davemac

April Fools retribution for the (hilarious) mock interview last year? They say that "revenge is best served cold"....man, that was ice cold.

Not a big deal, but it seems that I now have to Double-click "previous page" arrow (on both Safari and IE7)

refreshing to see that Centurion reacted to the initial feedback. I love the step-over incorporated w/ that backseat...reminiscent of the late 90's TSC1 Nautiques. Agree... kind of an ominous buzz kill to have to look at that backboard as you are stepping off the platform.

the toughest part of the transition from rubber is that you will feel compelled to crank the bungees tight....which you don't want to do..at least on the top one. I had to progressively loosen mine each time out. Good luck. There is plenty of tinkering you can do with them to get the right fit...between heat molding and experimenting w/ different insoles. Another Plus... you'll be doing your part to reduce our nation's dependency on that precious natural resource ... slime.

Hey EZ Ed, I believe the Stradas run truer to size, where the RS1s ran a bit on the small side. This is possibly due to the Strada having a thinner liner. I am an 8 wide, and the Strada 9 had too much slop for me. I have a powerstep in my 8. Adding arch support will usually "shorten" the length of your foot.

Safari shows just code. (edit) switched to IE on laptop...pretty interesting stuff...seems as though I fit right into the mean...even as a "lurker".

I can't comment on how it skis. After research, I bought my daughter one this past XMas...but too much ice on the lake for her to put it to use before April. Anyway, the Lyric is a (softer, womens version) Radar Senate, so it will be slightly wider than standard, .20" I believe . The graphics are killer.  The 2011 model is a new mold based off the Strada.  It does not have the same adjustable fin as the Senate. IIRC, the fin can be moved forward or backwards a notch. I would guess, if she wanted the adjustable fin, the Radar peeps would put one in for her. To compare the Lyric to her Z7 Diamond, I would suppose would be similar to comparing the Radar Senate to the D3 Z7.  However, with the 2011 Radar Senates & Lyrics only just recently becoming available, there is little to nothing available in the way of real-user feedback. Not saying that price is always indicative of performance, but the Lyric is an awful lot less expensive.  Maybe the guys at H20z would have some insight for you....they offer the Lyric in their demo program.

FYI, T-Factors now shown to be available per H2osmosis website.

I never had one, but I believe the Rail binding had a "double tongue" system, whereas the 2010+ Vector is single tongue. For 2011 you have the option of getting the Vector permanently mounted to an integrated "feather frame" which is lighter and allows for a thinner footbed. It also can be had (as previously offered) mounted (5 underside screws) to a single plate, or to Radars Sequence Plate. I have last year's Vector mounted on my 2nd ski...wide ride. It is pretty legit. My size 8 foot is at the lower end of the size range for the Standard size (7-11 IIRC), and only complaint would be that the heel width is a bit roomy. The release seems fine.

If Retro means wearing a faded pink, 4 strap PFD like that shown in the following threadhttp://www.ballofspray.com/vanillaforum/js/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-surprised.gif....I'll either opt for the $7 orange classic from Wallyworld.... or start looking for a new hobby.  www.ballofspray.com/vanillaforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2160

Michael, Hopefully you only have two brothers, and one of those vests is for you.  Has the Smithsonian contacted you yet with interest in the vest PFD you were sporting in that photo you posted this summer?   'Tis the season for donating.

Re: Eagle Sizing....The Medium is recommended for 36-38 Chest/ 27-29 waist, Large for 39-41 Chest/ 30-32 waist....XL for 42-44 Chest/ 33-35 waist...XXL 45-48 Chest/36-38 waist . As pointed out by Eagle..the vests are designed to fit tight...and do loosen up a bit once in the water...

