Wakeboard Binding Guide
"How do I choose wakeboard bindings?" Whether you've been wakeboarding for years or you're new to the game, buying wakeboard bindings can be a daunting task. From Hyperlite to Liquid Force, CWB to Ronix, every manufacturer brings something to the table. So we put together this wakeboard binding buyers guide to help you through the process of buying wakeboard bindings. Keep in mind that this is just a guide - it's not completely foolproof, but it'll help steer you through the maze of fit, liners, and lacing systems.
SECTIONS IN THIS GUIDE - Before You Even Start - Important Factors - Foot Problems / Binding Solutions - Binding Features and Lacing - Customer Binding Reviews
Before You Even Start ● ●
Know Your Feet: Really get in tune with your kickers. Know whether you have fat or skinny feet, you have high arches or you're flat-footed, tiny heel or Sasquatch boot. It really makes a difference.
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Know Your Shoe Size: The majority of humans wear shoes that are approximately 1/2 length too huge for them. Test it out your self - put on your favourite pair of sneaks and stroll round, focusing on how your toes sense. If they have got lots of room to move and they're no longer touching the stop of your shoe, then your shoe length is probably a tad too big and also you have to think about sizing down a half of length for a wakeboard binding. ALSO: Keep in mind that one in every of your ft is probably bigger than the alternative (often it's a difference of approximately 1/4-size). Size for the bigger foot, or you'll be driving in lots of ache. If you are unsure of your size, visit a shoe save and use one of those slidey matters (they may be impressed if you call it that). Don't Listen To Your Friends: Resist the urge to pull the trigger on that hot pair of wakeboard bindings that your buddy keeps raving about. Don't listen to your friends. What works for them probably won't work for you. Listen to your feet.
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Think Outside The Box: You might be stoked on that new design, but remember: the most rad bindings don't mean shit if your feet are in pain. So go with what feels right, not what your style dictates. AND LADIES: Don't be afraid to look into getting a men's boot if you want a stiffer binding. And guys, if you're confident enough, you could do the same thing with women's bindings. Just don't tell your bros.
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Do Your Research: Ask around, try on a bunch of different bindings, and read reviews until you find a binding and/or brand that you like.
Important Factors ●
Fit:
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It's worth mentioning again. Remember: no heel lift and snug all over. If you have funky feet, check out our foot/binding table below.
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Flex: Stiff or flexy? It's all a matter of preference. Flex should be listed in the Tech Specs of every binding. If you're just starting out, it's not a bad idea to get a binding with more (softer) flex. But remember: a stiffer binding might take longer to break in, but it'll last you longer.
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Lacing: Pretty much every manufacturer has its own lacing system. Find one that you like and that hugs your foot in the right way. Check out our lacing system guide below.
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Foot Characteristics / Boot Solutions Foot Characteristic
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Skinny Ankles Skinny Heels
Common Problems
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Dreaded heel lift: Your heel comes up on toe-side turns. No matter how hard you try, you never seem to get it tight enough around your ankles.
Possible Solutions
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Look for bindings with one or more:A good inner lacing system like Boa CBR or a quick-lace / full-lace liner. A binding with an inner harness: this is like an ankle brace on the inside of the binding like Hyperlite's ... J-bars: these are inserts on the liner or inside the boot that compress around the heel to lock down your foot. Many Ronix bindings have J-bars.
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High Arches
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You have a hard time getting your foot into the binding. Binding fits uncomfortabl y tight around your instep.
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Look for liners that are heat moldable in the heel pocket like Ronix's ... For full-on customizing, get a FULL heat moldable liner like in Hyperlite bindings, or bindings with an Intuition liner like in Liquid Force Look for other liner solutions, like Ronix's Onyx 2. If worse comes to worst, you can jury-rig a shim under the liner to prop your foot up and cut down volume inside your binding (not recommende d) Look for bindings with:Get a binding with a FULL heat moldable liner like in Ronix bindings, or look for a binding with an Intuition liner Hyperlite. Get a custom footbed.
These are expensive and must be custom-made at a shop, but it'll make a world of difference. ● ●
Wide Feet Narrow Feet
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We think you can figure this one out.
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For Wide Feet:Get a binding designed for wide feet like Hyperlite.. Some brands are known for fitting wide feet better like Ronix. Look for a full heat moldable liner like in Byerly and Liquid Force.
For Narrow Feet:Bindings from Ronix or Hyperlite Women's generally fit narrower feet better. Look for a binding with full heat moldable liner like in Hyperlite
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Open Toe vs. Close Toe Bindings
Binding Lacing
Boot Test Reviews
Why undergo 10 pairs of bindings to locate the proper one? Read what customers have to mention approximately wake bindings from Hyperlite, Ronix, Liquid Force, CWB and Byerly Wakeboards.
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The Goods Check out our entire selection of bindings. Why stop there? We have what it takes to kit you out: Wakeboards, Handles and Mainlines, and Vests. Looking for a package deal? Check out our hand-selected packages!
Feedback Have your own tips or feedback about this guide? Send us an email.