Buying new ski...Syndicate

[ntidsl]

I wanted to post this as I see alot of questions about what ski to buy, how and where. I picked up a new ski this winter. I did alot of searching around, especially for a used ski. I ended up buying a new ski but it was a 2010 model. I talked numerous times with the vendor to ensure the fin was set to exact factory settings. I found 4 of the exact same skis from 4 different vendors and went with the vendor who was the easiest to communicate with as they were all priced within $5.00 of each other.

I had been skiing on a 2005 HO system 8 with Animal Bindings. I bought a 2010 Syndicate S1 and remounted my Animals easily. $600 investment. Some people wanted more for their used S1 same year. I highly suggest buying 1 or 2 years old and also buying in the winter.

I skied for the first time on the S1 and holy crap! I have never skied so effortlessly in my life. The speed and lack of drag was absolutely amazing. I now can see why the pros have been starting their edge change at the wake now adays!!! Without remembering to do this I was sooooo wide I couldn't turn back in!!! Once I got used to the speed I was able to edge change just after the 2nd wake and slowly turn and once I initaited my turn the ski took over the next thing I knew I was at the wake again...no struggle, the ski did the work!!! I always see these videos of pros jumping on a ski and going out and running one of their best runs and never imagined I'd be able to say the same. I thought you had to get used to the ski over a few weeks and tweak your style etc...rubbish...I had my best ski run ever on this ski and I'm ready to do it again!

Happy summer 2012!!!

[sleeporbutter]

Thanks for the post. I also have a System 8 and have been thinking about an upgrade. I ski at 34mph and have read the S1 is made for that. Great to hear some feedback as it is often difficult to try before you buy.

[h2oskifreak]

They are good skies. I ski a few year old Monza and really love it. Some are haters, but it seems to fit my aggressive (not smooth) style.

[ntidsl]

I ski at 34 mph as well and was just amazed at the S1...My wife said she has never seen me so happy in my life as after that ski run!!! Don't think twice!!!

[jkski]

I have been on the Monza for several years but have been considering changing over to the A1 or S1. Anyone been on both and care to give your thoughts on how they compare? (Monza vs A1 or S1).

[amcmac]

I am in the market for a new ski. There are a few 2011 A2s on ebay for ~$650. Is that a good deal? I do course skiing whenever I can find one, which isn't too often, but I like to open-water ski like i'm on a course.

[19_Skier]

Originally Posted by amcmac

I am in the market for a new ski. There are a few 2011 A2s on ebay for ~$650. Is that a good deal? I do course skiing whenever I can find one, which isn't too often, but I like to open-water ski like i'm on a course.

you may be better served with a coefficient X/X SL - they will handle the open water skiing a bit better especially in choppy water and can still run the course very well. That being said, $650 for an A2 is a pretty good price for a really nice ski.

[h2oskifreak]

Originally Posted by jkski

I have been on the Monza for several years but have been considering changing over to the A1 or S1. Anyone been on both and care to give your thoughts on how they compare? (Monza vs A1 or S1).

Also interested in specific comments on the Monza move up to A1 or S1, Anybody...Bueler, Bueler.

[jamisonsbrodie]

I skied the A1 for half a season and couldn't get it dialed in. Skied the S1 a couple of times and liked it. It had a much more aggressive offside for me. The A1 is smoother and better for more arching turns, whereas the S1 is made for more abrupt/skidded turns. For me, the A1 was good in cold water, but once the water warmed up, I was all over the map with it. I tried all sorts of fin settings and never got it to work in 80 degree water. The A2 is a much better ski than the A1, IMO and for $650 I would jump on it. Worst case, you sell it on ski-it-again for nearly what you paid for it. The S2 is getting really good reviews as well and my friend has moved to that from an S1 and likes the turn better. I am on a D3 X7 and love it. It is fast, stable, consistant and has a great offside.

[jamisonsbrodie]

Originally Posted by h2oskifreak

Also interested in specific comments on the Monza move up to A1 or S1, Anybody...Bueler, Bueler.

If you like the Monza, go to the S1/S2. The A1 just doesn't turn as quick as the S1. The Monza was very different from year to year, however and there were good ones and bad ones, but the guys I know that liked the monza, prefer the S1.