Beginner Water Skis
Over the last few years, water skiing has become one of the most popular summer activities. It is easy to understand why as it is a great experience and an interesting way to spend a regular day out on the water. This type of activity can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. We know that the market for skis is well saturated, so in order to help you find the right pair of water skis, we have gathered 5 models that will surely meet and exceed your requirements. Check out our comparison table below and opt for the model that satisfies your needs.
Top 5 Beginner Water Skis Comparison
The Water Skis Evaluation
O’Brien Reactor Combo
If you are looking to purchase a pair of combo skis with fully adjustable bindings, the O’Brien Reactor model could be exactly what you are looking for. It fits men’s sizes 4.5 to 13 and it comes with a plastic fin that ensures your feet are pointed in the right position. It measures 7” x 8.2” x 67.4” and weighs 17.5 lbs.. They are smaller than other models so they are very easy to transport and store.
Compared to other similar skis, they provide excellent stability, which means that you can have a fun ride over the water. As mentioned above, it comes with adjustable bindings, but it is important to know that It comes with 700 adjustable bindings which it is a feature quite interesting for a pair of water skis. Also, it provides performance thanks to its tunnel channels. In what regards the warranty, there is no information available for this item.
PROS |
CONS |
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| Length 67” | Expensive |
| Plastic fin | |
| Stylish design | |
| Durable construction | |
| 700 adjustable bindings | |
VERDICT |
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Great option if you’re looking for water skis that come with adjustable bindings. They are 67” long and the men’s foot size is 4.5 to 13 inches. It comes with a durable construction and a stylish design that makes them excellent choice even for a beginner. In fact, its plastic fin makes them perfect for different skill levels. |
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Airhead WIDE BODY Combo
Take a look at the Airhead WIDE BODY Combo skis and you will be surprised to discover how easy to use they are. With a 54 inches length and a removable crossbar, these incredible skis are ideal for beginners and experienced adults alike. They feature a composite/ foam core construction and are equipped with fiberglass reinforced nylon fins for maximum stability and great performance. Additionally, it is very important to know that they feature dual density adjustable bindings from 5 to 12.
Designed with a durable construction and a fiberglass shell, these beginner water skis are made to last. They measure 10.2” x 10.9” x 55.5” and weight 18.3 lbs.. Overall, if you are a rider, whether a beginner or an advanced one and you like this summer activity, this pair of skis will surely meet and exceed all your requirements.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
| 54-inch length | |
| Removable crossbar | |
| Features a composite construction | |
| Features reinforced nylon fins | |
| Dual adjustable bindings | |
VERDICT |
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Excellent option if you are looking for a durable pair of water skis. It is 54 inches long and weighs 18.3 pounds. It has a durable construction and fiberglass reinforced nylon fins for great stability and performance. There is no information about the warranty, but you can visit the manufacturer’s official website in order to find out more about this product. |
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CWB Cadet Combo
We spend more than 30 hours reviewing various models of water skis and the CWB Cadet Combo was our favorite. It comes with a reinforced composite construction and a glass filled nylon fin for increased stability and performance. It is 45-inch long and weighs 7 pounds. The foot size for this beginner water ski set is 1 to 4. Additionally, it is quite important to understand that it supports riders up to 80 lbs., so if you weight more than that, you should opt for another model.
Generally speaking, this modes is ideal for kids and for beginners. It features a strong base, so if you are looking to purchase a long-lasting water ski set, this would be a great choice. As mentioned above, it has a reinforced composite construction which is great for beginners. They fall off frequently and a solid base helps them maintain their equilibrium.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
| Reinforced composite construction | Great for kids and beginners only |
| Connelly tracking system | |
| Glass filled nylon fin | |
| Able to support riders up to 80 lbs. | |
| It comes with a safety handle | |
VERDICT |
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This is another popular model that delivers excellent results. It is a durable product that features a reinforced composite construction and a glass filled nylon fin for maximum stability. It is also worth mentioning that it is capable of supporting riders up to 80 lbs. Keep in mind that in comparison to the above models it has a more reasonable price. |
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Hydroslide Victory Combo
The Hydroslide Victory Combo is another model that you should consider when making a purchase. It comes with a durable construction and a stylish design. More than that it has slide bindings and drop thru plastic fins. It is 66-inch long and weighs 17 lbs.. As compared to other similar water skis, this one has a strong base and a round nose which makes going easy, so a beginner can start using it without any issues.
