With the new ZBS rule I will

[Gloersen]

will likely speed up to 36 at the same line length in one round.

[RazorRoss3]

I start at 36 and I like 36, I see no reason to slow down. For skiers still working through speeds or searching for alternate openers I can see the potential benefit though.

[aupatking]

I could shorten at lower speed, and get a higher score than I normally score, as I know I have run a full pass higher , at slower speed, but I think I'll stay at my speed. . If tournaments are required to accept lower speed, I can take advantage of lower speed scoring, just to score higher. I feel it could be an advantage, but don't feel, that competitively, it would be a real measure of what I can do. At least not for my personal best.

For my ski partners, just getting into tournament skiing, it would get those guys a score they have never achieved at full speed. For the folks just getting into the sport, it will be a great personal feeling of accomplishment .

[LeonL]

I'm in a situation where, by previous rules I would be forced to slow down to 30. (Not really forced, but I would be penalizing myself to ski faster and not score accordingly). I don't think that would work for me. So after Nationals I'll probably stay at 32.

[BCM]

In a few years when I hit M3, I will assess my situation and determine the best speed to gain the highest score.

 

I don't see myself slowing down soon, but I am a really big fan of options.

[Than_Bogan]

I'm pretty sure the score-optimizing behavior is to go to 36, because I believe that 36/-35 is just barely easier than 34/-38.

 

However, I am probably Too Old For That $%!&.

[lpskier]

I'm staying where I am at 55k, but when I hit M7, all bets are off.

[Texas6]

Can someone please re-post the rule change and specifics? So is the gist of it that you can speed up or slow down for +\- buoys in most age divisions? Help a brother out

[MISkier]

@Texas6, the zero-based scoring change allows you to speed up to get extra buoys or shorten the rope at a lesser speed to continue accumulating your score. It was approved for all age divisions and all tournament classes. Max speed for men is 36, women is 34.

 

It essentially means you can ski at a higher speed than your age group max, if you want. You do receive credit for the higher speed. It also means you can ski at a speed less than your age group max and shorten the rope at that lesser speed to accumulate buoy count.

[Wish]

Someone in a tournament is gonna set the boat speed at 32 when I tell them 32 for my line length considering starting rope length is all I really have ever had to say since ZO...until now.

[MISkier]

@Wish, tell them 13 meters to avoid the confusion.

[MattP]

The boat goes slower than 36? I will revisit this thread in 10 years.