bdougherty

@killer I agree that they are pretty good skiing boats but they are no where near the TXi as far as tracking and skiing. Last year I skied behind a 2010 response lx which if I am not mistaken has the same or very similar hull as a 99. This year my ski partner has a promo TXi. The TXi tracks way better and is one of the best skiing boats I have ever been behind.

That is a lot of money for that year and model boat, i would think you could find one under 15k. If you are looking for strictly a slalom boat you can get a similar vintage SN for that price (and if you are willing to travel even less), the SN tracks and skis better in my opinion.

If this were the Super Bowl (The Masters is arguably the Super Bowl of skiing) and a call was changed or made that determined the winner with this quality of video Congress would intervene. Calling the gates at the pro level is crazy difficult. You have extreme skier speed and buoy movement plus boat turbulence, if the technology is not there or is not affordable so that the rules can be enforced fairly then the rule needs to change. It is a shame that the tournament ended the way it did. Very exciting and then totally anticlimactic. It was definitely a black eye for the sport.

@aswinter05 great to hear, hope that you enjoy your time at Coble's say hello to Megan Lambert another Hoosier skier who is working there this summer. She is a former member at Ski as well. I will be at Spring Fling look forward to meeting you and your wife. Bryan D

@crashman and @aswinter05 you guys better make it out for the Hoosier Buoy Tour at Fairland Ski Club on July 20th. It is a great time. Also, keep in mind the Monday Night Ski League also at Fairland. We will be offering one coached set and a handicapped tourney set each night with an option to enter a weekly pool for he nightly winner. All pulls will be behind a 2013 TXi that skis great. Hopefully this summer will get some people who have not experienced a tournament involved. Any and all abilities welcome no more excuses that I am not good enough to ski a tourney, all abilities welcome. Tell your friends! Hope to meet you guys soon. @Aswinter05 I am a former member of SKI of Indy. Bryan Dougherty

@Omland I just switched from animals to stradas, I have only skied a few sets with them. At first it was a big change and hard to get used to how loose they felt compared to the animals. I am getting more and more comfortable each time out and really starting to like them. Early in the season so no long term review but I see potential. I like how I can raise my back heel as I have a habit of skiing on my back foot.

Sounds like I got a pair of Vice's that were to long. @Deep11 That was exactly what my problems, strap was way to long. I tried to tell them that over the phone, they refunded my purchase with no problems. May give them a try this year.

Masterline is my choice, tried the radar's but did not like them as well. Had issues with the strap rolling on the radar's and wearing holes on the palm. On a good note Radar was easy to work with when returning the damaged gloves, they are a quality company I just prefer the Masterlines. I also use a really small handle.

Brandon of Central Kentucky Inboards sold one of my boats to Australia. He is very professional and really works to move your boat. Can't remember his cut but was more than reasonable. He is in Kentucky but is really connected through out the county and world in my case. When it is time for me to up grade I will work with him again.

My opinion is that the 196 market is at a high point right now. But on the other hand it is about your only ZO option that has a great wake for around 30k. Crazy to think a 5 yr old boat can still bring that kind of jack but that is the market

In Indiana we offer a Monday Night Ski League which is designed to introduce skiers to the course. This year we have a goal of not only introducing skiers to the course but introduce them to tournament skiing. Our hope is to bridge the gap between beginners and tournament skiers. Our plan is to offer one coached set and one tournament set each Monday evening. The tournament set will have friendly rules such as mulligans, alternative scoring using green buoys etc. we will score based on ability and season averages. The scores will be handicapped to create a level playing field. We plan to have nightly and season winners. We also plan to host a class c tournament called the Hoosier Buoy Tour modeled after the Ohio Buoy Tour that offers handicapped fun formats within a traditional class C tournament.

FYI The promo is through Malibu and in the Midwest. Thanks for the tips so far! Exactly what I was looking for! Boat is scheduled to be built in Nov. and want to make sure it is built to maximize the resale potential.

