Thomas Wayne

The fit and finish seem rather prototype-ish. Looks like the back half of the shell is very rigid; I also wondered about just a simple zipper in front... TW

I currently weigh 220, and was a svelte 210 at my absolute peak fitness stage two years ago (right before I broke my arm). In overall weight, a few ounces... hell, a few pounds in a ski cannot make any difference under those circumstances. However, perhaps where that extra ski weight does make a difference is its location within the ski. I would think that less weight in the tip and tail - resulting in a lower "swing weight" (a snow-ski term) - is probably a good thing. For that reason I think a slightly heavier binding plate - which is in the center of a ski - is not so likely to have a negative affect on a ski's performance. Primarily I am interested in a well-designed and well-constructed ski that doesn't have a reputation for breaking too easily. That leaves out Goode, no matter how much they weigh. TW

On the plus side, your calves look ripped! TW<--- (also known for his ripped calves)

Is that the "Westie Coast" slalom technique I've heard so much about? TW (someone had to say it...)

68.5" O'Brien Elite - New in box, never even been out of the factory plastic bag. $1600 - shipped to any U.S. address TW

Used it for a while with my '05 Monza & loved it, but this season has been all about trying new skis for the next ride in a row. Still has serial #, "106" label and J.H.'s signature. I know, I know... I could get more $ without the signature, but I'm not going to alter it at this point. $70 - including shipping to any U.S. address TW

The owner of the "adjustable" fin block patent sued HO Sports in 2006 for patent infringement. It's my understanding that HO thought they could out-money and/or outlast the inventor. They were wrong. On the very eve of trial, facing the realistic likelihood of paying TRIPLE damages, HO settled for an undisclosed amount that more than satisfied the inventor. Other companies who infringe on that patent may be facing a similar fate in the near future. Clearly O'Brien has opted to avoid such legal issues, but is also [presumably] unwilling to pay a royalty to the rightful owners of the invention. TW

This fix probably bears repeating. The earlier Perfect Pass units wanted a solid 12+ volts, and all thedraw from engine and other electrical stuff often taxes the alternatorto the point of sub-par output. The easiest fix I could think of was a stand-alone power circuit using a relay via the ignition switch  By drawing directly from the batterywith largegauge wire you always have sufficient power for the PP unit (unlessyour battery is going to shit). A manual on/off switch on the powerside of the direct-to-battery circuit would suffice, but the ignitionkey-switched NAPA relay is a much more elegant solution. With this set up you can flip on the stereo (heater, running lights, whatever...) mid-course without the PP crapping out. TW http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n293/ThomasWayne_2006/PerfectPassmodifications.jpg

Yes. http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n293/ThomasWayne_2006/PerfectPassmodifications.jpg You're welcome.  TW

Left hip forward at the 1-ball, right hip forward at the 2-ball. Repeat twice. TW

Sounds to me like you already have plenty of length. If you're looking for a tune fix (as opposed to technique changes) I'd suggest moving the fin forward (more dft) and/or more wing angle. TW (PS: 2.484 [on that ski] seems a little shallow to me, but YMMV.)

I'm gonna guess that ski got backed over by that prop. You should see what happens when you hit a ski broadside (at speed) with your front stabilizing fin. The boat stops real sudden like, and the ski isn't so good any more. The fin seems okay, though... TW

I know absolutely nothing about GPS, other than how the only unit I ever ownedsaved a group of us from certain peril in a whiteout blizzard while snowmachining several years ago. So if my question/proposal is silly, justchalk that up to general GPS ignorance. Is it possible that over the course of 16 - 17 seconds of continuous accessa GPS signal may occasional "flutter" or "scramble" in someway? I mean, cell phone calls break up all the time and radar signals canwaver a bit... so could it be that some anomaly in the GPS signals (caused by sunspots,greenhouse gasses, or interference from UFOs) be responsible for theseoccasional glitches? Perhaps this is something that PP and ZO would beloath to admit (if true), but what do the more learned members here think ofthis possibility? TW

How much extra does it cost without the autograph? TW

Yeah, I think you're being very smart with that decision. Can I have your stuff? TW

Nah, Steven, I don't see the resemblance. Oh, wait..... http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n293/ThomasWayne_2006/JHTWcomposite.jpg

JH- Email me at twcues@gci.net and remind me of your address; I'll send you a couple of ziptie sets & instructions. TW

I don't think it looks so bad, I think it's just your perspective. Try taking a fresh look, imagining the way you see it in your mind when you're skiing... There, now... isn't that better? http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n293/ThomasWayne_2006/WhiteSkiGood.jpg

You found an acorn?  TW

Well, now Steve has adjusted the price... to $24,349.95. I can only assume this is his latest cry for help.  TW

Depends on whose fly is involved. TW

Um... what exactly are we supposed to be looking for here?  TW

It's either a typo... or Steve's cheese has finally slipped all the way off his cracker. TW

I'd also be interested in feedback on the 68.75. As for being early, of course that's always a good thing... but if you're TOO early you can always try to catch a quick nap while you're waiting for the ball. TW

If you really want to spend some dough on your skiing, buy this ski from Schnitz's site: "66" Yellow Fischer for sale.  Very rare in very good condition.  $12,349.95 with free shipping! e-mail me or call 1-800-480-0090" Guaranteed to get you 6 more buoys... and a divorce! TW