The 10 Best O’Brien Water Skis

After comparing O’Brien’s ten best water skis side-by-side, I found that the O’Brien Celebrity Waterski Combo brings home the bacon. I have a long history of reviewing water skis and deciding whether they’re worth the cost. In this article, I’m going to evaluate many of O’Brien’s best-selling skis by comparing their PROs and CONs. There are a number of good water skis out there; keep reading to find out which one you should choose.

Preview
Best Overall
O'Brien Sequence Slalom Ski 67" w/STD Bindings
Most Patriotic
O'Brien Celebrity Combo Water Skis, Flag, 68"
For Kids
O'Brien Jr Vortex Widebody Combo Waterskis, 54" Lime
Title
O’Brien Sequence Slalom Ski 67″ w/STD Bindings
O’Brien Celebrity Combo Water Skis, Flag, 68″
O’Brien Jr Vortex Widebody Combo Waterskis, 54″ Lime
Ski Type
Slalom
Combo
Combo
Length
67″
68″
54″
Prime Status
Best Overall
Preview
O'Brien Sequence Slalom Ski 67" w/STD Bindings
Title
O’Brien Sequence Slalom Ski 67″ w/STD Bindings
Ski Type
Slalom
Length
67″
Prime Status
View on Amazon
Most Patriotic
Preview
O'Brien Celebrity Combo Water Skis, Flag, 68"
Title
O’Brien Celebrity Combo Water Skis, Flag, 68″
Ski Type
Combo
Length
68″
Prime Status
View on Amazon
For Kids
Preview
O'Brien Jr Vortex Widebody Combo Waterskis, 54" Lime
Title
O’Brien Jr Vortex Widebody Combo Waterskis, 54″ Lime
Ski Type
Combo
Length
54″
Prime Status
View on Amazon

1. Obrien Celebrity 68″ Waterski Combo with X-7 Bindings Adults

O'Brien Celebrity Combo Water Skis, Flag, 68'
224 Reviews
O’Brien Celebrity Combo Water Skis, Flag, 68″
  • X-7 adjustable binding designed to fit US Men 4.5-13
  • Padded rear toe plate
  • Great all-around ski for the whole family
  • Performance side cut for better turning
  • Dual tunnel enhances control and stability

The O’Brien is another leading company of water skis in the market. This one by Obrien has been designed keeping in view the comfort level of the skiers. It is adjustable and gives a great fit for the X-7 bindings.

It is the most versatile skis as it is paired with the ski’s side-cut bevel and dual tunnel. Moreover, it is built for deep-water start and features a flatter, faster rocker line to reduce drag force and fatigue. Hurray! Now, you can ski all day on the Celebrities. 

The pinch-slide O’Brien X-7 bindings provide effortless adjustment while giving a comfortable fit for your feet. The Celebrities also feature a padded rear toe plate for anyone who wants to learn slalom skiing.

PROS:

  • Strong and durable
  • Performance-based ski
  • Comfortable
  • Accommodates a wide array of users
  • Inexpensive

CONS:

  • Heavy in weight
  • Big boots

2. O’Brien Sequence Slalom Ski

O'Brien Sequence Slalom Ski 67' w/STD Bindings
10 Reviews
O’Brien Sequence Slalom Ski 67″ w/STD Bindings
  • STD Z9 Bindings Size 7-11
  • Wide body for easier deep-water starts
  • Easy to Turn
  • Wide forbody makes it stable
  • Z9 EVA bindings for comfort

This ski by Obrien owns gives lightning-fast turn-ins and low drag. It has a transitional concave bottom that provides stability without compromising the swiftness and agility. The traditional shape at the nose gives you stability and straight tracking eventually turning into a broader

The full concave design keeps mobility high even on a wide ski design like this. Therefore,  anyone who fits in the included X-9 Bindings will be able to find something they like in the ride and thanks to the highly adjustable design most everyone will fit in those X-9s.

O’Brien’s exclusive dual tunnel is designed to be the smoothes ski on the water. Featuring a pronounced V entry at the tips, these skis effortlessly slice through rough water and deliver a smooth, stable ride that everyone can enjoy.

PROS:

  • Low drag
  • Transitional concave bottom 
  • A full concave design highly adjustable 
  • A pronounced V entry at the tips

CONS:

  • Not specified

3. O’Brien Reactor Combo Water Skis, 67″

SALE
O'Brien Reactor Combo Water Skis, 67',Red
23 Reviews
O’Brien Reactor Combo Water Skis, 67″,Red
  • Pinch slide 700 Series adjustable binding fits US Men 4.5-13
  • Padded rear toe plate
  • Narrower cut for more maneuverability
  • Deep center tunnel for stability and performance
  • Sport type: Boating

The name says it so! The O’Brien Reactor water skis have been designed for the professional riders who are aiming to get to high speeds and perform some wild stunts with their water skis. The best thing is that they will be getting an amazing pair of bindings as well which are the 700-bindings that are going to provide a better grip and support while riding.

