Brodie_James

I chose a mid range ski thinking it would allow me to progress quicker. One of the challenges I see is the limited sizing compared to higher end skis. At 200 lbs, I sit at the top of the suggested weighted range for many 67" mid range skis and the bottom of the suggested weight range for 69" skis. At 49 kph/30 mph and 52 kph/32 mph my 69" works great and it is very forgiving. At 55 kph/34 mph which I am working on at present I find that I can not engage the front of the ski and it wants to run straight ahead. This is probably mostly my technique, however at the higher speed I feel like the ski is taking charge. A 68" would probably be a good choice for the next step, which takes you out of the mid range category and into the high end category. I welcome any thoughts.

@WBLskier I have a StarGazer 3 Event without the Z-Box. The unit which I installed 3 years ago includes 3 components; the control box mounted under the dash, the GPS sensor mounted under the dash forward of the windscreen and the servo motor. I am considering adding a Z-Box which I believe includes an accelerometer and settings that allow the skier to select what sort of pull they would like, similar to Zero Off. The main reason I am considering adding the Z-Box is the boat over runs on speed when the lead-up to the course is short. The driver can compensate and pull the throttle back a little once the boat is on the plain to ensure the servo has less work to do. This makes a difference however it takes a driver that is familiar with the boat. If you already have an older PP system you should be able to email PP with the details and they will advise what upgrade components you will need. I have found them to be very helpful.

I was never keen on towers until I purchased a boat with one and now have a very different learned view, it offers great versatility. I will look for a boat with a tower when I upgrade. It allows you to get some of the equipment off the floor and into the racks, provides a higher pulling point for beginners, allows those who prefer boards to join in, gets the ropes up and out of the way when there are a few more in the boat and the purpose if just to have some fun out of the course.

I have a 69" 2015 CX (non Superlight) with the vMax boot and RTP and have found it a very good ski in the course as I progressed to through boat speeds. At 30 and 32 mph the size feels right, however at 34 mph I believe the 69" is too long. I have 25 pounds on you and am in the recommended weight and between the 67" and 69". I would suggest you inspect the vMax boot carefully before committing. The ski has mounting patterns to support alternative boots. I am on my 3rd vMax front boot and it has a number of issues. The 2 screw system allows the boot to slide forward under load and I have to regularly reposition the front boot. The movement is damaging the top deck of the ski. In additional the aluminium plate that runs through the base of the boot bends over time and then the boot moves laterally much easier than you would expect. The base of the boot is not flat on the surface of the ski.

Thanks all. I skied today (summer in AUS) and whilst I did not break any PBs I did feel that cutting out to 1-2 meters outside the 2 4 6 buoy line did help ensure that I created more angle and space at buoy 1. I had plenty of time after the gates and was able to turn well before the buoy. Thanks for the all the assistance and discussion. I did learn one other interesting point from this discussion, glide means traveling at the boat speed and not having fallen back heavily onto the rope. That is also a very useful tip and means I can cut out a little later than I have been. Can someone kindly explain leverage, a term often used in discussions on this forum that I do not understand in the context of body position?

The response to my question have all included width is a very good thing. Thanks for all the responses.

Hi Folks, I am working on my consistency of running passes at 52 kph (32 mph) and believe that most of my issues are with the gate. I believe that I do not cut as hard to buoy 1 as I do for 3 and 5 and effectively ski a straights path to 1. Too much focus on the gate. When I do complete a pass at -15@52 it all seems so effortless from the beginning. I would like a perspective on how far to pull out for -15@52 and how late to leave the turn in. I use the boat gates (55') and gates as my timing reference. My current goal is the run -15@49 on pass one, run -15@52 on pass two and then whatever I get at -15@55 every time I go out. Youtube short-line videos has the skier along side the tow boat which is probably not needed for my current speed an line length. I am a little short sighted so lining up buoys further down the course is not an option. Thanks in advance for your wisdom and assistance.

@savaiusini I am nearing the end of the warmer weather here in Australia and have wrapped up my skiing. I have recently bent the 2nd boot which I believe is the later 2016 model with gold stripes. After bending the first boot (2015 model) I took the advise offered on this forum to ensure that I can lift my heal after lacing up. This boot is relatively comfortable and very light, however can not stand the force imposed when coming off the ski. Are HO looking to further improve the boot design, as the buyer I am looking to get more than one season?

I bent my front boot plate as per the photo above on its first outing (on a CX, upgraded from a Triumph). Sure, the local reseller will provide support until the warranty expires after that the boot will be a sunk investment. I have no problem with the two mounting points, however based on my experience the plate is insufficient. I am really enjoying the ski, however with the boot being a $349 investment (Aussie dollars) I will be considering another brand next time I upgrade.

I would be interested in someone commenting on the original question, being is the superlite worth the additional $3-400. I am on an older 67" HO Triumph and am considering going to a 69" CX or CX Superlite, however unsure if the price premium will make much difference. My objective is to progress from 32 mph to 34 mph.