TustinTom

I ski in Salt water and the Wing (which is removed now) nearly instantly went to a dull black, but that is true of everyone's wings vs. fin that ski with me. But, yes, I would say it looks like two different wing pieces. The boots, mine still look brand new. Was this is a demo ski? I'd take off your bindings and look and see if the ski has any boot-bite marks. It really shouldn't if you only have 2 runs on it. Brooks replied above, which is the best of all worlds (outside of Eddie).

Ski Nautique Open Bow

I'm pretty sure you will not find a 03-06LXi model in the $10K range unless it needs serious work. If your needing some form of Open Bow in the $10-$13K range, I'd be looking at a MC 205, Malibu LX or LXi or SNOB, with EFI/well cared for hours and records. The options for you really open up if a closed bow will work, or can muster a higher budget. Remember, once on the lake/river, the boat won't really matter as long as your out having fun and sharing the sport with others (not arguing the pro's/con's of wake/ride etc)

I found my 06 LXi on Craigslist, using within 1,000 miles. I searched nationally through SIA/Tempest/BoatTrader. Absolutely NO AFFILIATION, but this 05' with Hammerhead seems to be a very fair deal (at least in California) http://ventura.craigslist.org/boa/5745155601.html Given your model/year request, it sounds like ZO is not a concern (it was not for me). I really like my new/old boat. I read every forum article on the LXi, and economically for the type of skiing (85% free) and maybe boarding for others it was the right fit. Good Luck in your search.

It's worth $400- $500 US, all day long to me/my brother in law- but we need to replace our 25 yr. old "salt" trailer. Too bad you are not in/near So. Cal.

I have the 13" BB2 ARS Radial Spectra Handle, 1.062, with the Cross Bar. Completely happy with it on all fronts. After reading some posts about guys with sore elbows and the relief a Bent handle may bring, I went with the Bent handle. I wear xxl masterlines (as well as my bro-in-law) and the handle still has a nice grip after 15 months. It is a personal preference, but no one complains in my boat (or they don't want to see me pull out the back-up).

@sunvalleylaw et all: It simply has to be the LXi. ONLY because I just picked up a new to me 06' LXi last week. And yes, sunvalleylaw the waiting nearly killed me/us too. I ski regularly behind a LX and now twice behind the LXi. As a 15 offer, I can't really tell as both are great. I am just happy to out skiing and glad the boat buying process is over. Over the past several months, I've had offers out on both Models. SVL, you will be happy with your choice.

Response from a hack/15 offer. The best thing is there is probably not a wrong choice between the two. Both have the "guts" of the highest level ski from each manufacturer. I ski the Senate Lithium and LOVE it. Had the S Graphite first, but went to the S Lithium due to my weight and desire to get the PVC core. Both were very stable and forgiving, but the Lithium is just downright faster. I also have the TX Superlite (wider version of CX). Also, a very very fast for a big ski. I love to ski it too. It has Basic bindings so anyone can ski it. Everyone is amazed, if not scared, if they come out of a turn stacked. One of my ski partners has the CX Superlite and it allows him to ski over his abilities. Superlites are a quick. I could see you enjoying either ski. Both are great, and given your ability both would have a very short learning curve. Both skis are way above my ability, but I do love the material/make-up of each and think the dollars spent are well worth it. If you can buy used, you could probably resell it without much downside if you are not happy. Sorry to be "down the middle" --- but know, you are shopping in the right bucket.

Appreciate the comments. If I understand correctly, I think you guys are talking about the Gordon Rathbun video (vs. Seths - whips/pull) where GR does a long pull next to boat with the outside shoulder almost touching the water. Thanks again.

Hi: Any advice/drills something to work on would be appreciated. Free Skiing @ 15 off/34mph. He can just about make the course at 30mph, but prefers more speed. He is 54 yrs. old, 6'2", 175lbs, Connelly Prophecy. Thanks in advance. Tom

You are a better skier than me and I love the Vapors, especially those fainting moments when I actually ride the Senate Lithium correctly. I had both the Profile (liked quite a lot) and Vectors (too much play for my liking) on my Senate Graphite. The Lithium is very fast. I've seen guys get more out of my ski than I ever will. You are going to love it. I doubt it's a ski you are sharing, so my choice would be closed toe/asymmetrical. Vapors do run a fraction small, unless you have a low volume foot. Profiles are roomier. No experience with Prime boots. Good luck.

