After comparing 10 of the best water skis under $200 from top manufacturers, I found that the O’Brien Reactor Combo Water Skis should be your choice. I have a long history of reviewing the best water skis and deciding whether they’re worth the cost. In this list, I’m going to compare cheap skis that, although cheap, work great. There are many affordable water skis to choose from; however, it’s difficult to find one that isn’t flimsy in the lower price ranges. Keep reading to learn which one you should choose.
1. O’BRIEN REACTOR COMBO WATER SKIS WITH 700 BINDINGS
- 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
This amazing pair of water skis from O’Brien has been designed for the professional riders. It has a thin profile, and a long length which means only pros can handle it. The pros can have a good time in performing stunts and having a challenging and an even speedier experience with these skis.
The length of the O’Brien Reactor combo water skis which include the 700 bindings are long coming in at 170cm. the weight of these skis is 7 pounds which is great. If you are looking for an excellent performance and highly responsive water ski, then this is going to be the best one. Other than that, it comes with a pair of 700 Bindings as well which provide additional grip and support. The shoe size range is between 4.5 and 13.
PROS
- Plastic fin
- Excellent performance
- Highly responsive
- Best suited for experts and experienced riders
- Simple tracking
CONS
- Not recommended for beginners or intermediates
2. RAVE PURE ADULT COMBO WATERSKIS
- The Pure Combo Water Skis are built to bring pure joy to the sport of water skiing.
- With the easy adjustability of the secure and comfortable bindings, everyone in the family will be skiing at ease in no time at all.
- Designed with a center ridge and deeper edge channels for stability during deep water starts and control and responsiveness while cutting over wakes and through waves.
- Length: 67″/ 170 cm For riders over 125 lbs.
Rave is a versatile and well-known brand for the waterski sports. Luckily, this waterski belongs to the Rave brand.
If you want a reliable waterski for making yourself a professional skier in a short time period go for this one. The durable and well-built design will not let you complain about your skiing experience even for the first time.
The center ridge and deeper edges offer stability in deep water. The design is totally responsible for controlling the vigorous waves while skiing through them. The perfect fit bindings are meant for every age group in the family.
PROS
- Stable in deep water
- Durable design
- Has adjustable bindings
CONS
- The color design could be improved
3. HYDROSLIDE LEGEND ADULT DELUXE WATERSKIS
- Adult recreation pair
- Slide Adjustable bindings
- Intermediate performance level
- Designed for riders over 120 pounds
- Quicker turning
Another one designed for somewhat advanced level riders is the Hydroslide Legend water skis. Being inexpensive, many people feel that it can’t be the right one for the pros but it offers you the same features as an expensive ski would. You also have the choice to choose from multiple colors such as red, black, gray, and white.
You can gain the maximum speed and cross beyond great limits with this pair of skis. It has been designed for riders above 120 pounds. At some cases, it is also used by intermediate level riders and they work fine.
PROS
- Stylish appearance
- Strong and durable
- Amazing bindings
- Makes turning easy
- Advanced features
CONS
- Not recommended for beginners
4. AIRHEAD AHS-1400 WIDE BODY COMBO WATER SKIS
- 65.5 in. long, wide-body skis with wide tip that displaces more water for easy start-ups and provides superior stability
- Hourglass shape provides quick low effort turning initiation even at slower boat speeds
- More advanced skiers will enjoy the wide tips for jumping wakes
- Dual density bindings are adjustable from US sizes 5 to 12
- Durable composite / foam core construction with fiberglass reinforced nylon fins for tracking
The Airhead wide body combo water skis have been made for the beginners as well as the intermediate level riders since it comes with a wide tip and an overall wide body which results in maximum water displacement. For a good beginner experience, stability is an important aspect which will come because of this.
Precise tracking is another great factor which influences how you ride. The Water ski comes with fiberglass fins which ultimately help you in getting the maximum tracking of your ski. People having shoe size between 5 and 12 can easily wear the sports bindings as well.
Read about another water ski by the same brand: Airhead AHST-150 Trainer Water Skis Review
PROS
- Precise tracking
- Strong and lightweight
- Minimal effort to turn
- Affordable
- Adjustable bindings included
CONS
- Low in stock
5. O’BRIEN VORTEX COMBO WATER SKIS
- 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
For beginner players, this is yet another one in our list which has a wider body to give the user with maximum stability and control. Moreover, it helps in reducing the drag of the ski as well. With a less effort, the beginner can begin his ride and enjoy out in the open waters.
Available in two amazing colors of blue and red, the beginners have choice to get what they want. Other than that, there are white colored fins which assist the rider in spotting dropped skis. The weight capacity of the O’Brien Vortex water skis are a little more than 100 pounds so the kids might love these skis.
PROS
- Wider body offers great stability
- Accommodates a wide range of sizes
- Plastic fin for improved tracking
- Sleek, stylish design
- Affordable
CONS
- Binding has been known to open
6. O’BRIEN CELEBRITY COMBO WATER SKIS WITH X-7 BINDINGS
- 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
Seems like one of the perfect combinations. With a pair of amazing X7 bindings and a highly responsive board, the beginners will be having an outstanding first experience with this one. The bindings come in one size that fits the most mechanism under which they can be easily worn by anyone having shoe size between 4.5 and 13.
