Even though winter is just around the corner, monoskis have nothing to do with snow. Many water skiers decide to learn monoskiing after they have mastered riding on two skis.
Avoid buying mistakes:
Expensive is not always good and which monoski is the best for you depends on many factors. BeyondSurfing has summarized the most important points for you when buying a monoski.
The best monoski 2024?
Content
In a hurry? Our favorite monoski:
- For beginners and advanced
- Forgiving
- Strong rocker
- Wide
- Binding included
- Agile
Monoski Checklist
- Length: Short monoskis are unstable and rather unsuitable for beginners, whereas longer monoskis are more cumbersome.
- Width: Wider monoskis are more suitable for beginners as they are higher in the water and can be ridden with less effort.
- Models: The monoski consists of a ski and the binding screwed onto it.
- Safety: Wearing a vest is recommended when monoskiing.
Also interesting: The most popular water skis 2024.
These are the top 6 monoskis in 2024
1. O’Brien Celebrity Combo
Advantages
- For beginners and advanced
- Forgiving
- Strong rocker
- Wide
- Binding included
- Agile
Disadvantages
- Not a monoski for professionals
Summary
Both beginners and advanced skiers will get their money’s worth with this monoski. The binding is already included in the scope of delivery.
Launching out of the water is relatively easy with this wide ski. Thanks to the strong rocker, the Team Slalom forgives minor mistakes and is easy to ride in bends.
The X9 binding has a footbed made of soft EVA. The shoe sits comfortably and is therefore ideal for longer rides. The binding is nevertheless stiff enough to transfer movements precisely to the ski and provide support in turns. It is suitable for shoe sizes 39-44.
A perfect entry-level model. Monoski professionals who place more value on radical performance will opt for a different model.
Conclusion
Beginner monoski for beginners and advanced skiers.
Product details
Length: 67′ (1.70 m) | Rocker: strong | Tunnel: narrow | Binding: included | Boot size: 39 – 44 | Stiffness: medium | Core: N/A
FAQ
2. Jobe Defiant
No product found.
Advantages
- For advanced monoskiers
- Crossover monoski
- Good performance
- 3-Stage Rocker
- Stiff
- Fin included
Disadvantages
- Not suitable for beginners
- No binding included
- High price
Summary
This model is a so-called crossover monoski. These skis are forgiving and at the same time deliver good performance on the water. This makes both long bends and tight turns possible. Thanks to its width, this monoski is stable even at lower speeds and is easy to launch from the water.
The ski is flat underneath the binding, which increases stability and comfort when skiing. The ski is curved upwards towards the tip and tail, which ensures continuous speed on the water and enables smooth cornering.
The ski is very stiff, so a little more strength is required to turn the monoski. But on the other hand, it rarely swerves in bends and can also be ridden at higher speeds.
Finns are included in the scope of delivery, a binding must be purchased separately.
Conclusion
Monoski for advanced skiers who want to switch to a ski with more performance.
Product details
Length: 68′ (1.72 m) | Rocker: 3-Stage-Rocker | Concave: Edge-to-edge| Binding: not included | Stiffness: high | Core: PU
FAQ
3. Jobe Baron Slalom
Advantages
- For advanced users
- 3-stage rocker
- Narrow tail
- Edge-to-edge concave
- Fin included
Disadvantages
- Not suitable for professionals
- No binding included
Summary
The Jobe Baron is primarily aimed at monoskiers who have already mastered the basics.
A narrow tail ensures that the ski is very maneuverable and ideal for initiating turns quickly. The monoski becomes wider towards the nose, this shape ensures that the ski is stable despite its maneuverability.
The 3-stage rocker of the ski also has an effect on the handling. To ensure stability, the underside of the monoski is flat at the binding. The monoski is curved towards both ends, allowing you to make smooth turns.
Thanks to the edge-to-edge concave along the underside of the monoski, tight turns can be made and the ski does not break out so easily.
A fin is included in the scope of delivery, a monoski binding is not. This ski probably has too little performance for experienced monoskiers.
