newb looking to buy a board

nacaboose · Newbie Joined: 18 Apr 2007 Posts: 5

Hi, seeing as how this is my first post and this looks like a nice forum where people actually answer your questions. So... I started to wake board last summer and I am looking to buy a board for myself. I've done a little research on buying boards. I know I'm going to need a 143 board since I'm 6' 4" 210.

The board I thought was nice but might be too expensive for my taste:

Obrien Valhalla

I dont know anything about boards but there wasn't any bad reviews on this one, but if you could comment on it or give me a suggestion possibly on a cheaper, quality board.

Any help would be nice

HHI Dave · Posted: Apr 18, 2007 9:12 pm Post subject:

I'm 6'3", 230 lbs and my board is a 141. You aren't necessarily limited to a 143 board and nothing else, but you most likely do want something in the 140 and up range.

The standard response is to demo as many boards as you can and pick the one you like. For a lot of folks (myself included) this isn't always an option.

The only other advice I can give you is to stick with the premium name brands (like Hyperlite, Liquid Force, CWB, Obrien, Ronix) and stay away from the Boater's World specials like Hydroslide. If you can't demo, then all you can do is try to find a board that appeals to your taste, your size, and your budget.

Good luck and welcome to WB.com

nacaboose · Newbie Joined: 18 Apr 2007 Posts: 5

yea, I live in South Dakota... soo.... I dont get to demo, or know where to demo in my area, so I was just hoping someone could give me a could of boards under 200 bucks

also, anyone know of some quality bindings for a size 12

thanks DAVE

HHI Dave · Posted: Apr 18, 2007 9:29 pm Post subject:

Bindings same as board. Stick with name brand stuff. Go to buywake.com, boardstop.com, the-house.com and look at what they have to offer. You'll be able to tell the premium stuff based on the prices. Then check out their closeout sections for last year's model and save some serious coin. Laughing

As far as sizes, binding sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer just like shoes. If you stick with open toe bindings, it shouldn't make much difference. Just pick the size that fits a 12. Closed toe bindings I would want to try on before buying. I generally wear an 11 1/2 to a 12 depending on the shoe. The '07 Shane closed toe boots in size 11-12 fit me like a glove.

One other option is to check out the package deals. All of the manufacturers offer various board/binding packages for a reasonable price. For a first time board buyer, there are plenty of packages that would work just fine.

EXAMPLE 1

EXAMPLE 2

pet575 · Posted: Apr 19, 2007 6:49 am Post subject:

Good tips, HHI Dave. Nacaboose, much as I hate to say it, you aren't going to get much of a board for "under $200" unless it is either used and a few years old or an off brand. We all like to spend as little as possible when getting started in a sport, but if you're wanting a new board then buying one of the premium brand boards/bindings will be the better move. You'll get a board that you can ride for awhile, that will help you advance, and that you won't "outgrow" after 4 months of riding it. Plus, if you get a decent combo, you can use the bindings on your next board if they are comfortable and you like them.

Nothing wrong with a board that is a few years old, so long as it is in good shape and not beat up too badly. I'd say that you can get a pretty good deal on a new '06 premium combo for right around $300.

nacaboose · Newbie Joined: 18 Apr 2007 Posts: 5

Ok, to give you a little more insight on how I will be riding my board, first off, I am not a hardcore wakeboarder, I just want to do some w2w jumps and maybe a 360 w2w if I'm ever that lucky. I dont need a sweet setup or anything like that, all I really need is a nice, durable board that will satisfy me and a pair of bindings that are inexpensive, durable, and comfortable. I would take something used, I dont really need anything new for my current state in wakeboarding

wakeG · Outlaw Joined: 06 Oct 2006 Posts: 241

Then I suggest going on buywake or wakeside or wakegiant.com and looking in their closeout deals sections under packages or even just boards , you will find some good older (cheaper) board binding combos there. and you can still read descriptions to see which ones have what you are looking for, like you can for the newer boards

HHI Dave · Posted: Apr 19, 2007 9:13 pm Post subject:

nacaboose · Newbie Joined: 18 Apr 2007 Posts: 5

I decided to go with this setup:

http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?page=proframe&prod_id=2258245&AK=1

I know its not the best, but I'm real inexperience and dont want to spend lots of money if lose interest in it. I figured this was a good starting board that fit my price range well.

pet575 · Posted: Apr 20, 2007 6:26 am Post subject:

Wow, that's a damn good price. I don't know much about O'Brien boards, but I hope you like it and it keeps you from losing interest. I'm betting that you won't lose interest if you can pull a few w2w's by the end of the summer. Good luck.

HHI Dave · Posted: Apr 20, 2007 8:23 am Post subject:

nacaboose, looks like a solid choice to me, especially for the price. I'm guessing you went with the 141? Congrats and enjoy. Can't see how anyone could lose interest in wakeboarding unless they were simply unable to get out. I'm consumed by it. Laughing

Do you have a boat?

nacaboose · Newbie Joined: 18 Apr 2007 Posts: 5

I dont have a boat at the moment, but my parents have been considering the idea for the past couple of years. I have a jet ski (which will help me learn balance and getting comfortable) and my friends have boats and ride so I can go with them as well.

Here's to hoping I get a boat

PS, about the boats, do you need a high bar or w/e its called to be able to get enough air?? Or doesn't it really affect your high?

pet575 · Posted: Apr 20, 2007 1:13 pm Post subject:

No. It will give you more "hang time" but there are several threads here that will confirm that you do not need one to pull off tricks. TECHNIQUE is king, equipment is second (to an extent). Learn to carve and edge like a SOB behind that jet ski and you will be in good shape when you get behind something with a wake.

Good luck.

Orange Peel · Newbie Joined: 11 Apr 2007 Posts: 37 City: Gilbert, AZ

Oops, edit wrong thread Smile

wakeG · Outlaw Joined: 06 Oct 2006 Posts: 241

HHI Dave whoops I knew that idea came to me a little too quickly Embarassed

nacaboose it looks as if you picked a very good board and got a great deal, congrats

nickl011 · Posted: Apr 20, 2007 6:10 pm Post subject:

Orange Peel, dude, wrong thread.

Orange Peel · Newbie Joined: 11 Apr 2007 Posts: 37 City: Gilbert, AZ

eastcoastsurfer · Newbie Joined: 23 Apr 2007 Posts: 16 City: Mount Pleasant

While the high rope may not be that important, the wake size certainly is. I rode behind a wakeboard boat for the first time the other day. Going from riding behind a center console to a Malibu VLX with 2000lbs+ added to the boat totally changed my world! LOL