savaiusini

@oldmanskier If you are skiing the course, I'd recommend the Carbon version because it will be more lively/responsive. Carbon version also comes stock with our Syndicate adjustable fin. The standard build is an all fiberglass layup which gives it a more dampened/cruisy feel.

@oldmanskier 2021 and 2022 Omni are the same ski, just a new graphic. However, for 2022 we added a wider option in the 67 and 69 sizes of both the Carbon and Standard builds. If you are 212 lbs and running 32mph, you could go with a 67 Wide or a 69 Standard width. I think the Omega Max might be a more difficult deep water start for you and the largest that ski is made in is a 68. Hope this helps!!

@lpskier Great question but a complicated one to answer. It’s totally a matter of preference. As a general statement, I would say most open toe textile/lace entry boots are targeted toward the crossover/freeskier. Not to say they can’t be used at any level, but you just don’t really see many high-level skiers using them. You see mostly hardshell and rubber boots. However, I would caution against making direct comparisons between a cut down hardshell and a lower cuff textile boot because the retention and release mechanisms are completely different. Cuff height on a textile boot is more about how much material you have to displace in order to get an appropriate amount of response from a given amount of input. Hardshell boots have a hinge point on the cuff so being able to move over the front of the ski is already easier. Modification here becomes a very personal decision and a bit of a rabbit hole in the sense that it’s hard to go back once you’ve made changes. There are no rules. Everyone has differences in how they move on their ski. My only recommendation is to consider investing in some coaching and to buy the boots that feel the best and that you think will perform best for you. If these nuances are important to you, it is always a good idea to work with a shop that has a broad selection and can let you try several boots on to help you zero in on what’s going to be best for you. Hope this helps!!

@jmaines Direct Connect is a feature only found on HO skis made between 2015-2022. No other brand has inserts for these boots. HO skis have inserts for standard plates as well as our proprietary Direct Connect system.

@jmaines Stance 130 has a slightly taller cuff height than the 110. Due to its lower cuff height, Stance 110 is more targeted toward the recreational skier. Either way, you will need a plated boot to work with your Radar Union.

Direct Connect is phasing out for 2023. There are multiple reasons for this, but the primary reason is due to easier inventory forecasting. Currently the only ski in the product line that doesn't have standard plate inserts is the Hovercraft. @jhkiefer Regarding your earlier comment on Hardshells... They are not just for hardcore shortline buoy chasers. B) Yes, they cost more upfront, but they are field serviceable with replacement parts and generally should last much longer than a textile/laced boot.

@OREGON85 It comes from the same mold as the Omega Max, but with a PU core instead of PVC.

This time of year we tend to be a little hand to mouth as a large chunk of our early production goes to southern hemisphere distribution, sales reps, and events like Nationals. For Omega Max, we're expecting to have more units available to ship to North American dealers in November.

@RichardDoane I didn't realize there was a McDonalds that close to the starting dock. Are they catering the event this year? :D

We sunsetted the EXO system in 2014. An adapter plate would be needed for sure. If memory serves me, we shipped our last adapter plate in 2017. Perhaps some dealer out there may still have one?

@Morg what @vtmecheng said B)

@Morg Congrats on the new ski! Stock fin settings are really good as others have already stated. However, at your weight, I probably would not recommend 36mph on the 67 Omni. Top end is really 34mph for that ski at your weight. If you're newer to skiing the course, you'll likely want to slow the boat down anyway. My 3 cents! Enjoy!

@wonwoolee Ride the one that feels best to you. They are both geared for essentially the same skier. If it were me, I would probably sell the one you don't like as well and put that money towards a Pro or an Omega when you are consistently running 22-28off passes at 34mph.

Biggest difference is the heavier PU core material in the Carbon version. The PU gives the ski a "quieter" feel terms of vibration from less than perfect water. At slower speeds and longer line lengths, it makes sense that you didn't notice much difference. They both pass the same QC tests for breakage, so you should not be worried about breaking either one. Hope this info helps!

@Mamaskier WAY more stable on open water than your F1. However, this ski has been replaced by the Syndicate Omni which has an even broader performance spectrum and a touch better than CX at lower speeds like 30mph.

We haven't really had much need to experiment with alt fin settings on Syndicate Omni. Stock numbers work REALLY well. If you felt the need to play around, you could try 6.970 - 2.450 - 0.740. I've tried them and had success, but still prefer stock. Really though you'll get more from playing with the boot position as you are getting dialed-in to riding the ski. Try to start with 29.625" Hope this helps!

@Jaypro We did keep a few for the demo program, and they were so well-liked, the customers kept them. We are now more than likely out of stock until the 2022 models start arriving. Based on the success this year, for 2022 this ski will be offered in 65, 66, 67 and 68 and in two different build types. As @mike_mapple stated, the entire supply chain is still grossly out of whack since demand is roughly triple what it is during "normal times".

@sunnydaysmn If you liked the VTR, I think you really should be on a 68 Omega. Just my 2 cents B)

Pro and VTX are both very similar in feel in that they have a very deep concave and ride lower in the water. They have a very grippy feel from the second wake thru the finish of the turn. The VTR runs a much shallower concave for more outbound glide and a more consistent feel throughout. VTR is also much better suited to your speed and line lengths where 32 mph is probably too slow for the correct size Pro or VTX.

We removed the rear laces on the Animal 3 seasons ago. Prior to that, the Animal haddn't really changed in almost 15 years. The old Animals were notoriously stiff and unforgiving for most folks so we elected to make them a bit more user friendly as a double boot setup unto themselves. From a releasability perspective, the new rear Animal (as well as the new Venom) also pair very well with our Syndicate Hardshell.

At your speeds, a ski like the HO Syndicate Omni or Carbon Omni will allow you to progress all the way through mid-shortline at 34 mph. Sure, you could jump right to a full blown tournament ski, but generally these types of skis will highlight deficiencies in your technique and keep you from the more rapid progression you're looking for. @Than_Bogan is dead-on by saying make your second ski a top-end model.

@Habig someone from my team will be contacting you today or tomorrow. FYI, if Performance has your size, their $100 off offer is a screaming deal. Unfortunately these are high cost items with very low margin.

Highly recommend Jack Travers/Sunset Lakes as well as Swiss. Regardless of your intentions to pursue the course, your freeskiing will only benefit.

@wettek69 https://www.hosports.com/product/waterski-accessories-nobaddays https://www.hosports.com/product/waterski-accessories-retro https://www.hosports.com/product/waterski-accessories-ranger-hat https://www.hosports.com/product/waterski-accessories-ho-sports-emblem-trucker-hat

Think of Syndicate as a brand within a brand. It's a designation we give to those products in our line that are designed to perform at the highest level of tournament waterskiing. It's not a designation we give to say... a pair of combo skis, a kneeboard or a tube.