jjackkrash

That's a good way to get a boat if the price is right, depending on your intended usage and resale horizon. Hours are always going to be a factor if you want to resell it, so that has to be factored into the purchase price.

Radar website. Click on fin settings. https://radarskis.com/products/2024-vapor-pro-build-gun-metal

I have machine squares, got a pick of the technique?

I have a ski doc workstation. The issue for me is eyeballing the calipers so they are straight back when you measure DFT; it's really just a guessing game. Any micro movement off center changes the measurement. Also, the calipers can (and pretty much do) dig into the fin when measuring fin length, which also turns measuring fin length into a guessing game. At least if you believe that getting it within .001 of the "stock" setting is significant.

Treat yourself: Vector Boa.

I set up the boy's 66" today; man I hate setting up new skis. I have a hard time getting the same DFT measurement twice and fin length isn't much more consistent. So stressful. At least the single carbon plate makes boot measurement and set up easier. Stock Long and Shallow settings. Hopefully he gets to try it out Tuesday. Fed ex didn't get here in time to set it up and ski it this weekend. By the way, I was tempted to get the blue, but he generally prefers all black-ish. I gotta say, the gunmetal is real sharp, especially with the carbon plate and matching black boot.

Rodgers ran -41 almost 30 years ago; and there have been skis that have allowed people to run -41 many times since. Presumably some of these model skis are on the used market and even great new skis left over from previous model years get substantially discounted. I don't see having the newest ski as a real "need" to be competitive, only a "want." If you are a patient shopper you can pick up a very nice ski for under a $1000 down to a couple hundred bucks.

I am tempted to pick up a Lagoon Blue RS3 to complement the ski. 4996-D09-B-B1-AE-4-C2-B-A35-D-C8683-AB9-AA33.pdf

It looks like the recommended binding distance changes based on Long/Shallow and Short/Deep choice of fin setting. Is that right, or a typo on the website? Also, is the measurement still to the very base of the new Vapor hard shell hybrid boot on a carbon plate? Thanks in advance.

@ColeGiacopuzzi, short deep or long shallow to start? (66")

63.5" Vapor if you can find one cheap enough. And you can find them pretty cheap if you are patient and surf wakehouse.com and ski it again frequently. E.g. https://www.ski-it-again.com/php/skiitagain.php?endless=summer&topic=Search&category=Slalom&postid=67415

I agree with the above. Set it up and go ski it. It should be fine at 32 mph and leave a little growing room.

My experience with the vapor is once bindings are optimal, play with DFT and reduce just a hair in your case. For me less dft seemed to smooth out (but slows down) the turn and more dft makes it easier to turn but it will also start to bite. Make very small adjustments. But I would also micro-adjust the bindings back and fourth first if you haven't.

Last year at Hilltop there was a lot of discussion on the dock about CNG fueling most of the boats in Europe (and how it impacted some of the skiers). I don't have any idea what was fueling these boats however.

It looks like lots of good slalom skiing behind the best trick boats ever built.

It's gotta be his decision. Pushing him too hard to face his fears might result in a multi-year set back. Competition/other kids his age skiing to show as an example can help.

Earlier starts are usually less windy, at least in my neck of the woods.

I am going to be somewhat of a contrarian and say, at minimum, 20 pounds over the weight range is not going to make it any easier or more enjoyable. I'd want to be on a 69" senate at that weight range and would assume even with good technique and a strong boat a 67" senate is going to make starts harder than necessary and put strain on your lower back. I'd give it a shot but you generally want the ski to be on the big side--not the small side--of the weight chart when you are coming back. Not the other way around.

Slalom skiing is like the bench press of powerlifting. It's certainly the most popular event. And who doesn't want a big bench. And it's the most fun to practice. But all three events at a powerlifting meet are important and squat and deadlift are probably more important/impressive to those who really understand the sport. Frankly, I think ski jumping is the most exciting of the three skiing events to watch. I suspect tricking takes the most technical skill and practice time (coupled with gymnastics-like training) to master at the elite level than the other events. Like others I probably enjoy slalom the most, but that does not mean we should shove jump and trick aside. Jump and trick are events deserving of a seat at the table. All that said, the best skier at a three-event tourney is the overall winner, period. And I'd prefer there were more three event tourneys than less.

The first tournament my boy jumped in there was a great turnout for the tourney in general. Jump was at the end of the day and the shoreline was lined with skiers and family cooking out, etc., waiting for jump to start, with excitement in the air. My boy was on the dock with a handful of guys gearing up and looking serious. "Look down the shore," I said. "It looks like everyone is having fun, but they are all down there watching, while you are here--on the dock--with the jumpers." My boy instantly understood that being on the dock with the jumpers--being a jumper--is a special place to be even if you are a beginner.

Man, the guy is entitled to free ski at whatever length and speed he wants to and is entitled to his opinions. The free-ski haters are sure quick to judge. Also, more and more, I question generalizations about boat models, when in fact set up, weight distribution, and things like hydrogate settings and adjustments are critical, and when even one-off hull defects are not impossible. Anyone here think it's impossible that the boat was in jump/trick mode on the hydrogate?

The kids love Regionals. Whatever makes the tourney better is better for the kids and the sport. In my opinion.

I have owned a 206. It was a good ski boat for 34 mph skiers especially as the line shortens. It drives and tracks well with excellent build quality. It's got a very good wake for 34 mph skiers especially at -28 off and shorter at 34 mph (IMO). When I owned it some of the women complained about the wake at slower and longer line lengths. The wake turned into a nice trick wake quicker than a 196. I also would not put a tower on it especially the older, heavier towers, as the heavier towers will ruin the wake plus three people. At that time I rotated boats with some pretty good 34mph skiers in our club, another with 196, and another with a Response LXI of that era. None of the men were unhappy when the 206 hit the rotation and I did not notice a performance drop when we used my boat.

668 and 654 are the same basic size; IIRC I think the 668 has a little cup added to it. But calling Acme is a good place to start.

its the same basic hull shape from what I understand. Look for/ask about the roller fix. It should work on both boats.