Baller MarkSAU Posted September 1, 2018 Baller Share Posted September 1, 2018 Hi Guys, like many before me I am looking for advice on my next ski as the choice is challenging and changing. Not a lot of demo options in Australia (have to pay to play) so any advice would be appreciated before I hand over my cash.. Current ski is a Connelly F1X that I have skied on for 17 years... yes seriously time for a change especially with the latest technology in ski's. I have lost 30kg ( 66 pounds) since last summer and rewarding myself with a new ski ( Still weigh in at 6ft and 105kg/230lbs). I do not need a competition capable ski as I last ran the course in anger some 20 years ago but still like to ski hard @ 36mph, mostly in open water on a large lake - skill level: intermediate / flawed advanced. Budget is available for the right ski. My choices seem to be.. 2018 Connelly Carbon V, 2018 HO Carbon Omni , and the 2018 Radar Senate Alloy/Graphite. ( 2019 models are all orange which I don't like) The Carbon V seems awesome but might be too good for my current/future level. I like the Connelly brand and my ski has lasted 17 years under my fat ass so I rate the quality. I also like the look, the "V" steps, and the reviews seem great. The Carbon Omni due to its wider profile and easier/ more forgiving ride in open water. I also like the look and feel of this ski, and see the advantages of the lower drag on my aging body so I can ski for longer I like the reviews on the Senate and it seems to be a perfect fit for me. The Alloy might be the best option for open water, but I like a responsive ski and put a bit of weight behind it, and like it to turn and carry speed so leaning towards the Graphite. A friend has a Senate Alloy and loves it, but is a 67 and bindings too small for me to try it.. Radar seems to have more options in the 2019 Radar Union, and not sure where the Senate is for 2019?... cant find too much info on the Radar website for the 2019 range? We also have a Radar Lyric and P6 in the boat that have not weathered well, sadly leaving a perception of lower quality for the Radar brand. If you have any advice or comparative experience on these skis I would appreciate hearing it. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Chef23 Posted September 1, 2018 Baller Share Posted September 1, 2018 All of those skis are in the same category of skis and should work well for you. I would go at least Carbon/Graphite in the models. Congratulations on the weight loss that is good work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller OldboyII Posted September 1, 2018 Baller Share Posted September 1, 2018 My fastest progress was/is on Senate (graphite). Amazingly easy turning, easy riding on and forgiving ski. I have a few modern skis but Senate for me is the best. (I am intermediate level) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller vtmecheng Posted September 1, 2018 Baller Share Posted September 1, 2018 All three of the skies you mention are for max 34 mph. If you want to go 36 mph then the crossovers may not be for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller wettek69 Posted September 1, 2018 Baller Share Posted September 1, 2018 I'm pretty much the same as you, about 103 kg, 6'1", and went with a 2018 Carbon Omni, with a Radar Profile front boot and Radar ARTP. Love it. It's smooth, the slightly heavier layup sucks up the "road noise" of Somerset Dam, and flows through the turn without effort, but still accelerates and slows down well. I've got the 69", mostly ski at about 32. I have to admit, I prefer the 2018 graphics over the 2019, but that's just me. I went with the Profile boot over the Radar Vector or HO XMax as they were both either a bit small or a bit large due to them catering for a range of sizes, as compared to the "sized" Profile. And it gives me an excuse not to let too many people borrow it! At 49, my tired carcass doesn't bounce like it did when I was 15........................ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller MarkSAU Posted September 2, 2018 Author Baller Share Posted September 2, 2018 @Chef23 , thanks - I have been at gym 5 days a week and eating right for 7 months so really happy with my weight loss. A first world problem with all these great skis.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller MarkSAU Posted September 2, 2018 Author Baller Share Posted September 2, 2018 @vtmecheng I agree. I suspect I had to up the speed to 36 for my ski to cope with my 130kg / 290lbs at the time... and being so unfit the boat generated the speed at 36 vs me having to at lower speeds. Like most veteran skiers I plan to knock a few miles off to preserve the body a little. