Skiphreak

Also recently recommended the KD Krypton Fushion (66’) for entry level course. Currently on a Senate (67’). On the bubble weight wise (162lbs) for the 67’ Senate and thinking a 66’ (Krypton) may be a bit better suited because of its size. Other than Horton’s review, can’t seem to find much info out there and not sure if I’d be gaining much by making a switch. 

A bit off topic and forgive my ignorance but is there a reason the Senate isn’t made in 66’ like the Vapor? 

Thanks guys. I'm using this thread as ammo to throw at my wife when I buy that new ‘24 Senate! 

My alpine skis will be coming out soon. It’s generally believed that an alpine ski will lose its intended performance characteristics around 100-150 days of skiing. Certainly there are numerous other factors that lead to degradation of an alpine ski (terrain, skiing style, maintenance). But, it got me thinking about my waterski…

Do slalom skis “wear out” or lose there intended performance characteristics over time and use?   Assuming it’s properly cared for and maintained, would frequency of use alone wear out the life of a slalom ski? And if so, is there a commonly accepted belief how long a ski lasts before it’s worn out?  

Production value on the coverage today is at a new level. Great job, WBC!

@Ray G I have been freeskiing mixed w some course at -15 off 28-30 mph all season on a ‘22 Senate Graphite and couldn’t be happier. Fantastic ski. Wouldn’t recommend going with anything lower than the Graphite (Alloy has a fixed fin) and you may be able to sniff out a used Lithium or Pro at a decent price, on SIA. Probably a a bit higher ceiling than the Graphite. Looking for a higher end model myself. Can’t speak to the KD or sizing. 

@Horton @ColeGiacopuzzi do you see any issue using the new Vapor at slower speeds? Just learning the course and I’m really slow - 28-30. I’ve always figured that’s what the Senate is for (which is what I’m on), but this review has me thinking. 

Great info. Thanks much! Excited to drop it in!

First time putting out the portable Instaslalom in the morning. We have access to the ski boat as well as a Whaler. Wondering from those with experience if there are advantages to using one boat over another? Thanks in advance. 

Just want to shout out Performance Ski and Surf, yet again for their phenomenal customer service. Called on Friday about a slight tear in the upper cuff on my Radar Vapor Boots, which were just out of warranty. After speaking w Greyson initially by telephone, Mike Mapple was able to reach out to Radar on my behalf and get me set up w a new upper cuff getting shipped out ASAP free of charge. 
 

Thanks for keeping me on the water, guys. Customer 4 life! 
 

Also, thank you to Radar for standing behind their products! Love love love the new Vapor boot. 

Saw this boat when I was in Ossipee a few weeks ago. Very sharp looking, price aside. 

https://www.ski-it-again.com/php/skiitagain.php?endless=summer&topic=Search&category=Boat_3Event&postid=68007
 

oddly enough, this was just posted. Not sure if it’s exactly what you’re looking for. Also, not mine and don’t know the seller, just stuck out to me because it was listed under “3-event”

Based on this write up, as well as the website, doesn’t seem like there’s been much update (other than graphics) to the Senate for 2024. Or am I missing something? 

Couldn’t agree more with the comments related to the Jr. rope. Huge difference maker. As @Shell stated, give your business to Scott S-Lines. Making great ropes! 

Big recommendation for the TRA w the TRA boot and rtp. My son is around 50lbs and short for his age (9) w a size 13 little kids foot, and he has no problem handling the 63’. The TRA front boot is also perfectly sized for him (which I had major concerns about). You may have to do a bit of mod on the rtp to get the feet closer together, but other than that, I’d say there’s a ton of room to grow. Great ski! 

 

TRA arrived today, modified the rtp, and we were up and running third try. Thank you  @Shell  @Horton @chrislandy for the advice. 

OJ 13’. Model number (I believe reads) 1018 but has having a tough time finding it through an internet search. 

Thanks @Horton for confirming that I’m not being crazy here.  As I said, he’s pretty small and I was concerned about putting him on a 63’, but any of the smaller combo skis toe plate is positioned way too far back to be correctly balanced. 

Agree w @ETskier . Have a four-blade prop on my Response and seems to be a tad smoother than one of my partners same Response w a three-blade. 

@Shell thanks. That’s exactly what I had in mind. How is the TRA front working for him?

My nine year old son is just about ready for one ski. Radar TRA 63’ is on the way and just picked up a front kids TRA boot. He’s pretty small (maybe 50lbs) size 13 kids foot and wondering what to use for the rear? I have a Radar boa rtp (seems to only come in one size) but there will be a pretty good amount of separation between his feet since his back foot is nowhere nearly big enough to fit properly in the rtp. Wondering what binding setup people used for their kids at this age/size and if I’m overthinking this way too much. Thanks in advance. 

Agree w @TallSkinnyGuy . Whatever version you go with, you will love the Senate and spend the money to buy the Vapor boots over Vectors to complete your setup.  Pricey investment but immensely better performance you will immediately notice. 

+1 on the starbrite 3-step. Always fantastic results. Have never needed to sand before applying, but my swim deck has always been in good shape. 

☝️

@Drago Next time out, I’m chalking up my lack of slalom performance to my alpine prowess ?. Btw, love that video of @MarcusBrown getting pulled by a sled a few years back. Dude makes it all look easy.

@swbca I can’t wait to start picturing little kids as turn balls on the slopes this winter. Jk

@swc5150 that’s what came to my mind; obviously body position isn’t comparable, and the physical fitness benefits of alpine skiing can only help come spring, but the sensation/timing/rhythm aspects of GS turns compared to being pulled down course - is there something to be learned or taken from that, that is transferable?

As stated in my original post, newer to slalom and have had very limited experience in the course, but hoping that will change next season. What little course experience I do have, my takeaway (not the only one) is that things happen fast. I guess I’m just trying to determine whether there is anything I can take from my alpine skiing abilities, which are surely better than my slalom ones, for benefit. Thanks to everyone, as always, for their feedback.