davemac

We use one of those heavy canvas bags (like a wife would bring to the beach). It has a 40 lb bag of sand in it. The handles on the bag make it easy to move around, or take out of the boat. http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/37037?feat=canvas%20bag-SR0&page=boat-and-tote-bag-zip-top

fyi, regarding rope length, if you watch the video via YouTube, under the video it says "just some 32's"

@DW at your request, I weight out my (manual) wedge. It is close to 16lbs, and extends out 18". As mentioned, I removed mine and didn't really notice a difference (but I'm a fan of placebos). Like EZ-Ed and h20Dawg mentioned, the wake (03-06 RLXi) doesn't seem to vary too much with fuel amounts....not that I top off the 42 gal tank often. More concerned w/ the L to R balance.

My 03 RLXi has a wedge. I took it off...neglible change.

you just lost 20+ pounds...reward yourself with a ski (My .02) what's the saying...sometimes its easier to ask forgiveness than permission.

got it...so the "excess line" just hangs loosely out the front "groove" below the "active line".

@Darren or @OB... is the groove for the rope on both sides of the tube? In other words...when shortening the rope, where do the extra lengths protrude from? TIA

Ski it again # 22288 ski-it-again.com/php/skiitagain.php?topic=Search&category=Slalom&postid=22288

Cutlass fin is fixed. Well, actually it has a 3 screw positions (so can move fore or aft one notch).

yup...slightly wider .20" I think (same dimensions as the Senate, but comes with Cutlass fin). Not sure what speeds they assume when determining the weight range.

@Wish Radar site looks to be down...awaiting re-launch. One retailer website shows 100-150 lbs, another 120-140.

@kmenard sending you a message, check your inbox

Thanks EZ-Ed...I've had a flex bar sitting in my shopping cart at Amazon awaiting your trusted review- before pulling the trigger. I'm assuming you got the "heaviest" flex bar. Now if I can also find a way to get rid of the damn upper bicep tendonitis (across the front of both shoulders) that is crippling me....

I fell for the title of the post as well. Thought/hoped there was a bikini contest and entrants would be required to submit photo to BOS

@Horton I would have interest in hearing your thoughts on the impact vest as well...particularly how much "float" it provides.

@wilecoyote You are correct...best to put that on another thread, but for all purpose guest slalom ski.....go with more modern technology. My 2 cents....think along the lines of Radar Theory or Radar Senate, or HO Triumph. Now back on track with this thread. I also am curious as to when the VR-100 will be on the PTM Edge website, and would love to hear some reviews on it. I currently have the VR-140 mounted above the center walkthru windshield of my RLXi....with a bias towards the driver side. My opinion is that these mirrors work much better if mounted as close as possible to the forward view of the driver. I haven't been keen on dropping another $200 for a mount that would allow this on my boat.

@ToddL thanks for suggestion. Actually she currently is on Vectors (well the lady version, Lyrics). She is a womens 8.5 and is a bit tight in the smalls, but the next size up was definitely too big. With a suggested price of $250, I assumed the HO Apex was aiming to be considered on par w/ Stradas.

I'm curious to see how the reviews come in on the Apex. I'd love to get my daughter in a pair of Stradas, but the 8's are just a bit too big for her. Looks like the Apex has some smaller options.

according to their website, it looks like wileys also has the 2012 Senate(s) at some pretty attractive closeout prices.

@6balls thats a really a great idea. Start the crusade... "Real friends don't let friends Powerturn". Funny story...we had a pro at the public lake for a clinic this summer. The small part of the lake we were on got to be too rough, and too much boat traffic. The pro (accustomed to private sites) says to me.. "hey..take me on a circle ski", so I pulled him around the perimeter of the lake and I almost jarred some fillings loose hitting boat wakes. He skied impressively hard through the adverse conditions, afterwards wearily climbed back in the boat with a big smile, and said with complete honesty "Man, that is still so much fun". You can't teach passion.

@XR6Hurricane what do you mean by the Theory and Senate not being available in 65"? Both are. Here's a deal on a new 2012.... gettommys.com/Store/Ski/Slalom-Skis/Radar-Senate-Slalom-Ski-(2012).html Weighing 125 lbs, I would think you'd go w/ the 65".

Yeah, I think they are pretty much $199 everywhere. I bought mine direct from PTM. Great customer service. I haven't seen any pictures or feedback on the smaller $100 one announced a few weeks back. It doesn't show up on their website yet?

Richards technique sounds fast and easy. If you don't have access to a compressor, I remember seeing an instructional video made by Chuck Gleeson at Eagle where you turn their suit inside out, roll over and clamp the seals shut (with something like a clip for a potato chip bag) and carefullly fill suit with water...maybe in the shower. Watch to see where water/moisture might be coming through the suit as it is easier to see it on the inside liner...maybe on a seam? The Eagle website says that they offer repairs. Maybe give them a call. Perhaps they can send you a link to that video (I searched youtube, vimeo, and their site and can't find it for you). Good luck.

@6balls I also have an Eagle, and have also used a Boost. Both good suits if you like baggy style. I've been very pleased w/ my Eagle. I think the convenience of the front zip is an equal trade off w/the more comfortable "neoprene neck seal" of the later versions of the Boost. The Eagle is very lightweight. Almost seems to "breathe" a little better than others. I just dress accordingly underneath based on the temps. I will be putting it to use tomorrow for the first time this fall (as will my daughter ...who also has one).

I'm all set guys...a Baller came through for me. Thanks. BOS Rocks! I guess it is time to make another random Paypal donation to the BOS cause. In all seriousness, the quality of information (and entertainment) provided on this site is just far too good to be free. Thanks, JTH, for your efforts, time and expenses.