Inliner
07-07-2004, 08:00 AM
Well, I put the KD Evolution to the test yesterday in the slalom course. Up until that point I had worked extensively on technique freeskiing in preparation for this day. Since I am still learning how to ski the course, I had no idea how I would fare. On my previous run through the course I made 4 balls at 26 mph at 15 off on a Connelly Mid SX.
I have developed my lead-up habits from skiing the course. As the boat passes the alignment buoys, I will slam a hard turn to the left side in preparation to heading to the #1 ball. This kind of sets the pace for the whole course in my head as it is the first official turn I make. Yesterday, the driver pulled me up, took me straight to 28 and headed for the gates. As the boat approached the alignment gates, I pulled back on the rope and slammed the most ungodly start turn I have ever committed on the new ski. The Evolution cut a sharp but smooth arc and within a split second I was out to the left thinking "Wow, now that rocked".
That pretty much set the course for me. Each turn on the ski was precise and confident. The edge transitions were phenomenal all the way across. I had 0 issues with the ski on any turns. I knew after that pass that the ski would be able to handle whatever I dish out at this level of skiing.
My thoughts on this ski so far are that it pulls up nicely and fits my weight (170 lbs) and height (6'1") perfectly. I am also quite pleased with my choice of bindings (HO Venom boot with a RTP) as they offer excellent support for my front foot when cinched up. Upgrading to this ski was no mistake. Down the road a ways I will probably upgrade again. Odds are I will have no problem using another KD ski. Compared to the HO I was experimenting with previously, the KD is perfect. The HO was squirrely, the KD isn't. The HO didn't plane up worth a hoot and the KD planes up easily for me. (the key there is "...for me". I had a friend who is a far better skier than me try to ride it without much success. It obviously isn't for everyone.) Turns on the HO were jerky and scary, turns on the KD are smooth, fast and furious while exuding confidence.
I have developed my lead-up habits from skiing the course. As the boat passes the alignment buoys, I will slam a hard turn to the left side in preparation to heading to the #1 ball. This kind of sets the pace for the whole course in my head as it is the first official turn I make. Yesterday, the driver pulled me up, took me straight to 28 and headed for the gates. As the boat approached the alignment gates, I pulled back on the rope and slammed the most ungodly start turn I have ever committed on the new ski. The Evolution cut a sharp but smooth arc and within a split second I was out to the left thinking "Wow, now that rocked".
That pretty much set the course for me. Each turn on the ski was precise and confident. The edge transitions were phenomenal all the way across. I had 0 issues with the ski on any turns. I knew after that pass that the ski would be able to handle whatever I dish out at this level of skiing.
My thoughts on this ski so far are that it pulls up nicely and fits my weight (170 lbs) and height (6'1") perfectly. I am also quite pleased with my choice of bindings (HO Venom boot with a RTP) as they offer excellent support for my front foot when cinched up. Upgrading to this ski was no mistake. Down the road a ways I will probably upgrade again. Odds are I will have no problem using another KD ski. Compared to the HO I was experimenting with previously, the KD is perfect. The HO was squirrely, the KD isn't. The HO didn't plane up worth a hoot and the KD planes up easily for me. (the key there is "...for me". I had a friend who is a far better skier than me try to ride it without much success. It obviously isn't for everyone.) Turns on the HO were jerky and scary, turns on the KD are smooth, fast and furious while exuding confidence.