Wakeboard bindings were once little more than a metal plate, minimal thickness of foam, and a rubbery strap to rein in your heel. Today there are a wide variety of supportive, boot-style binding choices on the market. Here are three aimed at beginner to expert riders.

Entry-Level: Hyperlite Remix

The Wrap: Designed to accommodate a variety of foot sizes yet still offer some degree of support, open-toe bindings such as the Remix are ideal when sharing a board among family and friends. Look for a molded EVA footbed, floating tongue, and dual lace zones that can open wide and then cinch down to separately secure your foot and ankle.

The Trap: Wide range of adjustability comes at the expense of individualized support and comfort. All but casual riders will likely be looking to upgrade to a more advanced binding.

Price: $249; scheels.com

Midrange: Hyperlite Team X

The Wrap: A traditional plate-style binding that retains great range of motion, closed-toe ­bindings such as the Team X offer midrange support while still remaining somewhat sharable for riders of roughly similar foot length and ability. An internal ankle harness locks down the heel. Heat-moldable liners dial in the comfort and provide a more ­customized fit.

The Trap: Minimal size ranges means no more widespread sharing on the boat. Pricing substantially higher than entry-level offerings.

Price: $425; hyperlite.com or $399; Scheels.com

Read Next: Watersports Favorites

High-End: System Lowback Binding/Freepress System Boots

The Wrap: A boot/binding setup similar to snowboarding, System components offer exceptional feel and control. Bindings minimize toe and heel lift and are adjustable on the fly. Heat-moldable boots provide greater comfort and allow riders to stand directly atop the board without plastic or other hard material underfoot.

The Trap: It’s a significant high-end investment that’s not really shareable. Freepress boots offer less flexibility.

Price: System Binding $235; Freepress Boots $400; hyperlite.com

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The binding of choice for reigning Pro Wakeboard Tour champ Harley Clifford, the 4D Riot comes with all the support you need for landing double flips or just going wake-to-wake.

• 3D-molded unibody quarter panels provide extra support

• 4D chassis allows binding to flex with board (on LF FlexMount track) for optimal response

• Dual laces allow for secure, customized fit

liquidforce.com

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The post 2018 Liquid Force Trek Binding appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

WHAT’S NEW
Brainframe tech, Intuition heat-moldable liner, asymmetrical, medium-density support

WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU
Danny Harf’s famous signature boot has stood the test of time and only continues to improve. Boat, park, walking the dog, whatever — the One will do what you want, when you want.

THE PRO’S WORDS
“Comfier than slippers.” – Danny Harf

WHAT’S NEW
Easily adjustable Velcro straps, ultralight liner, canted Lux chassis

WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU
Ease of use and comfort can go a long way with wake bindings, and the canted chassis takes it to a new level by generating a more natural alignment and position for your legs.

THE PRO’S WORDS
“Comfort. No compromise.” – Sean O’Brien

WHAT’S NEW
Smart Toof chassis, V Fly enclosure, Swamp Foot drainage, Bottomless Belly

WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU
All that cool-kid lingo means you’re getting a solid, customizable chassis, an easy-to-use yet tight lace system, drainage so your feet don’t stink, and soft landings from big air. The Howl is flexy and fun for all types of shredding.

THE PRO’S WORDS
“Better than sex.” – Nick Dorsey

WHAT’S NEW
Gummy strap, improved interior padding and heel lock, K9 mounting system

WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU
The RAD boots have been in Slingshot’s line since day one, but they’re almost completely reworked for 2017. That’s a good thing for you — and your feet.

THE PRO’S WORDS
“Ridiculously. Awesome. Devices.” – Dylan Miller

WHAT’S NEW
Highest, most supportive cut in CWB line, Cush liner with shock pads, Infinity plate for a light yet strong foundation

WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU
Have you seen Dowdy ride? Of course you have, and you know he charges. Think he could do that with heavy, ill-fitting boots? Nope, of course not.

