lakeaustinskier

This is a final follow-up about my sale of the OB4. A large number of people responded to my offer to sell my OB4 System. Most of those people also asked me about why I sold the system. For ease of response to many people here are my thoughts (for what they are worth): For some reason a lot of respondents thought the OB4 is a binding system. Remember that the OB4 is a RELEASE system (not just a set of bindings). Here is the sequence: 1. On the top are the bindings (whatever you want) BUT in the event of a release you need to stay in the bindings. 2. Under the bindings there is a binding plate. The binding plate screws onto the bottom of the binding. Theoretically you can screw whatever binding you want onto the binding plate (as long as it fits onto the plate). 3. The binding plate then attaches to the OB4 release system. In the event of a fall release pins release the binding plates thereby releasing the binding from the ski. BUT for the system to properly work (at least according to the literature from OB4) the binding needs to stay on your foot. If the binding partially releases and the OB4 also partially releases then I suppose you could have some weird combination of a partial release and maybe get hurt. Is this a bunch of bull$$$$? Could you argue that you might actually be safer if you have two release systems (come out of bindings AND the OB4)? Maybe, maybe not..... however, there are people that are better skiers than me on this forum and only a fool would not take their advice. So why did I sell? The reason I sold is that I could never find a binding that I was comfortable with that also worked with the OB4. I purchased the OB4 with the Roxa hardshell, however, the Roxas never quite worked for me (probably too stiff). I also tried some other bindings but was never able to get comfortable. A lot of people seem to use Vapors/Stradas with the OB4, however, to make sure that my foot stayed in the binding at release I had to tighten down the bindings so much that my feet were uncomfortable. My previous bindings were FM E-Series (EVO) and I've used them for years without incident. I tried the FMs on the OB4, however, the same problem arose (tightening too much meaning my feet were uncomfortable). So - loved the OB4 engineering - just could never find the proper binding that worked for me. And since I've never had release issues with my FMs I've decided to purchase some new FMs and move on. I did notice a quirk about the OB4 that has nothing to do with the release. Since the OB4 system is mounted under the bindings/binding plates the skier rides much higher above the surface of the ski than most skiers are used to (maybe a 1/4 inch higher). This increased height might make the skier feel "tippier" and more top heavy. I know that this increased height sometimes affected me in the course - both to the positive and the negative. Depending on my body position (good versus not so good) I had some really good sets and some really bad sets with the OB4s. I would speculate that if the skier always had great alignment and stack this might not be as big of an issue. I hope this helps clean up any lingering questions about this thread. Ted Thomson

SOLD. Also, yes, the bindings are backwards in the picture. Someone else took the pictures for me and I didn't notice the backwards bindings - I feel pretty stupid. And I didn't ski like that :)

@mbabiash , @kfennell If you are looking for a 6 litre SN there's a boat in Austin that has been for sale for a while - http://actionmarinesales.com/boats-for-sale/i/used-2013-nautique-by-correct-craft-team-200-bowrider-32c9d278c281658c0eedabeec71a90da

Update and price$ with the SIA link - http://www.ski-it-again.com/php/skiitagain.php?endless=summer&topic=Search&category=Bindings&postid=32321

The Camero stuff is fragile - but it does rock. Definitely call Robbie. She gives good service and advice. I have a long torso and she really worked with me to find the right fit. My BlackTec top is 1/2 the weight and thickness of a regular neo top but twice as warm.

Complete OB4 System with Roxa Hardshells, liners, and all documentation. About 5 sets on the system. Left foot forward. Size Euro 41-42 (I have a size 10 foot). I love the engineering safety of OB4s, however, I’ve decided to keep my current bindings which are incompatible with the OB4 system. Message me for details. Ted Thomson.

Can people tell me what kind of bindings they run with their OB4 system?

Several years ago my wife and I did the exact same compromise trip to Trophy Lakes (Charleston). I skied at Trophy and she got to stay in a great hotel in Charleston. Charleston is a fantastic "foodie" city that also has great history. I'm also fortunate to live in the same area as Trent and take regular lessons from him. Very good communicator!

Several of us were recently debating metal flake versus old school colors. Most people decided that younger owners prefer the metal flake and older owners prefer the traditional "flat" colors. Another example might be the two decal options for the CC 200 - e.g. do you prefer the old school look or the gradient graphics? Personally I prefer some flash and style for my boats (I'm 49).

I owned a 88 model (I think) and suffered from the dreaded wood rot that Supra Comps always had. Looks like they finally fixed that problem with composite. Agree with @wish about the rooster tail at slower speeds. IMO the Supra Comp was a great public lake boat (for its time) that looked great and drove great.

BTW - I've skied at Trophy Lakes and that place is fantastic. The water quality is crazy good. You can see straight down to the bottom with crystal clarity. I think it might be spring fed.

Unfortunately there really aren't any viable public courses in the San Antonio/Austin areas because the lakes in San Antonio/Austin are simply too busy. I suppose that you could buy a portable course and move that course to different locations as conditions warrant, however, that seems like a hassle. I live on Lake Austin and fought skiing on public water for years before I finally bought a lot at Aquaplex. @kfennell is correct. Between SMRR and Aquaplex those are your best options. Send me a message and I'll pull you at Aquaplex.

