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WATERSKI MagazineSuddenly tournament starting docks are being covered with Goode 9100s. Usually, this means that either the local pro shop is having a blow-out sale or the ski really is improving skiers' performances. In the case of the Goode 9100, it may be both.
After two years of learning how to marry his mastery of high-tech materials with the critical intricacies of slalom ski design, Dave Goode has produced a breakthrough ski. After some minor refinements, the “new” 1997 9100 was officially released to skiers at the tail end of the 1996 season. The base design has characteristics that make it similar to the consistent turns of the KD 7000 and the angle and holding power of the old (1990) EP Stiletto, two skis with proven tournament success.
The use of lightweight, super-strong carbon fiber allows Goode to make a ski with a thinner side-wall. This, combined with the ability to control longitudinal flex while minimizing torsional flex, seems to give this ski tremendous acceleration. All test team members commented on the ski's stability and its quick and effortless acceleration. Deceleration and turning style were also strong points. The critical factor was getting the correct fit or matching the right ski with the right skier. The 9100 is offered in three sizes with three flex patterns in each size. The “correct fit” meant the difference between running at or near personal bests or not making a first pass.
To aid skiers in finding the right ski (and because many retailers have not yet experienced the performance benefits of carbon fiber), Goode offers a unique factory-direct demo program. For a $25 fee, skiers are sent a ski for a two-week test to make sure it fits their size and style. If they like the ski and keep it, Goode applies the $25 to the purchase price. “Many skiers have run personal bests, and we have set several state, regional, national and world records [on this new ski],” says Dave Goode.
With results like these, it's easy to see why the company hasn't had many of the skis come back.
