The 8 Best Water Skis of 2020

There are lots of options when you begin searching for a new water ski. Are you looking for a single slalom ski, or a pair of combo skis that allow you to use two or one? Or maybe you’re looking to mix it up altogether and get a fat shaped ski for some surf-inspired vibes.

No matter your riding style, the best water skis will have the technology, construction, and key features that will take your water skiing from a walk in the park, to an exhilarating thrill ride. Here, we’re bringing you a little bit of everything, with our list of the best water skis of 2020.

Radar Senate Alloy Water Ski with Vector & ARTP Bindings

The Senate Alloy Water Ski from Radar is their most popular ski, and after just one day on water you’ll see why. The ski is noticeably fast but still has a stable feel thanks to its polyurethane core with paulownia wood stringers - all wrapped in carbon fiber. The water ski package comes with the Vector and ARTP bindings which feature their feather frame chassis for all-day comfort. With this ski shining in the 26-34 MPH range on the water, it is one of the best water skis for advanced riders looking to carve the open water or get into some course turns.

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Radar Lyric Water Ski with Lyric BOA & ARTP Bindings - Women's

With the Lyric, Radar took the best features of other skis in their lineup and packaged them together in an advanced water ski with female riders in mind. Built with their all-terrain core, the ski features a lightweight carbon on the inside so the ski is softer and easier to turn. The Lyric BOA & ARTP LTD boots each come equipped with the BOA lacing system for quick and easy tightening and entry. When you put it all together, the Radar Lyric water ski package is one of the best water skis for women out there.

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HO Hovercraft Water Ski ​+ FreeMax & ART Bindings

Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve deep water starts, or an expert looking for a surf-inspired ski session, the HO Hovercraft has something to offer all types of riders. Unique to this water ski is that it has a surface area comparable to two regular skis combined. This results in much easier get-ups and a much more stable and surfy feeling platform. Its tri-fin setup adds even more to the surf feel, giving great hold and enabling pivot turns from the tail. Dual lace zones on the FreeMax boot ensure you’re properly secured down for the ride. This unique shape and design are why we chose the HO Hovercraft as one of the best water skis of 2020.

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HO Fusion Freeride Water Ski ​+ FreeMax & ART Bindings

The Fusion Freeride Water Ski from HO is all about smooth carving and unrestricted creativity in chop. Design elements focused on low drag and a clean edge tail help minimize the need for perfect settings, so you can have more fun no matter the water conditions, riding speed, or type of watercraft towing you. The FreeMax boot features a new lower profile cuff height for increased flexibility and comfort. This versatility means that the HO Fusion Freeride setup is a great water ski for those who have no idea what the day will throw at them.

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Connelly Aspect Slalom Water Ski ​+ Swerve with RTS Bindings

The Connelly Aspect Slalom Water Ski is a light and nimble option ideal for slower boat speeds. Sharp bevels on a wide forebody set the ski higher in the water and add support on aggressive turns. Connelly’s V-Tech step base technology reduces drag and adds maneuverability making it easier to direct the ski. The balance of support and maneuverability are what makes it one of the best slalom water skis. Plus, the polished speed base means easy gliding behind the boat. Keeping you connected, the Swerve with RTS Bindings offer a lace up style that will work for everyone on the boat. So grab this water ski and get ready to send it!

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Obrien Pro Tour Slalom Water Ski ​+ Z9 RTS Bindings

The Pro Tour Slalom Water Ski from Obrien is a super stable ski that will make beginners look like seasoned vets out on the water. Featuring a heavy rocker the ski is both easy to get out of the water and stay up once you’re there. Paired with the lightweight and flexible Z9 RTS bindings, this is one of the best slalom water skis for beginners.

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HO Burner Water Skis ​+ Adjustable Horseshoe Bindings

The HO Burner Water Skis + Adjustable Horseshoe Bindings are designed to maximize stability and provide easy tracking through the water so the whole family can have fun on them. They have an oversize shape for easier starts and smooth control at slow speeds, and are a great option to learn to drop and ski and progress to slalom skiing. They're built with tip inserts that are compatible with the HO Trainer Bar to keep the tips together for beginners. These are one of the best water skis for beginners.

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Obrien Celebrity Combo Water Skis ​+ X-7 & RT Bindings

The Celebrity Combo Water Skis from Obrien are their best-selling adult skis as they’ll make any type of rider feel right at home on the water. Performance comes from the skis’ side-cut bevel which is paired with its dual tunnel for smooth and predictable control. Lots of surface area provides exceptional lift for easy deep-water starts and a flatter, faster rocker line minimizes drag as well as fatigue, so you can enjoy your skiing all day long. Whether you're sticking with two or dropping to one, the Celebrities are ideal for beginners to experts and are one of the most versatile combo water skis out there.

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Learn More With Our Other Wake Guides:

• Wakeboards - How to Choose & Size Chart
• Wakeboard Boots & Bindings - How to Choose
• Wakeboards & Wakeboard Bindings - Compatibility Guide
• Wakeskates - How to Choose
• Wakesurf Boards - How to Choose
• Wakesurfing - How to Wakesurf & Beginner Tips
• Wakesurfing - Boat Setup / Safety
• Wakeboarding - How to Wakeboard & Beginner Tips
• Wakeboarding - Towing Speed, Rope Length & Boat Weight
• Wakeboard Vests / Life Jackets - How to Choose
• Wakeboard Ropes & Handles - How to Choose

Learn About our Favorite Wake Gear

• The Best Wakeboard Bindings
• The Best Wakefoils
• The Best Wakesurf Boards
• The Best Wakeboards
• The Best Wakeboard Life Jackets & Vests
• The Best Wakeboard Ropes & Handles
• The Best Boat Fenders & Accessories
• The Best Wakesurf Ropes & Handles
• The Best Wakeskates
• The Best Wake Ballast Bags & Wake Shapers
• The Best Water Skis