Connelly XLP VS. Connelly outlaw

[Amoore]

Hello. My name is Anders and i have been water skiing for 5 years. I am a new member and i am trying to become more knowledgeable about water skiing and to immerse myself in the slalom ski culture.

last year i bought a Connolly XLP 71in from a friend and became proficient on it over the 2013 ski season. I was told that this Connolly XLP is about 20 year old. As a result of heavy use i tore the front boot. I promptly replaced the front boot to finish out the season. By the end of the season i had torn the rear boot as well. I made the decision to buy a new ski for the next season instead of investing the value of a new ski into a 20 year old ski. with out much research or knowledge of ski styles, sizes or whats appropriate for my size and skill level i hastily bought a Connolly outlaw 67in. i have done further research now that i have received the ski. I am concerned that i have bought a shaped ski when i have spent the past year practicing on a traditional ski. As most know it has been far to cold to ski even with a wetsuit, so i have not had a chance to try out my Connolly outlaw.

I am looking for advice from people experienced in different types of ski styles and sizes. Should i be patient, wait for the weather to warm up and ski on the outlaw, or should i return the outlaw and look for a traditional style ski?

This is the Connolly XLP 71in.

This is the Connolly outlaw 67in.

[Amoore]

Here is the link to the image of the XLP.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=590806580996268&set=pcb.590806644329595&type=1&theater

[Amoore]

here is a link to the image of the Outlaw.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=590806537662939&set=pcb.590806644329595&type=1&theater

[ral]

Are you planning to ski buoys on a course? What is your weight and skiing speed? Where and behind what boat are you planning to ski?

[Amoore]

I do plan to skiing a buoy course. i weigh 180lb and i ski around 30-34mph. i have been skiing behind a 19ft Tahoe but i have gotten hooked up to ski with a guy that owns a mastercraft. when you ask where i do not know if you mean the lake or the location behind the boat. i have only recently gotten serious about slalom skiing.

[Horton]

@Amoore the outlaw will be better than that older ski. The problem is that above 30 mph the outlaw may be a bit big.

 

 

[Amoore]

@Horton thanks for the advice. Im looking at investing in a 190 American skier and i want to have equipment that can preform at my ski level. Do you have any recommendations on a ski that would be a good for competitive skiing?

[Horton]

@amoore haaaa that is like asking what is the best car for getting groceries.

[Amoore]

@Horton lol i see what you mean. its all about what works for the individual skier. BTW its a mini van.

[Horton]

@Amoore thinking used? New? Price range?

 

 

[Amoore]

@Horton I'm thinking about a new ski anywhere from $1200=$2000. i would like a ultralite world class style ski.

[ral]

@Amoore, by where I meant on a course or free skiing.

 

The outlaw might be a good ski for starting the course @ 26 to 30 MPH, much better than a good ski for competitive skiing at these speeds (which really start to perform well at much higher speeds and shorter ropes) and costing 1/4 or less... Do you have bindings for it?

[Amoore]

@ral i do have nove bindings for the ski, but when the arrived there was a tare in the neoprene lining. i have sent them back to Connolly to be replaced.

[ral]

Which ones did you get? That is an item where you can invest to get a good binding that you can use on another ski when improving/upgrading

[Amoore]

@ral excuse me. they are Connelly 2014 sidewinder bindings.

Here is a link to an image of one of the boots. https://www.google.com/search?q=2014+connelly+sidewinder+bindings&newwindow=1&client=firefox-a&hs=5Qv&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=ctDmUqfIFKrW2AWZhYDADQ&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAg&biw=960&bih=428#facrc=_&imgrc=2OopT0dOitE9OM%253A%3BSjgUpON73SRhwM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fcdn.shopify.com%252Fs%252Ffiles%252F1%252F0129%252F7452%252Fproducts%252Fconnelly_sidewinder_large.jpg%25253Fv%25253D1359065094%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.wakesports.com%252Fcollections%252Fconnelly-bindings%3B480%3B367

[JJVDMZN]

@Amoore, I'm using the sidewider on a Connelly V, lost the lever that pushes the binding's heel up.

Connelly replaced the binding under warranty.

To prevent a re-occurance, I tethered the lever with stainless steel cable/trace (the ones fishermen uses) and attached it to the screw attaching the binding to the ski.

[Horton]

There are a number very good upper- mid-range skis. They are going to cost less and will hold you until you have more experience.

HO CX or Radar Senate or Connelly V are good choices. O’Brien makes something out of the old Sixam2 mold. These skis may not set world records but they will help you build a good foundation.

 

[GOODESkier]

Agree with @Horton , get the fundamentals rolling, then when you can consistently run the course, start looking the next ski to "ski into". Meaning, if you are talking Radar, then maybe a Senate C, then a Vice, then maybe a Strada.

 

BUT, I would also say, ONCE you are consistently getting through the course at 34-36 MPH, it won't hurt you to jump to the best ski for you. Mostly based on preference. DEMO EVERYTHIGN AT THAT POINT.