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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 75 Tique Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Ski Question
    Posted: October-16-2018 at 11:50am
Question for Joel or Chris Mars or whoever wants to field it.

I am not a course skier. Always liked the idea,, but access never seemed to go my way and unfortunately, I never made it happen. If lucky, I get on a course once or twice a year. Maybe. This year I got a little more access and am feeling some improvement. For years, on a good day, I could make 15/28 mph. This year, I got so I was early most balls at 15/30. I've had some opportunities to ride newer skis, and despite my rants about not needing equipment better than me, realize a newer better ski does make life easier. I dont want to spend a lot since I dont do this regularly, but I am striving to get out more and continue to improve.

I've skied a couple Radars and like them I found this one for relatively cheap. I know its older, but has to be better than my 90s vintage HO that weighs about 50 lbs. Apparently Senates have been around for about 10 years. Dont know if this one is that old or not. Do any of you have any idea and either way, is this a worthwhile improvement?



Another question to the skiers. When I get very solid at 15/30, do you think I should go to 22/30 or 15/32? Keep in mind I have no intent to compete but only to improve my PB. Thoughts?

It killed me to read Chris' recent post about Zoe hitting 15/28, two hands, just cruising through the course. When I do 15/28 or 15/30, I feel like I am putting absolutely everything I've got into it and after a pass or two am completely wiped out. Makes me wonder what I am doing wrong when young mother of 2 with little to no prior experience can get out there and just cruise to equal performance. That being said, I certainly applaud her performance.

Oh, just an FYI, here are a couple passes from this past summer, just for reference and for comment. In a later outing this year, i got a little better than this.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DVskier Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-16-2018 at 1:21pm
I'drecommend a trip up to Cobles ski school, it's not too far from you. April does a great job and could certainly get you on the right track. Unless you have access to a slalom course on a regular basis it would be unrealistic to expect improvement.
I got serious about running the course last year and have improved a lot but I did over a hundred sets this year at 8 passes per set. Good instruction and access are the most important factors to me. I'm 72 and have run 15 off at 30.4 at least 50 times yet my tournament PB is 5@30.4 mph. Something about the anxiety at a tournament or maybe a senior moment. I ran 3@32.3 mph a couple weeks ago in practice.
I have a 2013 Senate Graphite ( Senate C) that I'd sell you for $300. In like new condition, no boots. Slalom course skiing is very addictive! Lots of ups and downs but I love it.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Orlando76 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-16-2018 at 2:03pm
I recommend spending as much as you can on something as new as you can. A very forgiving ski to try is D3. I like Radar a lot but I am not a Senate fan even though I’m only a 32 mph skier. The appropriate way to move up is to go faster to appropriate max speed then to cut the rope. I don’t agree with that theory. I feel once you’re comfortable with -15@30 to cut rope down to -22 so you can feel what it’s like to get free of the boat then move up in speed to max when you can. I almost think starting somebody-15 in the course is a hindrance.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Riley Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-16-2018 at 6:04pm
Larry, I ski 15/30 on open water only. I've been skiing on an HO Vengeance for 15 years. I got talked into a new ski this summer and I was surprised at how much better it is and how much better my skiing is. I got the low end Senate, (alloy). Plenty of ski at 30 and I think its good for 34. I know the Senate has been around for quite a few years. Not sure when it was last updated, but you maybe able to find a used one that is the latest model. .

Tom has the Senate Graphite and loves it.

DVSkier, " I did over a hundred sets this year at 8 passes per set. . I'm 72 "    Holy crap, good for you!

