Eagle Front Zip Baggy Drysuit
For the past several years I have been using only a full wetsuit because my drysuit was no more comfortable than the wetsuit and really not much warmer. However, during a recent trip to Houston I got the opportunity to try Eagle Sports new front-sip baggy drysuit. You may have seen where we have been blowing it up on Facebook and on our home page.
On initial entry into the water, of course I floated like an overinflated buoy as is common in the baggy drysuit. I quickly put one finger inside the neck of the suit and bled the air out until it was just right for me. Once out of the water, I truly felt like I wasn’t wearing a suit at all. I could only hear a little of the wind and water passing the suit.
On colder days you can layer clothing underneath or wear some new tech clothing from UnderArmour or the like. On warmer days, strip down...
The real value of this suit compared to other drysuits I have tried is that it
doesn’t take a second person to get out of it...TOP THAT?! The rubber zipper pulls diagonally open across the front of your chest and you’re outta there. This zipper configuration also insures that your "buddies" don’t leave you slightly unzipped as a practical joke.
In short, GET ONE! Stay warm and ski year round.
Reflex Hardshell Ski Boots and others
With tons of options out there for waterski boots and bindings, choosing one particular setup can be a tough choice. We field many calls and emails daily for recommendations on this very thing. Although we have no specific favorite out of the bunch, we have been testing a new product out there that seems to be raising the bar and making some changes. We still believe Fogman and Fluid Motion to be great hardshell setups and we also love the Connelly Drafts and the Radar RS-1 system for the hybrid hardshell/rubber sector of the game.
We are excited to be offering this great new product and want to give you our thoughts. We have most recently been testing the Reflex Hardshell Biinding System and had some great results. The Reflex Hardshell system has individual releases for for each foot. The most popular and common method of using the system thus far has been using a Reflex front boot and release with a less aggressive rubber boot for the rear foot. The product we have tested and Seth is currently using is comprised of a releasable hardshell front and a cuff-less rear shell that is fixed to the ski. The rear shell only has the bottom buckle on it to allow the rear foot to release from the shell in the event of a bad crash. This has been caled the "Remi" setup since Remi Rebillard was the guy who put this setup and idea together. Seth has been playing with using a second buckle as well as using a bungee strap in place of the second buckle.
The setup is all affixed to a single carbon plate that matches up with any current model hole pattern or can be affixed to the ski with interloc or double sided strong-binding tape if you don’t have holes in your ski.
For any skiers who use a rear toe plate setup, this is by far one of the best systems around. For those of you who are accustomed to double boots, this new setup may be the way to go and the less aggressive rear boot may also serve as a great setup. The connection ot the ski with this releasable front boot is pretty amazing, and with the proper rear boot you can really get the most out of your ski. For any skiers who are concerned about an individual release system, The Fogman binding system is still available and working great for a lot of skiers. The Fluid Motion E-Series as well as the Radar RS-1’s also provide a pretty trusty exit in the event of an unexpected crash.
We aren’t telling you what to buy, just giving you some facts and test results. Although we don’t have any of the hardshells on our online store (h2oproshop.com) yet, we do have the rubber boots and hybrids up there. Check them out by clicking here. You can email us if you would like to inquire about the hardshell setups available.
Call (866.213.7993) or email now to prebook your new Reflex Hardshells Binding Setup custom designed for you.
Balance Longboards
OK, so it has been awhile since we have done a gear report, we apologize for that one, but with this gear report right now, it is well worth the wait.
Introducing...
Balance Longboards
So much to say about BLB, where to start. First off, BLB is owned and operated by one of H2Oz’s own, Tom Henderson. Tom is one of the Big Time Rook’s on the Pro Slalom Scene. He debuted in his first Pro Event in 08, at the H2oz Pro Swerve and dunked down 38 off with ease. Tom was also one of the coaches at the H2oz Training Center this past season and he probably helped some of you out on the course as well. Tom has a very "zen" philosophy on life and he carries it over well with Balance Longboards.
"To me, the beauty in life comes when we find and realize that balance in our lives. To me, the beauty in life comes to those who learn that everything is connected and everything is one. That is where the idea came from behind Balance Longboards. To me, I alwas have to remember that there is no heelside without toeside, if not, I would only go in circles" -Tom Henderson, Balance Longboards.
Tom hand shapes each board, always choosing certified woods, using recycled woods when ever possible. Each board is it’s own shape, no two a like.
Now begs the question... Why do a review on a longboard skateboard on a water ski site? There are a few reasons behind this...
1. Tom is a good guy, a water skier, and a close friend, and H2oz likes to support guys like Tom Henderson in each of their projects.
2. Water Skiing is fun. Longboarding is fun. 2 Fun activities equals more fun!!!!
3. Riding a BLB can directly relate to slalom skiing. The same movements it takes to carve your neighborhood street or bomb down a hill are the same movements you use in the slalom course. So, while the water is still a bit chilly for slayshin’, take a cruise down the road and visualize in your head... Ripping 1 ball, banking 2, dunk on 3, swerve round 4, and down the course you will go.
So, chill out a bit this winter (excuse the pun), and pick up a Balance Longboard today. Who knows, you may just have a little fun and learn something too...
To learn more about Balance Longboards, click here.
To Purchase a Balance Longboard, Click Here.
