Top Wakeboard Brands

Being brought up in a family of water lovers, I had known that I wanted to pursue water sports from the very beginning. Wakeboarding is one sport that instills the adrenaline rush in me.
When you start wakeboarding, you must carry the right equipment. Today I will take you through an intensive guide to help you pick the right wakeboard for yourself.

Your Ultimate Guide To Purchasing a Wakeboard

When you look for a wakeboard, there are a few things, such as the size, width, etc., that you must keep in mind. Wakeboarding is an art, and every level of learning requires suitable equipment. Read more to find out what you need to know before laying hands on a wakeboard.

Things to Consider While Buying Wakeboards

Wakeboarding requires regular practice and perseverance. This means that the gear you use should do justice to the hard work you put in. However, when you wakeboard, depending on your skill and the level of techniques you use, there are a few aspects you need to look at while choosing the right wakeboard. Let’s take a look at what these factors are.

Length

The right length depends on two factors- one, your body weight and height, and two, your ability. In order to start with the basics, heavier people might require longer boards to balance out the weight.
However, if the board is too long, it won’t be easy to twist and turn. Similarly, shorter boards are for lighter people and are easy to maneuver. If they are too short, the speed reduces, and the balance gets disturbed.

Width

If your board is narrow, it will be easier to turn it, although launching off the wake might be an issue at times. On the other hand, if the board is broad, it will help you land softly and smoothly. Wider boards also help perform air tricks more efficiently since they take off the wake almost effortlessly.
Another factor to keep in mind is the edges of the board. I would recommend one with squared edges rather than round ones as it provides better support for beginners. At the same time, round edges are great for advanced-level wakeboarders.

Wakeboard Fins

Wakeboard fins maintain the direction and stability of the wakeboard in water, so they are an essential aspect to consider. They are situated at the bottom of the board and support you, gripping the waves and streamlining your way through the water.
Fins can be inbuilt or removable. Beginners must always start with deeper fins that are inbuilt, while those who have experience can opt for removable shallow fins. You can even go fin-less if you are confident about your posture and balance. Shallow fins glide faster and smoother through the water.

Rails and Rocker

If you’re wondering what a rocker is, then place your board on a flat surface. You will notice that the board is lifted from the front and back. This is called the rocker. The curvier the rocker, the more dynamic the pick-off from the wake will be. While the flatter it is, the more unruffled the landing will be.
Rail refers to the edges of the wakeboard. A beginner must choose a board with broad rails. Wide rails offer more sustenance while the narrow and round ones cut through the waves with ease.

Bindings

Bindings are often underrated yet play a huge role in deciding how you surf through the waters. They prevent injuries and sustain your grip on the board. A salient feature of bindings is the flex. Most advanced wakeboarders like to keep their ankle fixed in position and their boot tight. It helps them retain position and posture.
Beginners, on the other hand, are suggested to go with loose and flexible fittings that they can play around with. It will help them decide what position and angle suits them the best.

How Can I Maintain My Wakeboard?

Once you have found the perfect pick for yourself, it is time for you to learn how to take care of it. Water sports gears go through a lot of friction and heat, and hence you need to make sure you are keeping a tab on its wear and tear. Here are a few things you can do to increase their longevity.

It’s best to leave it out in the sun for long hours
Wash it every time you return from wakeboarding as salt may oxidize and damage the board
Keep an eye out for wear and tear and replace any old/damaged parts
Make sure your fins are tight and held in place by screws
Keep the board in a cool and dry place after washing it
Tighten the binding bolts every once in a while

Top 5 Wakeboards You Must Check Out

I would gladly suggest wakeboarding to anyone embarking on their water sports journey! However, to be the best, you need to ensure that your gear is right for you. Here are the top 5 wakeboards from great brands that I suggest you check out!

Liquid Force Classic Wakeboard

Liquid Force Classic Wakeboard 2021

Progressive Three Stage Rocker
Stiff Flex
Rounded Diamondtail

Check Price in USD

Many professional wakeboarders have ridden this classic wakeboard. It has a 3 stage rocker, which aids in soft landings and helps you perform tricks easily. It has a round diamond tail shape, which is excellent for taking off the wake and sailing smoothly. It is specially designed for all-sized bindings.
The wakeboard has removable fins and a lifted variable edge rail. The dura-glass layup maintains its shape and durability. As the name suggests, it is a classic piece and ticks all boxes of an elite-quality wakeboard.
The board can afford an aggressive riding style, as the design gives extra grip and friction. It is not only great for beginners but also for those who have been riding for a long. It has a bold and striking black color with thin white stripes and a yellow patch at the rocker end.