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DVskier Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-16-2018 at 9:52pm
It's easy when you're retired. Will ski 100+ days on the snow this winter as I have for the past 5 years.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 81nautique Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-17-2018 at 10:06am
Larry, I ski open water 28/34 on a Senate C, I think if I was in the course I would immediately want something faster but for what I do it's a great ski and I've found it to be very forgiving and easy to turn but it will cut hard when you get up on the front it.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote M3Fan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-17-2018 at 10:07am
Glad to see the addiction begin. Any top slalom ski from D3 2013+ and any top ski by Radar 2014+ would be my recommendation and those should be 500 or under. I don't buy into the lower line skis or wider skis or whatever as I consistently see folks do better on the top ski made with top materials from a brand. I'll also throw in the HO S2 which was a fantastic ski and can be had on the cheap. My favorites from the era would be a D3 Quest 2013+ and the Radar Vapor Lithiums from 2014+. I've seen skiers at your level excel on both skis. I love Goodes as well, though they may be out of your range pricewise.

Recently wrote about skis here: Thoughts on Slalom Skis

And wrote about speed here: Boat Speed in Slalom
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote GottaSki Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-17-2018 at 12:22pm
Great to see the fire to slalom and improve!
I'm leaning (heh) 30 mph will feel mushy to you and hook a turn like you did until some corrections are made, The higher cross-wake speed from shortening the rope more now will feel quite irregular unless you get some time free skiing in at 32 and 34 mph and correcting the stance, posture and foot bias.
You'll best to straighten the stance now before the additional forces of shortline inhibit any major corrections to posture.

In summary, new skis are great and all, but i feel you are not ski limited right now.
Right now the shoulders are crossing the wake 1' in front of your hips.
I observe the hips drop instantly when you pull, thus you will be force-limited by lower back muscles until stance is corrected
One should see linearity of shoulders, hips and ankle joints, error on the hips leading the parade

I suspect 32+ mph freeskiing now will help you trust the firmness of the water to keep the ski from diving in, as you do corrections to one's form that will then translate to better uniformity of technique across many speeds and line lengths

to reply to your original question, i say 32/15

Step back and adjust now so to really enjoy your time on the water for along time to come, with less fatigue and less injury, thus more days skiing
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Hollywood Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-17-2018 at 1:41pm
I'm will all of what gotta ski just said but would like to add that if there is a nasty bump at 15' try 22'

Much like shortening a wakeboarder to allow then to comfortably and confidently go wake to wake. Casing the wake is as much fun and skiing thrown the peak of a rooster tail.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Donald80SN Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-17-2018 at 7:28pm
Larry,

I was very impressed when you skied behind my boat at the Badin Lake event. You are a very good skier. Take a look at www.ski it again.com . The for sales section has some killer deals on new and used skis. Dealers will dump their 2017 and their 2018 to make room for the 2019 models. Some of the guys on Ball of Spray.com were recommending not to purchase a ski less than four years old. Ski technology has improved greatly and continues to do so.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 75 Tique Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-22-2018 at 10:28pm
Thanks for all the feedback guys and Donald, thanks for the pull and the kind words, but I've got a long way to go.

So I didnt react soon enough and the radar pictured above sold for only $150. At that price, I am guessing it was one of the originals and probably a generation or so away from latest technology.

Some good input. I think you've all heard me say I dont need a ski better than me, but you've also heard me say recently, that I acknowledge a better ski makes life easier, even for a 15/30 skier. Most people poo-poo what I say about a rookie needing a better ski, but Joel and Tom stated it better than I. Joel, when he said a 15/30 skier really isnt know to feel/appreciate/use the differences in a high end vs a really high end ski and Tom stated that I am not really ski limited at this point. In other words, I can probably get a whole lot better on my old HO without having to get a new ski to get better. Yup, I'm sure thats true. Would a new ski help me get better faster? Based on what I have felt, yes it would. I didnt check them all, but I know that most of those skis on Joel's list in his link are all pretty well north of $1000, new. I am certainly not in that league. I think a ski that is 400 - 600 new, and now a couple years old might fit my needs just fine. The search will continue. If I dont find a Senate, I am thinking an HO Syndicate might be comparable: would you agree? Its hard to remember all I've looked at, but I seem to recall a 12 or 13 Syndicate. that might be in my price range. Do you think that is reasonable technology?

