danbirch

Great post, Seth! Thanks.

How can you tell if you're changing your edge too late?

The angle is not deceiving, it is at the ball line. You can only try to figure it out (when he gets to the ball line) by time. If he breaks the ball line by 1/4 second, then he would be getting there about 10' early (assuming he's going 34 mph at that moment).

I believe that Nate does that, especially on his 1-3-5 (offside) turn.

He is skiing perfectly on time. The interesting thing, is that when asking him of his goals (while in the course) he said he "tries to get to the buoy line as fast as he can get there".... Is it possible that a person perceives he is at the buoy line once he knows his ski will make that buoy, but not when the ski is ACTUALLY at the buoy line? Also, when watching Scott (from the boat), he appears to be so early he is just waiting on the ball....different perceptions and angles can be deceiving!

@usaski1, What year is your boat? I upgraded my 07 MC to ZO, and had to swap out the ECM. I think the cost was around $800 more for the ECM. I've gotten a lot of usage from it during the last 2 years, so, I'm happy I "upgraded". BTW, ZO (love 'em or hate 'em) did a brilliant move, business wise. They took out the company who owned the rights to Boat Speed Control systems, and cornered the market share all for themselves. While PP won't use these exact words, I'd call it a hostile takeover, well done. On the other hand, I agree with Horton. BUT, if any business person was in ZO's shoes, they'd jump at the chance, to corner the market for themselves. It's all about $$$. It is what it is, and we're stuck with it.

@usaski1, What year is your boat? I upgraded my 07 MC to ZO, and had to swap out the ECM. I think the cost was around $800 more for the ECM. I've gotten a lot of usage from it during the last 2 years, so, I'm happy I "upgraded". BTW, ZO (love 'em or hate 'em) did a brilliant move, business wise. They took out the company who owned the rights to Boat Speed Control systems, and cornered the market share all for themselves. While PP won't use these exact words, I'd call it a hostile takeover, well done. On the other hand, I agree with Horton. BUT, if any business person was in ZO's shoes, they'd jump at the chance, to corner the market for themselves. It's all about $$$. It is what it is, and we're stuck with it.

Of those answering here, how many have actually skied at least 12 passes for EACH of the 9 settings of Zero Off?

ZO does not rev w/o a skier. It reacts to the skiers pull to (try to) stay on it's desired speed.

I agree with Krlee. The mechanics of the edge change. What are the causes of a "late" edge change, and how does the skier correct this "syndrome". The important factors that result in a dynamite edge change.

It's a personal decision. Many like the enjoyment of improving. Others may feel there is added risk (of injury) with pushing the envelope, so prefer to just have fun instead. It's a lot of fun either way!

9 settings = 9 excuses. I've seen a lot of skiers change their favorite setting every time a new "enlightenment" comes upon them. I'm just trying to fix ME. Pick your setting, and work on yourself.

I had a claim, and Boat US did a great job. The other companies mentioned are very good as well. Since the companies are all legit, I turn to price and coverage offered to decide.

@MS, how can you criticize it if you haven't done any research? I have, and it is very good insurance. They are not a small company. Ski Safe claims to have 300k policy holders, Boat US currently has 500k, and has been in business since 1966. (I used to use Ski Safe). Global Marine doesn't advertise how long they've been in business, nor how many policy holders they have.

The last time I checked, Boat US was cheaper. I pay $247/yr.(which includes a $24 "club" fee) for a 300k policy. (2007 MC TT). If yours is cheaper, I'd love to know. One thing I just found out, was that a skier was recently turned down for boat insurance based on him getting 2 speeding tickets (in his car). I didn't realize they check (and base) your boating insurance on your DMV records.

@richarddoane Have you ever compared premium prices between Global Marine and Boat US? Last time I checked, Boat US was less $ for more coverage.

Stargazer is RPM based with a GPS "overlay".

Congratulations! Ski smart, and ski safe.

Thanks, Brooks! Your coaching is 1st class. I'm still working on your tips, and they are coming along. Hope to see you again soon.

Exactly... With ZO, your handle = the throttle.

Delta is supposed to let you fly a ski for free, as checked luggage. Here is their rule that applies to snow skis, and I'm pretty sure it would apply to water skis as well. "Ski or Snowboard Equipment If you are hitting the slopes, you can bring your ski and snowboard equipment as checked baggage. One ski/pole bag or one snowboard bag, and one boot bag is accepted per person (and counts as one checked bag). The combined weight of the ski/snowboard bag and the boot bag may not exceed 50 lbs. (23 kg) or excess weight charges will apply. Linear dimensions may exceed 80 inches (203 cm), no excess size charges apply. All standard baggage charges apply. " I would recommend printing their policy (on their website) and bring it with you, in case the teller is not aware of this policy.

Shipping is always measured as a square. Widest width, tallest height. We ship (and receive) a lot of boxes/products that are narrow and long. Never have a problem with the triangle boxes, but seen a lot of problems with the square/rectangle ones. They just aren't that strong.

That's very cool. I've bought the last few skis on SIA, and maybe they don't save those pieces. They would be critical to the safety of the ski.

@Horton, agreed. It is always important to wrap the ski with foam. Also, it is critical that there is NO movement in the box. I am amazed at how many skis I've seen come, in oversized (rectangle) boxes, and the ski is floating all over the place in there. The biggest problem (IMO) with the shipping companies, is they toss other boxes on top of yours. That can create a "fold" in the square box, and depending on what they threw on it, it could be bad. Also, hard throwing of the boxes causes the ski to shift inside the box, and sometimes makes the fin or tail, or tip jam through (as previously mentioned).

A triangle is MUCH stronger than a square. The biggest problem I see with shipped skis, is not enough padding for the tip and tail/fin. Sometimes, the tip (or fin) is poked through.