5 Best Intermediate Slalom Water Skis

You may be thinking that you are an intermediate slalom water skier, you can buy any ski, but that is not the case. The content mentioned in this article will help you decide the best intermediate slalom water ski for you.

Top Pick

Connelly 2022 Aspect Slalom Ski

Connelly 2022 Aspect Slalom Ski

Closed Cell Polyurethane Resin Core
Standard Tunnel
Recreational Glass Flex Sequence

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When finding the best intermediate Slalom water ski, Connelly Aspects Slalom Ski will always be my favorite. The 2022 version is all-set to give a new definition to this board. It is light, nimble, and designed to work best at slower speeds. It’s a great ski for beginners. A polished base offers gliding behind the boat. So, when you have such a great option to try 2022, why resist yourself from falling into the fun ski zone?

Connelly 2021 Aspect Slalom Ski

Connelly 2021 Aspect Slalom Ski

CAPT (Connelly Advanced Profile Technology)
Recreational Glass Flex
V-shaped steps that help improve water flow efficiency

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The Connelly Aspect focuses on beveled edges, tunnel width, and other features that will make your experience easier. While there are many intermediate slalom skis in the market, try to look at what provides more functionality rather than design.

Other Contestants For The Best Intermediate Slalom Water Ski

Connelly Outlaw Slalom Ski

Connelly Outlaw Slalom Ski 2022

Closed Cell Polyurethane Resin Core
Connelly Advanced Profile Technology (C.A.P.T.)
Recreational Glass Flex Sequence

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Connelly is one of the leading slalom water ski manufacturers. Their slalom water skis focus more on learning and improving your technique. The Connelly Outlaw provides more hold and stability, a good choice for those at the intermediate and intermediate-advanced level. The ski has a narrow design, and the wide tail end allows provides for drag to slow down when turning.

Pros

Closed Cell Polyurethane Resin Core
The base consists of Acrylam, allowing you to opt for hard carves or smooth turns
Uses Connelly Advanced Profile Technology

O’Brien Siege Slalom Water Ski

O'Brien Siege Slalom Water Ski 2022

Flex: Performance
Fin: Carve
Bindings: Z-9

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O’Brien ski manufacturers are yet another leading brand. Their skis are nimble and stable for intermediate to advanced skiers. Anyone who wants to perform well but also have fun will find this ski a good match. The tunnel concave allows for easy turning and smooth transitions.

Pros

With the tunnel concave, you can expect smooth transitions

Cons

Even though this says intermediate, the ski will still be more suited to advanced skier who consistently run the slalom course

O’Brien Impulse Slalom Ski

O'Brien 2021 Impulse Slalom Ski

Heavy rocker
Carved fin for added stability
For beginner-intermediate skill range

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The fins on this ski are adjustable, and the narrow tunnel help with tracking. The rocker patterns allow smooth transitions. You can take easy turns, and the ski lets you have more fun as compared to other more twitchy skis.

Pros

Heavy rocker patterns help for smooth transitions
45 Degree Bevel that minimizes spray
Binding size ranges from XS to S up to 7

Cons

Ski binding is available in one range of US size only, making it less adaptable for others

Connelly Aspect Slalom Ski

Connelly 2022 Aspect Slalom Ski

Closed Cell Polyurethane Resin Core
Standard Tunnel
Recreational Glass Flex Sequence

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Connelly Aspect Slalom Ski is light, nimble and designed to work best at slower speeds. It’s a great ski for beginners. A polished base offers gliding behind the boat. So, when you have such a great ski, why not try skiing with this right now?

Pros

Closed-cell resin core and a recreational glass flex sequence
Connelly Advanced Profile Technology – CAPT
V-tech offers increased maneuverability and breaks up the water surface area

Connelly Shortline Slalom Ski

Connelly Shortline Slalom Ski

Reinforced Composite Construction
Connelly Tracking System
Swerve with RTS Bindings

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Connelly Shortline is a ski that offers more space for learning rather than professional use. The ski is designed for the category of skiers belonging to beginners or intermediate. Wide tunnels and tips for increased balancing.

Pros

Reinforced composite construction that allows beginners to ski confidently
Connelly Tracking System is a feature that keeps the ski straight once the boat accelerates
RTS bindings help you to swerve and take slow turns

Cons

The ski is more for beginners rather than intermediate. It has features that are convenient to use, and they do not challenge an intermediate skier

Frequently Asked Questions

When I started out, I was less informed on slalom water skis. As an intermediate skier, I had many doubts, which led me to make mistakes. These are some frequently asked questions that could make your experience easier.

How Do You Determine If You Are An Intermediate Slalom Water Skier?

If you prefer a higher speed than what you started with, you are probably an intermediate water skier. Most skiers in this category ski for fun and do not plan on running the slalom course with any rope shortening. More so than turning professional, all you wish for is a good and enjoyable time on the water. Typically, you ski in a 24 mph to 28 mph speed.

What Speed Range Do You Fall In For An Intermediate Slalom Water Ski?

Like I mentioned before, the speed range for an intermediate slalom water ski is 24 to 28 mph. Depending on the skier’s weight, this range can fluctuate. Note that you should not be crossing that range from what your intermediate slalom water ski can handle.

How Is The Sizing Of An Intermediate Slalom Water Ski Determined?

The size of the ski completely depends on the skier’s weight and the average boat speed used. No matter your skill level, the sizing method remains the same. The ski size will increase or decrease depending on the skier’s weight. The ski sizing falls in the range of 62 inches to 72 inches. Sizes may sometimes remain the same for you as you jump on higher levels of slalom skiing. But other elements, such as the width, shape, edge, etc., enter the picture to determine which ski is the best for you.

What Are The Different Ski Types?

There are three general types of skis that are classifiable into levels of skiing. This means you can determine which type of ski is for you based on your aspirations.

Slalom Course Skis

You could say a course ski is designed for advanced skiers or professional skiers participating in tournaments. These are designed to be stiff, light, and responsive, allowing them to travel as quickly as possible. Slalom course skis are made and tested by professional skiers, giving their input into each season’s design. Specifically designed for slalom courses, the ski likes to be on edge at all times and will be slippery if faced flat on the water.

Cross-Over Skis

Cross-over skis are made specifically for an intermediate skier or anyone looking to ski the open waters for fun. These have more width as compared to slalom skis. Their flex pattern also leans more towards the softer side, allowing the skier to handle the ski smoothly and have a wider arch out of turns.

Free-Ski

A free ski is designed for beginners or novice skiers. As an intermediate slalom water skier, you have probably already tried this type of ski-out before. A free ski has a softer flex pattern that allows more bend and slower out of turns. These skis are the widest amongst all three and are designed specifically for slow speeds. With higher width comes more stability and comfort.

How Does A Concave Base Help To Determine The Right Slalom Water Ski?

When splitting a ski based on its base, you should know a few key factors. As a beginning skier, I barely paid attention to ski bases, but here is how a concave base plays an important role in your ski choice. This shape from under the ski will determine the stability and the ability to turn edges. There are three types in total.

Flat Spot Design

These are the most common types since beginners or novices use them. This ski has a wider body, and the flat spot allows the water to flow parallel to the ski. Skiers can learn at a slower speed by turning off the base.

Tunnel-Concave Design

This model has a central concave, while its sides are designed flat. This ski allows you to sit higher in the water. A wider concave spot brings you more stability. Conversely, the large concave also makes for a faster ski and harder edge.

Full-Concave Design

The ski has a full concave from edge to edge of the ski. This is specifically designed for advanced skiers taking rapid turns. The concave base provides more locks and holds for stronger turns.

5 Best Intermediate Slalom Water Skis