jipster43

Thanks lp! I've always heard good things about Fogmans, but when someone starts mentioning ankle injuries I start to question things. I'm very glad to know both you and RD have ripped on 'em with positive results. If anyone else wants to chime in here and waylay my fears with a success story - feel free. And if you have experienced less than remarkable results, I'd like to hear those stories too. Thanks. JP :)

Thanks Richard! How would you compare the Fogmans with the Stradas? Are you more confident in the Stradas?  Again, muchas gracias! JP :)

I was hanging out with a pal of mine who is a much more accomplished/seasoned tournament skier than myself, and I mentioned that I was going to be running Fogman bindings this year. He said something to the effect that my ankles will hate me for it. Has anyone else had similar issues with Fogmans? Does anyone here swear by them? I'm 43 and don't really want to deal with any injuries - which is why I ponied up the cash for the Fogmans. It's kind of a bummer to hear they may be hazardous. I'm a mere 135 lbs/5'5" and have them mounted to a 65" Elite on a G-10 plate with 250/400 interlock.  Thanks!  JP :)

The Reflex front with the Strada rear sounds like it would work awesome to me. It can't be much different than the R-style rear often used.  JP :)

Bozeman has been getting about the same. There's more snow in the mountains now than at any point when the lifts were running. The high winds are making the backcountry skiers more than a little nervous.  JP :)

Has anyone noticed a difference in premiums once a boating safety course has been completed? JP :)

What about Fogmans? I just bought a set and when a buddy of mine found out he told me to say goodbye to my ankkes. For some reason I was under the impression that they were extremely safe and stiff. Has anyone modified their interloc to provide a second point of release for these bindings?  I've toyed with the idea of using 250 to 250 like Scotchipman recommends v.s. the 250 to 400. I should point out that I am just entertaining the idea. I would never turn myself into a human guinea pig, but if one of you already has, I'd love to hear the results!  JP :)

I could never get sick of the retro graphics. Connelly has always had the coolest looking skis - starting with the Hook. But I must admit I still love my Elite's stealth & speedy appearance. JP :)

Which ski do you prefer Officer Friendly? I know you ski on the Elite, but you must have skied the Strada a few times too. Thanks!  JP :)

I agree. The Prophecy is one of the coolest looking skis I've seen in a very long time. I would buy it for looks alone.  JP :)

I'd love to ski Manhattan, but I don't have any contact information to get permission. I keep my boat about 10 minutes from there. If you get out this way look me up.  JP :)

How much would the vests be without the surcharge and without any additional discount? Thanks for the legwork! JP :)

Hey Jedgell! I'm in Bozeman. Where in MT are you? What lake are you skiing at?  JP :)

I just bought the Eagle Checkmate vest at H20smosis for $75. For that price if it doesn't float me enough, I'll wear an old flotation belt as well. Thanks Tadd! Is it true that the check pattern offers a little more flotation?  JP :)

Thanks everyone for all your help! I have a lot to think about. I definitely appreciate all your responses here Tadd. I'm going to go to your website and buy my new vest there while I'm mulling everything over. JP :)

I've got a super purdy O'brien Elite that I'd like to throw some Fogmans on, but I don't want to drill any holes into such a pretty ski. Is there another way to mount the Fogmans using Interlock? Would the ski perform just as good? Or should I just pick up the drill?! What about adapter plates? Are there any made for this exact kunundrum?  Thanks again fer all yer help! I'd be a mess without this site.  JP :)

Thanks Scot! I just put back a bison burger at Ted's Montana Grill, and I had some pizza for lunch - pancakes for breakfast, so if I can keep this up, I should have no problem weighting a 65.5 by May.  JP :)

Thanks T-UP! According to the Elite sizing chart I fall smack dab in the middle for the 65.5, so I would hope I'm safe.  JP :)

If I'm skiing 22 @ 34mph and weigh 135lbs, is the 65.5 elite going to be too long? I know it comes down to personal style and preference, but I keep seeing folks going a buck-seventy-five skiing on the 65 elite and it makes me a little nervous.  JP :)

Thanks fellas! I'm looking forward to hearing more comparisons. They both seem like incredible skis, but from what I can gather the Elite can be a little more finicky in terms of binding and fin setup.  JP :)

Tommy John's surgeon was a fella' by the name of Frank Jobe. I thought that was pretty interesting. JP :)

I'm not sure how this topic wound up in the technique and theory category. I'd switch it to the appropriate category if I had the wherewithal.  JP :)

A few of you folks out there have been fortunate enough to have skied both of these buggers. Can anyone tell me how they compare the two? Are they similar and in what ways? How are they different? Which one did you prefer? I know you PNW (Washington) fellers have been on both.  I'm really interested in what you have to say. Thanks! JP :)

I found this website with the critical information sought. http://www.waterskis.com/O'Brien-Elite-Slalom-Waterski-p/obrien_elite_2009.htm I just received my Elite today - moments ago (thank God I worked from home today) and I must say it's very minimal.Â\ There's not a lot of excess material in the construction. I'm thinking that may cause the ski to sit deeper in the water than a typical 65.Â\ Their weight recommendation for their 65 is 125-150lbs, so my uneducated guess may actually be correct. I bought the ski from a fella' who weighs 175lbs and found it to be too short. Cheers! JP :)