Need feedback on a new setup! CWB?

xboard · Newbie Joined: 18 Mar 2011 Posts: 10

Hey everyone. I'm finally upgrading from a 2005 Hyperlite Era 137 and Liquid Force Alphas.

I'm looking at a 2009 or newer CWB Transcend and 2011 CWB Vapor size L/XL. I'm size 11 but these should be able to accommodate the occasional size 9, 10 or 12. The velcro straps seem like they'd be easy to use and I like that it is a softer binding. I want really good pop off the wake, soft landings are a plus, and I like a looser feel. Built in moldings are good because I don't ride fins. Leaning towards the 138 but considering a 142 for a faster ride/bigger pop/softer landings. Am I on the right track? Any input is appreciated, thanks guys.

here's some background info:
- 5'10", 165lbs, intermediate rider looking to progress (get pretty decent air, w2w 180's heel and toeside, basic grabs, occasionally land a backroll)
- Usually behind an '84 barefoot nautique, no sacks, good wake but not huge
- I share my setup with several friends, most are about my size

xboard · Newbie Joined: 18 Mar 2011 Posts: 10

here's a pic of the boat's wake. feedback on the setup not the ladies plz Very Happy

xboard · Newbie Joined: 18 Mar 2011 Posts: 10

I'm also considering a CWB Faction or maybe a 2010 Byerly Monarch. Anybody have any experience with these? I noticed the Monarch got a whole lot cheaper the last couple years. Are the new shapes any good?

DeloBoarder · Outlaw Joined: 18 Jun 2006 Posts: 131 City: Knoxville

I can't speak to that setup specifically, but in my experience with LF Vantage bindings, velcro will not cinch down as tight as a typical lace system. You mentioned you prefer a softer binding, so this may be exactly what you are looking for. The velcro is great, however, for other people that may be riding your board so you dont have to try and tell them how to loosen and tighten the stupid things....most of us learned how to put on velcro shoes when we were very small haha. Open toe will help accomodate more sizes as well, as I think you've mentioned above. Best of luck with the search

TheHebrewHammer · Addict Joined: 03 Dec 2010 Posts: 526

The Heez · Newbie Joined: 09 Aug 2010 Posts: 41

The Vapor's are pretty awesome boots. I've got a buddy that prefers them over the other bindings in the CWB line (he likes OT).

The Transcend is awesome, I rode it from 09-10 and just at the end of last season switched to the Faction. I'm about 5'8" 155 and I rode the 138, but you might like the 142 more. The board is a sweet shape and gets lots of pop (I'm riding it in my profile pic).

xboard, the Monarch is the same shape since 2008. It is a good board but I felt it landed rough. Like I said, I now ride the Faction, for a continuous rocker it has a lot of pop and I really like its speed on the water. I didn't think it possible but it lands even softer than the Transcend.

xboard · Newbie Joined: 18 Mar 2011 Posts: 10

Thanks for the input guys. Sounds like the Vapors should be good for my needs. As for the board, with my boat's small wake I think I need the pop of a 3 stage like the Transcend. After looking at your profile pic Heez I can see why the Faction works well for you, that wake is a lot beefier than what I'm working with. Now I just have to decide between 138 and 142... Seems like a silly reason but Adkison rocks a 138 and he is almost exactly my size. The Transcend is also a little bit wider than my old board and a hair longer so I'll probably go with the 138. Just have to find the right deal on a board and wait for warm water

DeloBoarder · Outlaw Joined: 18 Jun 2006 Posts: 131 City: Knoxville

xboard, This one is an older model, but it might just fit the bill...and the budget
http://www.djsboardshop.com/p-13217-cwb-transcend-wakeboard-138.aspx

xboard · Newbie Joined: 18 Mar 2011 Posts: 10

Delo, thanks for the link. 2009 model is the way to go. They updated the shape that year and as far as i know it hasn't changed since. I ended up getting one for $245 shipped from an authorized dealer on ebay. If anybody else is interested in grabbing one of these boards you can also get them at the-house.com. Coupon code DEALPRO saves you 6% for a total of $253.75 shipped: http://www.the-house.com/wkcw38tr9zz-cwb-wakeboards.html

If you're looking for a Transcend Platinum one place is selling them for $245 before shipping: http://www.skiersedgeproshops.com/catalog/item/7826088/8380441.htm

Wouldn't be surprised if these drop in price as they clear out the old models for the new season but I'm not that patient...