Pros

Bindings for all sizes
Centre fin for advanced tricks
Rocker and rails are curated for better control and the liberty to play around
Spiral V mid-section that allows mellow landings
Pretty affordable for a premium quality wakeboard
Tough and long-lasting
It can be used for any style of riding at any level

Cons

It is one of the old models which have now been replaced with ones that have better design technology

Ronix One Time Bomb Wakeboard

Ronix One Time Bomb Wakeboard 2022

Low Friction Base
Fuse Stringers
Tip/Tail Concave

Check Price in USD

The Ronix, a one-time bomb wakeboard, has been engineered in a way that is perfect for maneuvering in tough waters. It is specially designed for professionals; this model has a great hold on the water.
At the same time, it allows intense take-offs, which land effortlessly as well. It is pretty fast and agile, which will enable riders to swiftly make a way in the water and deliver their best performance. It has a 3-stage rocker with I-beam construction, which gives it the power to crash onto the waves.
The One Time Bomb is recommended by many advanced riders, and I love its enigma. It truly sets the time bomb off with its unique and cutting-edge design. The fiberglass construction keeps it from wear and tear. It is one of the best sellers and rightly so given its exceptional performance and delivery in all aspects.

Pros

Highly energetic and powerful
Stable and balanced design structure
Fast and flexible in waters
Ability to twist and turn while landing smoothly
Recessed fin channels that give fantastic water grip
Concave tail to cut through wakes while landing and taking off
An attractive black body that looks and feels fearless

Cons

Slightly on the costly side and requires high maintenance

Hyperlite Riot Bio Wakeboard

Hyperlite Riot Bio Wakeboard 2022

Abrupt Continuous Rocker
Tip to Tail Channels
Variable Edge Profile

Check Price in USD

If you always want to experience something new with wakeboard, Hyperlite Riot Wakeboard is the right fit for you. This latest Riot version is fast and comes in a snappier shape, with cleaner base features and a razor-thin edge profile. It is something that you’ll appreciate for a long time. Because of its unique features, we have included this version in our top wakeboard brands list.

Pros

Perfect for advanced & expert riders
1 year warranty
Innovative construction
Durable wakeboard
Light in weight
Delivers high performance

Cons

Not for beginners

Hyperlite Franchise Wakeboard

Hyperlite 2021 Franchise Wakeboard

Available on fuller tip shape (tip and tail shaped according with channel alignment)
Continuous rocker
Dual-landing spines
For beginner-intermediate skill level

Check Price in USD Check Price in EUR

This wakeboard helps you flow through the waters fashionably and effortlessly. It has amazing speed, and the Biolite core 3 makes the wakeboard super light and airy to use. The dual spines on it allow it to land softly and smoothly. It has a monocoque construction, which gives the body a strong cover that is immune to aggressive wear and tears.
It can be used by anyone, right from a newbie to an expert in wakeboarding. The wakeboard has a very casual and bold-looking body. The rocker line and narrow channels align with the fins, which give it lift and tracking. The combination of black, red, and blue can never go wrong, and the board looks quite dashing and sporty.

Pros

Beautiful speed and agility
Light in weight
It can be used by riders on all skill levels
Strong body and skin that prevents trivial damage
Excellent fluidity in water as a result of low swing weight/span>
Can twist and turn with ease as the body is thin and narrow
Provides soft landings and is easy to control

Cons

Due to the thin body, it might need a sharp and powerful impact while taking off

The Slingshot Coalition Wakeboard

Slingshot Coalition Wakeboard 2022

Flex Technology
Rocker Hybrid
Cable/Park

Check Price in USD

The Coalition 2022 is an outstanding combination of outline, tip shape, and rocker as it delivers great entertainment. Did you know it is the first wakeboard to feature chined rails, allowing the board to slide across rough surfaces without any trouble? Every year the board is introduced with several new features. This model offers larger sizing, ranging from 141 to 161, and has a new-age look and feel to attract many.

Pros

Highly energetic and powerful
Perfect for intermediate and advanced riders
High performance cable park
Stable and balanced design structure
Attractive black & white body/span>

Cons

Not for beginners

My Favorite Brand

When it comes to wakeboards, I feel Hyperlite has a lot to offer. Owing to the brand’s quality, I was so confused between both the products mentioned above. Although the features and the price might be the same as other brands, the quality is unbeatable. Their range of products is great for beginners and professionals alike!

Summing Up

All in all, the guide aims to help you make the right decision before diving straight into your wakeboard purchase. My top pick from the five wakeboards would be the Hyperlite Riot Bio Bomb wakeboard. It doesn’t matter which level of skills you have as a rider; this board will support you through it all! It has a sleek yet strong body to get you going even on tough days.
This guide briefly covers all that you need to know about wakeboards. Water sports will turn you into an adrenaline junkie. However, safety should be the top priority, and to stay safe, you must carry the right equipment.