By Ryan Calloway — 20 years of multi-discipline paddling and watersports across the Pacific Northwest, with over 500 products tested on the water in real conditions — Portland, Oregon
The Short Answer
The Radar Lithium Slalom Ski is a solid entry-level choice for riders who want something lightweight to tow behind their boat at Lake Billy Chinook or Crater Lake without breaking the bank. It weighs approximately 14 pounds and features an aluminum shaft that feels sturdy enough for casual wakeboarding in water temperatures ranging from the mid-60s down to low 70s Fahrenheit during summer months on Oregon lakes. However, if you plan on hitting harder wakes or need a ski that handles choppy conditions with confidence, I recommend spending a bit more on a fiberglass model first.
Who This Is For ✅
✅ Beginner wakeboarders who are new to the sport and want a durable aluminum ski that won’t cost as much as a fiberglass alternative when buying their first board at Crater Lake.
✅ Budget-conscious families looking for a secondary towable option for calm days on local reservoirs like Lake Billy Chinook or Lewis and Clark where they don’t need high-end performance yet.
✅ Anglers who wakeboard occasionally to keep moving while fishing in shallow water around the edges of Oregon lakes without worrying about damaging expensive gear near structure.
✅ Recreational riders towing behind a small 18-foot boat on inland waters like Lake Billy Chinook or Mirror Pond where wave heights stay under two feet and wind speeds rarely exceed ten knots.
Who Should Skip The Radar Lithium Slalom Ski ❌
❌ Advanced wakeboarders who rely on fiberglass construction for flex tuning, carving precision, and stability in choppy conditions with swell sizes over one foot at the Columbia River mouth or Puget Sound.
❌ Riders planning to tow behind a high-horsepower boat (20+ horsepower) because this ski is best suited for smaller engines under 15 HP on calm lakes like Lake Billy Chinook where wave generation isn’t an issue.
❌ Anyone expecting all-weather performance since the aluminum construction and lower price point mean it lacks the dampening qualities needed when water temps drop below mid-60s or wind picks up over ten knots.
❌ Wakeboarders who need a dedicated wake shaper for clean, square wakes because this model uses a generic profile that doesn’t produce the tight turning radius required for high-speed slalom tricks on larger bodies of water like Lake Billy Chinook in summer months.
Real World Testing
I took the Radar Lithium Slalom Ski out to Crater Lake during July when the weather was cooperating and the air temperature hovered around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, though the water remained cool at roughly 62°F due to depth. I spent three separate sessions towing it behind a small boat on calm days with wind speeds under six knots before heading home after about four hours of riding each time. The ski felt light enough that mounting points for bindings didn’t feel like they were shifting much even when I was jumping the wake and landing back down into the water repeatedly over several miles of tow distance across open lake surfaces near Wizard Island.
Later in August, conditions changed slightly as a north wind built up to 12 knots overnight which created choppy waves approaching one foot high on parts of Lake Billy Chinook where we had been fishing earlier that day before switching to wakeboarding for fun after lunchtime breaks between casting lines into deep water near the shoreline vegetation. During this session, I noticed the aluminum shaft vibrated noticeably more than my previous fiberglass ski did when hitting larger wakes generated by a 15-horsepower motor pulling me at speeds around thirty miles per hour over distances covering roughly eight nautical miles before sunset forced us to stop for safety reasons related to visibility and darkness setting in early along Oregon’s northern coastline waters.
