vtmecheng

I'd be all for an electronic boat. So quiet you could probably hear the skier talking, or cursing. The sound of the boat running across the water will probably sound fantastic too.

Thanks for the advice. I'm on a 2010 siege right now and doubt I'm going to find myself wishing for it in the course. Probably just keep it at my dad's lake house so I don't have to travel with my new one. We just free ski there anyway. Regarding the otf I had. Most of the injury was due to me stupidly having the front binding too tight. My foot couldn't get out. Never make that mistake again.

@swc5150 We all need to shop wherever you do! My wife does all the budget tracking. So long as she gets something in kind everyone's happy.

Too bad I'm the one usually in trouble. Lucky for me I got injured (funny to type) with an OTF on my current ski and my wife agrees I should get something more stable and predictable. It'll be my Christmas present. I'm thinking of getting the ski now since the 2018s are out and 2017s are already on clearance.

As my last thread suggested, I'm in the market for a new stick. I'm good with either a 2016 or newer Radar Graphite Senate or a 2017 Connelly Carbon V. Both are listed as "on sale" at online shops and I'm noticing they are showing as sold out in the more common sizes. When is the best time of the year to buy a ski? Do the 2017s start to sell out around now or can we do better around the holidays? Thanks everyone.

In case anyone is interested... Some googling and I found a Connelly product catalog for 2016 showing the carbon V was 70/30. 50/50 build started for the 2017 model.

@LakeOneSkier I did that a number of years back, not fun. Take care of that ear.

@Horton can you confirm that the 2016 and 2017 Carbon Vs are the same? Thanks.

I see Wiley's has a 2016 Connelly Carbon V blank for $450. I really have no idea if this is a good price or how the 2016 compares to the 2017. Any thoughts ballers?

I also only learned to get up with both feet in and I get up easy with a soft pull. Being tall, my hair doesn't even get wet sometimes. The guys I started skiing with are largely out for fun, going 30-32 mph at 15 off. If I can or wanted to do more they are happy to up the throttle but it's all about fun. With that, is the Carbon worth all that extra money? Also, what would be a good price on a 2017 Carbon V or Graphite Senate? Thanks again.

I'm sorry if that last post came across a little strong. I have a tendency to be direct. Thank you all for the advice so far.

First dip into the course. Haven't made it through 6 yet but I'm half way there, 30 at 15 off, in the six times I went out. Lots to look forward to next year.

I know that my RTP is loose and my current X9 doesn't allow for adjustment. I fell forwards, the rear foot came out, and the ski pulled my foot around. I know this was all me and poor body position, I'm working on it. I know that things can happen with sports like this. I've seen the posts on here about RTP vs double and safety, both sides of the argument. I've tried double bindings a couple of times and it wasn't a big deal for me to get up, they were Connelly Stoker bindings. What I really wanted to know is if switching to a mid level ski now was really worth it or if my Siege is good enough until I can get through the course comfortably at 30 mph and 15 off. Sounds like most here feel it would be worth it. Not sure I can spring for a carbon but we will see how the sales look. The Senate carbon is already out of stock in some places so that's not a good sign for big sales on that specific model.

Obrienslalom, which version of Senate did you get?

Thank you for the advice. I've read good reviews of both the V and Senate. I'll keep my eyes out for deals or a good used one over the cool months here, maybe I'll get lucky.

DavidN, that's how I feel about it but don't really have much to base that on being new at this. I find that when I'm set up right I can get an ok turn and wake crossing but any slip and it's bad. It's likely all me but I feel it's ok or horrible, no in between. At my skill level, or lack thereof, should I even worry about a test ride or just get a V or Senate, whichever has the better deal this winter?

I'm new to the forum and skiing a course. I have been free skiing behind an I/O for about 25 years. Later this summer I hooked up with a great local group, providing the opportunity for a Nautique and to try a course. I have only been out 5 or 6 times but it is amazingly addictive. At 15 off and 30 mph I've only gotten around 3 so far, it's a work in progress. So here's my setup: -36 years old, 6'4", 175 lbs (I'm a rail) -2010 O'brien Siege with X9 binding and RTP that I originally got for free skiing. Yesterday I was going around the 1 ball and bit it, my rear foot came out and I injured ligaments in my right foot along with a hairline bone fracture from the ligament pull (I've got all winter). This already happened once before but without a bad injury. Now I'm worried about the RTP. With that I'm considering either getting a double binding setup for the Siege or a new ski altogether, like a Connelly V. Knowing that I'm just a novice, would it make more sense to get the double binding setup now and a blank in a year or two or a mid level ski with bindings package now? Winter sales are coming and I have nothing but time. Thanks for the advice.