Donald, I have been keeping my eye on ski-it-again. Over 400 skis to sort through. I copy the SIA list into an Excel spreadsheet. That way I can sort and filter to make the search easier, length, year, price, make....

The search continues. If any of you have a 12-13 vintage ski just laying around in your shed since you updated, let me know. David, I am keeping your offer in mind. Thanks,

Back to Tom's comment on my form and about my shoulders leading. Yup, good observation. That is the point in my turn that, believe it or not, has been the big improvement this year.   I got tips from three skiers better than me this summer. Nate Smith (just a little better than me) a guy on my lake I ski with and Gary (91NaughtyQ on here). All 3 talked to me about leaning, stacking, handle at waist..... the big changes came between the ball and the wake. I'm pulling a lot harder there (Gary says I now need to continue that across the wakes) but I am getting across a lot faster now, which is getting me to the ball earlier.   But as Tom pointed out, and as visible in the video, I am still folding at the waist. I am working on it.

Oh, couple other responses. Tom, I do do all my free skiing at 32. I back it off for the course. Kevin, "if -15 is bad, try -22" On my old boat, -15 isnt bad, -22 is dead nuts center of a fairly significant rooster tail, so I avoid -22 on my boat. Fortunately most of my skiing, and all of my course skiing is behind a 92 MC, a 91 SN (Gary's) a 96 SN (neighbor) or Gregs 206. All better than mine and I think -22 is probably as good as -15 on all of them.

Final thought. In reality, given my age (63) and current skill level and course access, I am guessing something like 22/32 is probably as good as I am destined to get. I'm thinking that reality is why I really dont need a particularly spectacular ski.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote MrMcD Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-22-2018 at 11:30pm
I am finding that skiing past 60 years of age has other limitations. I still love to ski and wish I could do it far more than I do.
Putting on the ski has become a lot more work. Loss of flexibility due to a 15 year old back injury limits how far I can bend over to slip on the ski.
Once on life is easy. Getting that dang ski on is hard. I switched to an open rear boot and that helps a lot. Cuts the install time in half for sure.
The newer skis all seem to have double high wrap boots, many with strings or clasps to tighten the boot.   I have stayed with the old school binding just for ease of entry.
Something to consider as you choose that new ski.
Heck, Andy Mapple, God rest his soul, skied better than all for many years with an open rear boot on his ski. I agree the new design skis are better and will offer advantages but as stated already maybe not much.   But if it makes you happy test them and report back and good for you still enjoying the sport at 63.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 75 Tique Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-22-2018 at 11:44pm
Since most of the skis I am looking at are blanks, instead of spending more on bindings, I will probably just move mine over. They feel comfy/fine. I just have a rear toe plate as well. Not comfortable in double boots tho I suppose I could get used to it. BTW, Nate Smith skis with a RTP. Doesnt appear to have held him back at at all. I hear what you're saying about getting the ski on being half the battle. I'm pooped after just getting that done.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote storm34 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-23-2018 at 12:03am
Larry, glad we (Zoe) could be an inspiration! Proceed cautiously, chasing buoys is a dangerous addiction! Advance apologies for the novel response.

I would support most everything listed above. Buying a new ski isn't a necessity but you're doing a LOT of really good things in that video and are a prime candidate to make some major improvements in a short amount of time. If funds allow, move forward with a new(er) ski!

In addition to a new ski, I would suggest visiting a ski school for a day or seeking out some coaching so you understand how to leverage the new investment to the max. Or, go ski for a day and ask for suggestion to what fits your style/tendencies. Coaching really brought everything together for me a few years back.

I was struggling to run 32mph -15 (a pass I should run easily) when I signed up for a Chris Parrish clinic three years ago. Was skiing on a newer Senate Lithium but still not advancing and was gassed after 3-4 passes.

CP's exact words to me after my first pass, very first set was "take the ski off and get in the boat." We laughed for a few minutes after I responded with "That bad, Huh"? Jokes aside, I stood on the platform while he showed me how I should be standing on the ski. Anke & knee bent, hips up and standing tall on my front foot - he was trying to get the handle down but it started with my lower body. It felt WAY foreign to me but made a huge difference.   

