Binding recomendation

[Marc Webster]

Hello,

I just bought my first personal wakeboard but I need a recomendation on the bindings. I have been wakeboarding since around 1990 or so off and on with a large break (sold boat). I have just recently gotten back into it since my neighbor has a boat and I live about 1 mile from Castaic Lake CA. Her board was too small for me so I opted to buy one for myself. Anyway I am a solid Intermediate to advanced boarder. I can jump the wake no prob but my tricks are limited to air to fakie and I am starting to try new things. I ended up buying a 2003 Liquid Force Balance size 144 new, but i need a good set of bindings. I was very impressed with a friends Trip 143 which is why I chose the Balance so I could grow into it. I am a big rider (6'4" 230 lbs, size 12 feet). The boat I use has a small swim step so I am unable to stand on the back and get in the bindings. I usually sit down with the board in front and it is a pain to get into most systems. I like the idea of the LF exos since the laces are in the rear and may make it easier to get in from behind rather than straight down. The other binding I like is the 04 Ultra suction. I like the Ultra's since it is a no frills binding without the laces. I rented a Byerly last week and rode Hyperlight spin bindings which I did not like. I had a hell of a time getting ito them and when I was ripped out due to catching my front rail on a spin it hurt like hell. The laces dont give much and just rake across the front of the foot. These bindings were fairly new and most likely not broken in.

I am also interested in any other brand bindings as well that you may recomend,

Best regards,

Marc Webster

[Pat McCarthy]

Hi Marc,

Welcome to the site, and it's good that you tried out some bindings to help you narrow down what you'd like. The Ultra Suctions are pretty well loved due the reason you cite, they're very no-frills but still quality bindings.

Personally I've also not been a huge fan of lace systems, I just like a tight binding that I don't have to mess with that much. However, you should probably realize that the Splits are the lowest end Hyperlite bindings. Most other laced bindings will be better.

Some off the non-lace ones to look at:

Hyperlite Highback (no laces but straps in the back) - http://www.boardstop.com/product_info.php?cPath=33_37&products_id=309

DoubleUP High Wrap Pros (what I currently use and like a lot) - http://www.boardstop.com/product_info.php?cPath=33_34&products_id=274

Some others that do have laces but seem to be favorites of a lot of riders right now:

Hyperlite Parks - http://www.boardstop.com/product_info.php?cPath=33_37&products_id=305

Liquid Force Transit - http://www.boardstop.com/product_info.php?cPath=33_41&products_id=349

Liquid Force Sphinx (very new) - http://www.wakeside.com/page/W/PROD/liquid_force_wakeboard_bindings/liquid_force_sphynx_bindings

[Bowen]

I love my Highbacks...I couldn't be happier with them. I too hate lace up bindings, and they highbacks give you support where you need them. I have never been able to get a comfortable feal w/ lace ups...and boardstop has good prices if you looking (the shameless links pat posted above)