@Murrski
Exactly what you said "I feel like once the boat/skier speed is near equal and I then reach and turn in - that I feel separated (elbows out/away from ribs) and battle that separation to CL." You are seperated and its hold on time from here on out. This gate keeps you connected to a nice tight line the whole time if your timing is right.... not always easy to do. I am an average at best skier, 28-32 @ 34 mph, 35 on a real good day. Using this gate and some other body positions from Adam I truly feel like I will run deeper into 38 if not the pass this summer. You have to find your timing. I pull out about a boat length maybe more before the 55s and glide up on the boat. The handle comes to my side and vertical. Then I watch for the boat to "leave " me or begin pulling away. I wait until I feel the boat starting to pull the handle and then I start to reach toward the pylon. Slowly build into stack @ CL.
Hope this helps. It doesn't always come together but this is my goal and when I do it right the handle stays tight at the buoy line and the pass feels great. Its a real confidence booster knowing you will have a nice tight line the whole pass if you don't do something stupid like over skiing it.
If you really want to improve your skiing I suggest a trip to Trophy. You won't regret it.