Long story short, Chris had me running 34-15 & 34-22 with ease and getting deep into 36-16 by the end of that morning (3 sets - 6 passes a set). I was wide, early and skiing more efficiently than I ever imagined possible. Most importantly, I was HOOKED!

Here's our group at this year's Parrish Clinic.


My philosophy of skiing and how to ride a ski changed completely after skiing with Parrish. Just watch Joel's youtube channel, look at his body position on the pull out, glide and pull to one ball. I haven't seen Joel in nearly 10 years but I'd venture to guess He and I are trying to implement the same things. A little coaching should give you enough to work on for a solid ski season while providing some immediate results.

We can all give you advise (I'm happy to pass on any knowledge I've gained over the past few years) but what you get with a good coach during or immediately following a set is irreplaceable. You'll be skiing more efficiently which leads to better/positive reps and making more progress after a day with a coach than all of our knowledge/time and energy combined when communicated via the web.

You have plenty of good skiing years left in the tank. Go to your Regionals tournament and watch some of the older divisions compete - those guys/gals can ski and are truly an inspiration to others who want to keep skiing at a high level.

Keep us posted on your journey. It sure would be fun for us all to get together to chase some buoys.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote storm34 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-23-2018 at 12:11am
You responded while I was writing my novel. Investing in a new ski and not bindings (of any combination) would be like buying a new sports car with old tires. Binding setup (placement on the ski) was the first and only thing I've changed on my ski once the fin was set to stock settings.

Not saying you can't ride the ski with the old ones but it's not that much more $$ and gives you the opportunity for someone with way more knowledge than us to set it up properly.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote M3Fan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-23-2018 at 10:58am
Just to clarify– the reason I say a -15 skier won't feel certain things about a ski and ski setup is so that skier focuses on skiing and not tweaking the ski. I'm amazed when I see folks on BOS talking about fin adjustments and then reveal that they are skiing open water and occasionally getting into the course.

I very strongly feel that you DO benefit from a top-of-the-line carbon ski regardless of your skill level. There is no performance penalty for a nicer ski and you can get something really relevant for <600 used these days.

As for bindings I'd say look into those but make those a "phase 2" purchase. New ski + old bindings for a little while, then think about introducing new bindings. One big change at a time. Generally speaking a binding change is far more impactful than a ski change which sounds crazy but it's true.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AAM196 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-24-2018 at 8:07pm
Keep watching ski it again... some guys like to keep trading up... unlikely you will find one with bindings and if so they might be shot but you will most likely score a $1,300 ski for $500. Demo some skis if you have a shop near you. Hell, you might even p/u a year old demo.

First get your posture right...

Good luck.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rebel skier Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-27-2018 at 11:12am
I went to a rear toe because of experiencing the same difficulty getting two boots on and stiffness. I dont ski as well with that set up. I ski LFF with my dominant foot back and think that is why. Worth a shot though. .
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote KRoundy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-29-2018 at 11:46am
Some good advice already on here. If you have not discovered it already, go to ballofspray.com. It is like CCF, but just focused on slalom skiing. The Radar Senate is a GREAT ski for what you want to do. I have a 2015 Senate Lithium and I LOVE it. So much better than the late-90's Kidder I was skiing. Newer bindings are also a lot lighter and easier to get into. Try finding some good, lightly used, Radar Profile bindings in your size. You'll be amazed at how much bindings have improved.

As for your skiing - as my ski club friend likes to say to me - "Hips up, buttercup." in that video you are sitting down, which makes it feel like you are leaning back, but you really don't have any leverage against the boat in that position. Your shoulders need to go back. Think about squeezing your shoulder blades together and getting the handle down near your hips.

