Propulsion Angle

The Freestyle and Ultra Series are available with two propulsion configurations: Zero (0°) and Five (5°).

Although the difference is only five degrees, it has a noticeable effect on how the ski behaves on the water.

The propulsion angle changes the direction in which thrust leaves the reduction nozzle. That small change influences how the hull reacts during acceleration, affecting everything from linked manoeuvres to flip initiation and overall riding feel.

Neither configuration is inherently better—the right choice depends entirely on the riding characteristic you prefer.

Image: Water flow through the Zero and the Five model.

Zero (0°)

The Zero configuration directs propulsion straight behind the ski.

This produces the most neutral and predictable riding characteristic, allowing the hull to accelerate naturally without encouraging additional rotation.

Because the ski remains balanced throughout acceleration, the Zero configuration excels at technical riding, linked manoeuvres and carrying momentum between tricks. It responds directly to rider input without influencing the attitude of the hull, making it the preferred choice for riders who prioritise precision and consistency.

Zero is the standard configuration on the Freeride, Freestyle and Ultra Series.

What it feels like

• Neutral and predictable
• Direct forward drive
• Precise steering response
• Excellent momentum through combinations
• Consistent behaviour across varied manoeuvres

Five (5°)

The Five configuration redirects propulsion upward by five degrees.

Rather than pushing only forwards, a small portion of the thrust is used to naturally lift the nose of the ski during acceleration. This encourages the hull to engage its flip angle earlier, reducing the amount of rider input required to initiate backflips.

Although the change is subtle in terms of geometry, it creates a noticeably different riding characteristic.

Many riders describe the Five configuration as making the ski feel more eager to rotate. The trade-off is that the ski becomes slightly less neutral during technical combinations and rolls, as propulsion is no longer acting purely in the forward direction.

What it feels like

• Earlier flip engagement
• More aggressive riding characteristic
  
• Easier backflip initiation
• Increased rotational tendency
• Slightly less neutral during technical combinations

Which One Should You Choose?

The decision comes down to how you want the ski to behave.

If you want the ski to respond purely to your input while maintaining maximum predictability, the Zero configuration is the natural choice. Its neutral propulsion makes it particularly well suited to technical freestyle, linked manoeuvres and riders who prefer complete control over the ski's attitude.

If your priority is making backflips feel more natural and encouraging the hull to engage its rotation earlier, the Fiveconfiguration provides a more aggressive riding characteristic that many riders prefer for flip-focused freestyle.

Neither configuration changes the engine's power output.

The difference lies solely in how that power is applied to the hull.

Image: The Ultra Five with a 100mm fixed steering nozzle.

A Note on Hull Length

Hull length also influences how each propulsion configuration feels. Every hull obviously has its own characteristics, but the general feedback is this:

On shorter freestyle hulls, the Five configuration can initially feel extremely rewarding because it naturally encourages flip initiation. As riders begin linking more manoeuvres and carrying greater momentum, however, some find that the ski feels less neutral through combinations due to the constant upward component of the thrust.

Longer hulls generally respond more progressively to the Five configuration, while shorter hulls often highlight the differences between Zero and Five more clearly.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on the complete setup—including hull design, riding style and personal preference.

If you're unsure which configuration best suits your ski, we're always happy to help you choose the right setup.