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WATERSKI MagazineWide Rides
You're just getting started, and most of your time on the water is spent with the ski riding flat. You need a ski that's easy to get up on, doesn't seek a quick edge and provides overall stability on the water. Since you won't need a high-performance slalom ski with an adjustable fin, wing and competition bindings, your buying decision will be easier and more affordable.
Connelly Big Daddy — 2000
Size (sq. in.): 550
Price range: $330-$395
Deepwater start: A+
Tracking ability: A
Overall stability: A
Test notes: This is Connelly's answer to the Big Easy but with more functionality. Instead of carrying to the dock a ski the width of large door, the big-boned slalom skier can now sport the Big Daddy. Great for cruising around the lake in comfort — mostly on a flat ski — without expending a lot of energy in the turns.
Connelly Mid LX — 2000
Size (sq. in.): 400
Price range: $385-$520
Deepwater start: A+
Tracking ability: A
Overall stability: A
Test notes: The sister of the Mid-SX will equally benefit the beginning to intermediate-level female skier who wants a smooth, comfortable ride without much effort. One of the best skis for a beginning female looking for an easy deepwater start.
Connelly Mid SX — 2000
Sizes (sq. in.): 450
Price range: $385-$520
Deepwater start: A+
Tracking ability: A
Overall stability: A
Test notes: Probably the best ski for helping the beginning slalom skier with his or her first deepwater start. Great overall stability. A great buy for the weekend warrior who is starting to produce long, carving turns.
HO Radius 1S, 2S, 3S — 2000
Sizes: For skiers up to 150 lb., 210 lb., 270 lb.
Price range: $380-$575
Deepwater start: A
Tracking ability: A
Overall stability: A
Test notes: Features a Super V-bottom, which really allows great overall stability. Recreational skiers will appreciate easy deepwater starts and the control they have on any Radius Series ski. Has more of an advanced turn ability compared to the other wide rides tested.
Iconn Kahuna Carv — 2000
Length (in.): 69
Price range: $344-$469
Deepwater start: A
Tracking ability: A
Overall stability: A-
Test notes: If you're a big dude looking for a ski that's easy to get up on and tracks really well when riding flat, then the Kahuna Carv is a good buy. Produces long radius turns.
Jobe Axiom II — 2000 
Lengths (sq. in.): 425, 475
Price range: $427-$483
Deepwater start: A
Tracking ability: A
Overall stability: A
Test notes: This parabolic shape incorporates a V-bottom from the tip of the ski to the rear foot area, which provides great stability when riding flat and also allows the ski to roll on edge easily. Testers agreed the Axiom II is a good buy for the progressing recreational skier.
O'Brien Freecarve — 2000
Length (in.): 61
Price range: $210-$230
Deepwater start: A-
Tracking ability: B+
Overall stability: B
Test notes: The Freecarve is an affordable way to get a beginner started. Once you progress and start turning harder you'll want the O'Brien Synchro, which has better edge control and hold in the turns.
O'Brien Virage — 2000
Length (in.): 65
Price range: $300-$370
Deepwater start: A
Tracking ability: A-
Overall stability: B+
Test notes: The Virage has pretty good stability when riding flat, and it produces long radius turns that won't surprise the beginning skier.
