Quick advice on cheap used combo skis?

[jim_s]

Looking to pick up a cheap set of used combo skis from my local used-equip shop, with the intent of getting as wide a variety of generally non-skiing friends up as I can (for use this weekend). The two items they have in the store are O'Brien Freestyle combo 67" (look to be 1990's model - pink/orange color - same as these here: http://tinyurl.com/mshckrk) and HO Team FC 67 (look to be newer - same as these here: http://tinyurl.com/nf3nstp). The O'Brien set is $60, the HO set is $120. I'd ultimately rather spend less, but cheaper skis that can't get folks up aren't much use in the end.

 

This is for use behind my little 16', 90hp boat, BTW, so the low-power aspect of the setup needs to be taken into consideration, as well.

 

Thoughts/recommendations between these two options?

 

Thanks!

[gsm_peter]

Bart has new Radar combos for 170.

Bindings might be better and fore sure last longer.

For this weekend, can you use 2 slalom skis?

For beginners it is ok to have 2 different skis.

If you are a poor man, your frinds can maybe chip in a few $ so you can get the new once?

120 foe old seems a bit pricy compare to new once?!?

 

I would guess you will have more use of the new once in the long run.

 

[eddie_roberts_jr]

I would get the widest pair you can afford.

[Waternut]

$120 does sound like a lot for a used pair of ski's especially when there are brand new combo sets for under $150 at academy or dicks. I do understand that it's extra money for something you probably won't ever use yourself but think of it as an investment. If you can teach friends faster on a slightly more expensive ski's, they'll want to keep coming out with you and you can never have too many ski friends.

[davemac]

wider is better, and an aluminum fin is better than plastic

[eddie_roberts_jr]

I wouldn't get real hung up about aluminum over plastic. Yes, aluminum is better on a performance slalom but plastic is just fine on a combo pair.

[oldjeep]

I'd go for these:

http://www.liquidationsports.com/index/page/product/product_id/32892/category_id/41/product_name/HO+Sports+Blast+Combo+Waterskis+67%22+with+Helix+Boots+DING+-+3rd

 

They are the same model/bindings we have, although ours are 10 years older - the sandal style bindings are really nice for a variety of foot sizes. My wife has used them (womens 6) and one of my sons (mens 12) and they can be made to fit decently for rec type sking.

[oldjeep]

These would also be a decent/affordable choice

http://www.liquidationsports.com/index/page/product/product_id/32890/category_id/41/product_name/HO+Performance+Pro+Waterskis+67%22+with+MF6+Boots

 

[jim_s]

Thanks a bunch for all of the great advice, and esp to oldjeep for pointing out those sub-$100 options. Definitely seems silly to pay $120 for a used set, when a new set can be had for less. (Shipping and timing are an issue for this weekend, but I'll see what I can possibly borrow for this weekend.)

 

Thanks Again!

[6balls]

I sure do love having a pair of 1980's 72 inch EP jumpers. Adjustable bindings and are the easiest combos to get someone up and skiing on ever...also perform about a zillion times better than the avg combo pair. Even used jumpers are expensive, though. Back in the day can't remember what my dad dropped on these but it was a lot.