I don't get it - OPAS

[Jeff C]

Folks, help me out with something.

I hear talk on alot of forums about taking off the OPAS. I keep hearing that removing the OPAS system will help with the top end.

I thought OPAS was completelyin the "UP" position when going WFO.

If you had flat water and were going straight, would OPAS removal help at all? or is speed more affected in a choppy condition where you are correcting direction constantly?

[MikeTrin]

Up or down, if you look back there when you ride, it's always under water, so they cause drag.

Remove them, less drag, no change to speed, just more playful hull.

I tell people to keep them on until they are use to using the reverse lever around docks.

[mgo7483]

It will make the RXP feel 200lbs lighter. The steering is lighter and the back-end can be pushed around more with body wight shifting. No difference in top speed, but it will increase speed across choppy water. I only dock my ski (no pulling up on beaches) and I have no problem with slow speed maneruabilty, forward or reverse. I can damn near parrell park my RXP!

[Green Hulk]

Thats right, you will see no additonal top speed in glass conditions. In my opinion the OPAS removed really begins to shine when crossing wakes, or running thru chop. With OPAS intact the paddles tend to grab in a wave jerking the ski. I've even been thrown off when that happened. With that said, you will gain speed going across chop due to the decrease in drag.
Also, removing the OPAS will make the ski feel much lighter and more playful.

[lawracing]

LOL! I parallel park also! I had a harder time docking with the OPAS, but I never realy gave it a chance to get used to it. I didn't like the rough water brakes coming on all the time!!

[Red Devil]

With my GTX SC LTD, I was told the OPAS is a must for parking and getting onto the trailor. I have a much easier time without it!! This thing steers and maneuvers perfect while just idling at 1800. I still can't figure the hype about OPAS other than a gimick.

[mgo7483]

I guess I can understand OPAS for a novice who has never rode a ski before. But the way I see it is, I learned to ride without it... I know that I need power to turn... therefore I don't need OPAS.

[lawracing]

Honestly I think it is a matter of what you are used to, I come from skis that don't even have reverse so that was a huge "new feature" for me. If the new EMS will let me get the idle down on the RXP, I will prob. get rid of the reverse also.

[SHEP]

what is the difference between these two other than $230 ?


RIVA Performance O.P.A.S. Block-off Kit


RIVA RXP Pro-Series O.P.A.S. Block-off Kit



thanks

[mgo7483]

The block-off kit is just a set of flat plates to close off the holes in your hull from when you remove the OPAS system.

The "Pro-Series" block-off kit is the same thing except the plate is acually in the shape of the hull and it fills in the area for the hull that steps in of the OPAS rudders. It appearently is supposed to give you better handling, but I haven't heard any results from people yet.