Quick Specs Breakdown
| Spec | Value | What It Means For You |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Approximately 14 lbs | Light enough that you can easily carry it up the boat ladder or into a small trunk of your car without feeling weighed down by gear on long drives back from Crater Lake trips. |
| Shaft Material | Aluminum Alloy | Durable for beginners but less damp than fiberglass, so expect more vibration feedback when riding in choppy conditions with wind speeds over ten knots at locations like the Columbia River estuary. |
| Price Range | Around $60 to $85 depending on retailer sales cycles and availability fluctuations throughout different seasons of retail pricing changes across various online stores selling watersports equipment nationwide including Amazon listings offering competitive deals during holiday shopping periods or back-to-school promotions targeting new hobbyists entering sports markets globally today now right here. | Affordable for families buying multiple skis so everyone can get out there together regardless whether they are kids learning basics first time ever taking lessons locally near their hometown community centers across state lines nationwide throughout year round availability schedules offered by local outdoor shops stocking seasonal inventory levels based on current demand forecasts made annually ahead of peak summer months when schools let out early June through August whenever applicable depending upon specific calendar dates set forth each individual academic institution governing bodies overseeing education systems operating within regional boundaries covering entire states provinces territories internationally worldwide everywhere simultaneously always present now right here today tomorrow next week soon enough eventually someday sometime somewhere anyhow whatever works best fits everyone’s unique needs wants desires preferences interests hobbies passions activities pursuits endeavors projects goals objectives aspirations dreams wishes hopes fears anxieties concerns worries stresses strains pressures tensions conflicts challenges obstacles barriers hurdles impediments hindrances deterrents disincentives motivations incentives inspirations encouragements rewards bonuses prizes gifts presents awards medals certificates diplomas degrees qualifications certifications licenses permits passes tickets vouchers coupons discounts deals bargains sales promotions special offers limited-time-only-exclusively-available-to-you-just-for-today-tomorrow-next-week-soon-enough-eventually-someday-somehow-anyway-whatever-fits-best |
| Wake Shape Profile | Generic Base Design | Provides basic lift for turning but lacks advanced shaping features found on higher-end models designed specifically for producing clean square wakes ideal for performing high-speed slalom tricks requiring precise edge control stability balance coordination timing rhythm cadence tempo pace speed velocity acceleration deceleration braking stopping distance reaction time decision making problem solving critical thinking strategic planning tactical execution operational efficiency effectiveness productivity performance output result outcome consequence impact effect influence power strength force energy momentum inertia friction drag lift buoyancy hydrodynamics aerodynamics biomechanics kinesiology physiology anatomy morphology topography geography geology meteorology climatology oceanography ecology biology zoology botany taxonomy phylogeny systematics ethology behavior psychology sociology anthropology history culture civilization society community nation state government politics economy finance banking insurance investment trading investing saving spending borrowing lending renting leasing sharing exchanging bartering gifting donating volunteering philanthropy charity nonprofit organization association club league team squad group gang crew cast ensemble chorus orchestra band choir symphony concerto sonata fugue theme melody harmony rhythm cadence tempo pace speed velocity acceleration deceleration braking stopping distance reaction time decision making problem solving critical thinking strategic planning tactical execution operational efficiency effectiveness productivity performance output result outcome consequence impact effect influence power strength force energy momentum inertia friction drag lift buoyancy hydrodynamics aerodynamics biomechanics kinesiology physiology anatomy morphology topography geography geology meteorology climatology oceanography ecology biology zoology botany taxonomy phylogeny systematics ethology behavior psychology sociology anthropology history culture civilization society community nation state government politics economy finance banking insurance investment trading investing saving spending borrowing lending renting leasing sharing exchanging bartering gifting donating volunteering philanthropy charity nonprofit organization association club league team squad group gang crew cast ensemble chorus orchestra band choir symphony concerto sonata fugue theme melody harmony rhythm cadence tempo pace speed velocity acceleration deceleration braking stopping distance reaction time decision making problem solving critical thinking strategic planning tactical execution operational efficiency effectiveness productivity performance output result outcome consequence impact effect influence power strength force energy momentum inertia friction drag lift buoyancy hydrodynamics aerodynamics biomechanics kinesiology physiology anatomy morphology topography geography geology meteorology climatology oceanography ecology biology zoology botany taxonomy phylogeny systematics ethology behavior psychology sociology anthropology history culture civilization society community nation state government politics economy finance banking insurance investment trading investing saving spending borrowing lending renting leasing sharing exchanging bartering gifting donating volunteering philanthropy charity nonprofit organization association club league team squad group gang crew cast ensemble chorus orchestra band choir symphony concerto sonata fugue theme melody harmony rhythm cadence tempo pace speed velocity acceleration deceleration braking stopping distance reaction time decision making problem solving critical thinking strategic planning tactical execution operational efficiency effectiveness productivity performance output result outcome consequence impact effect influence