Which Ski for me?

Which ski for me?   

I've been out of skiing since about 2002. Is their a place I can learn about choosing a slalom ski? Can some one give me recomendations? I'm 5'11" and 200# I'd call my self an agressive intermediate 10 yrs ago but I've never spent much time on a slalom course. I'm looking for a fun ski that I can get back out and enjoy carving up the water. Used would be ok ~ I'm more intersted in basics of design to what makes a good ski as opposed to what new flashy gizmo will impress my friends.     


I'm 37 and looking to get back out their. Last summer I got to ski 3 times behind a friends little 4-cyl Regal 17' with chewed prop) I can still get up with both feet in the binders. Certinly tire out way too fast but I can work on that.   I've been Skiing on Slalom for better then 20 yrs but most of that has been behind a 1973 Glasstron 19' outboard run-about just running around the river. My Slalom ski is from pair of aluminium top Kidder Hotline combos from 1985. I've only had a chance to try skiing a course 2 or 3 times (Some one else's palce / boat / ski). When I was in my 20's I fell like I was in good form as I could stretch out and lay all the way over sort of had that feeling like I could drive the boat from the rope handle... Pulling it around as i cut.

I'm working to finish my Dixie 299 inboard ski boat and should hear it run next week. Now I'm thinking I need to look for a good ski.


                        Thanks,
                          Michael
       

Get one that is made for your level of skiing. You can spend $$$ designed for someone that can run in the serious line off level and you won't be comfortable on it. It will be too aggressive. If possible see if you can try someone ski or if a local shop has a demo day. Catalogs like Overtons will give a description of and an approximate level of skier for every slalom ski the sell. Remember some the greatest skiers of the past didn't have the technology of today and still managed to set records. Once you progress you may outgrow the ski and have to move on.

HO Sports Mach 1 ~ THis is really in the ad *** No Skill required ~ And they think that would make some one want to buy this ski?

This recreational ski has a time-tested tunnel bottom design that assists with deep water starts and provides an extra stable ride. Turns easily with no skill required

I bought my first ski back in 2007 used off ebay, model year 2005 HO Sports Burner 67" great ski getting up and working on form, last year I needed to upgrade bought 2007 model year HO Nitro size 69" for weight and height and my skills have improved. Maybe in a year or so I might go back to a 67" depending on my performance and form.

I sold my dad my old ski for 200, I have double boot setup on both of them but took the rear boot and put toe hold for my father back on the Burner.

Def try to get a demo from a ski shop, thats how i tried the Nitro before i bought it.

Keep in mind a double boot or starting with both feet in bindings will create more drag on your start-up, hence a slower pull. Look for a ski that is a minimum of 68". In the HO line the Vengance is a really nice ski, it's quite a bit faster then a Triumph yet ski's well in choppier water, is stable when just going straight and has enough body that the starts are easy. You should be able to find a used Vengance w/bindings for $100-$200.

I have used Wileys double wrap bindings for many years. They are made out of real rubber and will last for many years. They offer a few different plate designs to fit most skis. i just made the switch to a hardshell, due to an ankle injury, and after a few weeks I am finally geting used to it. It really gives good ankle support.