danbirch

Very Cool, John!

Ironic for sure! You're in our prayers. Get well fast...

@horton Have you tested the Stealth's yet? Any opinion? Thanks!

Funny!

New Masterline Rope Measurements: @ 32 off, (511 7/8" would be the perfect length) I used a handle @ 58 3/4" 1st measurement, Dry/out of package, with several hard tugs to tighten all loops/knots. w/44 lbs on it: 504 11/16" 2nd measurement, wet rope, with 15-20 hard "ski like" tugs w/44 lbs on it: 509" After 6 sets, measures at 511 1/4" PERFECT!

Great points, especially using the scale and having the bolts in the wall. The one thing I forgot to mention is I like to wet the rope first. The reason I said "very tight" is that if the rope wasn't recently skied on, you might not be able to stretch it out (especially dry) to where it will be after skier(s) put 500+ lbs on it wet. Once it is thoroughly stretched out (and wet), then the 44 lb scale is ideal. Otherwise, you might find the rope a little longer after the skiers skied on it.

Tow Lines Dimension Chart in the Appendix, and Rule 10.16©. 1st cut - to a 18.25 meter (59' 10.5") 2nd cut - to a 16 meter (52' 6") 3rd cut - to a 14.25 meter (46' 9") ± 15 cm (5.906”) 4th cut - to a 13 meter (42' 7.8", or 511 7/8") ± 7.5 cm (2.953”) 5th cut - to a 12 meter (39' 4.4") 472 1/4" 6th cut - to a 11.25 meter (36' 10.9") 7th cut - to a 10.75 meter (35' 3.3") 8th cut - to a 10.25 meter (33' 7.6") 9th cut - to a 9.75 meter (31' 11.9") 10th cut – to a 9.50 meter (31’ 2”) 11th cut - to a 9.25 meter (30' 4.2") ± 7.5 cm (2.953”) All subsequent cuts shall be made in .25-meter (9.844") increments. I use a digital laser measuring unit. Use a stationary object (like pylon or post/stake), digitally measure from stationary object to solid wall. Then hit (-) to subtract difference to next measurement. Connect rope, pull very tight (using body weight), measure from (59") handle to wall, hit (=) and you have your rope's measurement. I always remeasure, and come up within 1/4" each time.

yes/correct

250/400, depending on how much you use, is the strongest hold. I hear that some of the bigger skiers use 1 strip of each (on each side of the ski), and still have successful releases.

Just be careful if you ever get the "enjoyment" of using a "Proline" long line rope.....someone was having an off day when they labeled it....lol!

@scotchipman It makes sense (to me) that you would need more than me, based on your shorter line abilities (I'm only a 32 off skier), and your height (I'm only 5'5"). It IS an excellent question that AB brings up, though, and an interesting "journey" in finding what is "right" for you.

I've been experimenting a lot lately, and have never had a pre-release. It seems to me that the answer could be slightly different for each individual skier based on many factors. I started by using Soctt Chipman's chart, but felt, it was not going to release. Lessened it to 2 total strips (250/250 clear) and it still was not going to pre-release. It did release, but not as quickly as I wanted it to. My last adjustment was down to two 7/8" (cut down) strips, with (so far) no pre-releases. I do test them on ground to feel a "land" release, and it feels right. My weight is 150-155. Seems some others who weigh even less than me can pre-release using more than me. I've talked to a few people, and each seems to have their own set-up that they are happy with. I think that the larger skiers can have problems because they obviously put a lot more pressure than I can, and certainly need more. I just can't quite figure out how they really KNOW that the additional strips (under the bindings) are actually connected. Pounding on the ski in various places could miss some locations, imo. This could make things much more difficult than the little guy that can "see" each of the 2 sides completely locked together. The one thing that does seem consistent with dual lock, though, is once it INITIATES it's releasing, it's likely to be a very quick "complete" release. Good Luck with the experimentation, and safe skiing!

Great Deal! Thanks, Joe!

@H20SkiGirl The Masterlines have the black vinyl "marking sleeves" that (I believe) slide up to the pylon to tighten the loop. I've had many ropes measure up to 21" short out of the package. Always check your measurements. I've often wondered if the manufactures assume there will be more stretch than there actually is. I think they only stretch 3 or so inches (from when new). The shortness usually comes from the mainline section, not the looped sections. I've come to the point where I have extra loops I add to short ropes. Also, I have heard that the sun can shrink them. @Ed Johnson I'm surprised you had bad luck with In Tow. Our club uses her ropes exclusively, and they measure perfect, and haven't had any issues with breakage.

@londonskier , I would start with the 2 strips, and feel/test the ski set-up on land to feel when the bindings will release (by strapping them, protecting the fin with a phone book or something, on and falling forward towards someone). If it feels like the release happens at the right time (when your momentum commits to the fall) you might be ok. If they release too easy, you'll need more, or a more agressive set up. I don't really know any other way to find out; but, I'd rather find out if there is a problem before I'm going 50 mph behind a boat. I am 155 and the 2 strips are plenty (almost too much) for me. Good luck!

@rico and @horton see you there. The boat will be in the water after the clinic. See you there!

@ob this is interesting, to me, as I've heard that David Miller uses 250/400. I also understand that Rossi tightens his laces very tight. I experimented all winter with hardshells, and with 250/250. I only needed 1 strip each side, and never had any pre=releases (and they seemed to release on any OTF's fairly well). What @ntx says has some validity (according to Goode's website "THE BINDING IS DESIGNED FOR EXPERT SKIERS ONLY. It should be custom fit to the user and should not be used by others for whom it was not fitted, because it is designed for advanced maneuvers which require increased support and control, even if properly fitted - IT MAY PRERELEASE OR NOT RELEASE IN SOME FALLS RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURIES TO THE LEG, ANKLE, KNEE, NECK, BACK, SHOULDERS, ARMS, INTERNAL ORGANS, ETC." When I use rubbers, I use 250/400 and the dual lock never releases. It seems that using the 250/400 (with hardshells) puts you at extreme risk in any bad fall, where a break or sprain is likely. On the other hand, the increased stability of the hardshell is the asset. Also, the bigger guys have pre-release problems (w/250/250), and have to bump it up. The real question is, how much 400 would a person be using and still release?

Agreed. Do you actually release with 250/400? Goode says you'll void his warranty if you use 250/400.

400 to 400???

Maybe try the # listed (951)212-2411.

@rico I wouldn't use the club's website. I'd contact Scott Larson at d3skier40@hotmail dot com

@rico , @horton , (and anyone else that's at the clinic and wants a pull) I will put my boat in before the clinic, so it'll be in and ready after the clinic if you want a pull.

Agree. Better to ski after the clinic.

It starts at 9 am at the lodge. Cost is $12. I'd be happy to pull some rides, but it might be cold if we tried to ski at around 7:30 or 8. Otherwise, skiing could be done after the clinic.

Chuck, you can contact Scott Larson at d3skier40@hotmail dot com . This is the memo he sent: AWSA Judges and Scorers Clinic, Sat. March 31st: 9am - Sunset Beach Room at the CL Lodge We have had excellent response from our club as well as from other local clubs. (Over 20 have signed up already) Thanks to Mike Hayes and Brad Corbin for leading this 3 Event clinic