Director Darwin

"That boat drove and ski'd REAL NICE! In 5 days though I never did figure out why we had to run +15, -10 in opposite directions when there was NO WIND???? "  Did you run a magnet test? - one of the two smart timers was probably going bad. Happens when they get wet.  You can take the back off the smart-timer and spray w/ WD-40 and re-assemble. Sometimes works to prolong the life. RPM offsets could have been jacked-up as well.ÂÂÂÂ

Your problem is the 10:1 slope. I cut my ends 15:1 to accomodate a beach. The other issue is the type of sand you use. I used river sand as my base. It is finer than typical beach sand, packs nicely and creates a good base. Then, I put beach sand on top. I've had to add some over the past 3 years as it has worked it's way out but ultimatly, that is what I wanted. Try cutting your bank back to a 15:1 (flatter) and re-try.

My has released only once this year when I hit the buoy @ 38 and the ski caught. Otherwise, I've taken less severe falls w/o release. More importantly, no pre-release (yet). I put 250 clear on the ski at the locations that match the factory plate. On the plate, I run a strip of 400 down the outside edge. On the inside of that, I run 250. I run two strips of 400 and one of 250 at the front and mid and all 250 at the back (again, factory locations). Most pre-releases will be from the front to mid of the ski while it is flexing. The OTF issue is taken care of my not overloading the rear w/ 400. Replace twice a year or after 10 releases / removals.

Lot's of fun, isn't it John? Much easier when you can just fly into town and everything's set up and ready to go! Have fun!

Mike said he wasn't going to take a wetsuit ("it's in California - how cold can it be?"). This will change his mind!!

Eric / John: I would like to find some of the socket screws and t-nuts similar to the ones used on the Powershells. Advice?

Block: I'm riding the SL but some of the settings apply to both. Take out some tip - that's why the ski is tracking to the ball @ 2,4 & 6. Had the same problem. On the SL, I'm now moving the fin forward from .691 to .695 to get the tip up a bit on the on-side turn. This is the first Goode I've skied on where the DFT is so critical. Similar to a Monza in that regard. The SL is a different animal than the original 9800.  jhdÂÂÂÂ

If you have Mark down to your place, set up the PP for him. He doesn't know how to put in skier weight/vanillaforum/js/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-cool.gif. ÂÂÂÂ

First, I would move bindings back one hole (3/8").  If you are using dual loc, you can move them 1/16" until you feel a difference.  The stock 9800 binding location is too far forward. Afterward, I would try these fin settings:  6.845 jaws / 2.453 depth / .691 DFT (flat) and 8 deg wing. This will provide you with the width you need without slowing down too much into your off-side turn.ÂÂÂÂ

FINALLY figured out the SL last night. More tip and deeper. The ski is faster than the original 9800 and rides higher.  With my original settings ( 6.851 jaws / 2.450 depth / .640 DFT) the ski tended to "slide" at the finish of my off side turn resulting in a very quick and unexpected hit. By running the fin deeper it not only carries out better but also finishes the turn more progressively but with lots of angle. These are the numbers that we've determined work best:  Length: 6.855 to 6.860 jaws Depth: 2.453 - deeper than stock but necessary to prevent tail slide and provide width on carry out. DFT: .680 - speeds up the glide for the gate and overall gives the ski a faster feel Dawg ran three 38's at 36mph back to back to back last night with this setting. It takes some getting used to because the ski doesn't finish quite as hard but if you're quiet on the ski and let it finish, it works!

I've purchased from I-Tape for 4 years with no issues but we buy in much greater volume so the "wound too tight" issue really doesn't impact us. At 25-50 yards per order, I-Tape is 1/3 less than Schnitz or anyone else. jhd

John: The SJ3560 clear 250 is what we've used the past two years at the ski test. I use a combination of 250 and 400. I put ONLY clear 250 on the ski and use two strips of 250 down the sides of my plate and a 2/1 ration of 250 and 400 at the front, middle and rear. Doesn't pre-release - in fact, doesn't release at all (yet). In the bulk you will need to purchase, the I-Tape store is your best bet.  Over 25 yards, it's $2.22 per foot which is $1 less per foot than Schnitz. And they ship FAST.

