Question about Connelly V over the years vs Radar Senate

[andjules]

My brother is just getting back into course skiing after 30 years (& an extra 30lbs) of occasional open water skiing. In his teens he ran a few balls -22/36mph. In his late 40s return to course skiing (200-205lbs), he's struggling with consistency at -15/32mph.

I got him a 69" 2010 Radar Senate (non-C) in early 2011. He likes it some ways, but complains that it feels like a log (extremely slow).

 

I got looking on ski-it-again/closeout sites (he's looking to keep costs below $400) and got curious about the Connelly V, especially after reading @Horton's review of the 2011 V (http://www.ballofspray.com/2012-ski-test/574-connelly-v-review).

 

Questions:

1. it looks like in 2011 product descriptions, it's "fiberglass wrap (carbon reinforced)". In 2012 and later descriptions, I don't see anything about carbon, and it would appear that they introduced the (much more expensive) Carbon V. Am I right in my suspicions that the 2012-and-later V will be slower (no carbon), has stiffness/materials stayed the same? Does anyone know if the 2011 "regular V" outperforms the 2012?
2. Has anyone skied both the (regular) V and Radar Senate and care to share their observations?
3. Lastly, in the Connelly V size chart, 200lbs is on the line between 67" and 69". Given how fat the ski is, anyone care to comment on which way to go at 203lbs, running anywhere between 30-34mph?

[Horton]

The standard Connelly V is not very stiff but is a lot of fun. It would be a good ski through 22 or maybe 28 off. It is faster than you would think.

The carbon version is a little over stiff for my tastes. I think it is a great open lake ski but not sure it is best of chasing balls.

The Carbon Senate is a pretty solid ski. I would not recommend it to a 35 off skier but at 28 it would be great.

[andjules]

Thanks @Horton. Have you ever skied the non-carbon Senate? Wondering about your impression vs Connelly V in terms of 'pep'/speed/stiffness

[Horton]

can't say. Both are good mid range skids

[Chef23]

At 200 lbs I wild put him on a 67 in either of those skis. I have seen the 69" Senate and it is big.

 

I have a 68.75" HO A1 that would work for your brother if you are interested. I skied it between 215 and 240 from 32/22 to 34/35 and it worked at all those speeds.

[Greg Banish]

I currently run a Carbon V. I'm right at 200# and the 67" ski works great for me at 30-32mph. It's pretty forgiving at -15/30 and I have stuck the landing on -28/30. I have not yet found that the ski is limiting my performance.