jthomas Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 I have decide my next slalom ski is going to be a Radar Theory. This will be my first "real" slalom ski. I have been using using a combo ski for the past several years and I'm ready to take the next step. My question is what length of ski should I get? I am 6'2" and weight 205 lbs. I measured the combo ski I have been using and it measures 67". According the Radar weight chart I should get the 69" ski but I am a bit concerned about the extra length. I can get up fine on the combo ski so should I stick to a 67" Theory or get the 69"? The Theory is wider than my combo ski so getting up on it should be even easier correct? What do you guys think? 67" or 69" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simojo Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 I'm 6'3, 195 and ski on a 67" Theory and it works great. I went off the advice of Ed O & h20dawg, who both recommended the 67. You'll love the Theory; mine is the red/white 2010 version and it has been fantastic for helping me get started in the course at 28 mph. Free skiing on it at 32 mph "rocks", if I may borrow the phrase from some of the original ballers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jthomas Posted April 18, 2011 Author Share Posted April 18, 2011 Thanks Simojo. What boots did you get? The Strada or Vector? Double or single with rear toe plate? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simojo Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 Haven't upgraded boots yet; I bought the Theory blank and mounted my HO Venom and RTP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Horton Posted April 18, 2011 Administrators Share Posted April 18, 2011 67 should work great. It is an awesome ski. You do not need the 69.... it is a freaking surf board. Up to 30 or 32 mph that ski is super fun. Call H2oz and tell them I sent you Goode ★ HO Syndicate ★ KD Skis ★ MasterCraft ★ PerfSki Radar ★ Reflex ★ S Lines ★ Stokes ★ Baller Video Coaching System Drop a dime in the can Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ RichardDoane Posted April 18, 2011 Baller_ Share Posted April 18, 2011 simojo - good thinking on taking your established boot preference to a new ski. Once you're comfy on the new stick, then play with boot changes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jthomas Posted April 19, 2011 Author Share Posted April 19, 2011 Thanks Horton. You guys are confirming what my gut was telling me to get the 67. Any thoughts on what boots to get? The Vectors look pretty awesome. I am not going to be skiiing competitively so the Strada is probably a bit of an overkill for me. Most of my skiing is going to be free skiing on our local lake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Horton Posted April 19, 2011 Administrators Share Posted April 19, 2011 Strada all the way Goode ★ HO Syndicate ★ KD Skis ★ MasterCraft ★ PerfSki Radar ★ Reflex ★ S Lines ★ Stokes ★ Baller Video Coaching System Drop a dime in the can Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bxroads Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 I'm 5'8" 195 and the 67" Theory is awesome. I went with double Strada boots and absolutely love them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jthomas Posted April 19, 2011 Author Share Posted April 19, 2011 You guys are a lot more advanced skiers than I am so I just want to double check. The Strada would be ok for free skiing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Ed_Obermeier Posted April 19, 2011 Baller Share Posted April 19, 2011 Just one Devil's Advocate opinion on the binding thing. The Strada boots are a pretty big investment. IMO the Vector's on a Theory would be a pretty awsome combination and not quite as pricey. I actually run D3 Leverage bindings on my Theory (and on my Strada too for that matter) and it's great, I think the Vector's would likely be a step up from that even. I'm struggling right now with the decision of which bindings to upgrade to on my Strada, Vector's or Strada's. Probably go with the Strada's but I really like what I'm hearing and reading about the Vector's. If/when I pony up for new bindings on the Theory they'll probably be Vector's. Ed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller eddie_roberts_jr Posted April 19, 2011 Baller Share Posted April 19, 2011 Ed, the Vectors are just fine but the Stradas are better yet and only about thirty bucks more at retail. They can be heat molded, have orthotic insoles and are specific to a right and left foot. Plus, they'll keep your feet warmer in cold water. Jthomas - try 'em both on if you can and, yes, the Stradas will be just dandy for free skiing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jthomas Posted April 20, 2011 Author Share Posted April 20, 2011 Thanks everybody! 