Conclusion
Performance water skiing for advanced and beginners.
Product details
Length: 68′ (1.72 m) | Rocker: strong | Concave: edge-to-edge| Binding: not included | Core: N/A
FAQ
4. Mesle Monoski Freecarve
No product found.
Advantages
- For advanced users
- Edge-to-edge and tunnel conave
- Freeride skis
- Simple water start
- Also suitable for low speeds
- Fin and binding included
Disadvantages
- Not for water ski pros
Summary
A freeride monoski that is suitable for advanced skiers and ambitious beginners. In contrast to slalom monoskis, this ski can be skied at low speeds and requires less effort. Perfect for anyone who is not yet confident on a monoski.
The best:
The Tunnel Concave underneath the bindings ensures that the ski is stable. This makes it suitable for different skill levels. Towards the ends, the concave turns into an edge-to-edge concave. Thanks to this camber, the ski can make tight turns and is less likely to break out.
The fin and binding are already included in the scope of delivery. The binding is suitable for boot sizes 37-47, ideal for families or casual monoskiing on the boat. This ski offers too little performance for experienced skiers and pros.
Conclusion
All-round water skiing for many skill levels.
Product details
Length: 67′ (1.70 m) | Rocker: Tail | Concave: Tunnel and Edge-to-edge Concave | Binding: included | Boot size: 37 – 47 | Stiffness: N/A | Core: PU
FAQ
5. Jobe Slalom Encore
Advantages
- For advanced and professional users
- Carbon sheathing
- Edge-to-edge concave with flat spots
- 3-Stage-Flex Pattern
- Adjustable Tournament fin included
Disadvantages
- High price
- Not suitable for beginners
- No binding included
Summary
The Slalom Encore from Jobe is a real performance monoski. The many built-in features ensure a radical riding experience.
The sheathing of the ski is made of lightweight carbon. An edge-to-edge concave runs along the underside, which ensures that the ski can be loaded quickly from one edge to the other. Two flat spots underneath the binding give the monoski stability when entering and exiting turns.
The 3-Stage-Flex pattern attempts to achieve optimum stiffness at every point of the monoski. The rocker in the tail allows the ski to make particularly fast and efficient turns.
An adjustable Tournament fin is also included. This fin can be ideally adapted to different conditions and to the skiing style of the skier.
However, the high-quality workmanship is also reflected in the price. This monoski is not recommended for beginners, as it is less forgiving of mistakes and too unstable. Binding is not included.
Conclusion
High-performance water skis for advanced and professional skiers.
Product details
Length: 65′ (1.65 m) | Rocker: Tail | Concave: Edge-to-edge and flat spots | Binding: not included | Boot size: 37 – 47 | Stiffness: 3-Stage-Flex-Pattern | Core: PU
FAQ
6. Jobe Allegre Combo
Advantages
- Beginners and beginners monoski
- V-Concave
- Binding included
- Very stable
- Forgiving
- Suitable for shoe sizes 36-47
- Fin included
Disadvantages
- Too little performance for advanced users
Summary
The Allegre Combo Ski is a good model for beginners. The fins and bindings are already included, so the skis can be used straight away and additional equipment such as helmets and vests can be hired.
The V-concave on the underside of the ski is typical of beginner monoskis. This makes it easier to drive straight ahead. The shape of the concave stabilizes the ski. The V-Concave is also ideal for learning to turn. The ski can be turned with little effort and takes longer than skis for advanced skiers. This leaves time to correct minor errors.
The binding is suitable for shoe sizes 36-47. This monoski is therefore well suited as a “one-for-all ski” on the boat. However, one-size bindings are not as precise on the foot as higher-quality bindings.
This monoski does not offer enough performance for advanced skiers.
Conclusion
A monoski for beginners that is good for practicing the basics.
