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Best Water Skis

Updated May 2022
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
CWB Supersport Combo Waterskis
CWB
Supersport Combo Waterskis
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Wide & Balanced
Bottom Line

A great ski for kids. At 55", they are easy to handle and have a wide surface to give a beginner balance.

Pros

Wide at the tip and the tail for easier balance on the water. Includes a bar to help kids keep skis parallel while learning. Bar is removable after the child learns to get up on his own. Small boots can adjust down to child size four.

Cons

Small boots might be hard to fit kids who are big enough to take on the adult-size skis.

Best Bang for the Buck
Nash Hydroslide Legend Adult Deluxe Waterskis
Nash
Hydroslide Legend Adult Deluxe Waterskis
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Quick, Sharp Turns
Bottom Line

Responsive and quick turning, these are a nice step up for intermediate water-skiers.

Pros

Aggressively tapered at the tail to permit quicker turns in the water. Bindings adjust quickly thanks to slide adjuster and can be adjusted in the water.

Cons

Stabilizer bar thumbscrew strips easily. Bindings work best on larger feet.

O'Brien Reactor 67" Combo Water Skis
O'Brien
Reactor 67" Combo Water Skis
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Starter Ski
Bottom Line

A very good beginner’s ski that offers stability and builds confidence in the water.

Pros

A wide ski for beginner adults. Very stable, allowing users to pop right up into position without struggling. Bindings adjust to several foot sizes.

Cons

Bindings can be too loose for smaller feet.

O'Brien Jr Vortex Widebody 54" Combo Water Skis
O'Brien
Jr Vortex Widebody 54" Combo Water Skis
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Best for Kids
Bottom Line

Buoyant but very stable, these skis will have kids clamoring to have another turn water-skiing.

Pros

Designed for smaller, younger skiers with an extra-wide front and parabolic shape. Includes a removable stabilizer bar. Good control and stability.

Cons

Kids may grow out of the binders quickly.

HO Sports HO Burner Pro
HO Sports
HO Burner Pro
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Performance-focused
Bottom Line

Nice set of skis for those ready to up their game.

Pros

A good set of skis for more advanced skiers. Solid slalom ski. Very comfortable and firm-fitting boot. Good for those who want a higher performance, but they work well for more laid-back skiing as well.

Cons

Bindings are laced. Hard to put on in the water.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

33
Models
Considered
60
Consumers
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14
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Researched
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Buying guide for Best water skis

For anyone who enjoys spending time out on a boat, the idea of trying your hand at water-skiing is probably pretty tempting. But whether you’re skiing just for fun, to prepare for competition, or to impress your friends and family with cool tricks, finding the right pair of water skis is the key to safe, enjoyable water-skiing.

At its most basic, water-skiing involves being pulled behind a boat while wearing skis so you can skim the surface of the water. It’s most common to wear two skis, but some people use a single ski with their dominant foot positioned in front of their other foot. While it’s an activity that many people can enjoy with the right equipment, you do need some upper and lower body strength, as well as balance, to water ski successfully.

But it really all starts with the proper equipment, which makes choosing the right water skis crucial. That means figuring out what type of skis you need, what size to choose, what material and shape work best, and what other features can make water-skiing even more fun. Considering how many water skis there are on the market, making sense of all these options can be a challenge. That’s where our handy shopping guide comes in – it has all the information you need to choose the ideal water skis for your next boating trip.

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The speed of the boat that’s pulling you should also influence the size of your water skis. In general, the faster the boat, the shorter your skis should be.

Key considerations

Types of water skis

The first decision to make when you’re shopping for water skis is to determine which type is best for your skill level and the activities you plan to use them for. There are four main types of water skis.

Combination water skis are the most common style of water skis and are sold in pairs. They are ideal for beginners and are the easiest to use when you’re just learning the sport. Combination skis have a wider design, which allows for more control and better balance. Because they’re so versatile, multiple skiers in your family may be able to share one pair.

Slalom water skis are designed for skiing with a single ski. They work well when you want to make a sharp turn or ski at a higher speed. Slalom skis are thinner than combination skis, so you should have extremely good balance and experience with water-skiing in order to use them.

Trick water skis are suited for doing stunts like spins and jumps. They have a shorter, wider design that allows for greater range of motion when you’re on the water. Unlike combination and slalom skis, which feature fins for better control, trick skis don’t have fins so they can slide across the water and make sharp turns. They should only be used by intermediate and advanced skiers.

Jump water skis are made specifically for jumping off ramps into the water. They have a long, wide shape but are lightweight to allow you to jump a significant distance. Jump skis also have completely smooth bottoms to make it easy to move along the ramp. They should only be used by advanced water-skiers.