It comes with a thin profile as well as a longer length which is why we don’t think that it is the task of beginners. The bindings are suitable for men with a foot size between 4.5 and 13. You will enjoy this amazing water ski.

PROS:

  • Excellent performance
  • Plastic fins provide amazing tracking
  • Can perform stunts easily
  • Can handle rigorous skiing
  • Great speed

CONS:

  • Too difficult for beginners or inexperienced riders

4. O’BRIEN 2017 WORLD TEAM SLALOM WATERSKI

O'Brien World Team Slalom Ski 66' w/STD Bindings
2 Reviews
O’Brien World Team Slalom Ski 66″ w/STD Bindings
  • STD Z9 Bindings Size 7-11
  • Z9 EVA bindings for comfort
  • Easy to Turn
  • Forgiving flex for all levels

The result of a fine art designing and craftsmanship is the 2017 World Team Slalom water ski which is a boom in its quality and design. It might not weigh much but it surely is a tough one for users. The board stretches to about 68 inches.

With a sport flex and a 45-degree bevel, you are going to have a great time in the waters. Other than that, with a heavy rocker and a narrow tunnel, you will be able to make turns, have a reduced drag and enjoy in several other ways easily.

PROS:

  • Comfortable
  • Stable and well-balanced
  • Smooth riding experience
  • Great control and grip
  • Wide width

CONS:

  • Not suitable for inexperienced riders
  • More expensive than others

5. O’BRIEN SIEGE SLALOM WATERSKI WITH AVID BINDING AND REAR TOE PLATE

Yet another great one by the company is the Siege Slalom ski which is known for its superfine quality and high performance. The exterior design and aesthetic screams of quality and brilliant engineering and creativity. The length of this ski is 68 inches which means it can be the one for intermediate and advanced level riders.

With a smooth and regular flex, the control of the user gets even better with smoother landings. It has been built to survive the rough usage which is why it is often known as the tough one. The quick lace system and integrated liner adds to the convenience of the water ski by making the mounting process a lot easier.

PROS:

  • Strong and durable
  • Light in weight
  • Performance based ski
  • Comfortable
  • Accommodates a wide array of users

CONS:

  • Higher range in price
  • Not suitable for inexperienced skiers

6. O’Brien Vortex Widebody Combo Water Skis

O'Brien Vortex Widebody Combo Water Skis 65.5', Red
102 Reviews
O’Brien Vortex Widebody Combo Water Skis 65.5″, Red
  • Length 65. 5 inch/166cm
  • X-7 adjustable bindings (one ski has rear toe piece)
  • Foot size: Men’s 4. 5-13
  • Wide body for stability

The Vortex combo water skis have been designed for the beginner level riders. Why? Well, it has a slightly wider body which makes it a better one for the beginners since they can easily maintain their balance and have a better control as well. Moreover, a wider body also helps in reducing the drag which means that this board is going to be a great one for brushing up your skills.

Coming in an attractive blue as well as red color, this ski will stay stable in deep waters. In addition, it will also be helpful in making sudden quick turns. The weighing capacity is somewhat near 140 pounds so make sure you take care about that.

In fact, we’ve already written a complete O’Brien Vortex Combo Water Skis Review (click here to read more).

PROS:

  • Accommodates all types of riders
  • Max comfort
  • Lightweight
  • Durable and strong
  • Great visuals

CONS:

  • Higher price range
  • Difficult for inexperienced riders to learn on

7. O’Brien Celebrity Combo Water Skis, Blue, 68″

O'Brien Celebrity Combo Water Skis, Navy, 68'
224 Reviews
O’Brien Celebrity Combo Water Skis, Navy, 68″
  • X-7 adjustable binding designed to fit US Men 4.5-13
  • Padded rear toe plate
  • Great all-around ski for the whole family
  • Performance side cut for better turning
  • Dual tunnel enhances control and stability

The Celebrity is a great pair of water skis and includes the x-7 bindings which are going to be helpful in progressing in a confident manner in the open waters. It also comes with a pair of X7 bindings which come under one size that fits the most policy. The bindings are can be used by anyone having shoe size between 4.5 and 13 for men.