Plastic fins will help to generate some speed too and gives you better tracking. Coming in an amazing blue color, the O’Brien Celebrity combo water skis which include the x-7 bindings are also an eye-catching and attractive option for the users. The rocker line is pretty much flatter and faster which offers reduced drag force by water.
Read More: Best HO Sports Water Skis
PROS
- Lightweight, but supports heavier riders
- Lower water drag with dual tunnel design
- Available in two interactive colors
- Plastic fins offer better tracking
- Narrow board improves speed
CONS
- Not recommended for smaller riders
7. BODY GLOVE ADULT WIDE BODY COMBO PAIR WATER SKIS
- Body Glove Contour Adult Wide Body Combo
- Widebody design for easy deep water starts and stable ride
- Parabolic side cits for added performance
- Double Density SOFT STEPslide adjustable bindings
Body Glove is a company which keeps the customers comfort as the first and foremost priority which is one reason why they are a part of our top ten list. Designed for adults yet beginner level riders, this ski has been constructed with RIM molded PU. As a result, the board is quite strong and durable.
The bindings are also exceptional in quality and the overall design. They are soft on the inside to provide comfort to the rider and hard on the outside to provide firmness and strength to resist damage. Surely, another great choice.
PROS
- Easy to learn
- Max user comfort
- Strong and durable
- Inexpensive
- Great stability, even for beginners
CONS
- Not recommended for children
- Heavy
- May show scratches easily
8. RAVE RHYME ADULT COMBO WATERSKIS
- STABILITY: The Rhyme Combo Water Skis have a wider body shape designed for stability, easier deep-water starts and effortless large curving turns.
- EASIER STARTS: The wider surface area of the Rhyme Combo Water Skis means less drag and more lift
- LESS POWER NEEDED: The wider shape of the Rhyme Combo Water Skis is easier on your boat, as it takes less power to pull skiers up and out of the water.
- SLALOM TOO: With a rear toe hold on one ski, skiers can get up on the water with both skis and then drop a ski to slalom. Perfect for beginner skiers!
- PERFECT FIT: Soft, secure bindings are adjustable to fit most adults. At 65″ long (167 cm), Rhyme skis are the perfect all-around water ski.
This Rave Rhyme is used as slalom type. What does that mean? Well it means that one of the boards either left or right one comes with a toe piece to provide better grip and control to the rider. In case of this ski, the right board has a rear toe piece integrated into it.
The best part is that you have a plastic lamination on the top which makes it even safer and protects the paint and overall design. There are rare chances of any scrapping. An amazing pair of bindings is a must as well.
PROS
- Adjustable bindings offer more grip and control
- Soft inserts improve comfort
- Reduced drag with a well-balanced shape
- Dual purpose skis
- Easy deep water starts
CONS
- Too much buoyancy
- Not for smaller, or lightweight users
9. O’BRIEN PERFORMER 68 INCHES COMBO WATERSKIS
- X-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 starts
- Aggressive rocker and bevels for slalom skiing
Another worth buying waterski is from the well-known brand, O’Brien. It offers the X-8 bindings designed to fit US men of 7-13 inches effortlessly.
The bevel of the waterski is designed carefully. The rounder the bevel, the deeper the ski will sink, therefore, making it hard to control. The wider size of the waterski increases the surface area, making to take a comfortable start for skiing. It’s recommended for beginners, intermediates. However, long-time skiers who search for a cheap waterski can opt for the Performer Combo.
PROS
- X-8 bindings designed to fit US Men 7-13
- Padded rear toe plate
- Wide forebody for added surface area and easier deep water starts
- Aggressive rocker and bevels for slalom skiing
CONS
- The rear fin of the waterski is made with poor quality plastic material
10. O’BRIEN CELEBRITY 68″ COMBO WATERSKIS
- 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
O’Brien offers one more super amazing waterski for the family’s entertainment. It offers the X-7 adjustable bindings designed to fit US men 4.5-13 inches.
The body of the waterski is designed carefully. Padded rear toe plate is used for the comfortable ride. For the efficient performance of side cuts and better turning durable, fins are used. It is equipped with a dual tunnel for enhancing the control and stability of water skiing.
PROS
- Adjustable bindings
- Padded rear toe plate
- Performance sidecut for better turning
- Dual tunnel enhances control and stability
- Available in 2 colors
- The bestseller of the waterski category on Amazon
CONS
- Not significant
CONCLUSION
Water skis are an exciting way to spend time and perform thrilling stunts; however, some skis can get expensive. For this reason, I explored the Top 10 Cheap Water Skis under $200. Although there were many enticing options, I decided that the O’Brien Reactor Combo Water Skis was the best. At an affordable price, it manages to incorporate everything expected of a great water ski.
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