jdarwin

@Than_Bogan - first 38 ever - just happened to occur in a tournament. I had been at 4 ball a couple of times in tournaments but never out the end. @Chef23 - shorter and deeper. I was pretty much stock - went 20/1000 shorter and 10/1000 deeper. Pretty aggressive moves for a Goode but it worked. At least for me it did.

@ral - my two year old Mid Ride. The ski just works. But, having Kris Lapoint make some fin adjustments made it even better. @MS - Thanks - even a blind squirrel finds an acorn eventually. A 17 year struggle.

The best solution is to not score the entrance gates. Bruce - the gates don't "score" - they are simply "judged". I completely agree with your opinion but I wanted to clarify that because it is an important distinction that supports your argument. I have said for years that the gates should not be judged because they don't "score". Go thru the gates and drop the handle and your score is "zero" - therefore, why are they even judged and why should the skier be penalized for not going thru them?

Round up - put in some dishwashing soap so the chemical will stick. Works fine and is approved for aquatic use.

Stuff I have learned? It's more work than you could ever imagine and after 10 years of ownership, I'm seriously considering selling. Lake ownership is a young man's profession.

Ah, geez. Cottonwood? Really? Shane, you realize that I have to live there - Bringing "probable cause" with you will only serve to diminish my already tainted standing in the community.

Damn! I forgot you were bringing "probable cause" with you. So much for starting my week of on the right foot.

Hectic weekend hosting two records but I will begin shipping t-shirts to everyone today. Again, thanks to everyone for the support. It is greatly appreciated.

@nate93 - not at all thanks. BTW, the t shirts will be ready tomorrow and I will begin fulfilling orders. Thanks again to everyone for your support.

Bindings back 1/4" from stock - 29.25". 6.905 / 2.505 / .760 flat / 7 deg

Shirts are white. 100% cotton so they do shrink a bit but good quality. Therefore, the fit is similar to any other quality T you have.

Thanks everyone. I hope to have the shirts back from the printer next week and get them on the way to you.

Thanks, Dave. MS - you can pick yours up at the tournament - but, I will still charge you shipping!! Made it easy for everyone and put the shirts on our shop page: http://www.lakesatcottonwood.com/cottonwood_shop.htm Thanks again for your support of our effort. It will be greatly appreciated. jhd

In year's past, we have printed and given away t-shirts at our tournaments (I'm sure you've seen one around!). Beginning this year, we will sell the t-shirts and the proceeds will be donated to a trust that was set up for the son of a former member (a B-52 pilot) who lost his battle with cancer at a very young age. He left behind a wife and 3-month old son. Soon after his death in Feb, 2011, a trust was established for his son that we have donated to via tournaments and other fund raisers but have decided that the t-shirts we give away each year would be the perfect vehicle to create a sustained fundraising effort going forward. Therefore, if you are interested in purchasing, the cost is $15. Shipping $5. Paypal jdarwin@lakesatcottonwood.com and in the message, please state the size you would like. T-shirts are being printed now and should be ready to ship within 10 days. They will also be available at all our tournaments this season. The first pic is the front - second, the back. Thank you in advance for your support. Joe Darwin Cottonwood Water Ski, Inc.

Guys - we stocked the Quantum boot initially with the belief that Masterline would provide the entire package. They were unable to source the release and therefore, we had to build the system from two different vendors. This was not cost effective for us to continue. The liner that was initially offered is no longer available. Masterline does have liners - simply not the one that initially came with the system. That said, if you want a "Reflex" type system, go to the source.

I have owned both a 200 and a Carbon Pro. Based on your inquiry, I will avoid the "resale" topic (which is bogus - it's cost of ownership that you should consider) and focus on the attributes of both. The 200 is much easier to drive thru the course. It is truly idiot proof. The CP can be a handful at times but if set up properly (rudder filed/weighted), tracks fairly well. I've driven other brands that were not set up properly and did not track as well. It's all about the set up. Fuel consumption is much less w/ the CP - about 30% less. Both have the same PCM power train which is a plus for the CP considering the cost of entry. As for ease of maintenance, the CP wins hands-down. The rubber flooring is perfect for a ski club environment. Hose it out and you are done. As for skiers, they love both boats. Again, if you have a driver that is accustomed to the CP, the feel is actually a bit better (softer) than the 200. I don't think you can go wrong with either. They both perform as advertised.

Scot - you need to check w/ Ward and I about a better solution.

@gregy - come on up - I have 65,66,67 and 68". If you like the X7, you will LOVE the Quest.

The bindings back one hole from stock was the magic this ski was lacking. I was getting great turns and incredible angle but the leading edge was engaging too quickly off the 2nd wake. I tried the typical fin adjustments to remedy with no luck. Went back to my original fin numbers and simply moved my bindings back one hole - Viola!! Ski still has the great turns (especially off side) but creates great width off the 2nd wake. If you are a regular D3 skier, you have to throw out all previous notions about ski set up. This is a completely different animal. My numbers on the 68": 6.925 / 2.507 / . 765 / 7 deg. Binding 30.25". This may replace the RCX as my favorite D3 of all time.

@Zman - sorry, we unloaded most of our old stuff last fall. I'll check around though.

Keith - just cut the check and have it delivered back to your site after Memorial Day weekend.

From 85 down to the 40's. I need to check my mink back out of storage.

As far as "chick" skis, you simply cannot beat D3. I'm sure Radar makes a fine product but D3's just seem to work for the girls. Like Goode's dominate M3-M4, D3's dominate the women's divisions and for good reason.

As a suggestion, I would err on the larger size - since you don't have to worry about the glove "bunching up" in your palm. This also puts less stress on the other parts of the glove and in turn, the gloves last longer. I would recommend "smalls" in the case of the Pro Locks.

@skibug - I believe you will like it - Seth is a wizard at setting up those skis since he was part of the test team. I tend to follow his lead regarding fin numbers. It is truly one of the best turning skis I've ever ridden.