Board/Bindings Question

[koko1]

I have Wake Boarded a few times in the past, but I would still consider myself a newb....I have owned fishing and fish/ski boats up to this point but just purchased a Tahoe to start back up knee boarding, which I use to do every weekend a few years back and wake boarding. Just have a few questions on the boards and bindings. I weight 202 but will likely weight around 190-195 when I start boarding in April because I try to bulk up in the winter. I am looking at a few boards on ebay and want people's opinion on them. Most important to me is the bindings lasting longer than a few trips. I have read many reviews of bindings tearing up after only a few uses. Also what is the difference in closed toe and open toe? Is it just preference or is their an advantage? I am leaning towards the Gator board as I like the look the best but am seeking help performance wise.

1st. is a Gator Boards 141 wakeboard + Gator CT Bindings

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130367711281&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_5274wt_1165

1B. Gator Boards 141 Wakeboard + Gonzalez Bindings

http://cgi.ebay.com/Gator-Boards-141-Wakeboard-Gonzalez-Bindings_W0QQitemZ400104242991QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5d28123f2f#ht_5419wt_1165

2nd. Liquid Force Trip Wakeboard 142 + Gator OT Bindings

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350318674926&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_5123wt_1165

3rd. OBRIEN VICE 141 wakeboard w/ BINDINGS 141cm cm NEW

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110505205510&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_500wt_1182

[jondextan]

if you are getting gators from dj's, then i would suggest these board/bindings packages than those you listed above:

$299.95
http://cgi.ebay.com/Gator-Boards-Gonzalez-143-wakeboard-Gator-CT-Bindings_W0QQitemZ400103916495QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5d280d43cf#ht_4999wt_1098

$349.95
http://cgi.ebay.com/Gator-Gonzalez-Wakeboard-143-CT-Bindings_W0QQitemZ130368118623QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1e5a8b9f5f#ht_4806wt_1098

but i'd really suggest you get from this link:

http://www.slingshotsports.com/wakeboarding/wake_packages

say, the $299 (including shipping) package for the 2009 Recoil/Response 142 and Driver bindings, which is by far better than all the choices mentioned above. you can't beat that deal!

good luck!

[koko1]

Appreciate the advice. Is Slingshot a good company that produces quality gear? I am new to purchasing board stuff is the only reason I ask. I just know the well known like Gator, CWB, Liquid Force, O'Brien, Hyperlite. Also looking at the Slingshot stuff, it looks like they are more advanced boards, will that cause a problem for me being I have only rode a few times a few years ago? My biggest concern with getting a packing is getting bindings that will last a couple years at least, how are Slingshot's bindings? Appreciate the help!!!

[jondextan]

Slingshot is known to produce quality gear. i've always heard great things about their bindings and boards in terms of quality, comfort and ease of use. enough to make me order my set, can't wait to get it. good luck on your choice!