vtmecheng

Jamie Bull rode a Syndicate Alpha this year and obviously did fantastic on it. That ski was last made as a 2020 model, which got me thinking. What happens when a sponsored pro finds that the sponsor’s offerings don’t fit well? Is Jamie forced to keep skiing a 2020 or will she have to make something work? Staying on an old design gives the impression that the new offerings aren’t working as well for everyone as advertised. Also, at some point the skier will need a new ski. Unless Jamie has a fleet of Alphas in her basement, that ski was broken down a long time ago (at least by the account of some here and this may be solid proof that skies last quite a long time). I heard from an unnamed pro that they didn’t like the last few years of their sponsor’s offerings, more recent versions are more well received. It has to be frustrating knowing there’s likely something better out there. Also, how often do pro skiers swap out to a new ski? Do they just have a couple that they alternate between or is it a new ski for every big tournament?

What possible benefit could the engine design engineers have for requiring higher than necessary octane? This would be a strange conspiracy. Just use what they recommend and have fun skiing already.

I purchased the 2022 Syndicate Omega Max from @Mastercrafter and was on a Carbon Omni for the past 4 years. While it isn't a comparison between Syndicate versions, the Syndicate Omni is largely gone anyway (except for the ones Perf Ski got). Also, I only have one set on the Omega Max before we shut things down for the year due to cold and needing to dredge the pond. From limited use by someone who is far from short line, here's what I can offer to those looking to buy over the winter. -First thing I noticed is how dramatically different the two skies ride. The Omni has a wider "clean edge" tail that rides considerably higher than the more traditional tail of the Omega Max. The Omega Max width below foot and forward is a bit narrower but not nearly as much. What I feel is that the Omega Max seems to want a bit more front foot pressure where the Omni can take a bit of rear pressure without putting on the brakes. -Second, the Syndicate is about half the weight and much stiffer. I didn't think this would be as incredibly noticeable as it was, particularly off the wake. I liked the added stiffness and reduced weight by the second pass; we will see if that holds true with more passes. These two things combined are really interesting at different parts of the course. -Pullout and glide: We have a real short setup and the Omega max took the more aggressive pullout and built speed fast. After that, it bled speed faster. The softer layup of the Carbon Omni means that more progressive loading is necessary to keep it from flexing and bouncing a touch (something that isn't a problem with a more normal course setup where progressive loading is possible). The Omni then holds that speed for longer, giving time in the glide. The Omega Max was much better for our setups right away. I was actually surprised because I had no slack and made the gates right from the first pass. That's something I have fought with my Omni because it keeps going. I'm sure this is a user problem with the Omni so take that assessment for what it is. -Cross course: The Omega Max surprised me with how much speed I had coming into the wake. Even better is how smooth it felt, I never felt squirrely and was always in control. I'll admit that I didn't go all out on the Omega Max being my first set. A couple of times I took it too easy at one or two ball and thought I was out of it. Instinct kicked in and I hit the proverbial throttle. I was across the course with room at the next ball so fast that it truly surprised me. The Carbon Omni doesn't build speed like that. -At the ball: I really didn't have enough time to say much about the Omega Max at the ball. One thing I did notice was how the tail smears more easily than the Omni shape. I tend to really get on my front foot and break at the waste a bit when in trouble in my turn, bad habits that I'm working hard on. On the Omni, I have to consciously tell myself to put a light force on my back foot and it comes around nice and smooth. On the Omega Max, I was so excited to ski it that I forgot that cue; it didn't matter. Simply remembering to stay tall and where to look was enough. That is not meant as a negative or positive, just an observed difference in how the ski rides. I rarely wheelie but imagine that someone who does would like the extra support from the Omni's tale. I really like both skies but they are quite different. The Omni is great for someone learning the course. It provides a lot of support and low resistance is easy on the body. The Omega Max is a bit more traditional while still giving solid support and stability. Will the Omega Max be the ski for me? We will find out next year. Based on one set, which is admittedly a horrible basis, I think the Omega Max may work better for my ski style and where I ski. Going to be a long winter for sure.

Here’s the real problem, the no political discussion rule must be applied to all. That means someone who has been here for years and can ski into 39.5 is held to the same standards as someone at 22 off. Skiing well or having lots of posts can’t mean leniency.

During the season, I ski 3 days on average. That’s all I have time for with two kids and a full time job. In the off season I try to lift and rehab my injuries 3-4 times a week. I really focus on shoulder and hip mobility so that I have fewer injuries throughout ski season.