THE PRO’S WORDS
“Jedi wake boots.” – Mike Dowdy

WHAT’S NEW
Custom insole and EVA and rubber outsole in conjunction with Evo binding

WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU
Fashion and function. Ride until you can’t ride anymore, then walk away in style. Actually, we don’t recommend that, unless you want to be on Wakezeach, but you could do it if you wanted.

THE PRO’S WORDS
“The new kosher.” – Julian Cohen

The post Gear Roundup: Bindings appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

I flew Frontier several months ago. (You’re probably wondering what this has to do with the Flex bindings, but I’ll get there.) Like I said, I flew Frontier several months ago. It was $50 cheaper than the Delta flight, so it was the obvious choice — or so I thought.

I shuffled toward 17F, put my bag in the overhead, and then all-too-abruptly sat down. After nearly breaking my tailbone on the faux-cushioned seat, I realized I had made a poor decision. Baffled why an airline would make its passengers endure this discomfort, I did some research and learned that airlines are installing thinner seats to reduce aircraft weight. Makes sense — lighter planes fly more efficiently. So less weight requires less fuel, or less power.

Liquid Force understands this logic, so for 2017, they created the revolutionary 4D Chassis System for their bindings, shaving off 15 percent of the weight from previous models. Do you see where I’m going with this? Lighter bindings fly more efficiently too. Put these bindings on, and you’re going to get booted with less effort. At least that’s what happened to me when I strapped them on. And this go-round, it was a much more comfortable riding experience than 17F.

While Liquid Force did away with a lot of the bulky underfoot material, they didn’t skimp on the good stuff. The Flex 4D bindings feature the new-and-improved Reflex liners, which hug your calves, ankles and feet in all the right places to ensure a snug and custom-feel fit. Not only will your feet be feeling good, but your knees and ankles will also be rejoicing thanks to the impact-absorbing properties of the Honeycomb FlexFloor.

And if the name didn’t give it away already, these bindings offer a ton of flex and mobility. The upper portion of the boot flexes independently, allowing better range of motion for all of those grabs, presses and tuck-knees you’re sure to be doing in these bad boys. On top of that, Liquid Force specifically designed the thin and flexible 4D construction to reduce baseplate rigidity and increase binding-to-board responsiveness.

The year is 2017, and wakeboard bindings can now flex with our boards. Welcome to the future.

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The post 2017 CWB MD Boots appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

The Space Blanket is all about speed. In fact, this next-generation camber board from Ronix was designed with one goal — increased glide speed — and the Erik Ruck and Shota Tezuka pro model delivers with 30 percent less water resistance than its predecessor, the Bandwagon. Since it comes standard with Ronix’s lightest-ever core, the Space Blanket yields the least amount of swing weight possible, so you’ll spin faster, too.

Sizes: 134 cm, 137 cm, 141 cm

MSRP: $630

ronixwake.com

Completely redesigned for 2017, Slingshot’s new Shredtown and KTV boots sport a trio of all-new features. The new Gummy Strap closure system allows riders to tighten their boots to their heart’s content without sacrificing comfort. New Direct Connect soles jettison traditional base plates in favor of a lower profile, enhanced flex underfoot, and increased responsiveness. Finally, the new K9 mounting system lets you ­completely customize your stance.

MSRP: $460 (Shredtown); $399 (KTV)

slingshotsports.com

Someone at Jobe may have been watching a little too much True Detective,­ ­season one, because the ­teaser ­videos for the new Knox wakeboard look like they were filmed in ­Carcosa. The gloomy setting of the videos contrasts with the Knox’s most illuminating characteristic: a first-of-its-kind see-through ­rocker system. In addition to its clear calling card, the Knox features an ­aggressive three-stage ­rocker and a wider profile for a ­stable ride and tons of takeoff.

