How to build freestyle ski?

_frontend

_frontend

Location
Dunedin, Florida
Long story short.. I have a 17 piped SJ with shortened pole, full ovp steering, worx 228 etc etc.. I was out goofing around at the Dunedin Causeway when Stoyer showed up and decided to make the water his playground - it was awesome! I need this in my life.

I want to keep my SJ reliable and fun for the wife but would like a freestyle ski for myself. Stoyer said the best way to enter his world is to start modifying my SJ even further and then swap parts into the freestyle hull once I get it. This makes sense to me but I really want to leave the SJ as is.. I have been trying to gather knowledge through reading the forums and searching old posts but I still feel a bit lost.. There are so many configurations and ways to get to the same spot, but most guys seem to live and learn..

If you were to take the knowledge you have now and put yourself into my shoes, what would be your path? We are doing well financially, but I would finance a freestyle ski (IF this even an option) as I don't want to sink the bank account. Just looking for some advice.. Thanks..

**Also open to reading some articles if you have some.
 
mike b

mike b

Michael "Mayhem" Bevacqua aka MikeyChan
Location
California
Stoyers ski is very expensive and very powerful. I would say start off with a solid hull that you can build with more powerful drivetrain later on. Finding a hull that can use a 155 pump is ideal for flatwater. Get a smaller 850cc+ motor and get used to the hull and how it reacts. Start bucking and upgrade when you have the money and more importantly the need for more power.

If I was to know what I know now as to what hulls and power I like I don't know if I would have gone straight to the hull I have now. I didn't know when getting started what I wanted and just searched based on budget. With unlimited budget my first ski would have been a what ever ski. Then I would have moved to the ski I have now.

I would say I did well. My first year was a bad hull and lack if power, second year was more power and a hull a bit more capable, then my 3rd through current year I have been on a DVX with all the power needed.

Big thing is coming off a standup you will already have a bit if a background. But the hulls react a lit different from ehat you are used to. Get your first AM ski out of the way, ride the piss out of it, and after a solid year of putting in your tray time look seriously for the hull and platform you are wanting.

The ski Stoyer rode is arguably the best hull made. An Xscream kdx, dvx, or helium will all be a good choice. I agree with buy a ready to ride ski. Probably a 10-15k ski would be enough to kick your a$$ your first and probably second year. I disagree with the fact of not financing a toy. It depends on what you do. Getting into skis I was investing my money. Paying off my toys equaled less money to invest. Unfortuenetly I paid off my truck and toys too soon. I would have been better off waiting a couple years before paying it off. Nice thing is now I don't have to sweat it. But not everyone uses money for investing into something else so if not paying off your toy and not financing would be beneficial.

I wouldn't drain a bank account or get into something that will have you close on payments or finances. If you don't have the money for a specific ski, start off with a cheaper one and save. Remember, your first year is nothing more than tray time. Don't worry about having the best ski out there or that you can get your hands onto. Lots of big baller ski owners that don't do much riding, affordable ski and lots of tray time! Then in the future when you upgrade to big power things come easily. Also, leave some extra cash for breaking parts or just in case moments. Better than waiting for paychecks to get back on the water.
 
_frontend

_frontend

Location
Dunedin, Florida
@mike b - I appreciate the insight man! I'll go the route both of you have said and try to grab a used 10-15k ski. Do you have any tips for navigating the used skis section? I'm not really sure I qualify in knowing pricing on the used freestyle market.. Seems like everyone is posting some sob story about needing to let go of their ski and I'm hoping to learn enough before pulling the trigger too early and getting ripped off..
 
mike b

mike b

Michael "Mayhem" Bevacqua aka MikeyChan
Location
California
_frontend said:
@mike b - I appreciate the insight man! I'll go the route both of you have said and try to grab a used 10-15k ski. Do you have any tips for navigating the used skis section? I'm not really sure I qualify in knowing pricing on the used freestyle market.. Seems like everyone is posting some sob story about needing to let go of their ski and I'm hoping to learn enough before pulling the trigger too early and getting ripped off..
Click to expand...

Pm me
 
Sasquachcrap

Sasquachcrap

Location
North Carolina
If your in Florida. There should be no shortage of skis to try. Spend a little time on here and hang out at some rides local to you. Most people will let you ride there ski. Remember ride it with respect and just try and get the feel of the way it handles. Stay close and ride within your ability’s. I had rode many skis when I decided on my Chan. Also one of the first skis I rode was a -2 superfreak. Loved it, but always thought I would want it a little shorter. @DAG is right that’s a good ski.
 
circafwsk8r

circafwsk8r

Location
michigan
There was a time where I went through multiple hulls in a summer. I can built a stand up in a day if I have all the parts. Part of the experience for me is the pride and satisfaction of things working perfect for me bc I know every inch of the ski. Would be really hard for me to buy RTR. With that being said there are a lot of good deals right now. Pretty much every RTR ski on this site for sale is cheaper than I've ever seen.
 
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