the boat driver think he hooked a marlin with the ski rope. The problem is that I am still using my top-o-the line HO VTX 66" with double animal boots that I bought new back in the last century. Some of the people I talk to tell me that there have been advancements in waterski design since then, is this possible? I thought my ski was the best, thats what Wade Cox told me back in 94' or so when I met him. I am 5' 10" and about 190lbs, I always liked a bit shorter of a ski than recomended but I am OLD now a want something I can get up on a bit easier but still cut like crazy through the wakes and bring around the turn fast. I'm sure that I could still make 6 balls at 15 off or maybe even 22 off @32mph. I do not want some rec ski, I just need a little help getting my fat butt out of the water as that seems to be the only thing I have issue with. Also, have the boots gotten any better or can I use my animals? They are still in great shape but if there is a better option I am listening. I don't want price to be a big factor in your opinions, not rich here, but I want the best ski for me, and I'm willing to pay for it.

thanks, Kevin

[east tx skier]

I have a 67.5" Original O'Brien Sixam (2004) 1.0 for sale in the market and on ski-it-again. I don't know that your boots would fit because I think HO changed the hole pattern at some point, but you could get new plates for them if you're really attached to them. This ski was sent back to O'Brien in 2009 to get a once over and flexed out to its original specs. It is a great ski, but I am enjoying a different one and want to make room in the garage. This is the same evolution of the Sixam that Chris Parish broke the 3 way tie for the 1.5 at 43 off world record several years ago. But it works great for long liners, too. It is light and blazing fast.

Link to Ski-it-Again Ad (http://www.ski-it-again.com/php/skiitagain.php?topic=Search&category=Slalom&postid=15909)

As for length, you should at least be on a 67" ski.

[ski 54545]

I just made the switch from a 12 year old KD 7000 with double Wiley high wraps to a new Radar Theory with double Strada high wraps. I am in the same boat as you haven't skied much for the last 10 years and am now out 2-3 times a week. I can't believe how much I have missed skiing. I really like my KD and had no intention of changing skis but after trying out the new bindings and taking the ski out for a demo ride I was hooked. I demoed both the Radar Senate and Theory, the Senate was just a tad to fast for me but the Theory was great. These new skis still cut hard are are very fast but offer more stability than what I was used to, I have yet to pull the tail out no matter how hard I try. I also really liked the feel of the bindings and they got even better once the dealer fit them to my feet.
My advice find a shop and demo a few new ones out. I think you will be happy you did. I also agree with east tx skier, a longer ski will help.

[skibrain]

I was on an EP Stilletto, then KD 7000, D3 Tightline, D3 X5, and this spring bought a new but non-current model D3 Z7. I REALLY like the Z7. All the D3 skis I have had are just easy to ski and very used friendly, turn super well etc. The Z7 has that same safe feeling but it has more ability to carry speed out of turns no matter how aggressively I turn. A couple of my regular ski buds are on Goode 9500. They each tried my ski this past week and were all smiles. One guy said that it is the most comfortable he's ever been trying a new ski - just jumped on it and started cranking.

I did not demo any of the Radars but they have developed a super reputation in just a few short years and I would definitely check those out too. I have run Wiley bindings for a long time. I can still rebuild them as needed, They always come off when they need to and they provide great fore-foot pressure and ski control.

I'd recommend demoing a few skis you can throw your Animals on - so you aren't also trying to evaluate new bindings as well - and see what works best.

[Kevin 89MC]

I also just got on a D3 Z7 last fall, got a new "slightly out of tolerance" ski with full warranty for half price, $1,200 retail for $600 I think. I had also been on a 1997 KD7000. I demo'd a few skis, and most of the new skis skied quite a bit different than ones from 10+ years ago. It took me a little bit to adjust, but once I got used to it, they ski so much better. It is awesome in the course, but it is also a great ski to free ski on too, as long as there isn't much chop. It is so light that bigger waves really throw it around. My old heavy KD was better in the chop, but I don't ski much in chop anymore. Most of the new high performance skis sure don't like to be skied flat, they seem to hunt for an edge, but is sounds like you still like to get it on edge, and the new skis really make that fun!

I'd stronly suggest you demo some skis, but be prepared for them to be different. I could not find a Radar to demo last fall when I was looking, wish I could have, I've head great things about them too.
Good luck,
Kevin

[madman]

Thanks for the opinions, I picked up a 2010 HO syndicate S1 with radar vector boots for less than half of what they wanted for this years skis. I LOVE IT, fast as hell and wants to be on edge all the time (which is where i want to be). Unbelievable how fast I can cut across the wakes and I have had my hip in the water on both turns without any sign of the tail wanting to come out. All of my old skills are coming back with much confidance and I can ski longer without as much effort. Now if I can just find a course to ski on............