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Performance Skis: The skis in this group are more aggressive and more technical then the other skis reviewed here. Generally speaking these skis are designed to be skied a few mph faster than the Intermediate or wide skis.

Nitro 65", 67" and 69"; The HO Nitro is a wider version of the System 8. Of the Performance skis tested the Nitro turns the hardest and accelerates the fastest. This ski bounces though the wakes just enough to disqualify it from being considered a tournament ski. You have to love a ski with a faux leather top!

  "Easy to get up on and very stable. Not a ski for the slalom course."   BG
  "Amazingly fast and fun. Pretty darn good turning ski but pops off the wake." BNH

Radar Senate: The Radar Senate has the look and feel of a tournament ski. This ski may not be a perfect choice for an absolute beginner but for an intermediate to tournament skier there is a lot to like. It is more stable then many pure tournament skis but has definite shortline capabilities. From a tournament skier's perspective this skis' turning and wake crossing characteristics were the best of any ski ridden in this review.

  "Nice progressive turns and acceleration though the wakes." BG 
  "Suitable for a beginning tournament skier and beyond." JTH
 "Nice ski. Turns well, although it was a little unstable for me." TR

Radar Theory: The Theory is a slightly wider and softer flex version of the Senate. With the extra width comes additional stability. The softer flex means it is more forgiving and requires less technical skiing. This ski is very slalom course capable, but is less aggressive then the Senate. Lighter skiers will appreciate this skis ease of use.

  "Nice turning ski and nice though the wakes. Not as aggressive as the Senate." BNH
  "I am just learning the course and loved this ski. It was stable, forgiving and turned great." CV

Connelly F1X ( 65"/165cm, 67"/170cm, 69"/175cm) The F1X is not a ski for all skiers, but for the right skier the F1X is simply outstanding. For the Intermediate to novice tournament skier, who wants a ski that is easy to get up on and that can really rip 90 degree turns and blast though the wakes, the F1X is hard to beat. Lighter and less experienced skiers will find the F1X to be quirky and unpredictable

  "Easy to get up on & Turns on a dime."  GB
  "Works better for me at 32 or 34 mph then at 28 or 30 mph." JTH

O'Brien Evidence: (65.0",  67.0",  69.0") The O'Brien Evidence was the sleeper of the group. It can best be described a smooth and forgiving. With moderate width and stiffness it is a ski that holds no surprises.  For a skier who is learning the course, the Evidence is perfect. Though the Evidence was not the highest performing in the group, it was the most universally liked ski in the group.

  "Love this ski!" JL
  "Great for novice tournament and open water skiing." ER