After comparing many of the best kid’s water skis side-by-side, I was very impressed with what the O’Brien Jr Vortex Widebody could do. I’ve been lucky enough to spend much of my spare time reviewing and testing different water skis over the past few years, including various kid’s skis. In this review, I’m going to compare its shape, bindings, safety, features, price, and more. There are a number of good water skis out there, and the best one for your child will depend on many details. Keep reading to find out whether the O’Brien Jr. Vortex Water Skis are their best fit.
Specs and Features
- Binding: Sports
- Sports Type: Water-sports
- Package Height: 8 x 8 x 55 inches
- Size: 54″
- Color: Green
- Weight limit: 140lbs.
- Shipping Weight: 15.5 pounds
PROS
- Equally suited for kids and men
- Parabolic Shape and wider fore body
- Plastic fins, more control over the ski
- Stabilizer bar, no compromise on kids safety
- Rear toe piece with one ski
CONS
- Extra wide for ages less than 9
- No trainer rope included
Accurately Carved
The shape is the most important element of a water ski because that determines the movement, speed, and stability of it. Vortex Kids Ski is carved in such a manner to give it an extra wide fore body and allow a parabolic shape to it. This makes the board long enough, even to use by men.
Deep water starts were previously near to impossible because the skis weren’t designed as such but the shape of this ski also allows very easy deep water starts. It is a great choice for your junior ones but even if you wish to have it, then you can.
O’Brien had released a few kid skis. Read our O’Brien All Star Jr. Trainer Water Skis Review to learn more.
Adjustable Bindings
O’Brien always surprises their customers by putting in something new and awesome in their sports equipment. The Vortex Kids Water Ski features adjustable x-7 bindings. These bindings are made up from high-quality material and they are loved by the people who used this ski.
Not only this, Vortex also has a stabilizer bar, which connects the two boards. Although it results in less freedom of movement, for kids, it is a better idea because it guarantees safety and stability. The right board also has a rear toe piece for increased comfort.
The Verdict
Every time, we talk about a water ski, there are some disadvantages of it. Talking about the Combo, although it is a good one ski, but for kids less than ages 8 or 9, it is extra wide and even the stabilizer bar does not help. Furthermore, there isn’t a trainer rope which is must with a ski for juniors or kids.
On the bright side, we see that this ski can support riders up to 140 lbs. This weight limit is pretty much high for a water ski. The best thing is that it can also be used by elder men. You might be worried about the stabilizer bar but let us tell you, that it can be easily removed to fully enjoy skiing.
