Sedge

@MISkier Yes we do. They are an option on our website. We just have to update it with photos.

As the KD distributor I will do my best to as impartial as possible. I learned to ski the course on a Senate and for a skier at my level I can't say I have any complaints. I switched skis when I got to 34mph and the 67" felt a little too big. I was about 10lbs lighter then as well. I have not rode a senate model past 2021 but I remember it being stable and able to carry good speed. Keep in mind I was only skiing in to 22' off at 34mph at this time or 28' off at slower speeds. Last year I started on the KD 66" Fusion For reference I am 5'10 180ish. Out of the box I liked the Fusion in some ways it reminded me of the Senate. Stable and easy for deep water starts. Turns felt different (but I was coming off a D3 at the time). Once comfortable on the ski I found it turned good and is deceiving at how easy it was to get cross course. It also carries speed easily. For fun I did a 26mph-32mph @ 22' off. and 28"off @ 30mph. I appreciate the ease of getting wide at the slower speeds. If you ski at a higher level I would recommend what @Horton and @h2oSkiJunkie have to say.

@Dacon62 Sorry for the slow response. Catching up from the holiday. Attached is an image of our straight and bent handles next to each other. Both are 13" x 1.000". We don't have any other handle brands in the shop. If we get one in to re-string we can provide a side by side. I hope this provides a reference point. Regarding the curve we focused on a bend that creates a longer flat spot for grip as opposed to a continual curve where your hand might not make full contact with the bar. We can machine another fixture that creates the continuous bend if the market calls for it. Regarding strength of the bent bar, I am not a metals expert but have some background knowledge and worked extensively with our tooling shop to while testing products. Aluminum is a malleable metal that can be bent. Aluminum in general tends to bend before breaking. A bend in most metals will weaken it as it breaks up the molecules. Factors affecting this include the bend, number of times bent and the strength of the material. We bend the bars only once in a press using a machined fixture with a hard stop to prevent over bending so the angle has as little affect as possible. We have not done extensive test comparisons but so far have not had an issue. The bend angle of curved waterski handles is not super aggressive. If you have any other questions please feel free to shoot us an email anytime. Ski it up!

@lw_moskier so far so good. Bend angle is consistent regardless of handle size. We are awaiting some final feedback but happy with what we are hearing!

@mac Yes, we are doing testing next week and if all goes well production will start.

I'll be there at the S Lines booth Wednesday-Saturday.

@dislandThe R3 or the new X Series would be the best choice. Based on feedback from our test skiers I would recommend going with the X Series.

@ghutchI'll email you about the order. Yes, I plan to come back to Whitestone for a tournament this year!

@ghutchWe are working on them as we speak. @skierjp They are in the works.

@macWe are working on having radius handles available by mid-April. If we have an approved test one available before then I can let you know.

@Kimbymon We are scheduled to start receiving the cores for the handles later this month. We will be sending a notice out when they arrive. @Hucklefin we are putting the marking sleeves on the S Series, Competition and R3 as standard now. They can come without if someone does not want the sleeves.

@Than_Bogan We have played around with spectra and are trying a few combinations. Mixing compounds is always interesting because you are looking at 2 different characteristics in spectra vs poly-p. We have thought of braiding sprectra in to our poly-p rope gor the reason listed. This leads to 1 of 2 outcomes, 1) the lower stretch of the sprectra would take the majority of the load making the poly-p only good as a filler and would still breakdown. 2)The rope has more stretch from the poly-p majority and the spectra factor does not come into affect until a certain stretch amount losing the characteristics of an all spectra rope. This outcome might be ideal so long as the spectra added slows the breakdown of the poly-p enough. The idea of mixing in the spectra to make it stiffer and last longer is a good thought and there is likely a specific formula to make it work, it will just depend on the cost and time of mixing versus 100% spectra rope. Also, poly-p does bring mass and weight that is not wanted. If looking at cost savings with longevity poly-p with the clear tubing and/or protector at the briddle. For little to no stretch and long life, spectra is currently the best option. We will be offering spectra (hopefully very soon) and will continue to try new cobinations. @buoyboy1 I was recently talking with another skier about handle line having some type of bungee or adjustable stretch option. Your idea is a good thought to alleviate some of the soreness caused by the stiffer spectra. We are looking into the US Gear design as well figuring out the best option there. We know those who have them love them. Keep the questions and ideas coming!

@VONMAN We are working on adding spectra to our rope line. Once we have it available it will be an option. We are also testing handles strung up with Poly-E to see how those work and hold up over time. @skierjp we will add them to our website for purchase after we have the first batch completed. Looking at mid-December.

@o2bnMaine Happy to hear you are liking the handle! @CasualDrewski We will have final pricing with the official release but price will be right around the same as InTow @vtmecheng Yes, we will have a protector. @brody The first run will be straight but the second will have a radius @VONMAN We would like to make that style and are currently looking into it. Keep an eye on our website in the next month or so.

@MI3Eventer probably next week.