After reviewing many of the Best O’Brien Water Skis, I found the O’Brien Pro Tour Slalom Water Ski was one of the best. Over the last decade, I’ve water skied for countless hours. It was only a few years ago that I began writing articles and guides for the sport. In this review, I’m going to compare this to the industry standard, demonstrating where it exceeded expectations and its shortfalls; keep reading to learn more…
Specs and Features
- Fin: A.R.C.
- Bevels: 45 Degree Bevel
- Bindings: X-9
- Tunnel: Narrow
- Flex: Sport
- Rocker: Heavy
- Rider Ability: Beginner to Intermediate
PROS
- Available in multiple sizes
- Single ski makes skiing safer and stable
- Narrower but more in length generates speed
- Very reasonable and fair price
- Heavy rocker gives stability in beveled rides
- Easy to start training with
- The bindings are much adjustable
CONS
- Not for double board trained experts
Super Stable Design
When it comes to stability and safety, you can take the name of O’Brien because they are known for no compromise on these two aspects of water sports. Let’s just take the examples of their skis, all are fully stable, usually by the addition of a stabilizer bar. However, as mentioned above that Slalom is just a single board ski, this is actually what makes it super stable.
When people use two unconnected skis then sometimes due to water pressure, they might get pretty unstable but Slalom is just one ski. This is what gives super stability. Although riding with one ski might seem difficult at first look but once you get in practice, you will really love it.
Beveled Rides Made Easier
Probably, nobody would have ever even thought about beveled rides with water skis but O’Brien came up with a ski which allows beveled rides. Pro Tour Slalom has a bevel capacity of 45 degrees, so you don’t have to worry about angled rides anymore. The heavy rocker adds stability in beveled rides and therefore such riders become even safer.
X-9 bindings are an added benefit. If you are worried about the ability level then do note that this board is for beginners to intermediates. Experts who are not in practice of skiing on a single board cannot handle Slalom.
Related: O’Brien 2017 World Team Slalom Water Ski Review.
The Verdict
Water Skis were always made of dual boards. O’Brien although took a great risk by trying this new and crazy idea but the results are amazing. The Pro Tour Slalom Water Ski was loved by its customers. Surprisingly, beginners reported that it only took them some time to train with a single board and rest was all an easy game.
The board has a very fair price, unlike some others with unnecessary features and extremely high price. Although it is designed to be one size fits all but still it is available in multiple sizes and the bindings are also much adjustable. If you are just thinking to begin your skiing journey then we recommend you to start with the Pro Tour Slalom.
