first skiis

[Keith7481]

I'm thinking about giving waterskiing a try this summer. I am looking for a used set of skiis to buy and recently found this set. Its estimated that they are about 65" long. Don't know how old they are. Anyone have any info on this type of ski (O'brien, but don't know the model). They are asking $100 obo for them. Any opinions re if they are too long, too short, how much they might be worth? Thanks in advance.
Keith

 

[BF]

Re: first skiis

Hiya,

IMO, buying used is a good idea for a combo set. 66" is usually "standard" ski length... so that seems normal. Big thing is to make sure the rubber of the bindings is in good shape, not ripped or starting to rip, and make sure the bindings are adjustable to your foot size. If you've got size 12 or 13's sometimes they don't go big enough.

Reality is, that I don't think it matters very much what kind of ski's they are. O'Brians are a decent name. We have a couple old sets of combos... We still regularly use old wooden plank ones. They still work. The one's in your pict are much nicer. BTW, combo's are also good for leaning how to ski on 1 ski. (that's the "combo" part) Too often someone will go and drop big $$ on a slalom ski when they don't know how to ski at all. Real slalom ski's have high rocker, high drag, and feel heavy when you're just skiing behind the boat. Sometimes they are downright hard to get up on, especially if they have a dual boots. Not for the novice. Combo ski's tend to be flatter, have less drag and not be as tiring on the hands/arms, even just going behind the boat when you're learning. And having a toe piece instead of the 2nd boot is how you should learn deep water slalom starts anyway.

I have no idea about the price, but if you got 'em for $80, that's probably a whole lot less than what they sell for in the sporting goods store.

good luck

 

[OhWellcraft]

Re: first skiis

That is a great pair of skiis to start on, length is fine, good brand. As mentioned above look closely at the bindings esp the rear half as this is where everyone tends to pull on to get them on if there is ANY tears use that in price offer new bindings are avalible but they are not cheap. $100 seems plenty high to me, as used water sports equip just doesnt bring good money. Also make sure the bindings slide freely and lock into position well. If all checks out maybe offer them $75.00 and see what happens.

 

[Keith7481]

Re: first skiis

Thanks very much to both of you.
Keith

 

[flatbudget]

Re: first skiis

Not too fast. I would hate for someone to buy what they think a good set of skis and find out the hard way on the water. Rule of thumb on skis. The longer the skis are the easier to get up on. 65 is a good starter skis but sooner or later you would want to dump the doubles and go with a slalom skis. You would end up spending twice if not more. My suggestion is that get something that is long. i.e. 67 or 68 or even 70 if you can find one. Reason for this is you would be progressing on these skis and you would want to ski slalom. If you have a longer skis and weigh anywhere in the 180 to 200 lbs. you are better of on at least a 67. Believe me, those 2 cm makes a big difference. If you are to slalom, the shorter the skis are the faster they go and quite squirmy. Would not want you to come face to face on a water running at 3000 or so rpm.