HighAltitude

It seems like there a lot of talk about ski shape (Vapor versus Senate, Syndicate Pro versus Syndicate Omni, etc.) but is the build material more important that the extra 1/8 of width in some of these skis? How does the build material effect stability? Bottom line...is there more difference between a Syndicate Pro versus an Omni or more difference between a Syndicate Omni versus a carbon Omni or basic Omni? Any insight would be appreciated. Especially from people who have skied the same year/different build. Thanks!

A bit cold in Colorado today. Skied a set in 48 degree water, but the air was 62 and perfectly sunny (which in Colo is good for another 10 degrees).

I agree that the top end equipment is not necessarily the best for skiers who are clearly mid-level skiers. I equate it to golf equipment...just because every single great player hits blades doesn't mean a blade will make me a great player. In fact, just the opposite is true. My handicap will probably rise because the clubs are just too unforgiving for me. In this case, Radar says the Theory is a 28-32 mph ski. I'm trying to ski 34 mph so it makes sense to get a new ski...but I surely don't need the same ski that the pro's are shredding 41 off at 36 mph.

Skied behind a CP for the first time last week. The boat probably had 3000 hrs on it I couldn't tell a difference from my '14 SN 200 at 15 off 32 mph. Absolutely beautiful wake.

Great advise. I know I need lessons and luckily, due to my job I travel to places I can get some. Kris Lapoint and Eric (co-owner) gave me a few things to work on when I was at their ski park on Thurs. Interesting that the Vapor's are so different based on year and model. I skied a Pro Build and in my extremely humble opinion...it's not the ski for me. I'll add the D3 ski to my list that I need to try. I'm going to start a new thread on ski construction because I think I have overlooked that aspect of ski design and I really want to know more about it. I wish I had the time and money to ski every different ski, but I don't. This site has to be the single greatest body of knowledge on bouy chasing so I'm counting on the collective knowledge of this site to help me downselect to 3-4 skis to try.

Tried a 2017 Vapor yesterday down at Lapoint Ski Park. It was definitely a bit squirrelly coming from a Theory. I skied two sets and after I got used to the setup ran about 50% of my 32 mph runs. Usually, I'm about 90% behind my boat, at my lake with my Theory. Definitely want to try the Senate, and will also test an Omni and Carbon V before I buy anything. I know the Vapor would be the last ski I would ever need to buy but it ight just be too much ski for me. y goal next year is to get 22 off at 34 mph before the end of the season.

I did a few "practice'" laps thru the course and island to get a feel for it. Like Leoni said, it's not super difficult. If I crack the power back about 2-3 inches the boat starts to slow and settles at about 29-30 mph. By the time I'm 3/4 of the way around it's 24 mph and I'm putting the throttle back down. It get's back up to 34 mph with a ton of time before the entry gates. Thanks for all the advice. I think the folks that drive me will be much happier once they get used to it. It would be sweet if the whole course was programmable to include the slowdown and the ensuing acceleration coming off the back of the island.

Great info. Thanks for all the comments. Luckily my local pro shop has a demo program so I'll try the Senate and the Vapor next year. They also said they will have an Omni I can try as well. I need to find a way to try the Carbon V, but maybe I will do that when on the road.. I tend to believe that an athlete does better in the gear suited for their ability, but like many things, personal preference doesn't always follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Thus, all the comments on the Vapor. While I have been a loyal Radar fan these last three years, I'm trying to go into this with no opinion which is the front runner, and really just select the ski that I can ski the best on. If I can make the same progress I made this year I would be super stoked.

Now I'm confused...I thought the Senate, the new Carbon V, and the Omni were all in the same category?

Can't wait to hear more about this ski! Interested to hear how it turns (smoother arc versus hook) and angle across the wake. Does it feel fairly stable compared to your old ski?

What does your wife think about the Graphite versus her old Alloy? I thought the Vapor was a 36 mph ski so I wasn't considering it. Interesting that Radar recommended it. Did you ski any of the other brands?

I've read a few posts here on the various Senates as well as Horton's review of the Lithium Senate. Has anybody done a head to head comparison with the HO Omni? I agree that the Theory is a bit too big. The range was 28-32 mph, 135-180 lbs. At the time I was skiing 28-30 mph, so it seemed like the perfect fit.

Thanks for all the advice! -Marc

My default starting position would be the Radar Senate. I ski best when I'm early and can make larger controlled turns, so I guess I need a ski that is smooth. I'm only now starting to understand a slow versus a fast ski but not sure which one really applies for my skiing style.

And... the course is mapped. The boat definitely gasses up at the end of the turn but I have found the prop makes a huge difference on how hard the ramp up is.

Yes, I usually ski a pass, go around the turn island, ski a pass and drop where I started. No offense taken on the comment about the drivers. I meant to say they are all very comfortable with our lake and know how I like to be pulled. I have been concerned about the speed for awhile so it's nice to know that my concern was not unfounded. I'll probably play around with the throttle a few times and get a decent technique down and then teach it to anybody who is driving me.

I know this sounds stupid...but how do you disengage the ZO? Do you use the button on the dash or pull the throttle back? If you move the throttle back, how much?

I'm trying to narrow down my options for a new ski. I just recently started skiing 34 mph and feel like a new ski might help me be more consistent and shorten the rope some. I currently ski a Radar Theory, 67 in with RS-1 double boots. I'm 49, weight 150 lbs, and am 5'8". I'm almost done for the season here in Colo but travel a fair amount for work and can probably demo some stuff in FL later this year.

I just started skiing at 34 mph this year. My drivers are excellent but have definitely noticed the difference in speed going around the islands. Do some drivers back the throttle down a bit to go around the islands when their skiers are at 36 or 34 mph? I have a '14 SN 200 with ZO if that makes a difference on the answer. Thanks in advance! -Marc

I got a 2014 SN200 this summer to replace my old '99 SN. While I absolutely love the boat, the wake at 32mph still seems a bit firmer than my old 196. I live on a private lake at 7000 ft so I am running the 1868 (I have the 6.0L). The 654 seems a little better but the holeshot was a bit weak. Has anybody added some cup to the 1868 to try reduce the RPMs and hopefully get a softer wake? If so, what cup did you use? I was thinking of .150. I was also thinking of doing this to a 654 to see if I could get it to turn the same RPMs as the 422 at 32mph. Thanks in advance for any replies. -Marc

Hate to hijack a thread...but how do you start a new thread? I'm new here and can obviously post replies but I can't seem to find the "start new thread" button. Again, I apologize for being off topic. -Marc

I live in a waterski community in Larkspur. It's an awesome place to live and ski. PM me if you want to know more about it. There are no homes for sale but we still have empty lots to build on.