Dockoelboto

I had an amazing experience demoing D3 NRG R1 and EVO-S. First of all, the demo experience was amazing. Very helpful and insightful. Plus the skis were really really amazing. I felt best on the NRG R1, mostly because that is more at "my level". Stable, fast, easy to turn. It just felt so solid and it wanted to work with me. It was a great experience. Thanks D3!

I have limited skills, forgiveness is a big positive in any new ski for me. the Goode skis look amazing, but 2800+ for a new one? Ouch!

Thanks for the info! Very helpful. Seems like they were ahead of the field for a while but others have caught up. Nice to have a lot of options!

Nice Ron!!! Keep on crushing it!

I tend to see a lot of Goode Skis in pictures of tournament winners. For example: /forum#/discussion/22378/stock-fins The two tournaments that I have attended as a spectator at my home lake tend to be dominated by Goode skis as well. Is this a marketing thing or are they that good? I realize that the price of high end skis across the board has gone up but Goode always seem to be at the high end of the high end pricing. Are Goode skis worth the price for the average, non-tournament skier? Or are they worth it only if you are a tournament level skier? I'm just curious if I am missing something. I'm considering a new "high" end ski and I'm meeting with a D3 rep soon. Just wondering if I should consider Goode as well. Not that I am nearly good enough of a skier to really justify a high end ski. I'm not trying to start an inflammatory debate, just mostly curious as I have never had the chance to ski a Goode ski. Thanks!

Listen to Bananaron! He is a boat whisper and knows how to find a deal!

My guess is in the next few weeks more and more good quality boats will hit the market. Be patient. The question is will they be priced correctly. That was my biggest problem, most of thesellers in the northwest seem to think that because new boats are worth >100k that somehow their 20yr old boat is now worth nearly as much as when new. The "right" boat will come up!

I have been very happy with Radar vectors. very comfy, easy to get into and out of, no soap required! Plus they will fit the radar ski very well! I have heard great things about D3 Tfactors as well. Never tried them personally but they seem to be popular. I did just read somewhere that the new ones may not fit on every ski - that may have been an HO ski however.

I picked up my boat in Oregon. Trailered it back to Washington. The previous owner left the plates on. I didn't even think or worry about it. Actually those plates are still on it. But seeing as the trailer hasn't moved in a month that is probably ok. Thankfully the boat is in the boat house

Thanks for the advice and link to a maybe cheap ski! My plan/goal is to start slower 28-30 and then work to increase speeds but that may take a while. Demo seems like a good option, but having "extra" skis around for friends never hurts either!

weight wise, at least according to HO's website, I'm right in between 67 and 69. A friend of mine is encouraging me to get a 67 - says it will be easier to turn and control. Seems like at slower speeds 69 may make more sense but what do I know?

@Chef23 thanks! Based on weight I'm right on the boarder, I guess slower speeds does make some sense to go longer.

Any general ski length recommendations for a 6'4", approx 195lbs male? Looking at either HO syndicate omni or carbon omni. I'm trying to decide between 67 and 69. I'm probably going to be skiing at 28-30mph and hope to speed up from there, after I hopefully make some improvements in form.

Recently purchased a 2013 response TXi, I paid mid 30s, love the boat and the space. I haven't had issues with water over the bow, yet...

Beer leagues or leagues in general would be a huge help! Tennis/softball have done amazingly well with that model. you could even expand scoring to help beginners still participate. I'm not saying tournaments are the only way to grow the sport but it certainly helps people understand what the potential is. it is just a way to advertise the sport and promote more people trying the sport. You don't have to have a DD boat to waterski, nor do you have to have a private lake. Skiing is an expensive sport, no doubt. Tournaments and TV exposure are just ways to advertise the sport. It won't be for everyone and I don't believe it will ever be a hugely popular sport. But with limited to no exposure of what the potential is it is hard to drive new interest in the sport.

Full disclosure, I live on a private lake however I'm always happy to bring along guests/friends/random people I meet who are interested in skiing. I am a terrible skier but I really enjoy trying to get through the course - not that I can. Personally I think a big way to build the sport is through tournaments. The big problem is that most people have no idea what that is, where/when they are happening and what to expect. Our lake hosts 2-3 tournaments every summer. I had never seen a tournament, nor even thought about it until I moved onto the lake. Watching great skiers is an amazing experience. The public is welcome to attend but does anyone show up? NOPE! The issue is advertising, no one, unless they are a part of the skiing community has any idea what is happening. Every time I have a friend over at my house and someone is out skiing the course they are amazed by it and are honestly interested in skiing. Washington state has many private ski lakes, many of which offer "reasonable" memberships. They also have regular tournaments but I can imagine that they rarely if ever have spectators. Waterskiing has almost no TV presence and no advertising for the masses. Most course skiing is largely limited to private lakes. If we want to grow the sport, the general public have to know what tournament skiing is and make it enjoyable for spectators. If we create a positive environment and can then improve access our sport will grow. Wakeboarding/surfing is more tolerable in rough open water and there is way more public awareness of those sports. If watersking wants to grow, we need to get the word out and make it grow. Just my 2c.

I'm not a great skier so not a great source but... I recently purchased a 2013 malibu response TXi and LOVE the wake. very flat and very soft. At least for me. I'm skiing 15off/30mph and very nice for my limited skills. Price wise it definitely fits in your range. I think the only advice I can really offer is ski each boat you are considering. decide for yourself and if you are happy that is all that matters.

thanks for the info and recs. I don't have any video yet but I certainly see the value of it. I will work on that! I'll take a closer look at the radar skis and the connelly. seems like there are some good options to take my skiing to the next level. Thanks!

6'4" tall, weigh about 190-195. Thanks for the tip!

First off, I'm a terrible skier, but I love doing it. I want to get better and now that I can ski again (5 year break living in the SW) I'm working on it. I have a 2008 Connelly F1 that overall I like but I feel like it is too advanced for me. To clarify that, I mean it likes to ski at faster speeds and when I ski faster I tend to lose all form and my weak off-side turn becomes non-existent. I've thought I should get a ski designed for 28-30mph or something like that so I can focus on form at slower speeds. Is this a terrible idea? Right now I've been skiing mostly at 30mph - 15off, I feel that the ski probably prefers a faster boat speed to perform better. This is of course just my opinion. Am I crazy? Is this a reasonable idea? Any ski recommendations? Thanks!

If you find yourself in the Olympia area and want to ski a private lake let me know.

@Bjkesler, THANKS!!!

@Bjkesler, If you have them, I'll take both. Honestly I think it will fit no problem. My neighbor has a similar set-up and has a 2001 196, he leaves the bimini up and it rubs but fits in. I can't imagine the stock TXI with bimini down wouldn't fit.

Thanks! One last measurement if not too much trouble, from the floor up to the top of the windscreen - the height of the boat. I don't think that will be an issue but I'd like to make sure.

awesome!!! Thanks!!!