In order to give you the perfect fit, its bindings can be adjusted, so it will be easy for any rider to get in the water with this combo water skis. Although it is durable and it is made of quality materials, it is more affordable than its competitors. Overall, if you are thinking about having a blast on the water all summer long, this model can be a great option.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
| Drop Thru Plastic Fins | Not for kids with excessively narrow feet |
| Perfect ride for kids | |
| Amazing pair of adjustable bindings | |
| It provides excellent stability | |
| Easy to use | |
VERDICT |
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Nice option if you are interested in purchasing a nice equipment for water sports. The Hydroslide Victory Combo comes with slide adjustable bindings and drop thru plastic fins compared to other models that feature fiberglass reinforced nylon fins. It is 66-inch long and a great options for beginners who want to experience the fascinating feeling of speed on the water. |
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Airhead S-1300 Combo
Although it is our last option, the Airhead S-1300 Combo is a great pair of skis made for different skill levels. It measures 67-inch in length and it is equipped with wide tails for great performance and excellent stability. It features a composite construction and comes with fiberglass reinforced nylon fins. It is also worth mentioning that it has slide-type adjustable bindings that easily fit sizes from 5 to 12.
Most people prefer to buy this set as it is everything it stands for including top quality materials, great design, strong base and reasonable price. The fact that the top part of the skis is fatter is a major perk, thus allowing you to catch air off the wake. Needless to say that Airhead is a legendary watersport company, so if you are looking to purchase equipment for summer water activities, it can help you make the best decision.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
| 67-inch length | Not as stable as other models |
| Great for different skill levels | |
| Affordable price | |
| Composite construction | |
| Fiberglass reinforced nylon fins | |
VERDICT |
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With the Airhead S-1300 Combo you can have the greatest experience on the water. It is a great water equipment that provides excellent stability and control. It has a composite construction and fiberglass reinforced nylon fins for great performance. It is a great value for money and it is a great option to consider when making a purchase. |
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Features to Look for in a Water Ski
As mentioned above, there are so many types and models of skis that finding the right pair for you could be a back-breaking task. You may wonder what is the difference between the models listed above. There are many factors to consider when making a purchase. More than that, it is quite important to understand that many features contribute to the best model. Companies all over the world have spent lots of money trying to develop the best product. Therefore in order to help you find exactly what you need, we have gathered several features that should be looked at before making a purchase.
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Materials
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Edge
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Bindings
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Fins
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V-Bottom
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a pair of water skis is the construction. Since it determines the durability and ride quality, make sure you opt for a model made of high-quality materials. Most skis have a composite construction or they are made with polyurethane foam core. This material is also used in boats and it has the purpose to keep the skis afloat. Another quality material is the carbon or graphite. They are used by most manufacturers as they are ultralight and don’t affect the product durability. Around the core, most companies use fiberglass wrapping for speed.
Another important factor to take into consideration when purchasing water skis is the part of the skis that allows you to go through the water with ease. On every model you will find an edge bevel angle that provides stability and helps you maintain your equilibrium and balance while you are water skiing. Without this edge, a rider cannot turn the skis in the water. A large edge will allow you to turn the skis more gradual at a slower speed while a smaller edge is used more by professional riders.
Since a water ski is similar to a snowmobile or snowboarding, its bindings are also similar to the ones used for winter equipment. They are designed to secure your foot, providing maximum control of the skis and excellent stability. These elements are usually made of neoprene and allow you to turn your ankle and move the ski as you want.
When purchasing this type of water equipment, take a look at its fins. Similar to the fins used for paddle boarding and surfboarding, they are made to keep your skis inline. This element is extremely important and useful when doing turns.
If you are looking to purchase a new pair of skis, make sure it comes with this element. Keep in mind that only a few models have the V-bottom. This means that they have a ridge that creates a V shape at the bottom of the ski. However, the V-bottom cannot be found on models for advanced riders. They can only be found on beginner and intermediate skis.
