vtmecheng

@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.