Hey guys, I apologize for the delay. This real life thing has been keeping me busy. Let me try to explain the grip in a different way (hopefully will make more sense).
By "grip" I mean the traction and the "connection" between the ski and the water. Let's compare it to skiing on warmer or cold water. 90 degree water always creates more "connection", while the ski on the 50 degree water feels "loose". Too much or too little connection does not work, there has to be a balance. Let's compare to standing on the ice vs concrete. If you stand on the ice, you can slide around easily, but if you want to take off, you don't have the "grip". You can take off on the concrete a lot faster, but you can't slide around at all if needed. The ski needs some slide to be able to turn and finish the turn.
The grip translates into the connection with the water. If the ski is too loose (not enough grip), you can't find the connection out of the turn to be able to load the ski to create the angle and speed needed. Too much grip results in the ski being "stuck". Every ski needs a balance of grip and slide. Connection with the water also results in a very safe feeling and consistency.
Now let's make it simple again. The GT was great, but I thought the nose of the ski was slightly too connected vs the tail of the ski that was a bit "loose" (not enough connection). As mentioned earlier, when this balance is achieved, you can load the ski effortlessly right out of the buoy. You end up being in a strong position which allows you to create lots of angle which gets you to the other side a lot quicker. You end up being earlier with a tight line. The GTR is very well balanced. This is the only ski I have ever skied on that worked on 90 or 55 degree water without a change in set up. I personally felt the balance the very first set on the new ski. The GTR is pretty incredible and definitely worth a try.
Hopefully I did not confuse you guys more. If I did, please ask more questions and I will do my best to answer.
Martin