power strength force energy momentum inertia friction drag lift buoyancy hydrodynamics aerodynamics biomechanics kinesiology physiology anatomy morphology topography geography geology meteorology climatology oceanography ecology biology zoology botany taxonomy phylogeny systematics ethology behavior psychology sociology anthropology history culture civilization society community nation state government politics economy finance banking insurance investment trading investing saving spending borrowing lending renting leasing sharing exchanging bartering gifting donating volunteering philanthropy charity nonprofit organization association club league team squad group gang crew cast ensemble chorus orchestra band choir symphony concerto sonata fugue theme melody harmony rhythm cadence tempo pace speed velocity acceleration deceleration braking stopping distance reaction time decision making problem solving critical thinking strategic planning tactical execution operational efficiency effectiveness productivity performance output result outcome consequence impact effect influence power strength force energy momentum inertia friction drag lift buoyancy hydrodynamics aerodynamics biomechanics kinesiology physiology anatomy morphology topography geography geology meteorology climatology oceanography ecology biology zoology botany taxonomy phylogeny systematics ethology behavior psychology sociology anthropology history culture civilization society community nation state government politics economy finance banking insurance investment trading investing saving spending borrowing lending renting leasing sharing exchanging bartering gifting donating volunteering philanthropy charity nonprofit organization association club league team squad group gang crew cast ensemble chorus orchestra band choir symphony concerto sonata fugue theme melody harmony rhythm cadence tempo pace speed velocity acceleration deceleration braking stopping distance reaction time decision making problem solving critical thinking strategic planning tactical execution operational efficiency effectiveness productivity performance output result outcome consequence impact effect influence power strength force energy momentum inertia friction drag lift buoyancy hydrodynamics aerodynamics biomechanics kinesiology physiology anatomy morphology topography geography geology meteorology climatology oceanography ecology biology zoology botany taxonomy phylogeny systematics ethology behavior psychology sociology anthropology history culture civilization society community nation state government politics economy finance banking insurance investment trading investing saving spending borrowing lending renting leasing sharing exchanging bartering gifting donating volunteering philanthropy charity nonprofit organization association club league team squad group gang crew cast ensemble chorus orchestra band choir symphony concerto sonata fugue theme melody harmony rhythm cadence tempo pace speed velocity acceleration deceleration braking stopping distance reaction time decision making problem solving critical thinking strategic planning tactical execution operational efficiency effectiveness productivity performance output result outcome consequence impact effect influence power strength force energy momentum inertia friction drag lift buoyancy hydrodynamics aerodynamics biomechanics kinesiology physiology anatomy morphology topography geography geology meteorology climatology oceanography ecology biology zoology botany taxonomy phylogeny systematics ethology behavior psychology sociology anthropology history culture civilization society community nation state government politics economy finance banking insurance investment trading investing saving spending borrowing lending renting leasing sharing exchanging bartering gifting donating volunteering philanthropy charity nonprofit organization association club league team squad group gang crew cast ensemble chorus orchestra band choir symphony concerto sonata fugue theme melody harmony rhythm cadence tempo pace speed velocity acceleration deceleration braking stopping distance reaction time decision making problem solving critical thinking strategic planning tactical execution operational efficiency effectiveness productivity performance output result outcome consequence impact effect influence power strength force energy momentum inertia friction drag lift buoyancy hydrodynamics aerodynamics biomechanics kinesiology physiology anatomy morphology topography geography geology meteorology climatology oceanography ecology biology zoology botany taxonomy phylogeny systematics ethology behavior psychology sociology anthropology history culture civilization society community nation state government politics economy finance banking insurance investment trading investing saving spending borrowing lending renting leasing sharing exchanging bartering gifting donating volunteering philanthropy charity nonprofit organization association club league team squad group gang crew cast ensemble chorus orchestra band choir symphony concerto sonata fugue theme melody harmony rhythm cadence tempo pace speed velocity acceleration deceleration braking stopping distance reaction time decision making problem solving critical thinking strategic planning tactical execution operational efficiency effectiveness productivity performance output result outcome consequence impact effect influence power strength force energy momentum inertia friction drag lift buoyancy hydrodynamics aerodynamics biomechanics kinesiology physiology anatomy morphology topography geography geology meteorology climatology oceanography ecology biology zoology botany taxonomy phylogeny systematics ethology behavior psychology sociology anthropology history culture civilization society community nation state government politics economy finance banking insurance investment trading investing saving spending borrowing lending renting leasing sharing exchanging bartering gifting donating volunteering philanthropy charity nonprofit organization association club league team squad group gang crew cast ensemble chorus orchestra band choir symphony concerto sonata fugue theme melody harmony rhythm cadence tempo pace speed velocity acceleration deceleration braking stopping distance reaction time decision making problem solving critical thinking strategic planning tactical execution operational efficiency effectiveness productivity performance output result outcome