Baller ripa38 Posted May 22, 2017 Baller Share Posted May 22, 2017 I had the opportunity to try a Raptor yesterday, and was I was very impressed. I ski with Horton when our schedules sync up, so I get to try a lot of skis after he has completed his reviews. I guess I beat him to this one. I do not possess Horton's talent for riding a different ski every week, and usually require a few rides to adjust. I jumped on the Raptor yesterday and ran straight up the line through 35 without a bobble. Did not try it at 38. This is a high end ski that is super stable without sacrificing performance. I was very impressed and will give it another go mid-week. I am not sure how skiers can get an opportunity to try one, but it is absolutely worth trying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Horton Posted May 22, 2017 Administrators Share Posted May 22, 2017 Killing me. As soon as my back is healthy enough to ski I'll ride the Raptor and I will kick @ripa38 's ass on it Goode ★ HO Syndicate ★ KD Skis ★ MasterCraft ★ PerfSki Radar ★ Reflex ★ S Lines ★ Stokes ★ Baller Video Coaching System Become a Supporting Member or make a One-time Donation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ripa38 Posted May 22, 2017 Author Baller Share Posted May 22, 2017 Get better. I bet you like it. You do realize that we are competing for buoys, not who can make the biggest spray. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KDub Posted May 23, 2017 Share Posted May 23, 2017 I love my Raptor! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
303Skier Posted May 23, 2017 Share Posted May 23, 2017 The Raptor is made by D3, correct? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ripa38 Posted May 23, 2017 Author Baller Share Posted May 23, 2017 Yes, D3 is building the skis for Raptor. Similar to Radar building the Mapple. The Raptor looks really good, and has the same quality finish as the D3 products. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller bigskieridaho Posted May 24, 2017 Baller Share Posted May 24, 2017 @Horton When you gonna stop hurting yourself? Sucks getting old. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
303Skier Posted May 24, 2017 Share Posted May 24, 2017 Let's see some pictures! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elite Skier Terry Winter Posted May 26, 2017 Elite Skier Share Posted May 26, 2017 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller MattP Posted May 26, 2017 Baller Share Posted May 26, 2017 @twhisper pics are awesome. Tell us more about the stick! I know you are more than the graphics guy at Raptor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elite Skier Terry Winter Posted May 26, 2017 Elite Skier Share Posted May 26, 2017 @MattP It's a great ski. I find that it's a really good balance between speed and stability. It's a fast ski and has really nice carry out out off of the second, so I feel like I can have strong/short cuts with a lot of time to pre-turn or glide out to the ball and still end up with good width in the the course. What is really nice though is that even though the ski feels fast, it's still really confidence inspiring into and throughout the turns. I feel like even if I'm a little late and fast I can still be confident that I can turn hard and the ski is going to hold. It has a large platform to stand on and turns and accelerates well even if I'm a little off balance. The front of the ski is very forgiving, so I feel like I can get way up over the top of the ski into the turns. There are two sizes available. A 65.75" and a 67.5". I ride the smaller ski at just under 170lbs. If you or anyone has any questions or would like to try the ski let me know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elite Skier Terry Winter Posted May 30, 2017 Elite Skier Share Posted May 30, 2017 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elite Skier Terry Winter Posted May 30, 2017 Elite Skier Share Posted May 30, 2017 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Gloersen Posted May 30, 2017 Baller Share Posted May 30, 2017 Holy Mackerel! That onside turn is sic! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ALPJr Posted June 2, 2017 Baller Share Posted June 2, 2017 Bump Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ripa38 Posted June 26, 2017 Author Baller Share Posted June 26, 2017 Finally got back to the Raptor project with Horton yesterday. Willi from Raptor Skis came to BallOfSpray headquarters with a couple of skis, and we got down to business in 110 deg heat and 90 deg water (hands are toast). Both Horton and I liked certain characteristics of the ski from our trials a few weeks ago, but were not running 35 smooth, so we started tweaking away alternating skis and sets with Willi observing from the boat and coaching us up. By the fourth set of the day we were alternating on the same ski with fin numbers we both liked and could both run "flowy" (Horton term) 35 off passes. Even though worn out from testing, tried some 38's and ski still felt good. 32's are ridiculous early and easy. The Raptor is a legitimate high end slalom ski. Adjusting the fin was critical and took some effort, but I don't think that is unusual for any high end ski. Horton and I have similar buoy counts, but different techniques, different foot forward, and different height and weight. I think the fact that we found numbers we both liked and skied well with speaks volumes. I drove for Horton each time so Willi could watch, but hope to watch later this week and compare to what I saw a few weeks ago. Hopefully Willi can get some skis out for demos because I think skiers are going to be surprised. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ripa38 Posted June 26, 2017 Author Baller Share Posted June 26, 2017 BallOfSpray Headquarters Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Horton Posted June 26, 2017 Administrators Share Posted June 26, 2017 @ripa38 Wednesday pm? Goode ★ HO Syndicate ★ KD Skis ★ MasterCraft ★ PerfSki Radar ★ Reflex ★ S Lines ★ Stokes ★ Baller Video Coaching System Become a Supporting Member or make a One-time Donation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Ed_Johnson Posted June 26, 2017 Baller Share Posted June 26, 2017 One thing about Willi, he is one serious design addict. Always thinking and creating. If you ever get a chance to meet and talk with him, within minutes you will be impressed. I really like the Guy !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ripa38 Posted June 26, 2017 Author Baller Share Posted June 26, 2017 Yep, assuming regular drill with your neighbor on the North end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Horton Posted June 26, 2017 Administrators Share Posted June 26, 2017 @ripa38 we will pull Donny. Come to my house. We should watch each other. Goode ★ HO Syndicate ★ KD Skis ★ MasterCraft ★ PerfSki Radar ★ Reflex ★ S Lines ★ Stokes ★ Baller Video Coaching System Become a Supporting Member or make a One-time Donation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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