The 10 Best Water Skis of 2023
By: Jack Mace: Watersports Buyer | May 19, 2023
Navigating the world of water skis can be a thrilling adventure, with a multitude of options to choose from. Are you on the hunt for a single slalom ski or a versatile pair of combo skis that allow for both dual and single ski usage? Perhaps you're seeking a broader hybrid slalom ski for a more surf-inspired experience on the water. Regardless of your preferences, it's essential to understand the differences between various types of water skis and consider factors such as skill level, intended use, and preferred riding style to find the perfect fit for you.
New This Year:
From beginner-friendly combo sets to high-end slalom options, the best water skis of 2023 are designed to cater to a diverse range of riders, ensuring there's something for everyone on board. These water skis boast the latest technology, construction, and innovative features to elevate your water skiing experience from a leisurely glide to an adrenaline-pumping adventure. Our comprehensive list showcases everything to help you find the ideal water skis to make your days on the water unforgettable. So discover the top water skis of 2023 and get ready to ride the waves in style.
This Year's Best Water Skis:
HO Hovercraft + Stance 110 Bindings
Learning to water ski comes easy on the HO Hovercraft Water Ski + Stance 110 Bindings. Designed with an extra wide Widetrack Frame for unparalleled stability and buoyancy, this ski makes it super easy to get up and stay up. With Stance 110 bindings included for all day comfort and forgiveness, the Hovercraft is just what you need to kickstart your waterski career.
| Ability Level | Original Price |
| Beginner - Intermediate | $629.99 |
HO Blast Combo + Adj. Horseshoe Bindings
Want to avoid being thwarted by deep water starts? Then step into the HO Blast Combo Water Skis + Adj. Horseshoe Bindings and take advantage of their extra wide shape and improved buoyancy to make getting up easier. Add in the fact that the Blast Combo Skis are fully compatible with a HO Trainer Bar and you're beginning to understand why the HO Blast Combo Water Skis + Adj. Horseshoe Bindings are the go-to for those just getting their feet wet in waterskiing.
| Ability Level | Original Price |
| Beginner - Intermediate | $244.99 |
Obrien Celebrity Combo + X-7 & RT Bindings
The best-selling Obrien Celebrity Combo Water Skis + X-7 & RT Bindings are a great choice for riders of all ability levels, from beginners to bona-fide experts. They're up there with the most versatile skis in Obrien's lineup, combining plenty of surface area for effortless deep-water starts with fast rocker lines for smoother, less fatiguing waterskiing.
| Ability Level | Original Price |
| Beginner - Intermediate | $229.99 |
HO Burner Combo + Adj. Horseshoe Bindings
The Radar X-Caliber Water Skis + Cruise Bindings combo is the perfect jumping-off point for beginning water ski lovers. With a molded EVA cruise boot, a wide platform, and a mellow sidecut, these will be there for the first time they get up.
| Ability Level | Original Price |
| Beginner – Intermediate | $279.99 |
Connelly Aspect Slalom + Swerve with RTS Bindings
The Connelly Aspect Slalom Water Ski is light, nimble, and designed to excel at slower speeds. A great ski for beginners that want the float of a wider ski but don't want to sacrifice maneuverability, or intermediate skiiers who just want to get out there but don't have the big guns, the Aspect has everything you need. A polished speed base provides gliding behind the boat, and The Swerve with RTS Bindings offer a lace up style that will work for everyone's toes. Grab your Connelly Aspect Slalom Water Ski + Swerve with RTS Binding combo and get ready to send it!
| Ability Level | Original Price |
| Beginner - Intermediate | $469.99 |
Obrien Vortex Combo + X-7 & RT Bindings
The Obrien Vortex Combo Water Skis + X-7 & RT Bindings are the big boys of the Obrien lineup. Their super wide body provides tons of extra lift for deep water starts and allows for easier skiing at slower speeds so beginners can get their feet wet with less stress and fatigue.
| Ability Level | Original Price |
| Beginner - Intermediate | $239.99 |
Radar Session Slalom Ski + Prime & ARTP Bindings
You don't need a peg leg and a parrot on your shoulder to own the seven seas. The Radar Session Slalom Ski + Prime & ARTP Bindings are engineered with more volume and greater stability to help you bring your A-game to open water skiing. By combining a huge surface area with their flat spine and updated Grip Rails, Radar created a ski that’s easier to ride, has less drag, and stays more composed in rough water. Yo ho-ho me hearties!
| Ability Level | Original Price |
| Intermediate - Advanced | $479.99 |
Connelly Concept Slalom Ski + Tempest with RTP Bindings
The Connelly Concept Slalom Water Ski is a high end, featherweight ski made with a softer flex for lighter riders. Paired with the Tempest with RTP Bindings, rippers can enjoy smooth transitions in and out of turns at medium speeds. It's all day fun!
| Ability Level | Original Price |
| Intermediate - Advanced | $589.99 |
Connelly Aspect Slalom Ski + Swerve with RTS Bindings - Women's
Glassy mornings filled with hard cuts and big rooster tails await with the Connelly Aspect Slalom Water Ski + Swerve with RTS Bindings. Designed for new and intermediate skiers who want to spend more time cutting back and forth across the wake and less time trying to get up, the Aspect Slalom Water Ski boasts a nice wide footprint and a V-Tech hull to ensure easy starts and smooth sailing once you're up.
| Ability Level | Original Price |
| Beginner - Intermediate | $469.99 |
HO Burner Combo Skis + Adj. Horseshoe Bindings
Leave the days of difficult starts and tired arms behind you with the oversized shape and incredibly fun HO Burner Combo Water Skis + Adj. Horseshoe Bindings. Substantially wider than old waterski designs, the Burner Combos have the added buoyancy needed to make deep water starts easier and less straining at low speeds once you're up. The HO Burner Combo Water Skis + Adj. Horseshoe Bindings is designed with a V-bottom base for maximum stability and effortless cuts.
| Ability Level | Original Price |
| Intermediate - Advanced | $269.99 |
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
- Wing Foiling & Winging - How to Get Started
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
- The Best Beginner Wakeboards
- The Best Value Wakesurf Boards
- The Best Value Wakeboards
- The Best Beginner Wakesurf Boards
The Selection Process:
Our wake buyer has an endless amount of knowledge on all things watersports stemming from years of experience in the watersports industry in tandem with their countless hours out in the water catching waves behind the boat or ripping at the cable park. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Jack Mace
I grew up on the north end of Lake Washington and was surrounded by watersports enthusiasts who all had an immense passion for any activity done on the water. My dad has also worked in the boating industry my whole life, so those two factors were the main building blocks that shaped my love for the industry from a young age.
After attending Western Washington University, I moved back to the Seattle area and worked as a sailing instructor for a number of years at my cousin’s rental shop on Lake Union before joining the evo family in 2012.
At evo, I started out on the customer service team and worked my way onto the merchandising team which gave me the opportunity to integrate my passion and love for the water into a career as the Watersports Buyer. I still reside in the Seattle area with my wife Katie and two sons, Wes and Carter.