Cut Through the Wake on the Best Wakeboards
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Liquid Force SLAB 2015 Wakeboard -
Slingshot Shredtown Wakeboard -
O'Brien 2014 Bruce Wakeboard -
Byerly 2014 AR-1 Wakeboard -
Hyperlite 2014 Marek Nova Wakeboard -
Buyer's Guide
Wakeboarding is the embodiment of water sports. Originating from surfing, snowboarding and waterskiing techniques, wakeboarding involves towing the rider behind a motorboat or personal water craft. Bodyboards can range in style as much as they vary in price. Boards typically have a foam or wood core with a fiberglass coating. The location of the bindings and fins will depend largely on whether you are interested in performing tricks. Other factors to take into consideration when choosing the best wakeboard are the style of the rocker, the bottom design, the length and the width of the wakeboard. The best wakeboards in 2022 on this were chosen because they are also fast, responsive and stable.
Compare The Best Wakeboards Of 2022
Liquid Force SLAB 2015 Wakeboard - Best Wakeboard Overall
The Liquid Force 2014 B.O.B. Wakeboard is a pro model that offers peak performance whether you are on the lake or on the cable-circuit. The 2014 B.O.B. has an all wood core with a lightweight fiberglass overlay. This is one of the thinnest boards in Liquid Force’s lineup and is protected by an LF Internal Liquid Rail that seals the sidewall of the board and increases its strength. The Five stage rocker gives you extreme lift off the wake with ease. You’ll appreciate the extra lift that the double concave hull offers. The hull design also adds speed and control. The B.O.B. comes in eight different board lengths that can accommodate up to a 275 pound rider.
Slingshot Shredtown Wakeboard - Runner Up
The 2014 Slingshot Shredtown Tech Wakeboard claims its design inspiration is rooted in aerospace technology; it is certainly a board that can achieve liftoff. The Shredtown lives up to its name with one of the fastest releasing boards on the market. This wakeboard is easy to control on the lake or on the cable course. Whether you ride with the fins or without, the Slingshot Shredtown is fast, easily controlled and releases fast. With such a fast release, this board is made for the rail. The 2013 Slingshot Whip comes with four 6” X 0.75” Black Wake Fins. The Shredtown comes in three sizes, 135cm, 139 cm and 143 cm depending on the rider’s weight and ability. All models have a continuous rocker for maximum speed.
O'Brien 2014 Bruce Wakeboard - Honorable Mention
The O’Brien Bruce is a pro-quality wakeboard that is designed for extreme lift and speed. Suited for the cable rail as well as the lake, the Bruce has a Fusion core with Dura rail edges and Impact base. The Bruce 5-Stage rocker is fast and gives the rider extreme lift off the wake. This board is perfect for intermediate or expert riders who want a fast board that hits hard but is still controllable. A full rail through the center increases buoyancy at slower speeds. At faster speeds, the rail ensures a quick release from the wake. The Bruce is 52 inches in length and can carry a maximum weight of 170 pounds. This is the ideal board if you are looking for something that is fast and capable of technical tricks.
Byerly 2014 AR-1 Wakeboard - Consider
The Byerly AR-1 Wakeboard is a pro model is fast and durable. The top and bottom fiberglass is fused throughout the Biolite 3 core using the cross link construction, making the AR-1 extremely lightweight and thin but without sacrificing strength. Thin edges at the tip and tail allow the board to be highly responsive. This board clinches the wake and still pops off effortlessly. The AR-1 has a continuous rocker for speed. Additional features include a Subtle Center Landing Feature and an elevated foot bed. The AR-1 comes in 53 and 55-inch lengths for varying rider sizes and ability.
Hyperlite 2014 Marek Nova Wakeboard - Best Wakeboard
Lighter than past models, the Marek Nova is a responsive and fast wakeboard. The Marek Nova has an abrupt continuous rocker line, making this wakeboard incredibly fast but still able to pop off the wake. The Marek Nova has a fully machined Nova core, Monocoque construction with layered fiberglass and M6 inserts. The Enduro base gives the rider a quicker release off the wake. The bottom composition has a two stage channel, 9 degree angled fins and four 1-inch P-wing fins. The Strata mounting system allows the rider to make small adjustments in their stance. The Marek Nova is a pro-quality wakeboard.
Buyer's Guide
It is imperative to have the correct information and knowledge about wakeboards before picking one. Our comprehensive buying guide will help you choose a product that matches your requirements.
What are the Things to Keep in Mind When Picking the Best Wakeboards in 2021?
Enlisted below is a list of key factors that you must keep in mind when looking for the best wakeboards in 2021.
Base Design
The base design determines how your board is supposed to perform on water. A flat and clean board with no shallow channeling has a skatey and loose feel, which helps you have an effortless experience. Other than this, if your wakeboard has more shape and channeling, it will increase traction and allow you to land softer and transition better with the waves. Most beginners are recommended to opt for deeper and full-length base channels that exhibit more stability and hood tractions. These, however, can be a bit hard during landing.