Length

When choosing water skis, length is an extremely important feature. The right length depends on the weight of the skier because heavier individuals typically require longer skis for stability and control.

  • For children and teens who are 80 pounds or less, opt for water skis that are 63 inches in length or shorter.

  • For skiers who weigh between 80 and 135 pounds, opt for water skis that are 63 to 65 inches in length.

  • For skiers who weigh between 120 and 185 pounds, opt for water skis that are 65 to 67 inches in length.

  • For skiers who weigh between 160 and 210 pounds, opt for water skis that are 67 to 69 inches in length.

  • For skiers who weigh between 190 and 225-plus pounds, opt for water skis that are 69 to 71 inches in length.

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Expert Tip
It’s always a good idea to stretch before going out on water skis.
STAFF
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Features

Material

Water skis can be made of a few different materials. While all materials work relatively well, one option may be better depending on the style of water-skiing you prefer.

Fiberglass is a classic material for water skis. It’s an extremely durable option that offers flexibility for some maneuvers, too. It can also be fashioned into a variety of shapes that help increase the skis’ speed and maneuverability.

Fiberglass and graphite combination skis have a more durable, lightweight design than fiberglass models. They can also be made into a variety of shapes to help boost the skis’ speed and maneuverability.

Carbon fiber is the most flexible, lightweight option for skis. It’s an extremely expensive material, though, which may not fit every budget. However, carbon fiber skis are extremely strong and durable, so they may be worth the investment for avid, experienced water-skiers.

Bottom shape

While all water skis have roughly the same shape, there are some subtle differences in the bottom of the skis that may affect performance. A narrow tunnel bottom helps provide directional stability. This shape works especially well if you water ski in rough waters. An edge-to-edge concave bottom is usually used for slalom skis and works well for hard, fast turns.

Bindings

The bindings on water skis are the boot-like compartments where you place your feet. Adjustable bindings offer the most versatility and are ideal if multiple people will be using the skis because they can accommodate a variety of foot sizes.

More experienced water-skiers may prefer custom-fit bindings. They have a tighter fit, which helps you transfer your weight directly to the skis to provide greater control.

Fins

Some water skis are equipped with fins to keep them from sliding in a sideways direction when you make turns. Fins also allow you to stay straight as you move over the water. For the most versatility, opt for water skis with removable fins.

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Caution
Never water ski after dark. It’s too easy for collisions to occur when there isn’t much light out on the water.
STAFF
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Price

Water skis vary in price based on type, material, and size. Most models range from $80 to $750.

Combination water skis typically cost between $80 and $600. They’re the best option if you’re new to water-skiing or want a basic pair of skis that the entire family can use.

Slalom water skis usually range from $140 to $650. They work best for intermediate or advanced skiers.

Trick water skis generally cost between $180 and $700. Because they’re used for doing stunts, only advanced water-skiers or those who water ski competitively should use them.

Jump water skis are usually the most expensive type, ranging from $185 to $750. They should only be used by advanced or competitive water-skiers.

"If you have any chronic health conditions, ask your doctor before going water-skiing."
STAFF
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Tips

  • Always clean your water skis with fresh water after each use. Allow them to dry thoroughly before storing them.

  • Don’t leave your water skis out in direct sunlight, which can cause them to fade and weaken over time.

  • Adjust the bindings on your water skis before putting them on. You can injure yourself if you try to tighten the binding when the boot is already on your foot.

  • Always wear a life jacket when you go water skiing.

  • Use water skis at least 70 to 80 feet from the shoreline or nearby docks to avoid running into obstacles and injuring yourself.

  • If you fall while on your water skis, let go of the rope that’s attached to the boat. That will keep you from being dragged or the rope from injuring you.
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Always check the condition of your water skis and other equipment before you take them out on the water. You can easily get injured on damaged skis.

FAQ

Q. What binding material is best for beginner water-skiers?

A. Water ski bindings are usually made of either rubber or EVA foam. Rubber bindings are typically the best choice if you’re new to water-skiing because they have a soft, comfortable feel on the skin and a more flexible fit as well.

Q. How does bottom beveling affect a pair of water skis?

A. If you’re new to water-skiing, it’s usually best to opt for a pair of skis with a rounded bevel on the bottom. The rounded shape helps slow down the skis and provides greater control when you’re on the water. Advanced and intermediate skiers, on the other hand, may prefer skis with sharper edges because they can boost speed out on the water.

Q. Can I use a slalom water ski if I’m a beginner?

A. In general, slalom skis are designed for advanced or intermediate water-skiers because you must balance yourself on a single ski. However, some manufacturers do make slalom skis geared toward new water-skiers. They’re typically wider than more advanced types of slalom skis, so they’re not quite as fast and are easier to control.

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