Stickman

I have the EXACT same boat. Everything appears to be stock except the steering wheel and the rear speakers. Wheels are not original either if that matters.

We do allot of course maintenance off the back of our boats. Subs and even cables need to rest on the platform. Fiberglass would get trashed but teak has held up nicely.

Looks like Performance is stocking all sizes of the 19' Lithium as well.

@LoopSki , I'd follow Chris's recommendations, but here is another data point for you. I'm 6' 165 lbs and am on a 65" Lithium. I was on a 66" HO S2. Initially the 65" seemed short not because it skied short, but because I was used to seeing more ski in front of me. I have not tried any Pro-builds, but based on your size/ ability I think the 65 is your number, and the Lithium is the layup to get you your -28... and beyond. This ski is no joke. If cash is an issue, keep any eye on the used equipment websites or watch for demos/blems. I too would like to hear from someone who has ridden both back-to-back.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

I recently switched from a Radar rear to an R-Style. I hesitated to make the switch because I really like the Radar (Intuition) liners. The standard R-Style liner fits the binding well and does the job. The Radar liner could be used but the tongue wants to pop-out, so a strap would need to be used. I like the Fluid Motion (Intuition) wrap style liners. The short one is expensive because the top is hand sewn - which I could do without. My ideal liner would be a short FM Tour Pro, possibly with the Radar footbed. My $.02.

I've been told by several people over the years that the benefit of a wing does not come into play until 34 mph - 28 off. Personally, I've never had a problem slowing the ski down.

I'm considering an R-Style but really like the Radar liners I've been using for years. Does anyone have experience with doing this? Can anyone think of a reason why this would not be a good idea? Thanks.

@Jody_Seal, I'll take a shot at your trivia. I'm gonna guess Kristi Overton kick'n it on her Connelly Concept. Why yes, I did own that ski. My very first.

Yes, Looks very similar to the 89' Supreme I used to have.

If I remember correctly, I believe it was Carl Roberge that presented Joe with a pink Kidder (or KD?). Joe gifted Carl with a pink Gibson Les Paul. That was around the time Aerosmith has released "9 Lives" which featured the song "Pink". Why do I remember this stuff?

I have about 8-10 sets on my 65" Lithium. I can't say I notice it being any easier to get up on compared to my 66" S2. Remember, it's only .2" wider than a Vapor. Also, if you are on public water, the Graphite version may be better suited to your needs. The lithium is very light and feels like it rides high on the water. Regardless, if you like your CX than stick with it for the season. My $.02

For use on public water, I have not found a bouy with a stronger islet than the Overton.

If anyone else is riding the 65", I would like to hear your numbers in addition to your weight and height. Thanks!

@Dacon62, Do you mind if I ask your height and weight. I am a light skier, and am wondering if the additional width will benefit me over a Vapor. I'm noticing some shops are not stocking the 65", so I'm wondering if the target market is "larger" skiers (I'm 160 lbs.) Thanks for your previous post. Thanks to @Horton as well for the review.

John, it would be great if your review included some comments (I know you don't do comparisons) to the hugely successful 16' Vapor Lithium which this ski is based from. I'm not looking for "better" or "worse", just what it does differently. 32 or 34 mph comments greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Yes. I've been using the Arnold Siphon Pump for this exact application for years. It's a little messy, but has the right diameter tube - 1/8" sounds about right. Cover your carpet, and make sure that the reserviour that you are pumping into is well anchored. Lowes sells them.

 

I cannot get the link tool to work properly, and don't want to get slammed for a long link, so just go to Lowes website and search for "Arnold Siphon Pump". The other Big Box stores sell them as well.

 

p.s. Don't be overly aggressive inserting the sypon tube. You don't want to get it stuck.

 

 

Have a real Auto Parts store order you a case of staight 40wt (Valvoline). Motorcraft FL1A.

TSG, thanks for the clarification. I've been checking their site daily, and they must have snuck that by me the one day I did not check.

 

Regarding Radar's target for each version, my opionion is that they are offering product for as wide of skier profiles as possible. If you are someone who is willing to trade foregiveness for quicker response, than Lithium is for you. On the other hand, if you are battling constantly changing variables such as water conditions (and your inconsistent technique like me), than the more foregiving alloy may be a better solution. My $.02

 

I would love to be able to demo Lithium vs Graphite on back-to-back sets. Hopefully, someone else will over the next 6 months, and post their thoughts.

Hmmm. Nope, still not seeing 17' Senate prices on Performance website. Somebody post a link if you find prices posted anywhere. Thanks.

Where are you guys seeing prices?

Maybe I missed it, does Xpropman have a website?

@BCM, you mentioned above that you installed a new stereo a few weeks ago. Were you able to find a unit that wires-up directly to the CC factory harness, or did you have to cut the harness out? Thanks.

So the Lithium Senate is not being made in the USA like the Vapor?

I am 155 lbs and 6'. I was happy with the 65" length with that ski. I normally ride 66" in "traditional" width skis. 32-34mph. Let us know how you like it after you get settled in.

I did exactly what you are contemplating doing. The S2 feels faster to me - which is what I was looking for, but I don't seem to be able to turn it as well as the Senate-C. The Senate-C was easily the most forgiving ski I have ridden. If I were you, I would take Mr. Horton's advise.