Slingshot boards help

modspec · Newbie Joined: 14 Jan 2013 Posts: 7

hi, first of all, I've been reading a lot on this board and thanks for all the info! it has helped me a lot! anyways, just started wakeboard this season and mainly go behind a boat, but recently got to try at a park and loved it. I was wondering if someone can give me some advice on choose a new board?

I am pretty set on one of the Slingshot boards, either a recoil, response or reflex, kinda leaning towards reflex, heard a lot of good things about the phoenix project too! I see a lot of good recommendation for these boards, but being out here, these boards are definitely not accessible, so testing before buying is definitely out of the question.

Now I ride probably 90% of the time behind a boat on salt water (so gets quite choppy most of the times) and 10% at the park (have to travel overseas to access one). I am 5"10 and about 160 pounds. Given the condition of choppy water;

- would I be better off with a 141 instead of a 137 board?
- from experience, which board would better suit my needs?
- any difference between 2012 and 2013 models?

Thanks in advance!!
Eddy

BigBadWolfe · Outlaw Joined: 24 Mar 2012 Posts: 111 City: Orlando

Hey mod, I just switched over to Slingshot a couple months ago and did all the research i am sure you are doing. I ride about 60/40 boat to cable. All three boards are almost the same the only difference is rocker type, flex and rebound rating and nose/tail shape. I went with a 2013 Recoil and couldn't be happier. I prefer a 3-stage for behind the boat but every one is different and everything I read was that the recoil is better for behind the boat because of its slightly stiffer flex rating and higher rebound rate and 3-stage rocker. The Recoil also comes in a 138 I never rode the 2012 models but I think they made the boards a little more "flexy" this year then last year but I could be wrong on that. Only major difference is the redesigned fast track system and board graphics. As for size that's a hard one, I am 5'9 185-190 and I went with the 142. The slingshot is wider then my old board so even though I stayed at the same length the board sits higher in the water due to its increased surface area. What board are you currently riding? You could get away with the 138 but the weight difference between the 138 and 142 is negligible at best, so you might want to pick up a 142 for stability. Let me know if you have any questions.

I read allot of mixed reviews on the Phoenix, some love it, some hate it. I personally would stick with Slingshot. They are the industry leader in flex boards and 100% american hand made.

shaggyboarder · Posted: Jan 18, 2013 9:53 am Post subject:

Of the slingshot boards my favorite of the ones listed is the response. Its a really fun shape. Since you listed you ride 90% behind boat I would get the phoenix if I were you. Phoenix has a really cool feel to it, its stiff enough to be consistent behind the boat but gives enough to help soften up the landings and provide an little extra press-ability on rails.

have you looked into the lf hybrid lineup? Seems like it would be right up your alley providing a semi stiff ride for boat consistency and having some flex for rail riding. Im currently riding the Liquid Force Super trip and have nothing but good things to say about it. On a regular schedule I ride cable and boat about 3 days a week each.

modspec · Newbie Joined: 14 Jan 2013 Posts: 7

Thanks for the info guys! I currently ride a Watsons classic, so I've just put an order in for a slingshot response. From the look of things, it seems like I can't go wrong with any of those 3 boards and I have never tried a continuous rocker.

Will keep you guys updated with the board. can't wait till it arrives, thanks!!

tdickman4 · Criminal Joined: 07 Oct 2012 Posts: 82 City: Cincinnati

Slingshot recoil. It's a 3 stage flex and for your size 137 would work better

modspec · Newbie Joined: 14 Jan 2013 Posts: 7

So, the board just arrived and i am loving it already, but i have run into a little issue. Does anyone have problems with sitting the bindings flat on the board? The problem i have atm is that even thought i had tighten the screw all the way i still find some movement (may be 1mm gap) when i move heel and toeside... the bindings are LF watsons 2012, it seems like the middle is higher than the toe and heel.. but there is no issue if i were to put it on flat surface or even on the watsons classic 2012 board. its worse on one side of the binding than the other the other binding still has some movement but its quite minor.

Question is, is it safe?

Here the a video.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4G-SV0R72E&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Any advise would be appreciated, thanks!

Lemmy · Newbie Joined: 27 Aug 2012 Posts: 37 City: Rotterdam

I've had the same problem. However, the stuff I use is all secondhand and it figures. On the other hand, my mate got everything new and still had issues. He's switched to the System bindings and that works ok, but it's only by a small margin.

I just spaced out my bindings at toe and heel. Doesn't need much, but it's definitely better than a rocking binding. It's all about a solid feel with the board isn't it? Not to mention play will only get worse, never better.

modspec · Newbie Joined: 14 Jan 2013 Posts: 7

yeah I am kinda looking at the "system" as well, so does it still wobble on ur mates board? if it is then, damn.. I guess I can do what you did as well, put something underneath the binding to stop the wobble, but don't really want to do it to a pretty much brand new binding / brand new board..

I've been in contact with Slingshot customer rep and while they are good, I still have to contact a local supplier to see if they can do anything about it. fingercrossed! The way I look at it is that if I put my LF bindings on the table and its flat with no movement, then it should be the same on the wakeboard unless the wakeboard surface is uneven, right? if its the case, would you think warranty would cover?

Cheers mate

tdickman4 · Criminal Joined: 07 Oct 2012 Posts: 82 City: Cincinnati

Don't get the system bindings without trying them out. I thought that I would like them until I tried them out. They are a pain and it's hard to swim with. Just give me a nice pair of Ronix bindings. Ronix have the super light and super comfortable bindings that you're crazy if you don't love them

BigBadWolfe · Outlaw Joined: 24 Mar 2012 Posts: 111 City: Orlando

I have 2012 Ronix Cells on my recoils and the binding sits completely flat, zero toe or heel lift.

modspec · Newbie Joined: 14 Jan 2013 Posts: 7

hey guys, just a quick update. I finally went to an importer here and fitted a slingshot 2013 RAD binding.. to my surprise, the wobbling is much less (and it is ridiculously comfortable.. its crazy). the conclusion was that my LF force binding were maybe a bit crooked I guess.

Over last weekend, I just cut out some inner tire tube and placed it in between the binding and board and it work wonders.

that saved me a good 400 bucks. Very Happy

Has anyone tired out the new slingshot bindings? its so comfortable, its on a different level compare to my LF binding.

Lemmy · Newbie Joined: 27 Aug 2012 Posts: 37 City: Rotterdam

Tire rubber is the way! I had a bit more wobble so I had to space it out a little bit more, but to finish I used tire rubber too. And to answer your question, my mates Systems don't wobble, his previous Ronix did.

First I thought it was to do with my Shanes being second hand and maybe could be tuned out the other way, but then I learned that the base is reinforced and wouldn't go anywhere anytime soon, so I opted for option two.

modspec · Newbie Joined: 14 Jan 2013 Posts: 7

hey guys, just another update:

Took my board out last weekend and to my surprise, it wasn't much more slippery than my watsons classic. Having that said, the tire tube that I put under the bindings didn't hold up even though it was screwed down as much as I can. So I finally decided to give in to a Slingshot RAD.