Tip and Tail
Often overlooked by novice players, the shape and design can be key features when choosing the wakeboard. The tip and tail are available in 3 main shapes that can determine your landing and traction. If you are opting for a rounded tip, it allows you to land softly. Square tips offer way better traction, but they can be a little less forgiving during landings. Hence, they are not recommended for novice players and beginners. A diamond tip ensures a smoother landing, but you must skate properly as maintaining balance is mandatory.
Fins
Fins are a mandatory component of a wakeboard that is present in 2 different types. Center fins help you train better and give you the desirable stability, mandatory for building confidence. Ideal for beginners, center fins can be removed once you are prepared to ride on your own. Other than this, edge fins ensure a better grip on the waves and help you spin and jump. The best thing about fins is that they are removable, so you can use ones according to your requirement without overburdening the board. Most beginners are recommended to use the center fins initially and progress further to edges.
Shape
The shape of your board determines how you perform in the water. For instance, a wider board has more pop, but you will struggle a bit when crossing stronger waves. This ultimately impacts the speed of surfing. On the other hand, a board with a narrow body cuts through the waves nicely, ensuring you can maintain the speed. However, narrow boards have less pop time in comparison to a wider one.
What are the Different Styles of Wakeboards?
You can find the following styles of wakeboards that are readily available in the market.
Boat Wakeboards
Usually tied behind a boat, they are designed with less flexibility but a better pop through the water. A finless boat wakeboard has less flexibility so that you are able to hold in one place as the boat moves forward.
Cable Wakeboards
These wakeboards are used for practicing tricks and enhancing your skill set, especially if you don't have a boat or can't afford to rent one for learning balance and tricks. They come with removable fins and added flexibility, so you are able to control the board and get a better grip effortlessly.
Continuous Rocker Wakeboard
The continuous rocker wakeboard features a single curve from tip to tip, making riding smoother while eliminating friction. These boards are a top choice for professionals who ride for a long time and want to maintain a consistent speed throughout.
3-Stage Rocker Wakeboards
With a great pop, they highlight a flat center with raised tips. They have a smaller surface area which helps you perform better stunts. However, they have a harsh landing, so you need to be experienced enough to tackle this board.
Hybrid Wakeboards
Hybrid wakeboards are ideal for people who want to perform and learn tricks without much effort. Although a bit expensive, they can be used for a couple of years regardless of your experience level.
What is the Size-to-Weight Ratio of a Wakeboard?
The size of the wakeboard you pick depends on your weight and stature. While it is evident that people with larger bodies and weight require a larger board, here is the recommended size chart for an ideal purchase.
- Wakeboard should be less than 130 cm if you weigh under 100 lbs. This is an ideal size for children.
- If you weigh between 100 to 150 lbs, pick a wakeboard between 130 to 134 cm.
- People weighing between 130 to 180 lbs should consider buying a board between 135 to 140 cm.
- Riders weighing over 180 lbs to 275 lbs should opt for a wakeboard anywhere between 140 and 144 cm.
- If you are over 275 lbs, then the largest boards over 144 cm are best for you.
What Materials are Wakeboards Constructed With?
The construction of a wakeboard consists of core material and outer finishing.
Core Material
The core is basically the middle filling of the board that affects the quality of the ride. Enlisted below are the top core materials used in wakeboards:
- Foam boards are stiff with reliable consistency. Other than keeping their shape, these boards help you land softly. Foam boards dissipate water and provide you more cushioning and comfort throughout the ride. These boards are non-flexible and prone to damage.
- Wood boards are flexible and durable. These are recommended for professionals who can handle sharper curves and pops. Wood boards are long-lasting even if they don't provide added cushioning because they do not soak up water when damaged.
Outer Finishing
The outer finishing determines the strength and longevity of your board as they maintain the quality.
- Fiberglass is the most commonly used material that protects your board from any changes in the weather. However, it is not as flexible and can break under pressure.
- Urethane is a type of rubber that is a bit expensive and bends instead of breaking, so you can get it fixed even after an accident.
Best Wakeboards FAQs
Wakeboards are a great way to ride water waves and perform tricks, but to buy the best wakeboards in 2021, you need to consider their components like base, tail, fins, and material. You may have a few questions before you go to buy the one that suits you. We have answered a few here:
Q: What should be the distance between the boat and wakeboard?
A: A wakeboard should be at least 65 feet away from the board so you can perform tricks while maintaining safety.
Q: Are the fins of a wakeboard important?
A: Fins help you maintain balance and allow easy movements; therefore adding them can help you add stability.
Q: What should be the boat speed for wakeboarding?
A: Maintain the speed of your boat between 15mph to 25 mph if you have a wakeboarder behind you.
