How to Choose the Right Waterski Combo Set
Waterskiing is one of the most rewarding and fun activities on the water. A set of combo skis is a necessity for any boat owner.Combo skis come as a pair (One for each foot) and usually have universal bindings to fit a wide range of skiers. An individuals enjoyment and success on the water almost always depends on whether or not they have the proper equipment. With all of the different sizes and types of waterskis on the market choosing the right one can be a frustrating process. A good rule of thumb is to buy for the largest person who will be using the skis. Combo skis almost always have a flat rocker pattern so that they will track straight and be very stable on the water. Combo skis are definitely a must on any boat. We have provided a guide below that will help you choose the best ski for your application.
Length of Water Ski & Skier's Weight
Standard adult sized skis are 67 to 68 inches long, 5 to 8 inches wide. This size ski will basically work for any adult size skier. Recently ski manufactures have add more length and width combinations to better suit the individual skier's size. A longer ski is going to work better for beginners. The longer the ski the easier it will be for beginners to get up on. Although longer skis are easier to get up on, they are bulkier and slower. A shorter ski will be better for seasoned veterans and intermediate skiers. The shorter skis will be quicker on the water but they will be more difficult to control. Most Combo skis should be picked based upon the rider's weight.
30 - 80 lbs - Children in this weight range that are just learning to ski should really be using trainer skis. Trainer skis are usually 40 - 53 inches long and 5 - 7 inches wide. These skis also provide added tools to make skiing easier and more enjoyable for someone just learning. (Refer to How To Teach Your Kids to Ski for added Information).
Under 120 lbs - Children who are less than 120 lbs should use skis that are around 54 to 59 inches long. Skis at 54 to 59 inches will give children the speed and stability that someone at this age will need.
80 - 150 lbs - Young adults and women should use skis 63 to 64 inches long. Someone at this weight could also use 67in. skis but they will not have as much mobility with this size of a ski.
120 and up - Adult should use 67 in. and 68 in. skies. These skis will provide the skier with enough surface area to displace their weight and maneuver easily behind the boat.
Combo Ski Width
Width on a combo pair of skis will determine your maneuverability and how easy it is to get out of the water. The wider the ski the easier it will be to pop out of the water, but that added width will make your skis slower and more clumsy. A skinnier ski will be fast and quick on the water but deep-water starts will be difficult.
Traditional skis are 6 in. to 7 in width. These are the type of skis that dad and grandma learned to ski on. These skis will be quick on the water but hard to get up on. Traditional skis include: O'Brien Traditional, H.O. Excel Series, Airhead 1100, and Connelly Odyssey.
Medium width skis are 7in. to 8in. in width and give the skier a little extra surface area to pop out of the water. These are the most popular style skis on the market. They are still quick on the water but not as bulky as the wide body skis. These skis can provide a happy medium for athletic skiers who want a little extra width for deep water starts. Medium Width skis include: O'Brien Celebrity Series, O'Brien Competitors, O'Brien Performers, and H.O. Blast Series and.
Wide Body skis are best for beginners and measure 8in. to 9in. in width. These skies have oversized fronts to make starting easy. Once out of the water, these skis can be bulky, but they will get just about anyone up on skis. Wide Body Skis include:O'Brien Vortex Series & Connelly Crossfire.
Ski Bottom Shape
Dual Tunnel - In the last several years manufactures have come out with a dual tunnel design for water skis. A dual tunnel will give the skier maximum stability. The benefit of a dual tunnel is that it allows for stability during deepwater starts as well as better tracking. This design also gives you a pivot point for skiers to learn to turn easier.
Concave - The traditional design of a waterski is to have a concave bottom. This is the design that almost all high-end slalom skis use. A concave ski holds turns by cupping water underneath. A concave design is going to turn and maneuver faster on the water than a dual tunnel.
Bindings
Most combo skis have a universal binding on them to fit a wide variety of skiers. The most popular binding on a combo ski is the universal boot with an adjustable heelpiece. These types of bindings can be adjusted quickly and easily between skiers. The next type of binding is HO's helix binding. This binding wraps around the skiers foot giving the skier a tighter feel. HO also has come out with an Eclipse boot for combo skis that has a neoprene wrap that will conform to fit all foot shapes. Finally, Obrien has an X-9 boot on their performer combos, which uses the design that most slalom skis use. This boot gives you the best ankle support and laces up the front to give you a superior hold.
Good luck and happy skiing!