Before you replace all your wiring check all your fuses under the hood. I had a similar problem with my 2013 F250. Turns out that Ford has separate fuses for the running lights versus the brake lights, brakes etc. The idea is that if you lose a fuse the entire trailer won't go dark - only the affected area - the other areas will still work. I don't know for sure but Ford might be the only manufacturer that does this (but I was told others are moving this way).

One word - nerves.

Darn good description. This is what Trent F always yells at me about :) Your second description also describes the classic phrase "don't load to early" (thereby losing the stack).

Brilliant, however, you have waayyy too much time on your hands. But then, it is 35 degrees and rainy in Austin right now.

I'm realistic. Traditional ski boats are expensive since the market is so small. At the Austin Boat Show there were about 200 boats in the show and only two comp boats (2 Prostars from the same dealer that Todd has already posted the sticker on). The Nautique and Malibu dealers didn't even bother bringing a comp boat to the show.

I try to stay fit to reduce injury (I'm 48). Better skiing is a bonus. I use some Cross Fit components along with a heavy dose of yoga and most importantly - knowing your body. Set aside your ego and do what makes sense for you (hey - sounds a lot like trying to get better in the slalom course). I came to this realization after I joined a Cross Fit class that seemed to be designed for 20 somethings and I tore the meniscus in both my knees. Deal with people or techniques that work for you.

I own a 2007 SN 196 with about 500 hours and also a 1998 MC 205 with about 1000 hours (I ski on two lakes). Since I currently own two brands I'll say the main difference between brands is that new boats are about the same but after several years of wear SN always seems to stay "tighter" longer.

Try a demo through H2Osmosis. They have a great try it before you buy it program. And I personally think that SIA was invented for this exact purpose. Sure, you'll probably take a small financial hit and take some risk when you buy or sell but the ski that won't work for you might be someone else's "magic" ski.

Maybe the solution is being up front and honest about your skiing ability and limitations. For example, I recently posted some feedback about the OB4 bindings. In the same post I also mentioned how my skiing ability/level might affect my feedback for the OB4. Unless you are a "known expert" everyone should probably place an "asterisk" referencing their ability on any technical posting.

Really looking forward to this review. I've mentioned in a previous thread that I've been trying out the OB4's and my experience with the increased responsiveness/stiffness is definitely a love/hate (I have the Roxas). Horton rides a lot of skis - but with the same bindings (I assume) so this will be a great test.

Also talk to @thanbogan. He's spent a lot of time dissecting the OB4 system. He's using the OB4 soft shells. I've had a pair of OB4s with Roxas for about a month now and here's my take. If you are on Stradas then why are you thinking about the Roxas? Completely different boot system. 1). I was interested in trying something new since my FM E-Series (hybrid hard shells) are coming to the end of their life. And it's the end of the season, and I like the engineering behind the OB4s so why not try something? 2). Since I was on the FM E-Series I picked the Roxas over the soft boot option. The Roxas seem to be well made and once you have the right buckle tension dialed in I like the ability to replicate the same buckle tension every single time. Stradas and similar bindings aren't an option for me since I've never been able to get comfortable on the lower "basketball shoe" type bindings. 3). I'm not excited about the quality of liner that comes with the Roxa. It'll probably only last 3-4 months then I'll have to replace it with a better liner. 4). The Roxa boots are much stiffer my E-Series (the OB4 instructions warn you about this). Quite honestly at times I've really struggled dialing in the Roxa boots/OB4 system with this additional stiffness. Stiffer boots are more responsive boots which is a more responsive/twitchier ski (if you can handle it). I seemed to have solved a lot of the stiffness and increased upper flexibility by running the top of the boots a bit looser than I am used to. 5). Regardless of whatever binding you pick the OB4 system sits about 1/2 an inch above the surface of the ski. As a result I feel a bit "top heavy" on the ski. Maybe this additional height has added to the stiffness problem. 6). At this point I have a love/hate relationship with the Roxas/OB4 system. If my technique is correct then my offside turns are much crisper with great angle off the ball. But bad technique (the increased stiffness and top heavy) absolutely kills me on the OB4s. 7). No - I haven't yet taken a nasty fall and released. But I'm 48 years old and anything that I can try that might preserve my body from injury - I'm going to try. 8). Considering that I'm giving feedback on these bindings I think that it is fair and proper to describe my skiing ability. Some days I can run 5-6 32s (34 mph) in a row then some days I struggle. It is quite possible that the stiffness of the bindings etc. might be beyond my current skill level. I've exchanged several e-mails with the founder of OB4 (Mike Mosley) about the system. Mike has been very helpful and has given me some great feedback about the bindings. Will I keep the OB4s? or will I stay on the FMs another year? At this point I'm still trying to figure it out - but I'm rapidly running out of time in Texas where its really starting to get cold and windy. I hope this helps.

For what its worth I bought a Black Tech top from Robbie and I love it. Besides being lightweight and warm the key for me is the range of motion the top offers. After all why wear a heater top or suit unless you can have freedom of movement? However, these benefits also mean that you don't treat Camero stuff like a normal neoprene suit/top..........because its not.

At Nationals I had the pleasure of being the dock starter for the Men's 8 Group. All these guys were talking trash to each other, giving each other terrific encouragement and just a great group of people to hang out with. I hope that when I'm in that age group I'll have the same great outlook on life. If Jerry is the skier that I'm thinking about most of the skiers went out at 22 off and finished maybe at 32 off. I could be wrong but I think Jerry might have gone off the dock at 32 off...........now that's impressive.