davemac

I like mine. Looks great & Pretty easy to get ski in and out of. I think I got one of the first ones...at the time it came w/ four or so stainless steel drainage grommets around the boot. There was concern that they might scratch the ski, so I just popped them off....drainage holes still function and look fine...no big deal. I think someone told me they may have modified that by now. I rarely zip mine shut (so that the boot will dry). In hindsight, I might have saved a couple bucks and been just as happy w/ the similar Eagle neoprene sleeve that you can also get w/ the fin protector option (which is essentially like a sewn in pvc tube). I do wash mine in a large bucket or barrel a couple times a year...as it will sometimes hold that inevitable wet neoprene smell, similar to a vest, shorty or heater shirt. Only other comment would be that white neoprene (if you opt for it) is tough to keep looking clean.

I was under impression that they only added it to the back (which is standard on the women's versions). tadd@h20proshop.com or 866-213-7993

I couldn't find the existing thread to continue with, but I'm anxiously sitting on Tadd's waiting list for the group buy on another Eagle Vest... w/ the extra layer of floatation in the back. I believe only 5 or so more needed to save the customization upcharge. If anyone interested, please contact him asap to get onboard. I took advantage of the same buy a couple years back, but have dropped 10 or 15 lbs so I need to size down. Honestly, I see no sacrifice in comfort or mobility from the normal version, but do enjoy the extra bit of float it gives. Actually I kinda prefer the slight bit of extra back support it provides.

Than, Looks like many good and cheap options for those "TSA locks" on Amazon as well. I like the ones that uses combo (so you don't have to worry about carrying or losing a key). Also has an alert indicator to show whether or not security opened it up.

I struggled trying to change mid season..so waited for beginning of folllowing year. Attach a handle somewhere i your house and simulate skiing....it will build muscle memory before u hit the lake.

Trav, By "segmented" I think HO410 refers to the latest version of the "arm-guard" that has a hinge point in it for ease of swapping handles on the rope. If you are one of the many that uses In-Tow handles (from Brenda) you also can have her make the handle loop larger...which also helps. I don't think there is a website, but if you email twcues @ gci .net, then Thomas Wayne will email you the lowdown including ordering instructions. I have never used one, so can not comment on it.

JC, My buddy has a 2011 69" Senate C. His offside was sluggish and was having difficulty completing and getting angle out of turn. Eddie Robert's advice was to try .820 from the tail, 6.865 length measured with tips and 2.50 depth. (The ski originally arrived w/ a dft of .785) Eddie's numbers helped him alot.

consensus would be that Strada run more true to size (RS-1 runs smaller...possibly due to thicker liner)

I believe his million dollar endorsement deal is here.... www.bglasses.com

Than, I sent you a PM. I'm local to you and have a new pair of 34 black/white Hyperfreaks w/ tags if you are interested (bought this winter, but dropped 15lbs so they won't fit me). Blue Light special (half price). IMO, the Hyperfreaks seem pretty true to size...if anything, maybe only just a smidge large.

The red are the most current 2011. (Mine are black & white)

I agree w/ the comments on the 41 Tails. Mine are holding up well. Anyone know what up w/ the name? I get the "41", but not the "Tails".

That is Sully out in either Oregon or WA....great success story about dropping 100 lbs, and getting back on the water. I believe he is a member on this site and recently took delivery of a MC promo. Here is the bowflex cllip from youtube (hope you don't mind me posting, Nick). Maybe someone w/ more computer skills then me can set up a link to this---> www.youtube.com/watch?v=hu44F8lqdm8

Hey Chef, The D3Skis website shows 69" as an option for the X7 (the Z7ST goes to 68")

I had an unusual issue where my Strada liner kept shrinking every time it got wet. It got to the point where the liner sunk below the boot cuff...causing discomfort where the cuff hit my leg. The liner was replaced and no problem w/ new one. As Jim intimated...the insert/liner should extend above the shell. If not, you could try heating it, and tugging/stretching it up a bit (as demonstrated in the video on the jagersport.com website)

I'm assuming the Vectors (like the Stradas) are measured to the heel stitching? My daughter has a 65" 2011 Lyric (womens Senate)...so I'm assuming Deano's 29" # would also hold true. If so, I need to move them forward a notch...which might help get her off the tail some.

Just my opinion.... the standard plates are more then sufficient. If you do pursue the Sequence late, it will allow you to make faster adjustment of moving bindings forward or back (with just two screws), and also has a "micro adjustment" which gives a bit more fine tuning of the same. The hardware with it (necked washers) will wear out, and must be watched. I found the Sequence plate to be a little bit "rattly". Switched back to the individual plates w/ no regrets. Summary.....either way you'll be happy....enjoy!!

not as easy to put on as the Leverages? I assumed the TFactor's front lace system would simplify ease of entry. Care to elaborate a bit? Thanks.

on this topic, but first digressing a bit....has it been established... say you are late around 2 and absolutely need to get around 3 ball (but have no intention on trying to make 4, is there anything to gain holding the same edge through and after the wakes almost all the way out to the ball? I think it was Regina J that did this last year to win a tourney. She made the buoy and had an epic wipeout, even losing her gloves. I wondered if there was any benefit to this...or if it was just instinctive at a moment of desperation (similar to how on a close play, a baseball player occasionally slides into first base, though it is known to be faster to continue running through the bag)

Sorry JT, no first hand experience to comment on the redesigned 2011. The Senate(s) and Theory are both now patterned after the Strada....so I can only assume they are improved. I haven't read reviews on either of them yet. My buddy got the new Senate C, but since our ice just went out...its too early for feedback. Not that it is consequential, but I personally find the graphics on the new Theory to be a huge upgrade.

JT, You can certainly find deals on previous year models. Be aware that the new 2011 Theory (black) is a redesign based on the Strada.

Like Sully, I made the change last year. I found it easiest to make the change at the beginning of the season. Fasten a ski handle to a wall or post in your garage, basement, etc. Simulate skiing w/ handle release as much as possible before you ski, or whenever you can. It will help establish some muscle memory, and help you adapt more quickly.

I was in on this buy last year, and it was the best $$ I spent on skiing all year! An extra layer of padding is put in the back...which gives me just that little extra bit of float (my sinking body needs). Comfort and/or mobility difference from the standard vest is negligible. In fact, I actually like the extra float one better (perhaps its the little extra support it gives my back). Thanks, Tadd. (those black vests w/ the H20z logo look real sweet in person)

Since he bought a ski boat, presumably he is looking to improve his skiing. Radar Theory (great for 30 or 32mph) or Senate (a bit more advanced and great 34mph choice) ...a little extra width, and would give him room to grow.

...like saying "bend/flex at the ankles", as opposed to "bend your knees"....which causes many to sit back