Wakeboarding again after many years, couple equip ?'s

[86atc250r]

I used to wakeboard a lot in the late 90's early 2000's. Had kids, quit getting on the water as much.

Now, kids getting older & we're getting back on the water again, been wakeboarding lately and feeling pretty decent out there.

I have a '99 model Hyperlite Lavelle Honeycomb 141 board in excellent condition. It has Hyperlite High Back bindings.

I mainly have a couple questions for guys that have been around a while and ridden some old board setups vs newer setups.

Looking at new bindings right now. A friend broke the velcro strap on one of the High Backs, plus, the way the material binds up in the front hurts the tendons on the front of my ankle. Considering a set of new style boot bindings like the 2009 Byerly Boa - good prices on those now. Are there any others I should be looking at or are these a good start for an intermediate rider?

While looking at equip, looks like the board design has changed fairly significantly over the years too. How much "better" or different are the newer higher end boards as compared to my old Honeycomb board? Am I better off just riding what I'm familiar with or do the new boards have something to offer me?

[FlyZone CR]

Different world between '99 and '10! Well, of course, you get pulled on both and you can do anything on both. But the feel, pop, landings are totally different. Try to ride a few different shapes before you decide on anything. You'll especially be surprised by how comfy new boots are.

[Anubis_79]

I can't exactly speak for you, but my old board was from '96. I got an "entry level" 2010 Liquid Force Trip and the difference is night and day. Now mine old one wasn't a pro model HC board, so the differences may not be as apparent. I dropped something like 2-2.5 pounds from old setup to new. The bindings will be another story. Those old neoprene rubber ones may have been amazing in the 90s, but these newer snowboard boot style are worlds apart. More cushioning, much easier to get tightened down the way you want it, lots of stiffness and stability but still flexible enough. Just make sure whatever bindings you go for will fit the mounting holes on your board if you stick with what you have. You might have to go all new just to make sure everything is compatible.

Cool story. I went to a demo wayyyyy back with Dean Lavelle. Got to ride in the boat while he was out throwin down, demoed a few boards, even got him to hop in our boat and give my buddy and I some tips while we were riding. I was just a beginner, trying out my first twin-tip board and Dean helped me get my ollie 180s down in less than an hour. Awesome guy.

[86atc250r]

Sounds like the bindings are a definite. Any opinions on my choice so far? Getting ready to order.

I'll see if I can't get a ride on a modern board and see what I think. My old board is pretty light - I think about 5.5 lbs.

Cool story too.

Thanks Guys.

[lakeguy77]

I can identify with where you're coming from. I rode very little through the mid-00's (03-08 ) due to health issues, injuries, and the resulting obesity from never being able to do anything active, and have just been getting back into it over the last couple years.

I'm still riding an '01 Hyperlite Drifter with some 04 Hyperlite Era bindings, which were upgraded from some '99 Powerboots in 06 or so. That was a massive upgrade. The bindings are the one area where I'm considering another upgrade. I've tried a number of different boards over the years and still love my Drifter. Can't find anything modern with the same....I dunno what it is...."flow" is probably the best way to describe it. It was pretty much Hyperlite's answer to the LF Trip of that era. The current Trip looks/rides pretty similar to the old one with some minor modifications to keep it current, and it's now considered an entry-level board. Back then I went with the Drifter because it was loose like the Trip, but locked an edge and accelerated better.

Anyways...long story short, an early 2000's pro board is now, with minor changes, a modern beginner board. I've been recommended a few times to try boards like the CWB Marius and 09 HL Murray (I hate the 3-stage rocker feel, not something I can get used to) to get a feel for a modern board with some of the characteristics I like about my Drifter....but I still love that damn Drifter so much I figure why bother? More than one person has told me that while boards have progressed, they haven't progressed nearly as much as the bindings have. I bought my girl an LF Angel with some 09 Melissa bindings for Xmas this past year, and when I pulled the bindings out of the box they blew me away with the support, easy entry, and the comfort (she thinks they're comfy anyways, and they look plush).

So my suggestion to you: Get some new bindings, which are a guaranteed upgrade. Ride some demo boards, if you find something that rings your bell, make the jump, but otherwise, stick with what you know and (I assume) love.

[nu2dagam]

I am in the same boat. I am riding a LF Trip 2002 but want to upgrade. There just isnt any place to demo in the area.