LF Element bindings

pet575 · Posted: May 10, 2007 2:24 pm Post subject: LF Element bindings

This is a noob question, but I'm a noob when it comes to all the different boards/bindings out there. I started out on a 1999 HL Vashon with crappy bindings on it that were similar to those you find on a pair of water skis. Last year, I bought a 2006 LF Team with Sphinx bindings.

My brother is in the market for a board, and he is a beginner. I found a 2006 LF Substance w/ Element bindings for $200 in a combo. I don't know much about the Elements-could someone tell me something about them? Are they low end, mid grade, or what? I know they are not pro bindings or anything, but could someone compare them to the Sphinx? I'm not concerned about price, mostly concerned about comfort, support, adjustability, durability, and whether you'd want to keep them if you upgraded your board later.

Trying to help my brother decide on this board. Thanks

Rhawn · Posted: May 10, 2007 3:07 pm Post subject:

I have Elements on my Fish and I would call them lower end, def lower than the Spynhx. Not much support, but made well. Beginner bindings.

aceofdymondz · Posted: May 10, 2007 7:14 pm Post subject:

i had '05 elements and didn't like them very much b/c my foot used to always slip forward in them and they didn't absorb much even on the average wake jump... even though he's a beginner i'd go with some better bindings because elements weren't really worth it in my opinion even though they were pretty cheap i felt kinda jipped especially for a liquid force binding. why not go on ebay and look for some old transits or something? i ride '05 team bindings that i got online for cheap and love them. substance is an amazing board though! you might even be tempted to steal it and swap for your team haha

WhoUBe · Outlaw Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 130 City: Spokane

I'd say they're about mid-grade bindings, i rode some 05's for about a season and a half until i got my transits. i will say they're not anywhere near the transits, but for beginners to lower intermediates, they'll work just fine. personally never had a problem with them, a little hard to get in to and wish they held a bit better hold on some harder wipeouts b/c i got my ankle tweaked a little when it released weird when i caught my heel edge, or maybe it was just the way i fell, but nothing a little lube to get in and duck tape for hold won't fix Laughing

but yeah they're worth it for newer riders and the newer models seem to be improved a lot more.

Rhawn · Posted: May 10, 2007 8:01 pm Post subject:

Thats the exact problem I had with them. I would land hard and my foot would slide forward in the binding and wouldnt move back. I'd have to take it all the way off then back on to fix or just end my run.

Or I would crash, and my foot would come half way out and tweak my ankles, ending my run.

I put my new Transits on my Fish and slipped them on dry. What a glorious and wonderful feeling. They feel like a good set of Burton boots. Now I'm just waiting for my replacement Substance to come in Very Happy

.

LakeIolaLuke · Posted: May 10, 2007 8:39 pm Post subject:

The 06's are lower end bindings. They are on a crappy footbed, and the overlays aren't very well contoured, and neither are the heel and toe pieces. The 07's are way better, molded heel and to piece, upgraded footbed, all sewn overlays instead of the half-sewn, half rubber construction, which starts cracking pretty badly on the 05's and 06's

timmyDecker · Outlaw Joined: 22 May 2006 Posts: 187 City: Manhattan...KS

I don't know anything about the '07's, but I tend to agree with LakeIolaLuke on the '06's. I have a buddy who had a set and they ripped after about a month. That being said, Wakeside sent him a new set and he hasn't had any problems since.
I don't think you would want to keep them if you upgraded your board later. Definitely not as nice as the sphynx. Beginner level bindings.

Chattwake · Posted: May 11, 2007 4:57 am Post subject:

They suck. Buy some ct shanes off of ebay for $175.

pet575 · Posted: May 11, 2007 5:36 am Post subject:

Thanks for all the responses everyone. Exactly the kind of input I was looking for. We'll probably keep looking and maybe grab that combo as a last resort with the understanding that he should upgrade bindings when he gets his next board.

Chattwake · Posted: May 11, 2007 5:56 am Post subject:

Better to spend the money on the front end and have a setup you can ride for several seasons.

pet575 · Posted: May 11, 2007 6:05 am Post subject:

I agree. Unfortunately, like most beginners, my brother doesn't want to go out and spend $350 or so on a good setup that he can advance on. I'm trying to convince him otherwise... Rolling Eyes