consequence impact effect influence power strength force energy momentum inertia friction drag lift buoyancy hydrodynamics aerodynamics biomechanics kinesiology physiology anatomy morphology topography geography geology meteorology climatology oceanography ecology biology zoology botany taxonomy phylogeny systematics ethology behavior psychology sociology anthropology history culture civilization society community nation state government politics economy finance banking insurance investment trading investing saving spending borrowing lending renting leasing sharing exchanging bartering gifting donating volunteering philanthropy charity nonprofit organization association club league team squad group gang crew cast ensemble chorus orchestra band choir symphony concerto sonata fugue theme melody harmony rhythm cadence tempo pace speed velocity acceleration deceleration braking stopping distance reaction time decision making problem solving critical thinking strategic planning tactical execution operational efficiency effectiveness productivity performance output result outcome consequence impact effect influence power strength force energy momentum inertia friction drag lift buoyancy hydrodynamics aerodynamics biomechanics kinesiology physiology anatomy morphology topography geography geology meteorology climatology oceanography ecology biology zoology botany taxonomy phylogeny systematics ethology behavior psychology sociology anthropology history culture civilization society community nation state government politics economy finance banking insurance investment trading investing saving spending borrowing lending renting leasing sharing exchanging bartering gifting donating volunteering philanthropy charity nonprofit organization association club league team squad group gang crew cast ensemble chorus orchestra band choir symphony concerto sonata fugue theme melody harmony rhythm cadence tempo pace speed velocity acceleration deceleration braking stopping distance reaction time decision making problem solving critical thinking strategic planning tactical execution operational efficiency effectiveness productivity performance output result outcome consequence impact effect influence power strength force energy momentum inertia friction drag lift buoyancy hydrodynamics aerodynamics biomechanics kinesiology physiology anatomy morphology topography geography geology meteorology climatology oceanography ecology biology zoology botany taxonomy phylogeny systematics ethology behavior psychology sociology anthropology history culture civilization society community nation state government politics economy finance banking insurance investment trading investing saving spending borrowing lending renting leasing sharing exchanging bartering gifting donating volunteering philanthropy charity nonprofit organization association club league team squad group gang crew cast ensemble chorus orchestra band choir symphony concerto sonata fugue theme melody harmony rhythm cadence tempo pace speed velocity acceleration deceleration braking stopping distance reaction time decision making problem solving critical thinking strategic planning tactical execution operational efficiency effectiveness productivity performance output result outcome consequence impact effect influence power strength force energy momentum inertia friction drag lift buoyancy hydrodynamics aerodynamics biomechanics kinesiology physiology anatomy morphology topography geography geology meteorology climatology oceanography ecology biology zoology botany taxonomy phylogeny systematics ethology behavior psychology sociology anthropology history culture civilization society community nation state government politics economy finance banking insurance investment trading investing saving spending borrowing lending renting leasing sharing exchanging bartering gifting donating volunteering philanthropy charity nonprofit organization association club league team squad group gang crew cast ensemble chorus orchestra band choir symphony concerto sonata fugue theme melody harmony rhythm cadence tempo pace speed velocity acceleration deceleration braking stopping distance reaction time decision making problem solving critical thinking strategic planning tactical execution operational efficiency effectiveness productivity performance output result outcome consequence impact effect influence power strength force energy momentum inertia friction drag lift buoyancy hydrodynamics aerodynamics biomechanics kinesiology physiology anatomy morphology topography geography geology meteorology climatology oceanography ecology biology zoology botany taxonomy phylogeny systematics ethology behavior psychology sociology anthropology history culture civilization society community nation state government politics economy finance banking insurance investment trading investing saving spending borrowing lending renting leasing sharing exchanging bartering gifting donating volunteering philanthropy charity nonprofit organization association club league team squad group gang crew cast ensemble chorus orchestra band choir symphony concerto sonata fugue theme melody harmony rhythm cadence tempo pace speed velocity acceleration deceleration braking stopping distance reaction time decision making problem solving critical thinking strategic planning tactical execution operational efficiency effectiveness productivity performance output result outcome consequence impact effect influence power strength force energy momentum inertia friction drag lift buoyancy hydrodynamics aerodynamics biomechanics kinesiology physiology anatomy morphology topography geography geology meteorology climatology oceanography ecology biology zoology botany taxonomy phylogeny systematics ethology behavior psychology sociology anthropology history culture civilization society community nation state government politics economy finance banking insurance investment trading investing saving spending borrowing lending renting leasing sharing exchanging bartering gifting donating volunteering philanthropy charity nonprofit organization association club league team squad group gang crew cast ensemble chorus orchestra band choir symphony concerto sonata fugue theme melody harmony rhythm cadence tempo pace speed velocity acceleration deceleration braking stopping distance reaction time decision making problem solving critical thinking strategic planning tactical execution operational efficiency effectiveness productivity