Hi: My "success" involves human ballast, Bar Only or Bar w/Handle, on a lake where I can start in any direction. Get the boom to the skier. Move one or two observers on skiers side. The boom or boom/5' handle will drop and easily grabbed. After skier has boom, move observers to middle and or opposite side of boat. This will "LIFT" the boom and skier (if boom only) almost out of the water creating very little drag. Small kids may not be able to grab the boom, wrap handle per @BlueSki Using the same approach with the 5' Handle creates an upward/lifting takeoff as the boom is now above the skier (3-4 ft above head), the skier is almost directly under the boom, handle is barely touching the water, yet the skier is balancing self in water/free from tug of boat with enough play to simulate long line. (this is where being in lake helps as you can take off any direction). Move to a Tower per @TNh2oskier 4 is young. If they like the boom, I'd let them stay there. First timers over 10, I only make them get up and "LET GO" making sure their arms go straight out, balance (and fall) a few times, do the same with the Handle, and then Tower. First time 10 over can easily go to 180 turns on Wakeboard within day 1 behind the boat, or slalom. The boom is a great training aid. Sounds like you have 90% of it wired. Biggest thing!!! Take pics! 5' Bridle/Handle and the boom is out of the pic and NO ONE knows and the pics are great from that distance.

Same thing happened to me Dec 3. I was told mine were cracked because the pain was "worse" than if broken. The first week, a sneeze would bring me to my knees and tears. Sleeping on my left side was a no go. I didn't ski for 6 weeks. I don't ski at your level/intensity etc. I wasn't worried about more damage. I just wanted to get up and make some turns. So, I would listen to @oldjeep. You may want to gauge your return on possible future damage.

Hi: The other thought that I do not see above, is why use the Airlines? On my trip to Orlando, I used Ship Sticks and sent my ski via SportTube. I shipped my ski 3 days early as it was the cheapest fare. Ski was at the Hotel waiting for me. When I was done, it was picked up at the Hotel and delivered back to the house. I am pretty sure they used FedEx. Their customer service was fantastic. No lugging it back and forth through the Airport etc. About $25 more each way, but no hassles and it was insured. Just a thought.

Hi: I have had all 3 in the last 18 months. Vector: Nice 1st step. Not stiff, but nice, maybe as a rear boot only if your are a die hard course guy. Upside is you can share your ski with LFF/RFF. I got these originally on my Senate, but wanted a bit more. Profile: Specific to LFF or RFF. Nice upgrade in stiffness from Vector but less than Vapor. Could easily be the fit that course skiers want and definitely for hard core open water/course skiers. I have a lower volume foot and found the front footbed a little loose unless I cinched the lower lace tight. Fit was exactly to size. The Liner is not removable. Very comfortable liner. I have come out of/released in a crash. Vapor: Very Stiff when compared to above. Comes with plastic/extra stiffness piece that can be inserted at the ankle. The most forward angle/aggressive stance of the three. Removable Boot Liners which can be custom fit. I have the Vapors now. I like them. But I was not disappointed at all with the Profiles! I have much more serious issues with my skiing than my boots -- LOL. Hope that helps.

What @bojans said. If it not common for it to be done under flouroscopy, ask you doctor if it can be. I am not sure about an injection vs. a tap, but if a Spinal Headache can occur, demand Flouroscopy. Google Spinal Headache. Symptoms are from awful to unfathomable (rather die). This occurs when the Doc "misses/overshoots" the needle. The fix was to go back in under Flouroscopy. My question, why not do it the first time..... Answer, we usually don't have this problem, only about 5% of the time.

Agreed, that you will never find an online and in person experience like Performance. I guess they couldn't use Nordstrom Ski & Surf for legal reasons. They must do something right for the grass root local guys too as both guys at Jodi's and Wilson Bro's had nothing but great things to say about them. @Lovell, the only gloves they didn't have 5 weeks ago were XXL Masterline/Clinchers (waiting for their order). They run a deep inventory and sell stuff from A-Z. See my in-store shot below. Crazy nice and knowledgeable people.

All great advice and true. I've had both. I know/feel I ski better on the Lithium. To me it feels just as forgiving, but has a whole different level of acceleration. I am a hack and love the Lithium. The caveat is they are both great skis, and only a very accomplished skier "may" hit the top end of either's capability. See Horton's 2014 review of the Radar Senate Graphite.

