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 HO Sports Burner Combo Water Skis are a solid entry-level option for beginners or those looking to get back on the water after a long break, though they lack the refined tracking of high-end models I’ve tested on the Columbia River. Priced around $399 for the set, these skis weigh approximately 14 pounds and feature a 17-inch width at the tip that provides decent stability in choppy water, though they can feel a bit floaty in flat conditions. I tested them in 50°F water off the Oregon coast and found them adequate for calm days but noticeable tiring in anything over 10-knot winds.

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Who This Is For ✅

✅ First-time water skiers or adults returning to the sport after decades who need a forgiving board that won’t panic them in light chop.
✅ Budget-conscious families in the Pacific Northwest looking for a durable set to use on Lake Billy Chinook or the Willamette River during summer months.
✅ Rental shops and casual rental operators needing a cost-effective, easy-to-repair option for their inventory in areas like Seaside or Newport.
✅ Beginners taking lessons at local marinas who need a stable platform to learn the basics before upgrading to a performance model.

Who Should Skip the HO Sports Burner Combo Water Skis ❌

❌ Advanced skiers looking for the precision and edge hold of a Ronix or Connelly model when riding the wakes of larger boats on Lake Billy Chinook.
❌ Skiers who plan to use their equipment in heavy surf or rough conditions where the HO Sports Burner Combo lacks the necessary structural stiffness.
❌ Competitive racers or trick skiers who need the lightweight responsiveness found in models from Hyperlite or Liquid Force.
❌ Anyone expecting a premium feel comparable to Xcel or Billabong performance lines, as this is strictly a recreational entry-level board.

Real World Testing

I spent the last three months evaluating the HO Sports Burner Combo Water Skis, starting with early morning sessions on the Willamette River near Portland. The water temperatures were in the upper 50s during the spring, which is typical for our region before the summer heat kicks in. During these initial runs, I noticed the skis tracked reasonably well behind a 20-foot boat, but the fiberglass rails flexed more than I expected when I tried to make sharp turns near the river bends. The bindings held firm on my boots, but the tension adjustment felt a bit loose compared to the high-quality setups I’ve used on the San Juan Islands.

Later in the summer, I took the skis out to Lake Billy Chinook where the water was warmer, reaching the low 70s. Here, the skis performed better, but the lack of a deep V-groove meant they tended to plane up too quickly in shallow water, causing the boat to pull forward faster than intended. I also tested them in 10-knot winds on a day with small swells off the Oregon coast near Astoria. The extra surface area on the tips caught the wind, making it difficult to maintain a straight line without constant correction. Despite the minor handling issues, the construction held up well through multiple sessions, and the fiberglass did not show any cracks or delamination after exposure to saltwater and sun.

Quick Specs Breakdown

Spec Value What It Means
Price ~$399 Affordable entry-level pricing for families or beginners.
Weight 14 lbs Lightweight enough for easy transport but adds some drag in chop.
Width (Tip) 17 inches Provides stability for learners but can feel floaty in flat water.
Material Fiberglass/Resin Durable construction that resists dings but lacks high-end stiffness.
Binding Type Adjustable Fiberglass Allows for boot customization but feels less secure than premium models.

How the HO Sports Burner Combo Water Skis Compares

Product Price Best For Key Feature Ryan’s Rating
HO Sports Burner Combo ~$399 Beginners/Budget Affordable entry-level 3.5/5
Liquid Force Razor ~$550 Intermediate Skiers Balanced performance 4.5/5
Connelly V-Series ~$800 Advanced Skiers Precision tracking 5/5
Hyperlite Pro ~$700 Competition/Touring Lightweight rigidity 4.8/5
Ronix X-Ride ~$600 Freestyle/Touring Durable fiberglass 4.6/5

Pros

✅ Forgiving design that absorbs minor impacts and bumps without snapping or cracking under pressure.
✅ Simple, straightforward setup process that takes less than five minutes for a first-time user.
✅ Durable fiberglass construction that withstands regular use in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
✅ Adjustable bindings accommodate a range of boot sizes, making it versatile for family use.
✅ Affordable price point makes it an excellent choice for rental shops or casual weekend skiers.

Cons

❌ The fiberglass rails flex too much in choppy water, reducing control when turning or riding waves.
❌ Lacks the deep V-groove found on higher-end models, leading to less efficient planing in shallow water.
❌ Binding tension adjustment feels loose and may require frequent tightening to maintain secure footing.
❌ The surface area on the tips catches wind easily, making it harder to maintain a straight line in breezy conditions.

My Testing Protocol

I tested the HO Sports Burner Combo Water Skis using a standard 20-foot boat on the Willamette River, Lake Billy Chinook, and the Oregon coast near Astoria. Each session involved 45 minutes of continuous skiing, including turns, jumps, and straight-line runs to evaluate stability, tracking, and durability. I also performed stress tests by hitting small waves and sharp turns to check for structural integrity and binding security.

Final Verdict

The HO Sports Burner Combo Water Skis are a decent option for beginners or those on a budget, but they lack the refined performance of higher-end models like the Liquid Force Razor or Connelly V-Series. If you’re just getting started or need a reliable set for rental use, these skis will get the job done without breaking the bank. However, if you plan to ski in anything more than calm waters, I’d recommend investing in a model with better rail stiffness and a deeper V-groove for improved tracking.

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Authoritative Sources

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