Rope Question

[first timer]

I posted a topic a few weeks ago and everyones advice helped alot so now I have another question, i snapped the rope that i was using to wakeboard, it was just a standard ski rope. Now that I am addicted to wakeboarding i want to make sure i get the right accessories, i am looking at a variety of different ropes an I am noticing that some have take off loops, what purpose do those serve? What would be a good rope for a beginner?

[Wakeboarder3780]

Take off loops are designed to allow you to ride at different lengths easily. For some boats you want to ride at 75' some you ride 65', etc

If you're a beginner and haven't gotten w2w jumps down yet, you might benefit from a rope that allows a lot of different lengths. Sometimes it can help to learn the wake jump shorter and then make the line longer as you get more comfortable.

That being said - I don't have a specific product for you to look at but I would suggest getting a line made out of spectra or dyneema - these materials don't allow much stretch (some people call them no stretch, but technically that's incorrect - even steel stretches)

A great range of line lengths would be from 55-75 (don't think you would ever want to ride shorter than 55 and I don't think you'd ever want to ride longer than 75). This being said I think most people ride from 65-70'.

Keep in mind these lines can get pretty pricey, if you find some closeouts you might get them for around $60 but typically you're dropping closer to 100+ (if you're buying with a handle) Just buying the mainline is cheaper, you can easily find some for 50 or so. Hope this helps.

[SPARC]

Check out DJ's Board Shop on ebay. They have Gator 3MM mainline (coated, non-stretch) that is 80 ft in length with 3 5ft sections. It's a great line that won't break the bank and for $69 it comes with a nice Gator handle. We have one in the boat as a backup and it's a really nice combo.

BTW: The sections are nice because you can fine tune the length to your boat or needs. My wife and I ride 75-80ft behind our Supra, but 65ft behind her parents boat...which a I/O. It's nice having one rope that you can use behind just about any boat.

[walb0244]

The rope that I had read on here that was a good cheap rope to start off with was this one.

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/176-7211914-5519233?ASIN=B000OF91II&AFID=Froogle&LNM=B000OF91II

I purchased it and it has worked good for me so far. I haven't really gotten to use it much. But it is a none stretch and has sections too. Might want to check it out.

[mala1967]

I just got this rope it is awesome
http://boardersmall.com/xcart/catalog/2009-Proline-Faction-Carbon-Handle-Dyneema-Mainline-p-21593.html

[mgs917]

This is the link to the ebay rope.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Gator-15-EVA-Wakeboard-Handle-3mm-Coated-80ft-Mainline_W0QQitemZ350245050473QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item518c3b5869&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14