Baller h2onhk Posted April 20, 2016 Baller Share Posted April 20, 2016 Quick background: 34mph, 148lbs, 5'9" tall, RFF skier. Current ski is a 64" 1996? KD7000 that i bought used 10 years ago. I verified fin set up is still factory set and binding position is in the middle hole. 15off and 22off passes are solid, 28off passes are hit and miss and I occasionally catch my self breaking at the waist, not getting stacked soon enough, etc. I ran a full 32off pass last year (not gonna lie, pulled it out of my butt), but typically only get 1 to 3 balls when i get into 32. I have spent a lot of time on this forum and reading about GUT and other tips/techniques. I'm not a hard core tournament skier, but I love chasing a personal best and constantly improving. I understand I need to continue to focus on my technique first and foremost, but would changing skis aid in advancement? Also prefer to buy used to help stay in my budget. I know you guys/gals like video to help illustrate and I'll see if I can dig some up from last season. Any advice is welcome and I take all criticism constructively. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Razorskier1 Posted April 20, 2016 Baller Share Posted April 20, 2016 you should get a new to you ski. At this point it can probably make a meaningful difference. What ski is a whole different question that I'll leave to @Horton. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Marco Posted April 20, 2016 Baller Share Posted April 20, 2016 Although the KD7000 was a top of the line ski 20 years ago, ski technology has vastly improved since then. If you are getting into 32 on a 20 year old ski, a more current ski will definitely up your buoy count. I would recommend going on Ski It Again and buying a newer model used ski. Almost any higher end ski made in the last 10 years will be a big upgrade, and you have many options in the $500 range. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller gregy Posted April 20, 2016 Baller Share Posted April 20, 2016 One of my ski buddies had on those and picked up a used radar strada and started skiing better right away. If you don't want to buy new you should be able to get a ski a year or 2 old for 5 to 6 hundred range. I've got a 2015 Vapor that I'd sell for 500 but its a 67" and would probably be too big. I'd highly recommend a 2015 Vapor if you can find one. Probably a 66". I've gone to a 2016 Vapor and it looks to be a keeper. I skied on Mapple 6.0 for a while it was nice, the vapor was just a little more forgiving. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller PatM Posted April 20, 2016 Baller Share Posted April 20, 2016 You may not be a hard core tournament skier now, but once you are on a newer ski your confidence and most importantly your buoy count is going to go up. Not even a question if you can run 28 you absolutely need to get on a newer ski. I agree with what everyone has already said - ski-it-again will have some great deals on great newer used skis. In comparison to today's skis you are driving a 1990 Pontiac with a cassette tape stereo and roll down windows. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller andjules Posted April 20, 2016 Baller Share Posted April 20, 2016 To answer your question http://www.ski-it-again.com A lot like you, I started a few years back reading the forum & getting my head back into it, and got up to the point where I had hit-and-miss -28s, and stuck at a couple at -32. In early 2013, I ditched my KD7000 and picked up a used S2 on ski-it-again. Picked up about a few buoys, but just as importantly, I found it so much less work being on a modern ski. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller h2onhk Posted April 20, 2016 Author Baller Share Posted April 20, 2016 Sounds like the concensus is upgrading skis will help along with technique practice. I have been browsing though Ski it Again over the last several weeks just seeing whats out there. Lots of options for sure. I've read a lot of the ski reviews on waterski mag and other sites. I hesitate buying not knowing what would be the right size, style, etc. Lots to consider. Am I over thinking it? I don't have the luxury of a large ski crew with lots of skis to demo. My dad still runs the course with a 1978 Connelly shortline! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller wskier Posted April 20, 2016 Baller Share Posted April 20, 2016 Connelly shortline still one of my favorites Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller h2onhk Posted April 20, 2016 Author Baller Share Posted April 20, 2016 So based on my size I'm assuming most newer skis 64"-66" would be ok? Understanding that a 64" may be on the small side and a 66" would be pushing the high side? I can shove my 64 around the turn pretty well right now. probably not the best technique at times. @skibrain what do you consider a "high performance hard to ride ski"? