PatRe

Perhaps the Reflex mono (single long plate) will provide the solution.

I've skied with my friend for several years and have a "very strong hunch" of which ski length would be best for him. Input received thus far seems to support my hunch though I don't want to get into details as to not influence his decision. We appreciate all your help. It might come down to demo rides to see what best suites him. @Horton much thanks for your excellent & unbiased reviews of various skis. And thanks to all for sharing their experience. I'm hopeful we can resolve this soon and post his particular preferences and results. Any further thoughts are certainly welcome. Pat

I didn't get to know Mr. Witherell but do remember watching him ski and being one of the first guys to make it really look easy. He gave us a great slalom clinic between rounds at a John's Lake tournament in the 80's. A true ambassador for the sport!

My buddy wants to try the XT and is seeking recommendations regarding ski length. He currently skis on the a 65.25" N1 with a (white cuff) Reflex front boot and an R-style rear setup on a single Reflex plate. At 175 to 180 pounds and about 6' tall he loves his current ski. He skis 34 MPH, runs 35s and wants better looks at 38. Any recommendations with ski length would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance. Pat

John, I'm sorry for your loss. In my thoughts and prayers. Pat

@AB I went to Wade's "a couple of years later" - your friend was right. During my friend's college years, he was Wade's training partner. I too was living in NY and was invited for a visit. I cannot begin to tell how amazed I was with his skills. His endurance & focus, hmm... multiple (a lot of) 38s, back to back, spin as soon as possible after the gates and repeat. He technically fell (ski not in contact with the water) at buoy 2 during one of the passes. He held the handle, planted, kept skiing and a couple of buoys later he was back on schedule. Carl stopped by and asked if we wanted to ride in the boat. We were in the passenger seat before answering. I'm a newbie and now on cloud nine. They advised in terms I could understand. It was fun to hang with them. Both are gentlemen. I'm glad to hear Mr. Cox is coaching and wish him all the best.

@Garn What @SkiJay said for sure. A friend of mine is a short line MII skier. I watched him backup some (what I call) short line passes with plenty of real estate before each ball and later asked if he had to change the setup for Florida vs New Jersey water. He said he just left it where Andy set it. Nothing but good to say about Mr. Mapple.

@Wish Greatly enjoyed - thanks for sharing! To all Ballers Merry Christmas and all the Best for 2014!

I'm asking myself the same question. I started to tear down my kitchen. The refrigerator is resting in the dining room. The cabinets are next. I know less than nothing but will hopefully learn along the way. I also have yet to meet Mr. Horton but, just like skiing, perhaps his remodeling experience will prove helpful as well. Good luck with your project! If you get frustrated or stuck - go get behind a boat!

@AB Thanks for visiting this topic! I agree with @Roger regarding duct tape being "perfectly effective". I've been using tape for a few seasons now until I can get a TW. Other homemade versions should work just as well provided it is made out of a material that you can bend / fold over without it shattering or breaking. I'd like to say that is a given but I did see one that could splinter and provide sharp & shattered edges. Yes weird / unexpected falls happen. I've seen people throw the handle in disgust - and you know it's going to be flopping all over the place. And tell me you never saw a skier just miss that extra quarter buoy, let go of the handle and keep turning towards the boat - yes, they can catch the boat and this is the one time they do not want to ski the handle. If I'm driving, I'll do what I can to (hopefully) prevent an incident. As a passenger, I've quickly yanked the rope... and hope for luck. Order one, make one but by all means at least put some tape on there before your next ride. Ballers - stay safe, ski well, have fun and keep sharing! Much thanks for making this a safer addiction for all!

As do I!

