KRoundy

I agree with @Dacon62 - the WF will change how your ski feels. I used the stock settings (set up with calipers) on my Senate Lithium and loved skiing it all year. The offside turns in particular are just money with the WF.

Is this politics?

I have all the gear you mention in my 2016 200 OB right now, all of it stored away. It is a great lake boat. I've never had anyone but small children in the front and have loved it when we needed it for that purpose. There is a small amount of storage under the front seats, but not very much. I don't think I keep anything up there.

@GaryJanzig I had a 1993 SN and I went with the Acme 422. Rooster was much, much better and it was great for everything we did with it.

Two thoughts - first, do either of you have an opinion about handle guards? Have you tried them? Pros - Cons? Second - I would love to hear you talk about ski design. Where is ski design at today, how do you think about changes to the ski, and where do you think we might go in the future? Obviously that last part might be trade secrets, but I am interested. Could other or newer materials come into play?

Boat is not out of the water yet, but so far in 2021 I have skied 109 days. No major injuries, which is great when you're 54. Had a horrific crash from a Reflex release when I didn't want it to do so (I should sell that thing on SIA). Most days were free skiing on our local public lake. Did get some course time this year and got around all 6 at 32 MPH for the first time this year, best at the next speed was 4 at 34 (15 off). Winter plan is to workout more, both general fitness and strength, and loose some more lbs. Hope to go to the Seattle Boat show in early 2022 with @Rednucleus and the Wednesday Night Crew this year.

Yeah, I'm going to have to try one of those in the spring.

Gloves need to be wet to understand how they will actually fit and perform for you. Don't cut anything, just dump them in some clean water, grab a handle and then see what you think. If you think they are too small still let them dry out and go a size up. I can barely get my hands into my gloves when they are dry. I usually dunk them in the water before even trying to put them on.

Where is the ski made? Does anyone know who is behind the company and the design of this ski? The Kidder Redline was the first high-end ski I purchased and I still have a spot in my heart for that name/brand. I might have to figure out a way to demo one.

Those chairs look amazing! That is really cool.

@MDB1056 Almost everyone I ski with uses clinchers and I know of no problems that anyone has had with them. From old guys to kids. They work great.

I love that last one! :)

A couple of thoughts: 1. If you have access to a boom you should try it. It adds stability so that you can feel the right balance you need to stay up on a single ski. Just a one or two sessions should be plenty. Once that muscle memory is there you can move to a short 5' rope off the boom and then try behind the boat. You'll be amazed at how quickly the boom can help you progress. 2. Keep at it. I've not been as big as you but not far off. I've probably skied at around 260-265 at my heaviest and I was able to get up, both feet in double boots, on a 71" Radar Senate. I've lost enough that I'm on a 69" Senate now, but just keep at it. Lose weight, keep exercising and keep skiing. It is worth it. 3. On getting up - if you are using a rear kicker keep your rear leg out when getting up. It is a lot easier this way. Arms straight, front knee between your arms. Let that front knee compress all the way to your chest between your arms and use the back leg like a rudder. 4. Get a pair a clincher-style gloves, the ones with the strap that helps you hang onto the rope. MasterLine, HO and Radar all make them (I prefer the MasterLines, but they all work). This will really help save your forearms and help your fingers get through the load that is required to get you up and out of the water.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! That is such a great feeling. Welcome to the club. :)

Does anyone in the Pacific NW own one of these and would be willing to demo it for a few of us? If so, PM me.

Broke a rib goofing off when I was a teen and I did what was called a major sprain on my left (front) knee that took therapy and quite a few months to heal a few years ago.

SeaDek Dek Magic. The stuff works.

https://radarskis.com/finsettings

I want this now! Yes, I struggle with being patient.

Drove a ‘93 ProStar recently and it was like wrestling a greased weasel on ice compared to modern boats. It’s just a lot more slippery.

Is the Sequence Plate with the 1/16" adjustment ability new as well? I'm excited about these boots!

My right shoulder has a partial tear of the rotator cuff. But it doesn’t hurt when I ski, so I kind of ignore it. I can barely throw a ball some days, but I can ski. So, no problem, right?

Awesome.

Does anyone have the details for the Hilltop Pro-Am this weekend? Schedule of events? Who is coming to ski?

Yup, things have really improved relatively recently.