Veteran Promo guys, what are some tips for a first time promo owner when picking options for an easy sale in the fall. Colors, must have options (other than those required for tournaments), options to stay away from, tandem vs single axel trailer etc. Any tips would be appreciated thanks in advance.

My ski partner has one, it is a 2011 with 300 hrs and ZO it is also on ski it again for 29500. It is a good boat and skis nice. We changed props to an ON per suggestions on the site and have been happy with the boat. I have skied behind this boat a lot and think that it is a steal for the money. The only reason he is selling is because he plans to join the Malibu promo program

You may want to check if there is a grassroots division in the sanctioning of the tournament. If so it is for men, women or children who are beginners or ski under their divisions maximum speed. The grassroots division is usually a little looser and allows for beginners to get extra passes. The down fall is the scores will not be recorded in the AWSA rankings. It is a good way to break into the tournament scene.

+1 on the In-Tow handle

@than, thanks for the article, I started blushing when you described this level of skiers. It sounded like you were describing me. My tournament pd is 1@28 off 36mph. Lately my 36 15off and 22off felt late and fast. I was sure the solution was my turns, after reading the article I have practiced the stacked position on dry land. Tried it in the course at 34 and immediately felt a huge difference. The key for me was straight arms. Skied a bunch of 36 22off today without a miss and made 4@28 twice (best practice score of the season). Thanks for thinking of us intermediate guys.

Sold mine to Australia through Brandon at Central Kentucky Inboards. Can't say enough about how pleased I was with the transaction. I will call Brandon when my current boat needs a new home.

Sunday will be Indiana's first ever Hoosier Buoy Tour event. Special thanks to Greg Kuenning for his willingness to help. What a great thing they have going in Ohio hopefully the Hoosier Buoy Tour will be half as successful. Stay tuned to the IWSA website for future tour announcements. Also, there have already been talks of a future event between the two states. Bryan

I skied a sport nautique 200 last year in the slalom course. It is not a competition ski boat. It is probably a good compromise for a dad who wants to ski recreationally with kids who like to wakeboard on public waters. The wake is wide and pretty hard compared to what is out there. My opinion only. Speed was 34 and 36 15 off and 22 off did not go any shorter.

I have been using a foam roller to stretch and relieve soreness this season. It really works to relieve tension and loosen up. I really like it for my upper back but it is great for you entire body. I take mine everywhere.

@ crashman no experience necessary for the HBT our goal is a tournament that welcomes any level of skier. All divisions grassroots, novice and advance will compete against thier own division with the top five in each division reaching the finals. Your scores will be based on your percentage against your highest buoy count. This encourages competition between all levels of skiers. We will have a mini course for grassroots skiers and four pass minimum, novice skiers will recieve a mulligan as well. Advanced skiers will recieve a minimum of 2 class c rounds with a third coming if you reach the finals. Come join us if you can. Bryan

@ crahman I love my CC but I will ski behind anything, sometimes beggars can't be choosers! Come down and join us I am in charge of registration and things will be filling up fast. Where are you located?

I am a member at Fairland ski club, we do have a Monday night ski event on June 18th. This is an event where all are welcome, 25 bucks for two sets (unless a really big crowd) you are more than welcome to come we are also hosting a 2 round class C tournament the 24th this is the inaugural Hoosier Buoy Tour event. This is a handicapped tournament modeled after the very successful Buckeye Buoy Tour in Ohio. We would love to have you at any and all events. Email me @ bryandougherty13@gmail.com for more info. Also, would possibly be available for a ski some other time during that week not sure what my schedule will be. @crashman you are a Hoosier right think about signing up for the buoy tour. It should be a good time and all abilities are welcome bring some friends! Bryan

Make sure you do not clean the seats or any vinyl with any product that includes bleach as it can weaken the seems and cause them to split. Also, once clean 303 is the best for protecting