The same old thread about new ski and binding?

[ecno]

Hey Everyone!

 

This might seem to be the same old thread "what ski should I get and why" with my post being followed up by an onslaught of "check the forum for this exact question that has been asked 30 times already, the latest being 2 minutes ago."

 

But I assure you my question isn't quite so simplistic, so here it goes.

 

My current set up is a 2015 67" v-type with an xmax front and artp rear. I'm 5'11" and 183lbs. This year (since mid June) I have gone from being 50/50 getting up on one ski each try to consistently running 30mph and now getting 4-5 buoys at 32mph. I have been skiing since I was 6 or 7 and I'm now 30 but have never taken it seriously and always just lake skied, which I cannot properly convey my regret for not course skiing earlier, the things I missed out on!

 

I started my foray into the course on a 69" triumph, which was way too big (that's what she said), I'm athletic and I think my progression has been decent, but old lake skiing habits die hard (I basically started from zero) and I'm getting through on some passes on strength and not technique. One of my biggest problems is being too far back on the ski. I ski 2-3 sets/week, more if I'm lucky.

 

This year my goal is to get clean at 32 and try and start 34. Next year I want to be working on 36. I've had some great coaching and that has helped me most of all (I will be continuing that next year), even though I'm sure my instructor wants to smash his head on the dash after some of my passes.

 

I bail, a lot... especially when I'm moving up speeds, I anticipate a lot of full send scorpions in the next year. So I've really been wanting to get a hardshell binding for the front and stick with a RTP.

 

Which would you recommend? Given my HO customer service experience (very negative) I'd like to stay away but have heard so many good things about them and I do like the direct connect, will that be a problem with a radar ski? Most guys and girls where I ski are on reflex hardshells.

 

Binding question out of the way, now ski. My little heart is set on a vapor lithium or probuild, I know I'm not there yet but part of it is the ever nagging desire for a new ski, you all understand! Is there another stable but fast ski that you all would recommend? Yes senate, I know but won't I be out of that if I get to 36? D3?

 

So to sum it up: 1. I'm getting a hardshell, which one? 2. Which ski? Or just stick with the v-type even though I yearn for more stability?

 

So there it is, thank you to all who stuck with this incredibly lengthy rambling post until the end!

 

 

Andrew

 

 

 

[MNshortliner]

I don't have any suggestions for ski or binding but get off that '15 v-type. I skied that ski for a year and most consider it a dud. Very touchy ski and your weight ratio has to be in the sweet spot for that ski to work. Not forgiving at all.

[gregy]

I'm 2 years into Reflexes and really liking them. I also am a huge fan of Vapors. You might consider getting a used ski. I'm on a 2016 Vapor lithium and its a nice ski. If you can post up a video. We can get a better idea of where you at and maybe get you a few more buoys.

[lpskier]

I'd suggest the black Reflex and the soft D3 Arc. Both are user friendly and will take you a long way. I'm not a D3 guy but I've skied it and thought it was very good. Radar skis are awesome, but they work for some folks and not as well for others. D3 seems to fit just about all skiing styles. The Radar might be great for you, but unless you try it first, you're taking a gamble.

 

That said, H2OPROSHOP. com has a try before you buy program. You can demo a Radar and see if you like it. Contact Austin and he'll set you up.

[ecno]

@gregy thanks for the offer... I was thinking about doing that and will definitely take advantage as soon as I can! That's one thing with the coaching and advice, I need to be able to see myself doing the bad stuff to be able to make the changes and j haven't had any video this year

[ecno]

@lpskier I was thinking d3 and @Horton gave them a good review... They seem sweet but they're so damn ugly! Haha I am seriously considering one though especially when he says they are forgiving when you're at your limit... Which I feel I'm at the second I jump off the back of the boat haha

[gregy]

In general D3 are forgiving skis and they may be ugly but excellent workmanship.

[aupatking]

The 16/17 Vapor has been a bit of a game changer for everyone I've ever put on one.

I love my Reflex setup. I've been on Reflex for 3 years, since breaking my ankle in Powershells. I've had some falls that could have done some real damage. The worst I've had in the Reflex is a sore ankle I took a couple weeks off skiing for. Mostly out of abundance of caution, since this anke was broken so badly before.

I'd strongly consider Mike's Overall Bindings (MOB) too, as I've heard great stuff, and you can use any shell you want.