Trying to get started

Poison · Newbie Joined: 18 Feb 2009 Posts: 27 City: Haughton

Hey fellas, I've been doing a lot of research over the past week including this forum and some review sites trying to narrow down the board choices.

I've kinda settled on Liquid Force at this point...maybe its the artwork...I don't know.

I'm a beginner looking to buy a nice starter/moving to intermediate board. I can currently get up and ride comfortably and am starting to delve into some tricks. I ride exclusively behind our boat with a tower...no cables. I am 6'1 and 180lbs. I used the boardfinder in the sticky and now I'm torn between a few. Right now, I'm leaning towards the LF Omega 143. Tied for second are the PS3 141 and the Trip 142. I was considering the Groove, but I think it may be a step above where I'm starting.

The hardest part is balancing a beginners board with something I won't outgrow TOO soon. I've been skiing all my life and generally pick up water/snow sports very quickly. I may even try to attend a camp this summer if I don't get deployed again. So I don't want too basic...but not so advanced I can't use it. If anyone can provide any guidance, I would definitely appreciate it.

Okie Boarder · Ladies Man Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 10056 City: Edmond

I started with the LF Witness and feel like it is a good board, but I'm already feeling like I want something with a little more speed and pop. I'm going to a LF Lyman, now. Out of your choices you posted, I'd probably lean towards the PS3. I was told, coming off the Witness, to consider the Lyman, Shane or Axis.

The PS3, I'm told, is going to be very similar to the Witness. You'd probably be happy with that one to take you from beginner to intermediate and you may start thinking about a change after that.

What bindings are you considering?

Poison · Newbie Joined: 18 Feb 2009 Posts: 27 City: Haughton

I hadn't really got into bindings yet. Several packages have the domain included. http://www.boardstop.com/product_info.php?cPath=53_69&products_id=3765

Do you have recommendations? I'd like to buy super high end stuff, but I'd like to keep the cost reasonable. Does velcro suck?

I'm reading reviews on the PS3 now.

Poison · Newbie Joined: 18 Feb 2009 Posts: 27 City: Haughton

I've been looking into the Witness as well after reading your post. It seems to be pretty comparable, but costs about $60 more. Is the Witness going to be a better choice? I also realize a lot of it is personal preference, but I don't have much to go on. Good reviews on wakeboard gear are tough to find. When you actually find a review it usually always says something like "this board is superty awesome" which is not helpful.

I wish I could just rent a couple, but I don't think I'm near any shops that rent.

Okie Boarder · Ladies Man Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 10056 City: Edmond

The Domain seems pretty nice. I tried those one last year and they felt comfortable. We had the Transit bindings and really liked them...very comfortable. I am going to have the Vantage this year and my wife will have the Melissa. She has tried them on but not worn them riding and says they feel much more comfortable and supportive than our Transit's. Anything near the mid or top end with LF is going to be pretty nice. I'm sure others can speak up with preferences.

The velcro seems strong. We've yet to try it out for a season but it definitely seems to give more adjustability than the laces would.

Where all have you looked online and what kind of pricing are you finding? I can refer you to a shop I've bought most of my gear from and they can get some pretty good deals on new stuff and closeouts of the 2008 stuff. You might find that with them you can go a little higher end and stay within your budget, especially getting 2008 stuff.

PM me if you want to have the contact info.

Okie Boarder · Ladies Man Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 10056 City: Edmond

Check out this thread...this was advice from others for me going from the LF Witness to something else.

http://forums.wakeboarder.com/viewtopic.php?t=79038&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=witness

Poison · Newbie Joined: 18 Feb 2009 Posts: 27 City: Haughton

I actually read that last night. Good info. The more I read, the more interested I'm getting in the Witness. I guess I'm now leaning towards the Witness or PS3. They seem to be a little more higher end than the Omega. Not much in terms of reviews on the omega as well...

I do appreciate all the help. I'll PM you when I get home about your boardshop contact. I'm at work and the PM function gets blocked.

Which of those two is the more aggressive? Neither seems to be too far advanced. On the boardfinder link, the PS3 shows up on both beginner and intermediate while the Witness shows up only on Intermediate. Several past threads on this forum say the Witness is a good beginner board...

Okie Boarder · Ladies Man Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 10056 City: Edmond

I couldn't tell you for sure. In that other thread you see most people that have tried both boards seem to think they are very similar. It seems the PS3 might be slightly more aggressive, but not by much.