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller chris55 Posted April 20, 2016 Baller Share Posted April 20, 2016 I started skiing the course seriously 1 year and half ago with a old O'Brien Mapple at 15off and last november I went to Mapple T2. I went from 30mph to 34mph in 6 sets. The change was so amazing. No hesitation, go for the change and you will have a big smile on your face ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller h2onhk Posted April 20, 2016 Author Baller Share Posted April 20, 2016 if/when I get this newer new-to-me ski i'm gonna have to put a piece of tape on the nose that says "stupid hurts", because I know whats going happen on my first set when I go shooting down through the course thinking i'm super man...... or maybe "get milk".....I guess thats popular with the pros Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller h2onhk Posted April 20, 2016 Author Baller Share Posted April 20, 2016 now that you guys got me all geeked up about a newer ski I found a couple great deals on a 2011 65" Radar Strada and a 2010 65" HO Syndicate S1. From what I read the Radar is more of a pro level 36mph ski and the HO S1 was built more for a 34mph rider. Any thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller gregy Posted April 20, 2016 Baller Share Posted April 20, 2016 I'm a 34mph skier and skied on the grey strada for several years. Nice ski but I like the Vapors better. I'd recommend going with the size that is recommended for your weight it will turn just fine. Don't know anything about the S1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller PatM Posted April 20, 2016 Baller Share Posted April 20, 2016 I would go with a newer ski than the those 2 mentioned. Even they are a little out of date. For around the same money you can get a 2014 Vapor or similar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller swc5150 Posted April 20, 2016 Baller Share Posted April 20, 2016 If you don't want to spend much, I have a mint D3 65.5 X5 Pro with small Leverage bindings and D3 case I'd sell you for $250 shipped? Not a single ding, scratch or mark on the ski that I can find. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LeonL Posted April 21, 2016 Baller Share Posted April 21, 2016 Seeing as how you're on a KD now, you would immediately feel comfortable on a D3 product. Especially a Quest or X series. Not to say that there's any problem with any other major brand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller JuanJ Posted April 21, 2016 Baller Share Posted April 21, 2016 In case h2o.nhk does not want the ski... would this ski work for my girlfriend, she is currently skiing on a Radar P6 65", she weights 136 pounds and 5 foot 7" tall... would this ski work for her... she currently is skiing at 30 mph, but did a PB of 4 at 32 mph....she feels the P6 is holding her a bit back what do you think? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller h2onhk Posted April 21, 2016 Author Baller Share Posted April 21, 2016 @swc5150 sent you a PM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Marco Posted April 21, 2016 Baller Share Posted April 21, 2016 I'd jump on the X5 from @swc5150 . Great ski, quick but forgiving, and great price with the bindings and shipping! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller swc5150 Posted April 21, 2016 Baller Share Posted April 21, 2016 @JuanJ The P6 is nice for what it is, but it's not in the performance range of an X5 or the like. My niece rides a P6, and I tested it out just for fun. Nice intermediate ride, but nothing like a carbon fiber, high-end stick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller swc5150 Posted April 21, 2016 Baller Share Posted April 21, 2016 I actually hadn't planned on selling the X5, but it honestly won't get much use anymore with us. It deserves a good home where it'll be used. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller gmut Posted April 21, 2016 Baller Share Posted April 21, 2016 @swc5150 I have a guy that I think will buy your ski. Check your inbox I sent you his name and number.thx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller swc5150 Posted April 21, 2016 Baller Share Posted April 21, 2016 Sold... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller JuanJ Posted April 21, 2016 Baller Share Posted April 21, 2016 To bad, my girl wanted that ski. Well if anyone has a good 65" ski for her it would be great. She is really hooked up and wants to improve Thanks info @swc5150 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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