Product details
Length: 69′ (1.75 m) | Rocker: N/A | Concave: V-Concave | Binding: included | Boot size: 36 – 47 | Stiffness: N/A | Core: N/A
FAQ
More articles you might find interesting:
Bestsellers: The most popular monoskis
(**Last update 2024-09-16)
Buy a monoski:
How to make the right decision
There are plenty of monoskis on the market. It is often difficult to keep an overview between models for beginners and professionals. But the right monoski is essential, otherwise fun quickly turns into frustration when trying it out.
How to make the right choice:
In this BeyondSurfing buying guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about monoskis.
What you need to consider when buying a monoski
When looking for the best monoski, you should definitely pay attention to the following features and characteristics:
- Size
- Width
- Rocker
- Concave
- Stiffness
- Material
- Kind
- Bevel
- Finns
- Bindings
- Helmet
- Vest
The right monoski size
The size of the water ski plays an important role in the purchase. Water skis that are too short or too long can reduce the fun on the water.
Three factors must be taken into account when determining the length of the monoski: Body weight, ability and speed.
Why is it important not to ride monoskis that are too long or too short?
- Monoskis that are too short: are unstable and a big challenge for beginners, especially when water starting.
- Monoskis that are too long: feel sluggish on the water and are more difficult to ski straight ahead.
Once you have found a monoski model that meets your expectations, you will usually find a size chart on the manufacturer’s website. There you can find out which length is suitable for which body weight at which speed.
An initial guide to the right monoski size:
| Body weight (in kg) | Speed 42-48 km/h | Speed 48-55 km/h | Speed 55-58 km/h |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36-50 | 157-162 cm | 157-162 cm | 157-162 cm |
| 43-55 | 165-167 cm | 160-162 cm | 160-162 cm |
| 52-64 | 165-176 cm | 162-167 cm | 160-165 cm |
| 61-73 | 170-172 cm | 165-167 cm | 162-167 cm |
| 70-82 | 175-177 cm | 170-172 cm | 170-172 cm |
| 80-91 | 175-177 cm | 175-177 cm | 170-177 cm |
| 89-100 | 182 cm + | 175-182 cm | 175-177 cm |
| 98+ | 182 cm + | 175-182 cm | 175-182 cm |
The right monoski width?
In addition to the length, the width of the monoski also has an effect on handling and stability.
Wide or thin?
Wide skis are a good choice, especially for beginners. They make it easy to launch from the water and even low boat speeds are no problem. They are higher in the water and can be ridden with less effort. Turns are somewhat more difficult to initiate than with thin skis.
Advanced and professional skiers who want to make tight turns and value radical performance will opt for thin monoskis.
Maybe a hybrid after all?
The width can vary along the monoski. Such skis are also called hybrid skis. They have a wide tip and become thinner towards the tail, the rear end of the ski.
This makes it easier to take off from the water, while at the same time the ski performs better and can make fast and tight turns. Hybrid monoskis are best suited for medium and high speeds and as an intermediate step from wide to thin monoskis.
A thin ski is more maneuverable, but at the same time more unstable, while a wide monoski is more stable on the water.
The right monoski rocker?
Rocker is the bend along the monoski from the tip to the tail. This term is also used for other water sports equipment such as wakeboards or surfboards.
If the ski is strongly curved, it is called a strong rocker. If it is only slightly curved, from a flat. The strength of the rocker has an effect on how the monoski behaves on the water.
- A steep rocker: Enables a radical riding style and very tight turns. However, this comes at the expense of speed, as the monoski lies deeper in the water and has more resistance.
- A flat rocker: Makes the ski stable even at medium/high speeds and is well suited for beginners. Turns are more difficult to ride than with a steep rocker.
Like the width, the rocker along the monoski does not have to be uniform. Many monoskis are flat in the middle and curved towards the ends so that tight turns can be made.
The right monoski concave?
Water flows underneath the monoski when riding. To change the handling of a monoski, the underside can take on different shapes that change how the water flows under the ski.
