Zero Off - Single Puck
Spencer Shultz - 7/08/2018
Speed control in waterskiing has definitely been a hot topic around the sport. From hand driving and stop watches, RPM based Perfect Pass, to the latest zero-off update and the use of a single puck ECI (Earth-centered inertial). But what about the newest speed control system makes the pull behind the boat more consistent and more beneficial to skiers around the globe.
Over the course of the last few years, ski boats have stayed true to one GPS tracking speed control system. That system being zero-off. But as the industry tries to improve and evolve with skiing gear and boats, zero-off has also evolved. The latest form has come in the shape of eliminating one of the timing pucks on the nose of the boat that stays in contact with satellites to hold a consistent speed and make it from point A to point B in a certain amount of time while holding the perfect speed.
One person who has been through all of the changes in speed control through out his entire professional skiing career is 3-time men’s slalom world record holder, Chris Parrish. “My first time being on the zero-off system was with Andy Mapple, I originally really liked it. But some changes were made to the system and some updates were made that made it really hard for me as a skier. The old ground and pound days of me as a skier were over when zero-off came out. I had to develop and turn into a more technical skier.” As Parrish has developed as a skier, he’s learned to use zero-off for his particular style. “The letters definitely make it easier to dial in a consistent pull type that you can rely on to be there for you when you need it. I’m a bigger guy, so I really need the pull right at the buoy. The zero-off system lets me fine tune where I want the power and how much I need.”
As of late, the use of a single puck has become popular among the top boat manufacturers in the sport. Parrish admits thats he felt a difference when switching from a double puck system to a single puck. “The single puck makes for a faster reaction time. It’s the only thing talking to the engine and the engine doesn’t have a second puck to communicate with, so the reaction time is going to be much greater,” Parrish says. “This is one thing that skiers are going to have to get used to. At least the first few times will be different if you have been behind a double puck system. Not a drastic difference, but every skier from novice to pro will notice a change.”
A change from a double puck to a single puck ECI system is fairly simple. You will need to have additional software programmed into the head unit. Along with additional software, a single puck system will require a new ECI single puck as well as a wiring harness. For more information on upgrading to a single puck setup, we recommend contacting your local authorized boat manufacturer.
Pro Tip: Before a big tournament, find out what boat you will draw to ski behind, find a friend or a buddy with that same boat model and get some sets behind it. This will prepare you for exactly what you will get at the tournament.