best combo ski for my fat ***?

[Fiat4Fun]

Howdy,
I have been looking to buy a set of skis for my boat so I can ski again;-)
My boat is 21', with a 260hp Mercrusier, so it should yank my *** out of the water.

I have checked out the local boat stores and sporting goods stores, and just have not pulled the trigger. I thought I would come to you for advice!

I am 48, 245lbs, and have not skied since 1996. Back then I could do a single ski, which was one of those wide wake specials. I still snow ski 6o times a year, so I thought starting on two skis is the way to go.

I have read that I should look at skis that are 69" long, but I can't really find anything like that. Any suggestions for a ski for a heavy male? I have looked at the combo sets and starter packages at Overtons and West Marine, but I am open for suggestions..........

Thanks,
Bob

 

[oldjeep]

Re: best combo ski for my fat ***?

Try these:
http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3901824&CAWELAID=491451309

They're 68's but most of the new skis are widebody so they displace a lot more water than the older skiis did. If you decide to take up slalom again, look at the Big Daddy - it's a slalom for bigger guys.

 

[npd4432]

Re: best combo ski for my fat ***?

I weigh 250 Lbs and ski with the O'brien Performer Combos, they are 68" long. They work great with no problem getting me out of the water on a deep water start with my 16.5' boat and a 90 Hp Johnson. They also work well if you want to kick one off and slalom.
Here is a link

http://www.wateroutfitters.com/prod...=2000186&slot=1774&p_price=&avad=2006_ec3cf4b

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: best combo ski for my fat ***?

Any pair of combo skis will do. You aren't THAT big yet! 67-68" skis will be fine. When it comes to deep water slolam, you may want to look at a 70"+ ski to aide in getting out of the water.

 

[BigBoatinOkie]

Re: best combo ski for my fat ***?

I was up to 280 lb last summer and I had no trouble with the HO 67" skis we have. They woked just fine for slalom as well, but we don't do deep water starts on slalom we just kick one off. My mom bought some O'brien Vortex skis this year and I believe they are only 66", but very wide. They are super easy to get up on, but they don't cut very well, and if you try to slalom, it'll spray water right in your face. Anywho, If you plan to just ski on two skis or if you plan to kick one off for slalom, I wouldnt worry too much about the lenth. If you are trying to do deep water slalom starts, then you may want to look into the longer ski's. Good luck.

 

[Fiat4Fun]

Re: best combo ski for my fat ***?

Thanks for the information

The local store has a Obrien Celebrity, which has the 700 series binding, and the boat place has the Obrien Competitor which has a X8 binding. Is there much difference in the binding? I know on snow skis it's a big deal, but not so sure about water skis? Is it worth the $50 difference?

Thanks for the encouragement,
Bob

 

[npd4432]

Re: best combo ski for my fat ***?

The 700 series is entry level adjustable traditional combo ski binding which uses the composite of the ski for the base of your foot. The X8 has nylon laces which you pull up on the binding to tighten which give you much more stability. The base of the binding is also like a soft memory foam which conformes to your foot on the bottom, much more comfortable. I have the X9 bindings on my performers. I used to have an entry level pair of connelly combos with bindings similar to the 700 series and the difference in cutting ability and stability in your ankles is night and day. In your snow skiing experience it is similar to a good fitting boot. I would recommend going with the best binding you can afford, you will not be disappointed. The only drawback to the better bindings is it takes me a little bit longer to get the skis on while in the water.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: best combo ski for my fat ***?

The X8 will be a much better fitting binding, and for only $50 more it is a deal.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: best combo ski for my fat ***?

HO Charger is made for the big boys...
http://www.hosports.com/product/306576/31026/_/Charger

A bit wider with more surface area = better handling of your 245 lbs AND easier deepwater starts. But it's NOT a big wide-body recreational ski that can't carve.

It's still a pretty competitive ski that can cut the turns very well.

And it comes in 69" lengths...or even a 71" if you might want or need that. But frankly with the extra width, I think 71 would be overkill in this particular model.

But this is a slalom, not a combo pair. With that in mind, I suggest you get 3 skis. Especially if you think you're gonna be mostly slalom skiing again, shortly after you re-learn how to get up. So I'd suggest you just spend the extra jing for a decent slalom right up front, and also get any used garage-sale combo pair for other uses...like getting yourself out of the water and quickly kicking one off, or teaching others to ski, or taking out that occasional person who only does it once every year. You need nothing fancy at all for just those uses.

BUT, if you're gonna do a lot of two skiing, ANY type of combo set will work, in any length and width. Two-skiing does NOT need to follow the slalom ski-length guidelines...because you're distributing your weight among both skis. You'll get up super easy on any pair. Most combos are 65 or 67 inches long, and will be fine for your weight if you are using both skis.