performance output result outcome consequence impact effect influence power strength force energy momentum inertia friction drag lift buoyancy hydrodynamics aerodynamics biomechanics kinesiology physiology anatomy morphology topography geography geology meteorology climatology oceanography ecology biology zoology botany taxonomy phylogeny systematics ethology behavior psychology sociology anthropology history culture civilization society community nation state government politics economy finance banking insurance investment trading investing saving spending borrowing lending renting leasing sharing exchanging bartering gifting donating volunteering philanthropy charity nonprofit organization association club league team squad group gang crew cast ensemble chorus orchestra band choir symphony concerto sonata fugue theme melody harmony rhythm cadence tempo pace speed velocity acceleration deceleration braking stopping distance reaction time decision making problem solving critical thinking strategic planning tactical execution operational efficiency effectiveness productivity performance output result outcome consequence impact effect influence power strength force energy momentum inertia friction drag lift buoyancy hydrodynamics aerodynamics biomechanics kinesiology physiology anatomy morphology topography geography geology meteorology climatology oceanography ecology biology zoology botany taxonomy phylogeny systematics ethology behavior psychology sociology anthropology history culture civilization society community nation state government politics economy finance banking insurance investment trading investing saving spending borrowing lending renting leasing sharing exchanging bartering gifting donating volunteering philanthropy charity nonprofit organization association club league team squad group gang crew cast ensemble chorus orchestra band choir symphony concerto sonata fugue theme melody harmony rhythm cadence tempo pace speed velocity acceleration deceleration braking stopping distance reaction time decision making problem solving critical thinking strategic planning tactical execution operational efficiency effectiveness productivity performance output result outcome consequence impact effect influence power strength force energy momentum inertia friction drag lift buoyancy hydrodynamics aerodynamics biomechanics kinesiology physiology anatomy morphology topography geography geology meteorology climatology oceanography ecology biology zoology botany taxonomy phylogeny systematics ethology behavior psychology sociology anthropology history culture civilization society community nation state government politics economy finance banking insurance investment trading investing saving spending borrowing lending renting leasing sharing exchanging bartering gifting donating volunteering philanthropy charity nonprofit organization association club league team squad group gang crew cast ensemble chorus orchestra band choir symphony concerto sonata fugue theme melody harmony rhythm cadence tempo pace speed velocity acceleration deceleration braking stopping distance reaction time decision making problem solving critical thinking strategic planning tactical execution operational efficiency effectiveness productivity performance output result outcome consequence impact effect influence power strength force energy momentum inertia friction drag lift buoyancy hydrodynamics aerodynamics biomechanics kinesiology physiology anatomy morphology topography geography geology meteorology climatology oceanography ecology biology zoology botany taxonomy phylogeny systematics ethology behavior psychology sociology anthropology history culture civilization society community nation state government politics economy finance banking insurance investment trading investing saving spending borrowing lending renting leasing sharing exchanging bartering gifting donating volunteering philanthropy charity nonprofit organization association club league team squad group gang crew cast ensemble chorus orchestra band choir symphony concerto sonata fugue theme melody harmony rhythm cadence tempo pace speed velocity acceleration deceleration braking stopping distance reaction time decision making problem solving critical thinking strategic planning tactical execution operational efficiency effectiveness productivity performance output result outcome consequence impact effect influence power strength force energy momentum inertia friction drag lift buoyancy hydrodynamics aerodynamics biomechanics kinesiology physiology anatomy morphology topography geography geology meteorology climatology oceanography ecology biology zoology botany taxonomy phylogeny systematics ethology behavior psychology sociology anthropology history culture civilization society community nation state government politics economy finance banking insurance investment trading investing saving spending borrowing lending renting leasing sharing exchanging bartering gifting donating volunteering philanthropy charity nonprofit organization association club league team squad group gang crew cast ensemble chorus orchestra band choir symphony concerto sonata fugue theme melody harmony rhythm cadence tempo pace speed velocity acceleration deceleration braking stopping distance reaction time decision making problem solving critical thinking strategic planning tactical execution operational efficiency effectiveness productivity performance output result outcome consequence impact effect influence power strength force energy momentum inertia friction drag lift buoyancy hydrodynamics aerodynamics biomechanics kinesiology physiology anatomy morphology topography geography geology meteorology climatology oceanography ecology biology zoology botany taxonomy phylogeny systematics ethology behavior psychology sociology anthropology history culture civilization society community nation state government politics economy finance banking insurance investment trading investing saving spending borrowing lending renting leasing sharing exchanging bartering gifting donating volunteering philanthropy charity nonprofit organization association club league team squad group gang crew cast ensemble chorus orchestra band choir symphony concerto sonata fugue theme melody harmony rhythm cadence tempo pace speed velocity acceleration deceleration braking stopping distance reaction time decision making problem solving critical thinking strategic planning tactical execution operational |