And keep taking videos of yourself. It helps a ton. See you over on Ball of Spray.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote GottaSki Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-29-2018 at 2:21pm
Indeed,

now consider the handle will be only one place, in a line between the shoulder and the boat. The question is for us, where is the rest of you?
The common phrase 'Moving the handle' to the hips seems natural, but to only those that 'get it' and seems to frustrates all others.
Seems the motion is better described as hips move forward and up to touch the handle.
And without the engaged shoulders that Kevin describes, and without the chest up and out, the whole thing doesn't seem possible to one that hasn't felt it yet.

Dry handle training can be a revelation moment for some.


Also, its likely apparent to most, my apologies, but putting the rear boot on first eliminates most the contortions.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bkhallpass Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-29-2018 at 11:08pm
:) Lot's of colorful descriptions. Terry Winter talks about chest pointing up to the sky regarding shoulders/chest. One of my more colorful/less PC friends (also a world champion Speed Skier) says "push the bush" with respect to getting hips up to handle.

As a hack skier, I think the term "stacked position" is most elusive. I know it when I see it. I even feel it when I accidentally get there. But, trying to do it every time is elusive.

If you really want a challenge Larry, my 11 year old is now up to 28 mph, long line, and advancing quickly.

I bought a Senate graphite 3 years ago. It's not the super high end ski that Joel is encouraging, but it is also night and day vs. the skis I had owned previously.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote aupatking Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-30-2018 at 1:32am
The ski pictured was the Strada shape iteration of the Senate. That was a great ski. I still have a Strada that I like to play with sometimes. The last (17 & 18) shape Senate is a freakishly good ski. My ski partner went from a D3 Arc where his PB was 3 @ -32 @ 34 to 5 @ -32 @ 34 mph in two or three sets, so these guys who say they don’t believe the Senate is a good ski have very likely, not ridden one. I’ve been on every ski Radar has put out since the Strada, and a bunch others: HO A2, S2, A3, and VTR, Goode 9800 and Nano One, Mapple 6.0, T2, and T3, and D3 X7, Fusion, and Quest 45. All of those had their good and bad, but there’s nothing wrong with that Senate.
As for shortening at 30, it will either translate or it will not. I was running mid -32 passes at 32 and 33 mph before I could make a -15 @ 34 pass. It just didn’t translate for me. All skiers will differ there.
As for technique, there are key teaching points that will ring bells in your head, when you find a coach that can speak your language. The “get your hips up” or “bring the handle to your hip” or the same thing that has been said 500 different ways did not work for me until one coach had me put 95 % of my pulling grip/strength into the arm that was furthes from the boat while crossing the wake. Rather than focus on the result, he focused me on the process that would lead to the result, and guess what, my hips went up to the handle. Yours may not work the same, but the idea is that good coaching is someone who can translate for you. Also, “bend your knees coming into the wake” is possibly the worst advice ever given. If that’s your thought, it generally causes the skier to flatten the ski, bend at their waste, and ride across the wake, arms out forward, butt out back. “Chair position” as one of my ski partner’s says. I’m a -32 (32 off) @ 34 mph skier, so maybe people running shorter line are better to listen to than me.
One last thing, I’ve never heard any pro say you should change your boots and your ski at the same time, always the exact opposite. If going to a new ski, go with the boots you know.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 75 Tique Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-30-2018 at 10:49am
Thanks for the tips. Keep them coming, both equipment and form. Patrick. You mentioned D3 X7. I believe its predecessor (or at same time alternative??) was the X5. Any knowledge of that. I have a line on one of those for pretty decent price and wondering if its too old (2010 era) to do me much good , tho certain its better than my 90s era HO. Regarding Syndicates, what is the difference between the A's and the S's?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 63 Skier Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-30-2018 at 1:05pm
I have a 2010 Senate Alloy, 67", if you are interested in trying it. I went to a 2014 69" Senate last year because I was working too hard getting up on the 67". The 69" certainly solved that problem but I don't ski as well on it for whatever reason, may be binding placement but not sure. I skied pretty decently on the 67", for my meager skill level anyway. I left my 80's vintage O'brien Competitor for this and couldn't believe the difference, it accelerated me out of turns so much faster I had to learn to adjust quite a bit.. Front binding is shot, though would work with some duct tape to just give it a try. Rear toe.

