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WATERSKI MagazineJudging from the number of new compression-molded kneeboards to hit the market in the last year (Connelly's Viper, O'Brien's Lowrider, Hydroslide's Xplosion and StraightLine's Ted Bevelacqua Signature Trident), the kneeboard resurgence is real and it is happening. A need for a lighter, more responsive board that can handle the new wave of riding – harder cuts, bigger air and more wakeboard-style tricks – is being met.
You wouldn't expect market bigwig HO to sit on the sidelines and idly let the revolution happen. The company has recently redesigned its widely popular Joker to meet the needs of the new-age rider.
The new Joker ($409.99 with the upgraded double-lock strap) is lighter and more responsive than the old trickster, having been lightened up with the new foam Hyperlite (the wakeboard division of HO) has been using in its stand-up boards.
Our assessment: With its super-wide tail and now lighter weight, the Joker is a big-time board that won't slow you down. Witness David Jennings' amazing trick run at last year's Nationals as proof positive. HO has also made adjustments to the Joker's pad, ensuring that peel-back is greatly reduced. With the widest tail in the industry, this board favors the type of rider who wants to cut hard and go ballistic off the wakes, meaning just about every skier who's kneeling down this summer.
For more information, contact HO at 17622 NE 67th Court, Redmond, WA 90852. Or call 206-885-3505. RS 155. – Rob May
High and Dry Ride
Show us a car or truck with enough room for two adults, four kids and all of their gear for a three-day ski getaway, and we'll show you a tractor trailer. Even the biggest sport ut.'s like Ford's new Expedition or Chevy's Tahoe or Suburban can't handle a ski family's oblong storage needs. And while some prefer to store skis and accessories back in the boat, there's no guarantee that they'll make the trip without getting thrown around.
Packasport Systems wants to fill the six-skier family's needs. A leader in fiberglass automotive roof-top cases, the Bend, Oregon, company recently introduced six new durable and stylish boxes that easily add water ski storage capacity to any sport ut. They range from the System 60 (7'5″ x 24″ x 12.5″) to the massive System 115 (7'7.5″ x 44″ x 14″), and unlike plastic cases, Packasport roof-top cases ($660-$925) are built with aluminum-reinforced fiberglass for durability and strength. Each version features marine-quality stainless steel and hardware and hinges, a keyed locking system and thumb latches.
Our assessment: There is function and finesse here. Inside, heavy-duty tie-down straps fasten skis securely on a carpeted interior. Plus, stuff stays dry: A rubber-sealed, tongue-in-groove closure gives the Packa-sport complete weather-tightness. Even the smallest version will hold a gaggle of skis and other gear (14.5 cubic feet of storage). A must for traveling skiers who want to save space – and bent fins.
For more information, write to PO Box 1630, Bend, OR 97709. Or call 800-359-9870. RS 156. – Eric Schulz