I had direct contact on a Carbon Omni and honestly am not a fan. I’ll send a message with more info. Also, I like the Radar Vector fit more than the HO option because I have a thinner foot and the HO let’s my foot move around more. I liked my Omni and just got an Omega Max so I have nothing against HO or most other companies but wouldn’t go with the direct connect option.

This tournament solidified my belief that there should be specified maximum line lengths, 32 off for women and 35 off for men; starting shorter being allowed. Things were more interesting as a viewer. As many have said, having Freddie provide perspective was great too.

@ski6jones I didn’t see anything and the air blew through easy. No idea.

In diagnosis I removed the tank return and both lines between the high pressure pump and regulator to inspect and blow them out with a compressor. Blew out the tank vent as well. Also, checked the low pump to make sure the top seal is tight. I don’t know which of these did the trick but we haven’t had a problem for a month now. Running great and we are almost through the season.

@scuppers so I ask some questions and point out a couple of my thoughts and I’m looking for a confrontation? No. If I were looking for a confrontation, it would be way more forward about it. Don’t be so sensitive.

Being at worlds and that you didn’t ski it yet, go on back to the tent and talk to them. You get to see some skiing and get it cleared up, win win.

@T_C So If I drop a 15 year old daughter off at a reputable ski camp, do I need to stay because it’s on me? It’s no different than dropping your kid off for soccer practice. The parent doesn’t necessarily stick around. It’s still the parent’s responsibility?

@BraceMaker I was less asking about SafeSport and more making for a clarification of opinion. Ask the question instead of assuming I know what he meant. I am a big proponent of helping to keep bad things from happening to kids. Some kids have poor self esteem and are more willing to go along with things in the moment. Add in a good looking person that they respect and it can go bad quickly. This may be difficult for others to comprehend. It may also be difficult to wrap your head around a kid who cuts themselves, has eating disorders, etc. This isn’t always about bad parents or upbringing but can be bad situations with other kids at school or a mental issue that has been hidden from the parents. Those are the kids that need help, not the ones who inherently would never do it. We all make mistakes in life and find different things hard. The goal is to keep mistakes that haunt forever from happening.

@Jody_Seal I want to make sure that I understand one of your points. You said, “ We can't be parents to kids who's parents alow their kids to be involved in misbehavior or refuse to acknowledge or even condone. There is a safesport program for kids maybe thats where this all should start and leave general membership alone.” Can you please expand on this a bit? Are you saying that no safesport training will keep a piece of crap from being a piece of crap? If so, I agree. The real change comes from teaching others how to identify when something bad is happening behind the scenes and what to do about it. Not saying that the training does a good job of that.

What do you ski behind now?

@skialex there are definitely a lot of threads in diving forums regarding some silicone lubs including petroleum products. They also recommend the use of diving specific spray for equipment. That said, Many here ski a Nautique and don’t “burn” ropes or have problems. Sure, they wear out over time but that’s what a rope does. Beyond getting the loop wet, you shouldn’t put anything on the rope or pylon.

Most silicon lubricants have petroleum products in them, only the more expensive specialty stuff and “personal products” don’t. I wouldn’t use that on a rope. Do you make sure to get the loop good and wet before putting it on the pylon?

@skierjp no different than the Olympics. Not strange at all.

Guy is either pulling your chain or doesn’t have a clue. Wings are allowed in tournaments and most skies are designed to use them. Some skiers new to the course do find that it’s easier to ski without it at first because they don’t generate enough cross-course speed yet.

I am a member, just didn’t add it to my profile. I also never called someone a looser. I read most of the posts. There are some that did say they would leave for just the safe sport.

Anyone leaving the sport because of having to watch a video about child abuse prevention is not a loss.

For me it has been a real struggle and I’m still working on it. Currently I’ve been repeating “stand tall” or just “tall” over and over. Try to find some thought or visual to have in your head that will work for you. The hip to handle, hips up, etc never worked for me. Also, try to learn the body position outside of the course. I get buoy stupid when things are not going well and all bets are off on my form. Good luck because it isn’t easy.

Not sure I would recommend clencher gloves to someone newer to the course. That seems like a good way to cause shoulder injuries. First for me would be to make sure his gloves are good quality and fit really tight. Second is to check that his handle is good enough quality with a grip in good condition. After that it’s up to some recovery time, evaluating his grip method, and keeping arms straight.

@Gray_Mac not sure about Europe but it is only available on iPhone.