Wakeboard design--recommendations

[murphini]

This past week I saw a guy wearing wakeboard boots on his feet, and the wakeboard itself had bindings like a snow board--he stepped into them vs the boots being attached to the board. He said it is the "new" thing.

Anyone have this setup? Pros & Cons?

My lacing/sting holders on my 2004 model Liquid Force 143 board are worn out--so looking for advice on upgrading either the boots with the same board, or a whole new board/binding combo. I'm guessing board technologies have improved somewhat in the last 7 years...

I'm 48, 6', 200# and love to carve turns. My son's 138 has only one fin which I feel is too loose for my taste, and it's 3 rocker design makes it really unstable on rough days.

Frankly, when I get a chance to do something I surf rather than wakeboard. Looking for recommendations for a fun 'older guy' wakeboard/binding combo.

[Duncan]

Those Hyperlite bindings were discussed a bit here on TO before season started. You might message one or more of the peeps on that thread for feedback.

I have spoken to people that rode the Hyperlite -- those that do not snowboard like them generally. Anyone who snowboards that I spoke to was struck by how flimsy the bindings were (compared to sb bindings).

If you like to carve, try riding a Slingshot with a continuous rocker. All edge control, tiny corner fins, smooth and slippery. I love my current Newton and still have my older Recoil (3-stage) and Response (continuous). I know you said a one fin was too loose, but once you get used to using your edges, fins are not all that necessary.

[Timmy!]

Don't know about those bindings but I thought I would point you to a sale:
http://www.buywake.com/catalog/outle...ign=Aug24Email

Some fairly cheap boards in there! (some are < $200)

[CTravis911]

I have a 2011 Ronix Viva and it's a continuous hybrid rocker. It has 4 removeable fins on the 4 corners of the board. It's a lightweight board and carries a lot of speed. It also holds an edge very well. Choppy water hasn't been an issue with this board either.
I have the Ronix Kai open toe boots and they're very comfortable as well.
If you get a chance, go to your local shop and ask to demo some boards. I did that and ended up demoing most of the Ronix line before deciding on the Viva.

[Gwyn]

looked at them earlier this year, tried them out, but had that feeling that they are liekly to break sooner rather than later, plus also got to thinking, why do you want to wear a pair of boots? I know its hot here in dubai and we definately wouldnt, but I would put a pair of wetsuit booties on if it were cold or a pair of flip flops if it weren't?

[jmhatchett]

I got the new boots they are called Hyperlite System.
They have been really good so far, i am having leg injury problems so i cant do any tricks but i do ride very hard still and these boots through this first season have been great. IMO I still prefer the Ronix One binding which is what i normally wear, but have both pairs and the Boot and Binding pair have been really good to me so far.

[Jeffe]

Good for cable parks...

[JreisRZR]

my friend has them and wears them around the boat and i find it very irritating when he steps on my seats to get his board down and told him hes not allowed to step on my seats with them on, but to each his own

would be good for cable though

[NiceOnes]

my friend has them and wears them around the boat and i find it very irritating when he steps on my seats to get his board down and told him hes not allowed to step on my seats with them on, but to each his own

would be good for cable though

Good call. Be sure to enforce your rules!

I can't stand it when people step on the upholstry! The flip over cushion feature on the RZ4 is there for a reason, use it!

[JreisRZR]

Good call. Be sure to enforce your rules!

I can't stand it when people step on the upholstry! The flip over cushion feature on the RZ4 is there for a reason, use it!

its not even just walking thru! its getting his board down he carelessly walks all over the seat and it gets very frustrating, more frustrating is he doesnt do it in his MASTERCRAFT

regardless hes decided hell be switiching them out for next year because of this very reason also, he never rides cable

[Duncan]

The flip over cushion feature on the RZ4 is there for a reason, use it!

Man I hate that flipover cushion. Nothing but a water sponge that does not drain.

[JreisRZR]

Man I hate that flipover cushion. Nothing but a water sponge that does not drain.

i love it, but i never use them as seats unless surfing, which isnt too often

[JreisRZR]

back on topic murphini:

i am about the same size as you and i ride a ronix one size 142, with cwb answer bindings, my brother a bill 138 with cwb faction bindings, both set ups i can recomend, also my friends HL franchise board is a good shape for all as well

i cannot recomend you get the system, for the reason i have stated above as well as the fact i feel they dont give enough of a gain in control of traditional bindings

if you upgrade bindings you will likely find that you will lose some stance options, this is because older style bindings have 8 inch binding plates while new have 6 inch plates, older/ newer boards have inserts to accomodate the 6 inch plates, to get the most from new bindings i would say you should go with an entire new kit for this reason, this is why i upgraded from my hyperlite era to a ronix one, i needed new bindings and didnt want to have compatability issues in the future

long winded sorry, i think i covered it the best i could