O'Brien brought the whole team together to design the Elite Experience Waterski. The result of their brain-storming sessions produced a slalom ski that that is super fast, responsive, stable and most importantly, easy to ride. Here is what Andy Mapple had to say about it, "If the skier gets no feedback from the ski being deadened, they can never react to what is coming. I believe feedback is the biggest key to consistent slalom skiing and winning. All my career I relied on feel. The O'Brien Elite is a waterski developed by a team of skiers second to none. Drew Ross, Glenn Campbell, Chris Parish, Adam Cord and Cale Burdick all provided feedback while skiing 36 MPH in their field. I dedicated myself to 34 MPH skiing to understand what is needed in this area. We have a brand new ski, a brand new way of construction, and a brand new outlook for slalom waterskiing. The Elite will put a great deal of fun into your skiing, and when we have doing what we do, we do it better." Tip - 1/4” Tip. Having only 1/4” of thickness in the tip area allows the carbon fiber to retain energy throughout the turn when the front is loaded. Stiffness is maintained through the sides of the fore body – also taking unnecessary weight out of the largest area. Pivot Point - Extended Pivot Point. An extended length pivot towards the rear of the ski allows the skier to easily predict the direction and how aggressive they want the edge change to be. Thickness - 0.800 Max Thickness. This is the thinnest ski O'Brien has ever made. The max thickness of 0.800” allows for the least amount of drag when the ski is on edge. Sidewall - 7 Degree Sidewall Angle. A 7 degree sidewall angle runs from tip to tail to create maximum lift and stability. Fore Body Bevel - 48 Degree Bevels. Bevels in the fore body are 48 degrees from a straight vertical. This allows for a slightly smaller bevel configuration; which keeps the ski up on the water without losing any tracking ability. Tail Bevels - Rounded Tail Bevels. The bevels in the rear of the ski are a complete radius. This allows the tail freedom in the rotation of the turn, and to maintain momentum. (no parallel stops!!) Flat Spot - 12” Flat Spot. The flat spot on the ski, or balance point, is 12” long, but further back than most with a 37” C/L to allow a more central balance point for the skier and a less sensitive ride. Tail - Semi Square Tail. A semi square tail allows enough forgiveness for the ski under pressure in the turn yet gives maximum stability off the wakes into an edge change.