How to Choose a Ski Rope

Water skiing ropes are different than ropes you use for other water sports. Ski ropes have some stretch to them allowing the skier to cut on the edge of their ski across the wake easier. It is also safer because it helps reduce shock to the skiers' arms from slack in the rope.   

Ropes like ones for wakeboarding or kneeboarding are made pre stretched so that there is consistent tension on the line. When skiing, constant tension will make it more difficult and could cause injury.  

*It is important to use the right rope for the water sport you are doing. This helps water sports be safer and easier for the skier or rider. * 

Depending on what you are doing determines which rope you should you use. If you are planning on just ripping it on a set of combos all you will need is a basic rope and handle.  

We suggest the Radar Global Water Ski Handle & Rope Package. This rope is a standard 75 feet and has no sections. With a foam-covered handle, it won’t be hard on your hands. This rope is perfect for the recreational skier whowants to get on the water.  

If you are looking to progress to slalom skiing, you may want a package that includes sections. Every skier has a different preference for length and the sections help if you want to run the course.  

These ropes come in either 5, 8, or 10 sections. The handle is either a straight bar or slightly curved. Which one you get depends on what the rider likes while they are skiing.  

Slalom skiing is where you are on a single ski. There are two different ways you can accomplish this. One is starting on two and dropping one. If you are going to do this method, it is important that you are on a body of water where you will be able to pick up the ski that you dropped.  

The next method is deep water starting. This is where you start on one ski already. Many skiers will do this if they are competing or are on a public lake because you aren’t always able to find the ski after you drop it. 

What Rope Should I Use for Slalom Skiing? 

The rope you need for slalom skiing is a little more technical than ones for combo skiing. There are a couple of different options you can choose from.  

Packages 

If you are a beginner slalom skier wanting to deep water start and are struggling to get up, or need something that will be easier on your body we suggest a rope with a deep-v. This style of rope helps cradle the ski and helps prevent the skier from falling over when first getting up.  

Depending on what you are planning on doing you can choose from 5,8, or 10 section ropes. When it comes to handles it depends on what style you prefer. If you prefer a bar that is slightly curved or one that is straight. 

If you are looking for a basic package, we suggest the Radar Control Barlock Package. This package has 10-mainline sections and a straight bar handle on it. This package is great for people who are looking to advance, but don’t want something too advanced.  

With handles that are designed more for slalom skiing we suggest buying water skiing gloves because they typically do not have a foam covering. Water skiing gloves will protect your hands and help you have a better grip on the handle while riding or cutting through the wake.

Ropes and Handles  

If you want to customize your ride, you should buy a handle and rope separately. This gives you unlimited options, so you can get the most out of your runs. This allows you to create the package with all your preferences.  

Buying ropes and handles also allows you to easily replace one if it breaks. If you love the rope, you are using but you handle breaks then you can easily replace just the handle instead of buying a whole new rope. Most packages should come with this option, but it is not guaranteed.