This method consists of a steel cable laced-through the boot instead of cloth laces. The wire feeds in to a ratchet system. Popular in snowboarding, this is in limited use within the wakeboard industry. To tighten, users simply twist the small knob and the boot ratchets itself in to place. To release, the user just pulls out on the knob and it pops open, loosening the steel laces. Although the vast majority of modern bindings have them, laces are not on every single binding, especially in the older used market.
Sometimes, sheer force is needed! Sturdy straps that wrap up and over the foot. One of my least favorite parts of wakeboarding early on was putting boots on. It pulled hair, and just was generally uncomfortable.
In fact, an entire line of products called boot lube was created. This was essentially soap that allowed the rider to more easily slide their foot in and out. Sandal bindings are the most basic and were the most cost-effective attachment method on the market. This style will most often be found on entry-level, budget-minded boards.
All that said, sandal bindings are very rarely, if at all, used anymore. Many people start out this way, and they can be a good option for several reasons. If you are taking wakeboarding seriously from the beginning though, you may want to move on to a different style of binding. Sandal bindings might be the best wakeboard binding option for kids. Open-toe bindings are the classic style of wakeboard boots. Open-toe bindings are essentially a full boot but with the toe missing. Classic wakeboard bindings, based on water ski bindings, were basically wraps made of rubber.
The way these rubber straps wrapped around the foot, left an open toe. This general open-toe style carried-over even as technology improved. These are still available as entry-level options and have effectively taken the place of sandal bindings in terms of being for beginners or those who want more adjustability.
Closed-toe wakeboard bindings have essentially become the standard when it comes to high-end wakeboard boots. Since then, pretty much every wakeboard company has added closed toe bindings as a staple of their line. In short, closed-toe bindings look a lot like snowboard boots.
This provides a lot more contact with the boot and in turn, the board. These are the simplest form of closed-toe bindings. This style of binding combines the main boot structure with a base plate that connects it to the board all as one big piece. To get out just loosen the laces and slide your foot out, leaving the binding behind. This binding style was made popular at my local cable park by the brand Slingshot.
These bindings work by having the rider put their foot inside of a soft foam liner boot. Then the rider takes their foot with the soft boot on and slides it into the rest of the binding structure that is attached to the board. A first of its kind, the Network Boot can hang with the best of them but comes in at a much more affordable price.
Bindings have came a long ways. Now offered with more closure options and technical features now than ever before. The recent trend has been velcro closure for open-toe styles and lace fasteners for closed-toe styles. Both of these are great because they offer you ease of entry along with excellent support and fit.
No longer do you need to squeeze your way into bindings lubed with dish soap Velcro closure systems have become very popular because they are quick to get in and out of and you can easily adjust them to fit the rider's foot snugly. An added bonus, the velcro is highly durable and built to last for years. All of Ronix's and most of Liquid Force's closed-toe bindings feature the lace and fastener closure system. The benefit to the Lace and Fastener system is the ease of use and the ability to quickly replace any broken laces.
The BOA System is another technology borrowed from the snowboard industry. The benefit to the BOA system is the speed at which you can tighten and loosen your bindings.
Many people swear by BOA and use it for all their sports. As riders progress they begin to opt for stiffer bindings that offer quicker response, added control, and ultimately a higher level of performance. Not an exact science, there are some exceptions to this rule. The emergence of cable park riding has resulted in more wakeboarders opting for a softer binding that will provide the necessary flex to flaunt that style with tweaked out grabs and presses throughout the park on all the rails.
The height of the binding's cuff is a very important factor to the overall feel as well. Typically a binding featuring a softer flex will have a lower cuff line that makes it easier to transition from edge to edge. We recommend setting your stance up "duck-footed" with both of your feet angled out at around 12 degrees.
This is generally the most comfortable starting point for most riders. The best way to figure out a comfortable stance is to get in a squat position with your knees positioned outward.
Find out what width and angle your feet need to be in order to be in the most comfortable and natural position. You've just found out what stance will work best for you A general rule of thumb is: the taller the rider, the wider the stance.
Your feet should be shoulder width apart. You will want to make sure that your bindings are compatible with your wakeboard.
Nothing is more frustrating than getting new bindings and realizing they won't work on your wakeboard. Most brands are transitioning from standard hardware to Metric M6 hardware. Pro Tip: buy a board and bindings from the same manufacturer during the same year to ensure compatibility. Having a comfortable fitting binding is key to enjoying wakeboarding. Loose fitting and the wrong equipment increases the chance for injury and doesn't help your riding.
You can find intuition lineners in the higher-end Ronix bindings. Buying the right wakeboard binding is easy if you know what to look for! These days wake equipment is better than ever. If you have any questions on a purchase just ask because we are here to help. Thanks for checking out 88 Gear Sports. December 13, More Wake Binding Options to Consider If you haven't bought wake gear or bindings in the last couple of years then you are in for a treat.
Walkable Wake Boots Why walkable wake bindings? Open and Closed Toe Bindings You also have the option for closed toe and open toe bindings. Leave a comment Comments must be approved before appearing. Checkmark icon Added to your cart:.
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