Looking for slalom ski recommendations

[LSU1990]

Hello,
I'm new to this forum, and a new boat owner. I grew up skiing, and have been at one time in my life (twenty years ago and back), an aggressive and pretty accomplished slalom skier. The last ski that I owned was either an HO Turbo or Mach 1 circa 1986, and I think length was 69".

I want to get back into skiing, and teach my kids how to. I have skied probably seven or eight times over the last 14 or so years, but am ready to jump back in recreationally. I'm fit, 43 years old, and 5'9" 170lbs and my weight doesn't vary more that a couple of lbs either way depending on how good/bad I'm eating, or how much I'm able to workout. I am looking at the O'Brien World Team and I'm thinking 68". Not planning on super aggressive skiing, and looking for comfort and ease of getting up (never had trouble in past - my custom is one foot dragging deep water starts). Boat is a Bryant 210 w/ 4.3 MPI merc (220 bhp) and rev 4 19P four blade SS prop.

Any recs on my choice of skis and particularly the length of the ski. I am also hoping to have something versatile enough for my 5'8" 125 lb wife to use as well. Thanks so much for any help and recommendations.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Looking for slalom ski recommendations

I've got nothing but good things to say about my HO Triumph 69". You could go shorter if you like, but I'm 220 and 6'. aggressive enough to run the course at 32mph or so, but docile enough for free skiing as well.

 

[skibrain]

Re: Looking for slalom ski recommendations

I'm the same size as you and most slalom sizing would put you on a 66" or 67" ski. An oversize ski will be a bit easier to get up on or allow you to ski a bit slower (28-30 mph). HO Mach 1 and Obrien WTC are each skis that have been around forever and still available. I prefer to find used, demo and closeout skis.

Wileyski.com will have great advice.
H20proshop.com also great

If you know what you want and like the idea of used, this is about the best resource: ski-it-again.com

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Looking for slalom ski recommendations

I got my 2-yr old Triumph and my bindings off of ski-it-again. Definitely a great resource for new and used skiing equipment.

 

[skibrain]

Re: Looking for slalom ski recommendations

Part of your selection may come down to bindings. If you need to span a size range you will likely want something adjustable.

 

[Slide]

Re: Looking for slalom ski recommendations

The World Team is a great all-around slalom ski, and was my first slalom. However, you'll find if you (or your kids) want to push it hard, you won't get much out of it, as it's not a full concave ski.

I have a D3 Custom X and it's just a phenomenal ski. If you've ever ridden a Kidder ski, D3 is the company that followed Kidder. I weighed 140lb when I got mine at 65", and it still runs well (though a bit tough to get up on) now that I'm up to 175. 67-68" would be just right for you.