Plastic fins will help to generate some speed too. The rocker line is a great one as well since it is flatter than the regular ones which reduces the drag and adds to the amount of pop for the user.

PROS:

  • Available in two colors
  • Unique construction makes it lightweight and durable
  • Lower drag with tunnel design
  • Max comfort with X-7 bindings which are adjustable
  • Great speed with plastic fins and narrow design

CONS:

  • Not for smaller, lightweight riders

8. O’Brien Jr Vortex Kids Combo Water Skis, 54″

O'Brien Jr Vortex Widebody Combo Waterskis, 54' Lime
123 Reviews
O’Brien Jr Vortex Widebody Combo Waterskis, 54″ Lime
  • Jr. X-7 adjustable bindings (one ski has rear toe piece)
  • Foot size: Kids 2-Mens 7
  • Includes stabilizer bar
  • Durable Plastic Fins
  • Length 54 inch/137cm

The Vortex combo skis which include the x-7 bindings is the one which has been designed for the kids. One main thing which the company focused on for this one is the design since the color schemes can be attractive to the kids. Being the right one for kids, it is in a wide body shape so that the kids can balance themselves easily.

This pair also comes with X7 bindings so that the kids can ride with both; a great pair of skis and a great pair of bindings.

All things considered, they’re one of the best water skis under $200!

PROS:

  • Can accommodate adults and children
  • Rear toe piece outfitted on one ski
  • Improved control for kids with plastic fin
  • Unique parabolic shape
  • Great tracking for a children’s ski

CONS:

  • Trainer rope not included

9. O’Brien Performer Combo Waterskis

O'Brien Performer Combo Waterskis
24 Reviews
O’Brien Performer Combo Waterskis
  • Z-8 bindings designed to fit US Men 7-13
  • Padded rear toe plate
  • Great for advancing intermediates
  • Wide forebody for added surface area and easier deep water…
  • Aggressive rocker and bevels for slalom skiing

Either you’ve got an average size foot, or a big one don’t worry when the lace-adjustable X-8 is offering secure bindings for all foot sizes. And, yes the OBRIEN Performer 68 waterski has this feature to get for comfortable skiing. Moreover, the padded rear toe plate provides comfortable skiing to the skiers.

This versatile waterski is an excellent choice for beginners and the advanced slalom skiing learners. It’s even worth for the intermediate skiers, offering them the best opportunity for learning slalom skiing.

PROS:

  • Comfortable padded rear toe plate
  • Great for advancing intermediates and beginners
  • Offers an added surface area for easier deep water starts

CONS:

  • The fins made from poor quality plastic material

10. O’Brien Sixam Slalom Waterski (Blank)

OBrien Sixam Slalom Waterski (Blank)

The O’Brien Sixam is a fast slalom ski with a refined top and Nexus base that turns better than ever! Skiers can approach buoys with faster speed while achieving a greater angle after coming out of the turn. 

The Sixam’s rocker pattern features a short, flat spot, and a sweet spot under the front foot allowing you to get maximum feedback of the ski’s position every time you ski. It is purposefully designed to help you ski your best. The fluid rocker pattern helps the skier to roll quickly into the acceleration phase.

PROS:

  • Nexus base carves better than ever
  • Rocker pattern rolls quickly while accelerating
  • Radius concave bottom increases holding power

CONS:

  • Not significant

CONCLUSION

When it comes to water skis, users look for options that are highly recommended because getting the best is not easily possible. The best water skis by O’Brien have been mentioned above in the review so if you are also looking for a ski by O’Brien, you need to get one from the list of the Best O’Brien Water Skis. We hope that you have a wonderful experience with the one which you choose.

Author

  • George Dermanakis

    Hey! I'm George. Over the past few years, my passion for water skiing has grown and grown! Nowadays, I share my experiences by writing reviews and guides addressing anything relating to water skis. Besides writing, I enjoy many other water sports in my spare time, like kayaking, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, and more.

1 thought on “The 10 Best O’Brien Water Skis”

  1. This year I purchased the 2020 O’Brien Relay slalom ski. I have been skiing on O’Brien for over 30 years, but whether skiing on a course or on open water this is by far the best slalom ski I have ever ridden. I like a ski that is really stable so I can pull hard across the wake and not worry about the ski being squirrelly. While I have tried other brands I keep coming back to O’Brien. If you’re looking for a ski that can carve turns on the course or handle bumpy conditions on open water, I highly recommend this ski. I also went down a size from 67 to 66 (I am 165 lbs) and it handles much better at that length.

    Reply

Leave a Comment