Water Ski buying question

[Scott26]

Already thinking into the summer.

So looking on purchasing some ski(s). I am "ok" slalom skier and the wife never really skied before.

My question is, She is 5'3" and I am 5'10" what lengh ski should I get. Is a 68inch ski to big for her? Is it possiable to get a combo that would be great for me and she would be able to use them too? or do I really need a combo and then a slalom ski for me.

Also I prefer obrien since I used them in the past but never tried connelly so open to suggestions.

[DTro]

I would go with O'Brien. Overtons is a great source.

About the combos, you can get away with that and still have a good time, but IMO there is a huge difference in a standalone slalom.

I haven't skied in a long time, but there was a time when I skied almost every day of every summer.

Probably need the same number hp as my weight to get me up these days

[Walleye Guy]

I am no water skiing guru but did learn something about the last water ski I bought. The binding fit my foot but was too big for my wife's foot even when slid into the smallest position. I considered moving the binding but was not sure if that was a good idea or not.

We ended up getting a pair of skis that fit smaller feet.

[Ryan_V]

I've been on ski(s) since I was 5 (now 30-something) been on one ski since I was 9 or 10. If you are going to get into it, I'd suggest a single for you and a combo for her. the "slalom" in a combo isn't the same as a designated slalom. you'll get more performance out of a slalom ski. I've always preferred HO brand skiis, been on them all and that's the one that always performed best for me. a little more spendy, but worth it. I don't do it very much at all any more, but back in the day I could really tear it up. used to be able to touch my elbow to the water when cutting!! ahhhhh the good old days, now you got me wanting to pull out the ski again!!

[Scott26]

Thankgs guys, Ryan, your not interested on selling your are you?

Also another question, the lengh of the ski, is a 68" ski going to be too big for her/me?

[Ralph Wiggum]

Size will depend quite a bit on your weight difference. I've got about 14 inches and 100 pounds on my girlfriend and we can't even come close to using the same skis, especially for slalom. She still uses some stubby ones that she's had forever. I just started to slalom last year, but I found that while I can slalom on a ski from the combo I normally ski on, I will definitely need to look for a "big boy" slalom ski this year. Granted, I am 6'2" 240.

[Bryce]

I've got an old (mid 80's)Connelly sitting downstairs collecting dust from my show skiing days. It's only a 65" but I could make it dance back in the day at 5'10" and a buck forty. Wife's got a 66" Kidder that I picked up for her somewhere along the line. I'd best talk to her before I offer that one up. These were pretty high end skis in their day as we had good contacts with the mfgs. Give me a shout when the open water arrives and you can take them for a test run and see if you're interested. spankylabs aol

[Scott26]

Might have to do that Bryce....You also might have to drive the boat.

Might be in May (depends on the weather, wet suit time......those were the days.

[Ralph Wiggum]

May, huh? I certainly hope so! This topic has got me itching to get out there

[Ryan_V]

scott, sorry, not interested in selling the ski...that thing is a legend to me, back in the day, chicks really dug my on that thing!!! I remember taking to boat to high school, changing into a wetsuit after class in april, and heading to the lake. water so cold your feet instantly cramped up, but man was that fun!!!

[lawdog]

I really like my HO too. I think most of the middle to upper end slalom skis though are head and shoulders better than what you'll get in almost any combo pair. My brother is the only guy I've ever known who actually prefers are old combo ski to my HO. Don't really know why, but he'll never use the good one...

[PierBridge]

Ski's are for sissy's......45 mph on your bare feet is what real men do......

[DTro]

Quote:

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Ski's are for sissy's......45 mph on your bare feet is what real men do......

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I've done that as well

[Ralph Wiggum]

Quote:

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Ski's are for sissy's......45 mph on your bare feet is what real men do......

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I have size 14 feet, so there woulnd't be much difference

[Ralph Wiggum]

Sorry to hijack this a little, but does anyone have an opinions/experiences with a shaped slalom ski versus a tradional? I've been looking at the O'Brien World Team versus the Connelly Big Daddy and wondering if the Big Daddy might be worth the extra ching.

[CrappieAttitude]

I have skied on both the shaped skis and the traditional. My experience is that the shaped skis are a lot easier to control if you are in the beginning stages of slalom skiing. The traditional skis are designed to cut thus making them a little wobbly going straight. If you are an agressive skier, or forsee yourself to be one in the near future, I would go traditional. If you are looking to get some good carves in with a more controllable ski, I would go shaped. I know that the Big Daddy ski is designed for a larger framed person. I am 6'4" 205 lbs and I would definately go for the Big Daddy. Don't forget that the more surface area a ski has out in front of you, the easier it will be for those deep water starts.

CA

[Ralph Wiggum]

Thanks! I'm 6'2" 240 and a beginner on the slalom, but it will be used by some decent slalomers, too. I guess I have a little time to make a choice