Time for a new ski!

[HMan66]

Hi all! First post here. Great to see that waterskiing is alive and well! I've been waterskiing since I was about 12. Mostly open water. A friend of mine will be buying a house on a private ski lake in AZ so it's time to upgrade my gear. Currently skiing on a 69" 2003 KD Evolution. I open water ski 32 off at 36 mph. I'm 6-2 and fluctuate around 215#.

 

Based on what I've read here so far, the 69" Radar Senate Graphite looks like a winner. I like the 2018 graphics over the 2019 and can get a 2018 blank for around $550. I love the bindings on my KD. Very comfortable, secure, rear kevlar lace-ups. I've read that old bindings will notfit on a new ski? If that's the case a 2019 package runs just shy of $900.

 

2nd choice would be the Connelly V. Package price around $600.

 

I don't think I'll be able to ski the course on a regular basis (my best is 3@15' at 28...about 12 years ago. Do you know how big the wake is behind a MC PS 197 at 28 mph??), but I do like performance and I'd like to get better. At 53 years old I'm not sure how much better, but watching guys older than me ripping the course at the Pro Am last weekend sure was inspiring!

 

 

Warm up set from Labor Day weekend on the Sacramento River:

[Deanoski]

those binding should fit the new insert pattern the front for sure the rear looks like D-3 Connelly pattern cant go wrong with a senate

[HMan66]

@Deanoski that's the answer I was looking for. If I can re-use my bindings I can pull the trigger on the 2018 blank. Thanks!

 

[mikegile]

Go with the Senate for sure!

[emwheaton]

If you're interested 2018's, I have a 69" 18' Lithium Senate in great condition that I'll be putting up for sale this week. New Vapor comes today.

[HMan66]

@emwheaton isn't the Lithium geared more for the course? Most of my skiing will still be open water.

[Deanoski]

Lithium just has a lighter core and all carbon you would be fine open water skiing on the lithium senate

[2Valve]

@HMan66

Don't let age discourage you. Our group of skier's are all uhmm, older.... but we're all out there every weekend, course up, weather be damned. Everybody in our club continues to improve. Just keep your tail off the couch. You have a lot of years left.

 

I have to be excused now. My dog is yanking on my arm and wants me to take him running in the park. :)

[gsm_peter]

@HMan66

There is no reason you can not improve course skiing at age 53.

I started course skiing at 53. Could merly start on one ski then.... Now pb 4@34 15off at age 61...

Ski the Radar Senate.

 

Keep on training!

[Dacon62]

It’s not just the graphics that changed from 18-19. Bottom changed as well. 19 better. Had both. Get the 19 in the build (Graphite or Lithium) you want. May as well spring for the complete set up with boots and your good for a while. Hit the gym and keep at it. I’m 56 and skied my best ever this year. Got into 32 off.

[HMan66]

Bought the 2018 Senate Lithium from @emwheaton. Radar sent me the binding insert layout dimensions and my KD bindings I love so much should fit. Stoked!