We just had our company sales conference in Tampa. After reading some prior posts, I mustered up the courage to send my ski vs. my golf clubs. I decided to go out early and make the drive to Orlando. I cracked a few ribs skiing in early December, so my weight loss and conditioning has been hampered. This was my first "professional" ski lesson..ever, but not my last!!! Both coaches quickly put me at ease. I am sure they would rather work with someone who can "fix" their issue while in the lesson, but none the less, they made me feel like a brother in arms. Even if you are a beginner, don't be afraid of seeking them out. I should say, ESPECIALLY if you are beginner. I have a much deeper appreciation of what's going with me, and knowledge of what's going on with most of these posts. I only wished I had more time and energy. Oh, yeah, buy your beer/liquor the night before. They don't sell it in some counties before 9am. Jodi's Ski Skool Logan was my instructor. He quickly saw a flaw (sagging dropping back hip) and we worked on it...not in the course. After about 25 minutes of instruction/getting my butt kicked by the time zone change/5 hour plane ride I was done. Logan gave me some great take aways. I rode in the boat and watched some amazing Asian Student skiers who are staying with Jodi. They have equipment available for those that don't come equipped and were very easy to find. Wilson Bro's Brooks Wilson, what a cool dude. We started out with an attempt at the course. We worked on getting my back hip up, standing tall and working my off hand in concert with my hip. Handle down/hip up/chest proud and brace. Again, I appreciated the concern shown for something he must say 1,000 times a year. Basically, same thing as Logan with a different approach - I'm only riding 1/2 the ski, if I rode the whole ski I would never feel like I'm sinking. Met a nice family from New Hampshire (from course skier to 1st time on water) and a guy from Illinois who filmed me. Great site. Love the set-up. I stopped by Performance Ski and Surf. WOW. What a great shop. I buy from them online, but wanted to thank them for their great customer service, which is only out done being there in person. I told them I was from So. Cal. out on biz, but I signed up for some private lessons. They told me to grab my ski and to mold my Vapor Intuition liners (correctly). They smiled when I walked in with my ski...... with the Perf & Ball of Spray stickers on my ski. I stopped by Orlando Nautiques. Great selection of new/used boats and happy to chat. I didn't have time to go by any other dealers. The Water Ski Hall of Fame was closed both days. Bummer. I shipped my ski via Ship Sticks. Great experience.

What @A_B said !

Mine arrived two days ago. As novice to the course, but lover of the sport, it is a quick read, well diagrammed and provides an excellent foundation - for skiing and ski-tuning. Something I will continue to read, keep handy to resource when needed and use to understand about 1/3 of all the posts.

@ToddL Thank you. Definitely makes some sense and adds a perspective I can relate to. I will try to incorporate your thoughts the next time out. It has been so damn difficult to translate what I know/see/view/read in to action. Clearly the strength to weight ratio is way off ( I did not answer the recent pull-up poll, which would be 1/2), but the technique on the water is way off too (which is disappointing being a "student of the sport" for 40+ years) Thanks again. Yours/everyone's words are a true inspiration and are openly appreciated.

@Bill22 - pour it on. Funny you mention soft knees. I have been working on trying to not keep the locked (per the readings at BOS, look at TW etc). I thought I was doing myself a favor. Thanks !

@jRoe, I feel that I am going as hard as I can, which is truly not the case. Thanks All- losing weight and gaining strength is a priority. Tom

Hi: I need some help. I pour through all the skiing videos/this website etc. I can't translate the foundation to my skiing, I think mostly from being out of shape. I got to ski on Wednesday. I realize my stack and lean through the second wake are HORRIBLE if not missing altogether!! This is exacerbated by being badly out of shape, which also leads to me ski rather than do "drills" when I do get out on the water. I am 6"4', 260lbs, 51 yrs old, NOT in shape. I have trouble at 30-32 MPH @ 15 off. I get to ski 30 days/year, 10-15 days with a course. I just started the diet/exercise. Early X-mas present (and more motivation) was the 71" Lithium Senate. My plan is to drop weight, get stronger and get Coaching by May. If I didn't love skiing so much, being out on the boat with family/friends, I'd quit after watching this video. Or worse, go to wakeboarding. Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks in advance. Video may be tough to watch if eating or drinking. Tom