67 Theory with Strada here I come. Can't wait to get the ski and try it out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jthomas Posted April 20, 2011 Author Share Posted April 20, 2011 Can you do better than retail on any of the Radar gear? All of the online prices I have seen so far are exactly the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Horton Posted April 20, 2011 Administrators Share Posted April 20, 2011 Not sure I can save you money but if you want to support BOS.... Support H2oz Call H20z and tell them I sent you www.h2osmosis.com 866.213.7993 BOS Ski shop soon. Then you can support me more! Goode ★ HO Syndicate ★ KD Skis ★ MasterCraft ★ PerfSki Radar ★ Reflex ★ S Lines ★ Stokes ★ Baller Video Coaching System Drop a dime in the can Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller davemac Posted April 21, 2011 Baller Share Posted April 21, 2011 JT, You can certainly find deals on previous year models. Be aware that the new 2011 Theory (black) is a redesign based on the Strada. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jthomas Posted April 21, 2011 Author Share Posted April 21, 2011 Thanks Horton. I just watched your training video from Seth last night. Davemac, is the 2011 redesigned Theory good or bad? I planned on purchasing the 2011 model. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bxroads Posted April 21, 2011 Share Posted April 21, 2011 jthomas, you can find closeouts of previous year model skis for smoking deals, though they're probably all gone. As you mentioned, the ski did change in 2011 but you wont be disappointed with the earlier design, as that is the ski everybody raves about. Try H2oz and Performance Ski. As for the Strada boots, expect to pay retail. Check this Theory out on ebay. You're not going to find anything cheaper for sure. Though I'd do as you suggested, spend $100 more and get a 2011. http://cgi.ebay.com/2009-Radar-Theory-Water-Ski-NEW-Factory-Blem-67-/150465367190?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item23086f4c96#ht_500wt_1156 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller davemac Posted April 21, 2011 Baller Share Posted April 21, 2011 Sorry JT, no first hand experience to comment on the redesigned 2011. The Senate(s) and Theory are both now patterned after the Strada....so I can only assume they are improved. I haven't read reviews on either of them yet. My buddy got the new Senate C, but since our ice just went out...its too early for feedback. Not that it is consequential, but I personally find the graphics on the new Theory to be a huge upgrade. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jthomas Posted April 21, 2011 Author Share Posted April 21, 2011 Thanks everybody. I totally agree the new Theory graphics look sweet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tquinn Posted May 28, 2011 Share Posted May 28, 2011 jthomas, did you buy the 2011 Radar Theory? Have you tried it yet. I bought a 67" Theory w/ Double Vectors and tried it first time yesterday. Seems like more work--hard to turn--harder to ski. Would like to know what you think, if you've tried it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Skihack Posted June 1, 2011 Baller Share Posted June 1, 2011 The Theory is an awesome ski. I have a 67" I bought because it was a price I liked. I figured I would only be able to ski slow and at maybe 15, 22 off. For me, the ski works well at 34 mph and that's with no wing. When you start getting really short on the line, then the softer flex becomes sort of a hindrance. I really like this ski! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaredH20 Posted June 5, 2011 Share Posted June 5, 2011 got a friend who is looking at the vice, he has just started learning the course. weighs 172 pounds. What size would he need? Im thinking a 66, but think it might be to small at the slow speeds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller eddie_roberts_jr Posted June 6, 2011 Baller Share Posted June 6, 2011 Jared, I would have him go with the 67". It'll be the right size now at the slower speeds and perfect through 34 M.P.H. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaredH20 Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 ok, but i see the vice 66 is recommended up till 175 pounds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller eddie_roberts_jr Posted June 7, 2011 Baller Share Posted June 7, 2011 The 66 Vice is recommended up to 175 lb. but like you were saying it may be too small at the slower speeds. The 66 down at 30 M.P.H. or lower would be a lot of work at his weight and not real conducive to learning the course. Trent Finlayson rides a 66" Vice at about your friends weight and he says he's still learning but he did run a couple of buoys @ 41 off last weekend and that is 36 M.P.H. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaredH20 Posted June 7, 2011 Share Posted June 7, 2011 trent recommends a 66" my friend is 1.82m (5ft9) so trent reckons because he is short and light the 66" will be fine, im also leaning towards the 67" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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