Slalom Ski Recommendations?

[mxhideout]

Yeah, I'll probably start around 28-30mph and work my way up. What do you guys think of this ski? I talked to my dad about sizes, and he's thinking about 65" would be good for me. This 67" would probably work well for him since he's a few inches taller and weighs another 30 lbs.

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/cs...418826924.html

Just found this closeout. I know it's a high-end ski, but it's cheap...

http://www.waterskis.com/HO-S1-Water...i_closeout.htm

[bkblaida]

IMO both skis are too much ski for your beginning level. At the speeds you are starting at you would do very well on a shaped ski such as an HO Triumph or an O'Brian Syncro. (we own both skis.) I have seen good skiers take both these skis through a course at 28 off 34 mph. So you will have a lot of room to improve before needing to upgrade your ski. Both are excellent open water ski's as well which is a real plus..(high end skis are rarely open water friendly).

65" would be good for your size however 67" will not be a problem until you move to the 22 off 32+ mph range and than you may find the 67" a little sluggish around the balls.

When choosing (or wanting ) a new ski, I refer back to a visit to Coble ski school and asking if it was time for me to consider upgrading my ski. I was told that water skiing is one of the few sports where the equipment (ski) needs to match the ability level of the skier.Buying a ski designed for skiing at levels you are far from mastering will do more harm than help to your performance. I kept my ski for another 3 years.

Good luck in your search.

[mikeg205]

try this... the new 2103 HO Free Ride

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VxS0JsW5OQ

[mxhideout]

The Triumph is a step above the Free Ride? How much is this worth?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HO-TRIUMPH-W...496#vi-content

[mikeg205]

Originally Posted by mxhideout

The Triumph is a step above the Free Ride? How much is this worth?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HO-TRIUMPH-W...496#vi-content

doesn't say what year... but it's not a bad price...bindings are in good shape - I have a 2010 Triumph and a 2012 Coefficient XL/S like them both. Triumph is a fun ski responsive and the Coefficient is like driving a high performance car.

Triumph good at 30-32 - but less responsive at high speeds... You won't find one ski to take thru different levels. I had a 2010 Free Ride which was good for a season and a half... It was a great ski to master deep water starts but it was rough thru the wake at higher speeds. Its wide and even on edge I would catch air...that said - a triumph could last you awhile depending on your goals and how much time you get to have on the water.

[mxhideout]

I'll message him for the year. That video of the new free ride makes it sound promising. I think I saw it on waterskis.com (is that Midwest mastercraft?) for $150. I just don't want something that will only last me a couple months.

[mikeg205]

Originally Posted by mxhideout

I'll message him for the year. That video of the new free ride makes it sound promising. I think I saw it on waterskis.com (is that Midwest mastercraft?) for $150. I just don't want something that will only last me a couple months.

yes... the also have midwest watersports when the season gets underway.. http://www.midwestwatersports.com/Water-Skis-s/1669.htm they are near water - you might be able to demo ski's.

How much time will you have to ski? Will you have a coach? Will you be video taping reviewing, doing drills. You're fortunate if you will be able to do that. DO you have access to a course?

[mxhideout]

Since I'm working 2nd shift, it'll mostly be weekends, or in the morning on weekdays if I can find friends to go with. No coach or course, as I'm just doing it for fun to start out.

[mikeg205]

mx - talk to easttx... this is a great ski..

http://www.mastercraft.com/teamtalk/...ad.php?t=51560

[mxhideout]

Looks like a nice ski, but it may be a little long for me, and I was only looking to spend 200-300 for my first ski. The guy with the Triumph on ebay messaged back saying it's a 2009 and they haven't changed until this year. What would y'all say to that? Also, that HO freeride for $165 on waterskis.com looks to be a 2010. Is there a pretty big difference between that and the 2013?