John: Since I donated my D3 fins to Hambone, I'm thinking about playing around w/ some CBR's on my 9800SL this fall. Any suggestions? I still have a Goode CRB fin somewhere but not certain the model.. I'll check and let you know.

AB: I've been trying to get a new hardshell setup worked out but I believe the ski is better than the original 9800. The on-side is smoother. The offside may be a bit better but the ski allows you to screw up the off side and still create enough angle to stay in the pass. The original 9800 didn't work with you as well. Now that I finally have the binding issue worked out, I look forward to spending some quality time on the ski this fall. Everyone else I know on the ski loves it. As for fin settings, I would have your friend put my numbers on the ski. There are several of us using those numbers and they work great for all styles / speeds. If he is having a problem w/ his offside, running the fin a bit shorter/deeper may solve the problem.ÂÂÂÂ

The clinic is for aspiring Assistant Drivers. Those that have completed the pre-work and are ready to be tested. I'm located in NW Louisiana - Shreveport area.

Arrow:  There is an application form on the USAWS website. You have to perform some functions at tournaments as well as pull some skiers and have a Regular or Senior judge sign off on those pulls. After completing the application, you must attend a driver's clinic. There is a class room portion of the clinic and a practical portion (pulling skiers). During the practical portion, you will be judged on your use of PP, boat path, times and general handling of the boat in a tournament setting. I'm having a clinic at my site on September 22nd. Don't know where you're located, but it may be one of the few opportunities this fall. jhd

Water was 99 yesterday - highs all week 102. If you're too cool Mark, c'mon down. Hope Chad gets some rain prior to the BD or it will be HOT HOT HOT. My skiing's gone downhill - guess I better start moving bindings and fin. Hate to though due to the fact that this ski was working GREAT.

John - I'm all about supporting the LOC when it comes to practice but the LOC must create order when it comes to the logistics. Last year's practice was disorganized to say the least. This forced many of us to other sites. If they want my $20, they need to obtain some organizational skills and run it like the business that it is. If they do, they won't have to worry about losing practice rides to another site.  jhd

Save me a seat!

But you should be happy, John - the G2 numbers are up!! (sorry, couldn't help myself)./vanillaforum/js/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-sealed.gif

Further analysis:  Divisions w/ increase over 1999: B1 / B2 / B3 / G1 / G2 / M4 / W4 / W5 Divisions w/ decrease vs 1999: M1 / M2 / M3 / M5 / M6 / G3 / W1 / W2 / W3 / W6 By percentages: M1 down 25.8% M2 down 76.5% M3 down 57.3% G3 down 22.2% W1 down 25.9% W2 down 61.9% W3 down 59.2%

John: Most of our group here will be skipping Nationals (except Skippy and Morton). By the looks of entries received, we're not in the minority. As of today, 612 slalom skiers have registered.  The first Nationals in Bako had 755 slalom skiers. That's a significant drop in 8 years. The scary part is the M1 and M2 skiers. In 1999, there were 31 M1 and 81 M2 skiers. This year, there are 23 M1 and 19 M2.  This does not bode well for the future ( M3, M4). I don't have an answer but I believe the CFT format will result in more M1/M2 qualifying for Regionals and Nationals. I certainly hope so. The M3/M4 group is where most of the officials come from to run the events. The one bright spot is juniors. In 1999, there were 159 junior slalom entries. This year there is 214. Another note:  In 1999, there were 150 M3 slalom. This year; 64. ÂÂÂÂ

Roger - I have two skiers at my site that do just that. They both weigh in the 175 range but ask for a -10 offset. This keeps the KX in the proper alignment but allows for a more consistent time. Neither of these guys pulls very hard so their "skier weight" and actual weight don't match. I've had several skiers request this at the starting dock and I'm always willing to abide. Afterall, you can lie to me but you can't lie to the computer!

Glad to have you. We'll set you up at my place or Ward's. We'll make certain to have a good time in addition to accomplishing something.  Chad's BD is my National's this year - more fun for less money - that's my ticket!

Absolutely - if you want to be a part of the clinic, let me know prior to Nationals. I need one for maintenance as well.  I'll be sending the sanction form in and need to know the number of participants. We'll need some good skiers on Saturday for the clinic (testing for Asst.), beer and burger cookout on Saturday night and then skiing all day Sunday. Hope you can make it.