Wakeboard Tow Ropes

[SMLWinds]

I have been wakeboarding using an airhead tow rope/cable my friend bought for $25. It is the solid core cable and has done well but we need a back up as it is getting old. I have read about Spectra and know about the need/benefits of no stretch.

My question is, I see a lot of spectra ropes ranging from $25 to $150. What is the difference between them? I know some are stronger than others (2k vs. 4k), but what else is there to consider? Is the only difference other than that the handle? Are there certain tow cables that will perform better than others (assuming all of them are zero stretch)?

Please let me know what you guys use/recommend. If a rope is better, I have no problem buying it so you can factor money out of the equation. I have been looking at this rope:

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=airhead+wakeboard+rope&hl=en&gbv=2&cid=11500410621922139228&ei=XVnWT4OQGsSkmwe_g7zeCg&ved=0CAsQtRI#

Any thoughts of suggestions? Thanks!

[SMLWinds]

The link is to an Airhead Blind Spectra rope, in case anyone can't get it to open. Thanks!

[ediotism]

two things to consider, the rope and the handle. personally, unless there's a handle that i REALLY REALLY like and it only comes in handle alone, i just go for rope plus handle packages. personally i don't ride amazing enough to feel any difference from handles.

Assuming all the ropes you consider ARE zero stretch (in reality they ALL stretch, it's just a matter of how much and whether you can feel it. personally any aftermarket ropes are good enough for me), then you're really only looking at the coating on the ropes.

sharp colour ones are easier to see which is a small convenience, smoother coating means less lessly to grind your palms when you let it slide in your hands (e.g. when you're in water and the boat's pulling the rope as you hold it to wait for the handle to come). thicker/better made coatings are less likely to bulge/rip after some use and less likely to kink, and THIS is the deciding factor for me.

as for the handle itself, i've never ridden one that was "not strong enough". i just go for the ones that feel comfy in my hands.

some people look for handle/ropes with a T section in front for holding when you're riding wrapped, whether that is a benefit or not depends on the rider. i don't use one.

[SMLWinds]

Thanks for the comments. I guess I probably couldn't tell the difference in a good and "bad" rope/handle at this point but I just want to make sure I buy a nice one anyway so I will have good equipment to progress on. I hate buying something and then having to upgrade as you outgrow it. I generally just buy the top of the line and don't have to worry about it holding back my development.

Any further comments or thoughts are appreciated!

[FunkyBunch]

If you want a good but not great handle on the cheap I picked one of these up at Christmas.

http://www.coleman.com/Products/31030/wake-vests-amp-accessories-outlet

You can find a non-stretch rope as well pretty cheap. Check you local boat show there will be some there marked way down. I picked up a straight line coated line for 30 bucks in Feb. Watch the rope lengths. Some measure with the handle and some are without handle. Since you have been riding a 50ft rope, I would be very care full because those are almost non existent for wakeboarding.

[skye120]

I ride a Pro line lime green coated rope and couldnt be happier with it. its bright so you can see it. It has the coating so it doesnt burn your hands, and the handle and rope sink. That is a really good feature because you wont run over it (belive me it does happen when you let your friends drive) and it really sucks trying to unwrap your prop in the middle of the lake. Ive had mine for about two years now and the only problem is the handle is starting two wear out but thats an easy fix. the shortest mine will go is 60 feet and will extend in 5ft sections to 80ft. it runs about 115 bucks but well worth it.