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WATERSKI MagazineShaped Rides
This is what you get if you blend a wide ride and a traditional ride. Manufacturers have made significant strides in designing this category of ski. It does everything a traditional high-end ski does but with added stability in the 34-mph and below speed range – which should encompass skiers of all abilities. Shaped skis are the way of the future for the majority of the skiing population, and if you don't believe us, talk to two of the best skiers in the world, Andy Mapple and Wade Cox. These guys have skied into the world- record line length of 43 off on shaped skis between 32 and 34 mph. We kid you not.
Connelly Eclypse — 2000
Length (in.): 66, 68
Price range: $450-$520
Turning ability: A
Acceleration: A-
Symmetry of on-side and off-side turns: B+
Edging ability through the wakes: A
Overall stability: A-
Test notes: Connelly's brand-new slalom ski is a sure hit, and it will be a great fit for a broad range of abilities. It's stable enough for a recreational skier and responsive enough for a serious shortline skier who skis 34 mph and below.
HO Odyssey, Venture, Burner, Charger
Lengths (in.): 65, 67, 69
Price range: $435-$630
Turning ability: A+
Acceleration: A
Symmetry of on-side and off-side turns: A
Edging ability through the wakes: A
Overall stability: A+
Test notes: A great all-around ski that covers all ability levels. From the first-time skier to the shortest of shortline slalom (at 34 mph and below), the Odyssey, Venture, Burner and Charger have got you covered. Minimal effort from the skier, with great stability. Testers loved the way the ski rolls out into the pre-turn.
Iconn Power Carv
Lengths (in.): 65, 67
Price range: $344-$469
Turning ability: B+
Acceleration: A
Symmetry of on-side and off-side turns: A-
Edging ability through the wakes: B+
Overall stability: A-
Test notes: We recommend putting a wing on the fin for more fluidity and deceleration in the turns. Best at speeds 32 mph and below. User friendly is the stand-out trait.
Iconn Power Curv
Lengths (in.): 65, 67
Price range: $344-$469
Turning ability: B+
Acceleration: A
Symmetry of on-side and off-side turns: A-
Edging ability through the wakes: B+
Overall stability: A-
Test notes: A great purchase for the female skier looking for a smooth and predictable slalom ski with user-friendly characteristics and good acceleration.
O'Brien Matrix
Length (in.): 67
Price range: $220-$260
Turning ability: B+
Acceleration: B+
Symmetry of on-side and off-side turns: B
Edging ability through the wakes: A-
Overall stability: B+
Test notes: Testers really liked the stability for the recreational slalom type. Easy wake crossings combined with controlled turns will allow the recreational to intermediate level skier to feel confident. A good buy for the skier on a low budget.
O'Brien Synchro
Lengths (in.): 63, 66, 69
Price range: $390-$560
Turning ability: A
Acceleration: A
Symmetry of on-side and off-side turns: B+
Edging ability through the wakes: A+
Overall stability: A
Test notes: Fun and easy to ride with little effort from the skier. Will cover all abilities 34 mph and below. Testers liked the consistency in the turns and through the wakes. Testers easily took the Synchro into shortline rope lengths.
KD Apex
Lengths: (in.): 66, 69
Price range: $359-$479
Turning ability: A
Acceleration: B+
Symmetry of on-side and off-side turns: A-
Edging ability through the wakes: B+
Overall stability: A
Test notes: The perfect fit for a skier looking for great stability and control. Tracks like it's on a rail, and it produces smooth, controlled turns. Testers liked the smooth transitions from the pre-turn to the finish of the turn.
