HO Freeride Water Ski Review

HO is a trusted brand for water sports. The brand provides some great durable products. As for water skis, the brand has proved to be no different. The HO Freeride skis are specifically for open water, and the latest addition in the Freeride series is known as the HO Fusion Freeride, a high-quality and advanced product. The unique features offer efficiency and reduce complications while skiing.
This review involves the HO Freeride Fusion Ski for both men and women. Meanwhile, important information like the built type or ski level remains the same for both skis. These are as follows:

The ski is for beginners to intermediate level, with the ideal speed at 24-28 mph.
The core of the ski is of Paulownia Wood, with a composite outer.
These are compatible with the traditional boot or direct connection.

HO Freeride Fusion Water Ski For Men

HO Freeride Fusion Water Ski For Men

Freeride Width
Spoon Tip
Hybrid Edge Design

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It is the third generation ski of Freeride products by HO. Also known as the Freeride Fusion, this product has a clean and sharp structure. Moreover, the look and design of the ski are pleasing.
The Freeride Fusion is available in different sizes. Each size is segregated based on the user’s body weight. The available sizes are:

Ski size (in) 65 | weight range (lbs) Up to 150
Ski size (in) 67 | weight range (lbs) 150-200
Ski size (in) 69 | weight range (lbs) 200-250
Ski size (in) 71 | weight range (lbs) over 250

Key Features

Advanced Technology

The HO Freeride Fusion uses Clean Edge Technology to build the tail. This is particularly helpful in reducing drag, around up to 50%. It is different from conventional technology in terms of water retention qualities. The clean edge releases water cleanly without creating a suction, while the conventional design allows water to wrap around the bevel. Moreover, you need to put less effort into building up more acceleration. This design also improves the skier’s stability and overall efficiency behind the boat.

Improved Fin

The HO Freeride Fusion Ski has a Hex Fin. This is an upgradation from the 2D design of the fin to a 3D version. This feature allows the ski to enjoy more lift and lower the water drag. It also improves skiing functionality like better-turning properties and glide speed.

Better Width And Tip

The other important feature of this ski is the improvement in the width size. A freeride width is wide and offers a more stable platform to the skier. Moreover, this ski helps handle adverse water conditions or low boat speeds. Overall, the width provides a smooth skiing experience. The ski has a spoon tip, which gives you more buoyance and an easy planing surface.

Pros

Hex Fin
Wide base
Clean edge tail
Available in multiple sizes

HO Freeride Water Ski For Women

HO Freeride Water Ski For Women

Hybrid Edge Design
Hex Fin
Direct Connect or Traditional Boot Compatible

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The women’s version of the HO Freeride Fusion Ski is equally good as the men’s version. It has some impressive features, specially built for women skiers. The skis have an impressive and vibrant look.
The Freeride Fusion Ski for Women is available in the following sizes:

Ski Size (in) 65 | Weight (lbs) up to 150 | Max Width (in) 7.34
Ski Size (in) 67 | Weight (lbs) over 150 | Max Width (in) 7.50

Key Features

Technology And Design

Like the men’s version, this ski also uses clean edge technology. The tail design allows a low drag. It allows the skier to put less pressure and enjoy better ski control. The ski is ideal for variable boat speeds and water conditions. With this product, you can make sharp turns with ease. Moreover, you will experience a high level of stability and improved performance.

Flex For Women

Flex patterns need to differ from body weight. These also affect your pressure points. This ski flex is designed specifically for women. It is 30% softer than the regular ski. It acts as an advantage, especially for the finesse skiers, by improving their feel.

Pros

Eye-catching colors and design
Wide base
Clean edge tail
Lightweight

HO Freeride Water Ski – 2019

HO Freeride Water Ski – 2019

Clean Edge Technology in tail for 50% less drag than conventional skis
Bevel-less design with high volume concave – more stability in chop and rollers
3D Shark Fin – NACA Airfoil inspired 3-dimensional fin for more lift and lower drag

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The HO Freeride Slalom Water Ski is the 2019 version of the Freeride edition. It offers some advanced features, which are carried to the 2020 version. Some of these are the clean edge technology and 3D shark fin. Moreover, the core is made from Paulownia wood for both versions. On the other hand, some differentiating factors in 2019 make it cheaper than the 2020 version. Firstly, the base width follows a traditional size. This implies that the surface area of this ski is lesser than the fusion ski. Secondly, the shape of the Slalom Water Ski is fish-inspired. It has a lower aspect ratio with a wider tail. Moreover, the curves on the tail differ from the 2020 Fusion Ski.

Pros

Clean Edge Technology
3D shark fin
Lightweight

Cons

Traditional width

Alternative Water Ski

Connelly Aspect Water Ski 2021

Connelly Aspect Water Ski 2021

Closed cell polyurethane resin core
Women’s specific glass flex sequence
C.A.P.T. (Connelly Advanced Profile Technology)

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The Connelly Aspect 2021 is a good alternative to the HO Freeride Fusion 2020. It is available for both men and women. The ski uses a V-Step Base Technology to reduce drags. The ski has a closed-cell polyurethane resin core. Moreover, it follows the Connelly Advanced Profile Technology. Like the HO ski mentioned below, this is also a freeride ski, useful in slower speeds or aggressive turns. The recommended speed is 26-32 mph, suitable for intermediate skiers.
The available sizes for this product are:

Ski size (in) 65 | weight range (lbs) Up to 180
Ski size (in) 67 | weight range (lbs) 180-220
Ski size (in) 69 | weight range (lbs) 220 and up

Final thoughts / Conclusion

The HO Freeride Water Ski 2021 is ideal if you are looking to ski in open or deep waters. The ski has a wide base and offers a lot of stability to the skier. It offers a smooth gliding experience without putting in much effort. Moreover, carving and sharp turns are easy and fun with this ski. The designs of both men’s and women’s skis are quite impressive and unique. Overall, you will find the HO Freeride Water Ski 2021 a good fit for skiing behind a wide range of watercraft. It will not disappoint you, especially with the low drag and hybrid edge design.

HO Freeride Water Ski Review