If you are interested let me know and we can work out a deal, but maybe people here can chime in on whether this ski is too old to help or would be good for you to try.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AAM196 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-30-2018 at 5:47pm
In the HO syndicate line, the A is the "36 mph ski" and the S is the "34 mph ski"... but like Joel says, doesn't mean you personally will not ski the S better than the A or vise versa.

I slowed down to 34 mph but still like my strada over the senate... I just saw a blank 2012 strada for $275, there is also a 67" A2 on there for same price...

Find the guys that trade up every year and buy there stick..

I would make sure you get the right ski, not focus so hard on the deal you get... if it is the wrong size or setup, you will not do your skiing much justice!

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 75 Tique Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-31-2018 at 10:58am
Originally posted by aupatking aupatking wrote:

Also, “bend your knees coming into the wake” is possibly the worst advice ever given. If that’s your thought, it generally causes the skier to flatten the ski, bend at their waste, and ride across the wake, arms out forward, butt out back.


Having a little trouble with this one.

Here is a still from my all time favorite form video, Regina Jaquess at 1/4 speed.



Its from this video.





Here is a similar shot of Nate Smith



From this video



Both seem to charge the wake with a pretty significant knee bend.

I've heard and tend to agree that women probably have better form than guys because they rely on form more than muscle/strength. Could be some truth to that, although her ski tends to stand up more coming out of the turn, which I dont think is optimal.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Orlando76 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-31-2018 at 11:27am
Originally posted by 75 Tique 75 Tique wrote:

Originally posted by aupatking aupatking wrote:

Also, “bend your knees coming into the wake” is possibly the worst advice ever given. If that’s your thought, it generally causes the skier to flatten the ski, bend at their waste, and ride across the wake, arms out forward, butt out back.


Having a little trouble with this one.

Here is a still from my all time favorite form video, Regina Jaquess at 1/4 speed.



Its from this video.





Here is a similar shot of Nate Smith



From this video



Both seem to charge the wake with a pretty significant knee bend.

I've heard and tend to agree that women probably have better form than guys because they rely on form more than muscle/strength. Could be some truth to that, although her ski tends to stand up more coming out of the turn, which I dont think is optimal.


I agree with aupatking. I think this is a major misconception in the ski community. Kris LaPoint teaches me not to bend so much to focus more on being tall and lean and I always do better with this approach. When I bend my knees like my partner’s want me to do I end up like aupatking describes. I think keeping your knees bent is good advice if you’re an optimal perfect skier such at Nate and Regina.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 75 Tique Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-31-2018 at 11:46am
Originally posted by Orlando76 Orlando76 wrote:

I think keeping your knees bent is good advice if you’re an optimal perfect skier such at Nate and Regina.


Fair point and I considered that I am not exactly at their level and what works for them may not be applicable to a rookie. That being said, I'd like to see some videos or stills of pretty or very good skiers that are not world calibre to see their form.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Orlando76 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-31-2018 at 1:21pm
That’s a concept I’ve struggled with until I’ve started skiing with Kris. Sounds like a few sets with a coach is in order.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote aupatking Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-31-2018 at 6:03pm
The old “bend your knees” advice is much the same as the “bring your hip to the handle”: it’s the result of a proper mechanical movement prior, not the movement itself. Trust me, your knees are going to bend. If you want video evidence of knees bending, watch Terry Winter or Marcus Brown. The idea of legs straight, or “ski tall”, puts the whole body in a “stacked” or aligned position, where the handle is pulling all of you, as one unmoving unit. It’s where real speed comes from. Even with their knees bent, look at the pros above, Shoulders, Hips, and Ankles are all in one Straight(ish) line.
Again, focusing on bending the knees makes bad things happen. Those things are gonna bend, no matter what.
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