Brent, Assuming you mean 44 chest (not shoulders)...that would be an XL in Eagle

Scot, I'm sure that Eagle would be glad to make the extra floatation vest for you...without involvement in a group buy. I think there is a nominal extra charge. Like Richard, I also was in on the extra flotation group buy arranged through Tadd....best money I spent on skiing all year...love the vest. It also works great wearing underneath a drysuit this time of year. Comparing mine to the standard ones, it seems as though they just add an extra layer of flotation in the rear of the vest.   A longshot, but I'd start by checking to see if Tadd had any leftover.

you can swap the boots on the plates if necessary...five phillips head screws fasten to each boot through the bottom of the plates

Yes, the boots are foot specific. No difference between front and rear boot....only the mounting plates. You have the option of using individual front and rear specific plates, or purchasing the single Radar "Sequence Plate"

I'm thinking this new alliance may have greatly increased the exposure to, and traffic on SIA. I just sold my daughters ski w/in 24 hrs of posting (with a second buyer ready). Bindings just sold within only 1 hour. Both were reasonably priced. I've found SIA to be effective in the past...but never with that speed!!

Hey Marco, Re: your hernia...I took Laz's advice here (search "hernia"), and am glad I did. I found a qualified surgeon to perform the repair laparoscopically, and the recovery was far faster and better then when done w/ a traditional scalpel repair (of which I have had done on the other side). I still have an umbilical hernia that needs repair (consult scheduled for next week). Good luck w/ your healing guys.

skimech, Based on the 2011 brochure, it looks like the Senate(s) will still be only be offered in 65, 67, and 69". Possibly of interest, the Strada and Vice will be offered in 63.5" (as well as 65,66,67,68, 69.5). Looks like the Vice is going to have an advertised blank price of $699.

Has anyone else tried the above mentioned "Powerstep" insoles?  I noticed that they offer a "regular" and a "Pinacle" version...not sure if one if more suitable for a <Strada> boot application.

Can't tell from the picture, but many of the  SLs have plastic plugs that go into the aluminum bar (handle).  They break far too often...without warning. I'm no engineer, but it seems like a poor design. Based on the # of breakages (co worker broke two, one going through gates), you couldn't give me one. If nothing else, the InTow handles are drilled through the aluminum and rope wear (if/when it occurs) is visible....so at least you are forewarned.Â

Third... I've got my wife and kids conditioned for holidays/birthdays.... (when in doubt) they give me an H2Oz gift certificate. If you're not into the gift certificate thing...I don't think you can go wrong w/ the 69" Senate

--Seth's buddy's name is Scott Reardon. Video of him skiing is on the following page (or available on youtube)... www.h2osmosis.com/spip.php?page=videos . Also, I'm cutting and pasting the following post from a thread on themalibucrew from a MT skier with first hand experience (his original post included a picture of him ripping it up)..... "Love this thread and I just have to comment about the back foot issue. I have had the Theory for two seasons now and absolutely love it. I took the back binding off completely and moved the front boot back two two holes and then adjusted the fin and stabilizer so that the tip rode just a bit higher in the water and so that I could initiate my turns more aggressively. Oh, I forgot to mention that I only have one leg. So the point is that you really don't even need weight on your back foot to ski well. Just a well balanced stance with your hips forward on initiation. However, I would not recommend this binding set up for anyone who does have two good legs. Just leave it at factory specs. I do get pretty tired after two sets but that is just me. Since I am skiing behind a v drive I tend to ski at 32mph with the rope at 60' but these things are relative to your wake and boat load which can vary on any given day. Just find the sweet spot in the wake and it gives you one less thing to worry about as you rip across it. Crossing a double dip wake can add to fatigue and increase your chances of doing what my son calls the starfish spin.'

fairly sure the following Vice sizes will be available... 63.5, 65,66,67,68,69.5 (same offerings as the Strada)

I can't give a specific recommendation, but would suggest that you closely check the temperature rating. I'm not sure how hot it gets under the box. When I insulated my motor box, I got the "adhesive backed" insulation (mcmaster-carr #5692T52). It is rated -40 to 200F and I have had no problem w/ it (2 years now). I "cleaned up" the seams and edges w/ a high temp HVAC tape from Home Depot that had a much higher temp rating than that. I think it was $20 for the roll. Hope that is of some help.  Insulating the motor box on my Rlxi was money well spent.