Common concave shapes for monoskis are:
- V-Concave
- Tunnel concave
- Full Concave
1 V-Concave
- Often for beginners water skiing
- V-shaped underside
From the front, the underside of the monoski with V-Concave looks like a V, hence the name. The two slopes converge in the middle to form a single surface.
This ensures two things:
- The flat center provides stability, the ski holds its line well and makes it easier to ski straight ahead. This is possible because the underside of the monoski is deep in the water. Skis with this concave are relatively wide.
- The direction of the ski is easy to change as the weight can be easily shifted from one edge to the other. This is done with little effort, but not particularly quickly.
2 Tunnel Concave
- Provides stability and buoyancy
- Tunnel-shaped, upward curved underside
Viewed from the front, the curvature of the underside of the ski looks like the top of a tunnel. While the curvature goes inwards, the underside of the edges is flat.
This curved shape makes the monoski stable and gives it buoyancy, as the water flows through the curvature.
Pressure can be exerted on the edge of the monoski. This is particularly important when cornering because the ski does not break away or tip over so easily.
3 Full Concave
- Agile
- High performance
- Completely curved upwards underside
- Different degrees of severity possible
The full concave is also known as the edge-to-edge concave. Here the curvature stretches from one edge to the other. How pronounced the curvature is always depends on the model and manufacturer. The deeper the channel on the underside, the better grip the monoski provides. At the same time, more force is required to move the weight from one edge to the other.
This shape makes the ski very maneuverable and ensures good performance. The weight can be shifted quickly from one edge to the other. Ideal for advanced and professional riders with a radical riding style.
The right monoski stiffness?
Stiffness provides information about how elastic a monoski is. The hardness of the ski has a major influence on the handling, as it bends more or less in the turn.
To initiate a turn, forceful pressure is exerted on the ski, causing it to bend. Towards the end of the turn, the monoski returns to its original shape, releasing the “stored” power.
- A monoski that is too hard: difficult to control and requires a lot of force to initiate a turn.
- A monoski that is too soft: can cause frustration for beginners. The ride often feels wobbly to unstable and the rider has little control over their skis.
The right monoski material?
The days when monoskis were simple wooden constructions are long gone. Today, skis are high-quality sports equipment made from a variety of materials, plastics and manufacturing processes.
The materials used should ensure that the ski behaves optimally in the water and is robust and durable at the same time. Most monoskis consist of:
- PU
- PVC
PU core monoski
The core is made of polyurethane, which is covered with a fiberglass sheath. The material is relatively inexpensive, forgiving and can be found in most entry-level models.
In addition to fiberglass, carbon can also be used for the sheathing. The monoski then has more flex, reacts better to movements and is very light. At the same time, carbon makes the ski less forgiving and unsuitable for beginners.
PVC core monoski
Monoskis made from this material are lighter and stiffer than the PU models. This enables aggressive driving, especially at high speeds. The ski reacts well to movements. Monoskis with a PVC core are best ridden on calm water at high speed.
The right type of monoski?
There are several types of monoski, with different riding characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. The most common types are
- Slalom water skiing
- Crossover water ski
- Wideboy water ski
- Freeski
What many people don’t know:
Most water skiers use a monoski. Only combo water skis, which are best suited for beginners and occasional riders, consist of two individual skis.
Slalom/Mono water skiing
- Agile
- Tricks possible
- Great driving experience
- For high speeds
- Not for water ski beginners
The water skier stands with both feet on one ski, the bindings are offset one behind the other.
Such monoskis can be easily moved from one edge to the other, even at high speeds. They are particularly suitable for slalom courses and radical turns.
Crossover monoski
- Forgiving with good performance
- Also for low speeds
- Balanced ratio between maneuverability and stability
- Not suitable for beginners
Are you looking for a monoski that is forgiving and still delivers good performance? Then a crossover monoski is a good option. It is wider than a slalom ski and is also suitable for monoskiing at low speeds.
Crossover skis strike a balance between stability and maneuverability. Tight bends are no problem and you don’t have to worry about losing control if you slip a little. Nevertheless, they are not suitable for complete beginners, but they are very suitable as a first monoski.