Let's try the links again... Handle Control: ballofspray.com/tech-articles/87-what-the-heck-is-handle-control Regina:

I just stumbled across this older post (sorry for the delayed response) and thought I'd add my $0.02. I can see you have skills and time on the water should easily get you back to where you were and beyond. You've undoubtedly noticed there are numerous BOS threads regarding the all important foundation of being STACKED. I'll try not to ramble. While I couldn't see your roll-in for the gates, I'm guessing it was possibly a touch abrupt and you took a bit of a divot since it appears the rope is significantly loaded when you come into view. Yet you get into the first white water with decent position. Many aren't strong enough to do that. So, if my guess is correct, I'd recommend a very wide gate (well outside the 2 - 4 - 6 line) with a gentle roll-in which allows you to plant your elbows to the vest with straight relaxed arms. Basically just hold that position and let it build all the way through the wakes. It is not productive to get off that edge early at -15. Do not add to the load towards the wakes. Do ride the natural arc of the handle. This will develop plenty of angle with speed and space before buoy one. The lighting (contrast) on my screen is a bit tough but it appears you are connected into the first white water. Behind the boat your handle seems to get away from your core - your arms extend towards the boat with the handle elevated. I hope I can insert images. Anyway, by Pic1, your shoulders are closed to the boat. Pic2 your shoulders are starting to face the wakes. You are inhibiting outbound travel. Pic3 - it looks like you're just about to release your right hand and your shoulders are closed big time. It is beneficial to hold the handle long provided it does not compromise outbound. If you have both hands still on the handle with closed shoulders you've held it too long (and something else probably wasn't perfect - ok none of us are perfect) in the pieces before that. Did I say I'd try not to ramble? Ok, instead, I'll refer you to one of my all time favorites (one I don't review often enough): http://www.ballofspray.com/tech-articles/87-what-the-heck-is-handle-control And Regina puts it all together here: Take special note of where her handle is during all phases. Notice where the handle is as she goes through the second white water (and beyound) paying particular attention to her inside elbow (pretty much at a right angle) and how her shoulders stay open. Finally, the handle is forward and up at apex. She is well countered. Ski well & please keep us posted.

@walley I'm sorry to hear someone stole your equipment. Not nice. On a good note... you're getting an XT! It is not unusual for people to struggle a bit with ZO at first. Once they accept they should not challenge the boat, passes get a lot easier. Don't force the issue. Relax and you and your new ski will enjoy the ride. I wish you the best with your new ski and please keep us posted.

And the journey begins...

Than, ski each pass. Be in the moment. I see it happening soon!

Oh, for Than, I might be partially to blame for him not running 38. I was in the boat for his third round and as nicely as he was in it, I did not say "He's got it!" - but I thought for sure he'd be coming back at that next loop. Arg. Still, great skiing gentlemen and it will only get better!

@OB, I don't know you but congrats all the same. That is huge! I hung out with Than a bit at John's today. We were in a tower and he took a look at his phone between skiers and said "Wow! Look at this!" ...referring to your performance. He was so happy so I know it was a big day for you! Great job!

@bojans Great stretch video! Thanks for sharing.

@bojans I also went from doubles to a hardshell & RTP the first week of June this year. I only have seven sets on them (need to do something about that) and the ride is getting better and better as my comfort level increases. I agree with @Drago. Give it some time. "Just back into skiing after several years off." Also, great to see people coming back to this sport.

Through the years, I've often asked ski setup advice from @plubius. I like the idea of having set screws that protect the fin from damage. That said, I've always loosened the clamp screws to allow the fin to flop around freely... move the ski and gravity will move the fin. In fact, I pull the fin away from the set screws before adjusting regardless of the move. IMO, it makes subsequent adjustments (especially fine moves) that much easier. So, while I agree with @SkiJay @AB and others, @plubius always has great ideas!

@ral On a good note, you remembered to bring your ski to the lake!

@Than_Bogan Yes Sir. Great people, great site and the water, well... magic! Looks like I like it there as well...

He'll smile if you ask about his 35 pass; I thought it was good. 38 and 39 were sweet! Very nice skiing Scott!

@patmaster I just changed from Strada doubles to a Reflex and RTP. Loved my Stradas! I never had any issues with them but took off a bunch of seasons after using another system. I just wanted to try Reflex. What @Spesh and Andy said above. If Mr. Mapple said to use duct tape for an RTP, well, we'd see a lot of skis using tape for the toe piece! Keep in mind that if you like your feet close together it (Reflex doubles) may present an issue. At least that's what I'm told... check to be sure. I also hear the double releases are a bit tricky to set. By all means look into Reflex. BTW The source for both bits of the above information was directly from a dealer.