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller MarkSAU Posted September 2, 2018 Author Baller Share Posted September 2, 2018 Thanks @wettek69 , appreciate your advice, especially on the boots. If I am dropping my hard earned coin on a new ski I want to to at least look like a weapon and not a chocolate bar in baby poo orange - sorry burned orange with a hint of coffee.. or some marketing BS.. Also just seen the new 2019 Connelly Carbon V, looks great! The 2019 Syndicate Omni has also been recommended - and it looks the goods too. Might be a bit stiff and twitchy for open water. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller wettek69 Posted September 2, 2018 Baller Share Posted September 2, 2018 I swayed to the Carbon Omni vs the Syndicate due to where I ski. Somerset Dam is big and open, and glassy water is a lucky find, so I wanted a ski that was a bit heavier and would suck up the slop. I went from a HO CX Superlite that had a PVC core like the Syndicate Omni to the Carbon Omni, and it was a lot more comfortable. I could definitely feel the "chatter" and "noise" coming through the CX. Don't get me wrong, it was a beautiful ski, it just wasn't ideal for my normal water conditions. I haven't skied Eildon, just driven past, but it looks pretty similar as far as water conditions go. The Carbon Omni will still rip thru a course happily though at my level. My ski shop swapped out the fixed fin to the fully adjustable for a small fee, so I'm really happy with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller MarkSAU Posted September 2, 2018 Author Baller Share Posted September 2, 2018 @wettek69 Awesome feedback Mate!!! I have skied Somerset and yes same as Eildon, glass water is a luxury but we can find some if we get out early enough..but I hear ya on the "heavier" ski to soak up the chop. Another great idea on the fin, I will have to ask if this can be done for me as I like being able to adjust for my style ( or lack of..). and was a negative for the Omni on my list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller wettek69 Posted September 2, 2018 Baller Share Posted September 2, 2018 I tried the Radar Graphite Senate and liked the HO more, but that's just my opinion. I was a bit iffy about the speed skin on the bottom (was it just marketing hype), but it definitely feels a bit less fatiguing. I think the fin upgrade was only about $50, if it was even that much. The Profile boot was definitely worth it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Ski_Dad Posted September 2, 2018 Baller Share Posted September 2, 2018 i have friends on all 3 skies - seems like the senate is very popular. I just got an HO and really like it. here is the 2019 radar catalog if you haven''t found it yet: https://issuu.com/radarskis/docs/2019_radar_brochure-euro Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HighAltitude Posted September 2, 2018 Share Posted September 2, 2018 I have a Syndicate Omni and I find it very smooth and stable. From the very first ride it reminded me of my '12 Radar Theory but with a much better ability to generate angle and hold it. Before I bought it I had ridden a '12 Senate C and a '17 Vapor. Both felt a bit squirlly crossing the wakes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Chef23 Posted September 2, 2018 Baller Share Posted September 2, 2018 @MarkSAU at 230 pounds those skis in a 69" would absolutely work at 34 mph. Frankly they may work just fine in a 67". I skied a 68" Vapor at 34 mph and the Senate has more surface area at 67" than the 68" Vapor. If you have a way to try all three you should but if you don't just pick one I am sure it will be great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Dacon62 Posted September 2, 2018 Baller Share Posted September 2, 2018 The ‘19 Senate is a new shape based on the latest Vapor shape, but wider. The ‘17-‘18 Senates are based on the prior Vapor shape. ‘17-‘19 Senates are all good choices. Have no experience with your other options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller MarkSAU Posted September 3, 2018 Author Baller Share Posted September 3, 2018 Thanks @Chef23 and @Dacon62 for your support! Looks like I can’t go wrong with any of these from all the recommendations, so will have to try them all, aww shucks that means I will have to start my season early and ski a whole lot to find my match.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Sivota Posted September 3, 2018 Baller Share Posted September 3, 2018 All great skis and I am sure different skiers will have different favourites. As posted previously, I enjoy my Omni Syndicate and I ski on it better than I did on my previous ski. Enjoy choosing and then skiing on the ski you settle on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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