Wideboy monoski
- Wide
- Stable
- Relieved start out of the water
- Not suitable for beginners
- Wide radius for curves
The Wideboys are monoskis that are characterized by their width. More surface area and volume ensure high stability of the monoski. However, as stability increases, maneuverability decreases and very tight turns are not possible.
Easy starts out of the water:
The water start can be a hurdle, especially for beginners and occasional riders. Wideboys are ideal for this, as they are more stable in the water and therefore make the start easier.
Freeski
- Shorter than other monoskis
- Light
- For tricks and spins
- Not suitable for beginners
Perfect for tricks and jumps: freeski or freeride monoski. The following differences to normal skis should be noted:
The shape: Freeskis are shorter and wider than ordinary monoskis.
The weight: They are lighter, which makes tricks and turns easier and ensures higher jumps.
The right monoski bevel?
The bevel is the point between the bottom of the edge and the underside of the monoski. It provides grip in the water and can be angled or round.
- Very slanted: ideal hold during turns.
- Very round: This means that the ski rolls onto the edge and is forgiving, as small corrections can be made while skiing.
The right monoski fins?
The fins are located at the rear end of the monoski. They provide resistance in the water and grip in bends. Finns come in many shapes, sizes and colors. The most common fins are:
| Shape | Feature |
|---|---|
| Freeride fins | Very simple fins that are mainly used for beginner monoskis. They look similar to surfboard fins and also provide stability in the water. Finns make waterskiing much easier, so turns work even if the technique is not yet optimal. |
| Comp Finns | Most often found on slalom monoskis. They provide grip in the water and during turns. They are slightly larger when reviewed against freeride fins. |
| Tournament Finns | These fins are the most complex and can be adapted to the specific requirements of the monoski. These fins can also be adjusted for different weather or water conditions. |
The right monoski helmet
A helmet is compulsory at every waterskiing facility and protects your head from serious injury! But even if the helmet is not mandatory, it can still be useful and provide a feeling of safety.
BeyondSurfing recommends the following helmet, among others:
You can find the most popular wakeboard helmets reviewed here.
Good to know:
Some monoski helmets are equipped with ear pads. These not only keep your ears warm in low temperatures or windy conditions, but also protect them.
The right monoski vest
On a water ski facility (also known as a cable or lift), you are required to wear a swim vest. The vest also offers protection against bruising and hard falls. The vest ensures rapid buoyancy after the fall, making it easier to swim back to land.
What many people don’t know:
You can also wear an impact vest instead of a swim vest when monoskiing. This has less buoyancy, but protects the torso better than a swim vest in the event of a fall.
Where can I go monoskiing in Germany?
In principle on any lake where motorboats are permitted. For monoskiing, a boat with at least. 25hp, which requires a driver’s license. Furthermore, the maximum permitted speeds on most lakes are not sufficient for monoskiing.
Is there an easier way?
Yes. There are over 80 waterskiing facilities in Germany, where monoskiing is of course also possible. The systems are also called cable or lift. Equipment can be rented there and courses are offered.
Well-known brands and manufacturers
The best-known and most popular surf wear brands & manufacturers include
Jobe, O’Brien, MESLE, HO, Radar, Connelly.
Consumer Reports or Öko Test have not yet published any test reports on monoskis. You can rely on quality from these manufacturers.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about monoski
What is the best monoski?
What does a monoski cost?
Where do you buy a monoski?
Where can you go monoskiing?
Why is monoskiing so much fun?
Conclusion: The most popular monoskis reviewed
There is a suitable monoski for every requirement. To make an informed purchase decision, guides and reviews are a very good aid. Here you can see at a glance which models came out on top according to our research.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Jobe Baron Slalom Wasserski* | 294,09 | » View Offer |
| 2 |  | Jobe Slalom Ski Encore, 26001200665INCH* | » View Offer | |
| 3 |  | Jobe Wasserski Mode Slalom Ski 67INCH* | » View Offer |
*Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.
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