New Z3... Advice on best weighting set up for wakeboarding

[bradk]

I traded my RZ2 for a 2013 Z3. I have the full 2300 lbs. of stock weight and then Enzo Sacs on the rear of 1275 lbs. per side.

I've only been out in new Z3 a couple times, but I'm having some trouble dialing in the proper weight, taps, speed for wakeboarding.

I understand it will vary with amount of people and speed, but I don't seem to dial it is as easy as I did my RZ2.

Any input to get me started??... Thanks,

[bspot]

speed! I found the only way to get a nice clean wake is 22 or above

[houstonshark]

I'd probably guess you are short on bow weight. You'll want no more than a 60/40 split (stern/bow).

And yes, at least 22mph but prob 23+ with that much weight.

[bradk]

So with lesser inexperienced riders, that don't feel good at 22, are they just not going to have a clean wake, or if I lessen the weight and shorten the rope up a bit, will there likely be a ramp spot... Or "teach" them to ride at 22 and lessen the weight for not as much of a steep wake ?

Thanks,

[rensink]

The Z3 likes bow weight... even on the stock set up it needs more bow weight in my opinion and a new prop that helped too.

[wakemitch]

If the riders are inexperienced and dont feel comfortable at 22 mph, they are probably not needing 2300 lbs+ either.

You need to drop the weight or bump up the speed. but based on the experience of your riders, I think you need to drop the weight.

[Duncan]

So with lesser inexperienced riders, that don't feel good at 22, are they just not going to have a clean wake, or if I lessen the weight and shorten the rope up a bit, will there likely be a ramp spot... Or "teach" them to ride at 22 and lessen the weight for not as much of a steep wake ?

From my own experience, a big wake is a detriment to learning. For several seasons, I rode on full ballast at 20 mph or below. I had problems with flattening out when hitting the wake and not holding a progressive edge. Try as I might, my body would over ride my brain when I was coming up on the big wake.

Then, two seasons ago, I was riding behind a friend's WS Bu and he had a rear ballast pump bad. So we rode on just some bow weight and the wake was smaller than I was used to. Lo and behold, I nailed that progressive edge on the first jump and went farther than I ever had on a big wake. When I got back on our RZ2, I rode for a few weeks with just bow weight, upped speed to 23, and really worked that progressive edge. Then I added rear weight and was able to use what I learned to edge through the bigger wake. Without riding on that small wake, I doubt I would have made that break through.

So, don't worry about wake size until your rider can hold a progressive edge through a smaller wake and clear (or come close to clearing) w2w.