Question on Gear

[pdhj1990]

I'm looking at the following:

2010 Hyperlite Forefront/Hyperlite boots wakeboard - length 145

2010 Liquid Force PS3/Liquid Force boots wakeboard - length 137

2010 Element Kneeboard

I'm 6ft, 205 and I'd use the Hyperlite, while my wife and kids would use the Liquid Force. If purchased, we'd all use the kneeboard.

I can buy the above gear with rope/handle and a tube for $1,200. Without the kneeboard, the cost would be $950.

Our family is new to wakeboarding and would appreciate any feedback regarding the gear and cost. Also, does anyone have an opinion on weather a kneeboard is worth owning?

Finally, any advice on a surf board would also be appreciated.

Paul

[embo]

Wish I could help you on the wakeboarding info. Are you all wakeboarders already or are you learning to do it? If you are learning...maybe looking at the used market would be something to think about. I realize you might want nothing but new gear and if that is the case then great. But if it doesn't matter that much, might be worth searching a little and seeing what you can find, unless you have already done that and decide to go new. We bought our wakeboard for $175 and it was in almost new condition. It's an O'Brian. The only thing is it has older style boots that aren't as easy to get in/out of but nothing some soap won't take care of.

As far as boards, there is currently a thread on board recommendations and I think it would be pretty informative. Seems like there are some good surf boards coming out this next year. We purchased a Shred Stix Chase Hazen board and love it. Although we are not great at it, it does very well for us at this time. We have riden the Shred Stix Thresher as well and it is good too. The difference is the weight each can carry and the nose shape which affects how the board reacts when the nose is going under the water and how well it recovers vs diving deeper. I am 5'10" and 205-210 and I prefer the Chase Hazen due to it's ability to keep me up on the water surface better (not bog down and sink) and also the nose really helps keep you going if you happen to dive the nose down in the water.
I will say we might be looking for more of a performance board this next summer. I suspect it is our abilities and not the board that is holding us back from doing some tricks. But we will be looking at the Inland Surfer products with the James Walker boards. That is if I understand correctly that James is in with Inland Surfer.
Search the site for some threads on boards and I think you will find out all kinds of stuff on them here.

Maybe post your skill level and that would help people give you some insight as far as surf boards.

Good Luck!

[pdhj1990]

Thanks EMBO.

Our skill level = newbie. However, during my college years (20+ years ago) I was an accomplished slalom water skier.

As respects to new vs used gear, I prefer slightly used gear. In fact, the gear I referenced in my thread is slightly used. Also, I'll wait to drop the serious cash until my skill level improves.

As suggested, I'll spend a little time searching the forum for additional advice. Thanks again.

Paul

[robert theisen]

paul i would suggest going to evo.com and check out the outlet. they have big sales going on now where you can get extra 20% off on bigger purchases and no tax or shipping charges. if you and your family are new to wakeboarding i would suggest just the boards and a rope. if you want an alternative for rougher water you could surf or tube.i prefer to chill out after wakeboarding when the water gets rough. i'll take a quick look on evo and make some suggestions.

[robert theisen]

a quick glance at evo in the outlet revealed hyperlite forefront and boots for 283.20 another one for 341.82.these are 139cm models which would work for you at 205lbs. also they have a liquid force witness with transit open toe boots available in 132 or 136 [my wife learned on the womens version the jett same board different colors]also they have a liquid force groove and a 141 ps3 combo all of these are between 297 and 377 for the combos. a rope package can be had for 79 or less.with a tube you could be at 800 or less depending on what you choose.i am familar with the witness and also have owned and ridden the ps3. let me know if you need more help.

[Ewok]

I would skip the kneeboard, I used to do it in the early 90s before I got into wakeboarding, it's still fun to watch the good old guys who keep doing it but your kids will only want to wakeboard and surf.

[giers]

paul i would suggest going to evo.com and check out the outlet. they have big sales going on now where you can get extra 20% off on bigger purchases and no tax or shipping charges. if you and your family are new to wakeboarding i would suggest just the boards and a rope. if you want an alternative for rougher water you could surf or tube.i prefer to chill out after wakeboarding when the water gets rough. i'll take a quick look on evo and make some suggestions.

x2 on EVO. I have bought three boards and boot combinations. 2 of them were what they call seconds(small paint blemishes) cannot tell. Great service quick shipping.

[IDBoating]

My wakeboard recommendation: Don't skimp on bindings. We've bought several used wakeboards and all have been fine (we still have 'em all, so that we have a range of sizes for guests) but when they've come with cheaper bindings we have ended up having to spend more money to replace them every time.

Any binding based neoprene isn't worth owning, IMHO. They are guaranteed to rip, tear, and fall apart. You want (as a minimum) the leather or vinyl-wrapped foam style lace-up binding, preferably with separate laces for the foot and ankle areas.

Hope this helps!

[Bakes5]

My kids like to kneeboard occasionally. It is also my goto item when I have some new kid on the boat who is not going to get up on a ski or a board and I don't want to mess with the boom.

[MTtigekid]

Paul is there a local board shop near where you live? cause i would go there to get fitted for boots, not the internet... some companies fit their boots different and so you never really know what size they are going to be until you get them on.

[Ewok]

My kids like to kneeboard occasionally. It is also my goto item when I have some new kid on the boat who is not going to get up on a ski or a board and I don't want to mess with the boom.

Ok, I post corrected. I would still try to borrow or rent one first and see if you and your family will like it before buying one.

X2 on going to a local shop and trying on boots. I have to drive 3.5 hours to get to my "local" shop (Texas Ski Ranch). I get as much of my equipment that I can from my local shop, especially the stuff that is critical such as kids life jackets and boots/bindings.

[BrownClown]

I would skip the kneeboard, I used to do it in the early 90s before I got into wakeboarding, it's still fun to watch the good old guys who keep doing it but your kids will only want to wakeboard and surf.

Ewok,
Didn't you just have a bambino? You may want to go ahead and get that kneeboard It's a great way to get them used to being behind the boat, PLUS when they bring their friends that don't go boating frequently it gives them a way to participate. That has been my experience so far with a 7 and 3 year old.
I'm just glad my family loves the boat as much as I do

[NICKYPOO]

Kneeboads make great sleds in the powder.

Spend that money on a surfboard.

If you have little ones, get them an EZ Ski.

[Paublo]

Back to the original question, you didn't mention the model of bindings, only the brand. But the total price sounds expensive. I usually buy 1 or 2 model year old, but brand new equipment for a fraction of msrp. And skip the kneeboard and get a surf board.