Intermediate Ski Selection

[kaneboats]

All this talk about new skis got me looking around too. I ran across a nice article that talks about how many of us don't need the skis the pros are using because we really aren't pros. It does a pretty good job of describing the different intermediate level skis. Enjoy:

http://www.waterskimag.com/article/F...-the-Right-Ski

[graybmg]

I'l love to get some measurements on these skis (width, tunnel design, etc.) I bought a used high-end ski from a real enthusiast. I'm an intermediate but I love the full-tunnel design of my D3 Nomad. I feel like I can really put it on edge and let it grip the water. I'm wondering if I would be better served by another ski? Don't have the luxury of testing lots of skis so I will be with this one for a while. I like my stick.

[Canuckle Head]

Yeah, I'm thinking I would like to try an intermediate ski to see if there is any noticeable difference. I take it that no one here owns a Radar RS1 seeing how there has been zero response on my post.

[graybmg]

Canuckle, what are you skiing on now? What level are you? I've progressed from a wide body with a RTP that I learned on to my D3 and I love the difference. So much easier to move around.

[graybmg]

Oh yeah, I have two boots now and that's a big plus too. IMO

[maxpower220]

I would compare this to golfers: most people aren't pros, but pro equipment can't make them a less better golfer (you like my English). I try to ride any ski that I can in order to see what aspects of a ski I like (I do the same with wakeboards). A responsive ski is much more fun than a recreational ski (IMO). At the ski school I went to I rode a Monza, but it was a 70" ski with X large bindings and it was terrible. I like the Monza that I have (67" with my bindings that fit), so there are variables to your favorite ski.

Some people say "you don't need a MC/Bu/CC ski boat for a smaller wake unless you are a pro", but I think the smaller the wake when you are learning, the easier it is to learn. Starting out slalom skiing the biggest complaint from beginners is crossing the wake. Smaller is better, I want pro equipment, not the lastest wake boat.

Lastly, when you have pro equipment, if you don't run 38' off then it isn't the skis fault: it's the skiers inability (or usually the driver).

[Canuckle Head]

Canuckle, what are you skiing on now? What level are you? I've progressed from a wide body with a RTP that I learned on to my D3 and I love the difference. So much easier to move around.

Right now I am skiing on an 1986 Connelly HP Graphite. I used to compete on an amateur level as a teenager. I was an amateur Provincial Champ when I was 16 who loved to ski but didn't have the funds (single mom) to get coaching etc.

To be honest it's been a about 16 years since I seriously spent any time on a slalom ski. So, I am trying to re-educate myself about whats new in the skiing world.

I think I'm going to demo a few of these babies............ Thanks for the article kaneboats

[graybmg]

Canuckle, sounds like you probably have some pretty good skills so if you can afford it I'd buy the most ski you can. You'd probably outgrow a less advanced ski. But I'm new to the game so I might not be giving the best advice.