Sizes: 139 cm, 143 cm

MSRP: $500

jobesports.com

With an aggressive three-stage rocker and CWB’s super-­lightweight Pro Core with carbon-torsion tech, the new Dowdy ­wakeboard is the perfect fit for ­advanced riders chasing the go-huge, spin-for-days style of its namesake. The rocker ­delivers more straight-up pop than any board in the CWB line, the techy interior yields a snappy feel off the wake, and the spooned tip and tail reduce swing weight so you can add an extra 180.

Sizes: 136 cm, 142 cm

MSRP: $430

ridecwb.com

Anytime you opt for a comp vest over a USCG-approved life jacket, you’re choosing maximum mobility over ­potentially lifesaving flotation. This women’s comp vest from Body Glove has the former on lock, thanks to its super-flexible shell and segmented Aerolite foam construction. Just make sure you ride with a rescue crew, because this low-profile design isn’t guaranteed to keep you afloat should something go wrong.

MSRP: $100

bodyglove.com

Looking for a nice, mellow cruise? This is not the board for you. A hand-shaped carbon-­fiber and epoxy layup not only makes the Censor lightweight and durable, but snappy and responsive too. The ultrawide design and lightning-quick rocker line yield added stability and ­effortless speed on the wave. Enjoy ultimate customization thanks to FCS-compatible fin boxes, which allow you to fine-tune the board’s performance to your riding needs.

Sizes: 50 in., 55 in, 60 in.

MSRP: $700

obrien.com

A 100 percent hardwood core is at the heart of the Indie’s park-conquering performance. Aggressive center channels help you lock onto rails with ease, the finless design gives you the perfect amount of traction on the water without sacrificing your dominance over obstacles, and O’Brien’s super-durable Impact base and TPU Dura-Rail edges ­ensure the Indie can handle everything you throw at it.

Sizes: 136 cm, 140 cm, 144 cm

MSRP: $500

obrien.com

If you like to dress for every session like it’s a Pro Wakeboard Tour final, then ­Harley Clifford’s pro-model comp vest is a can’t-miss addition to your on-water wardrobe. Segmented Aerolite foam lends the vest an ergonomic fit, mesh drain panels keep it light, and the Magnaflex shell affords you maximum mobility.

MSRP: $130

bodyglove.com

Ronix managed to cram all of its top tech into a single boot. The result is the new RXT. This binding’s long list of superlative features includes Ronix’s breakthrough Brainframe platform, the make-it-yours customization of the Intuition+ liners, and the all-over breathability of Ronix’s Naked technology. The boot’s asymmetrical support offers soft ankle mobility with a supportive foothold.

MSRP: $530

ronixwake.com

This Parks Bonifay pro ­model delivers the same shape as the Parks Air Core at a more ­affordable ­value. The new shape yields ­increased top water speed with a sharp rail design that ­ensures you’ll get ­wherever you’re going post haste.

Sizes: 134 cm, 139 cm, 144 cm

MSRP: $480

ronixwake.com

The core of Julian Cohen’s pro model blends paulownia wood and polyurethane, yielding a unique combination of flex and strength. Combine that with a three-stage rocker, and you have a super-­stable ride that’s not only fun in the park, but completely capable behind the boat as well.

Sizes: 127 cm, 134 cm, 138 cm, 142 cm, 145 cm

MSRP: $500

jobesports.com

Designed by Dylan Miller, this all-new crossover board ­features a ton of Slingshot’s all-new tech. Among the ­advances is Slingshot’s Flex Tip technology, which outfits the tip and tail with 100 percent vertically laminated wood, allowing riders to lock into presses without ­sacrificing rigidity at the center of the board. The new super-­durable Ballistic base and Fusion sidewalls keep the Solo virtually indestructible in the park, while the center V-spine helps break up big landings behind the boat.

Sizes: 138 cm, 142 cm, 147 cm

MSRP: $550

slingshotsports.com

CWB named this new skim-style wakesurfer the ­Habit ­because it’s confident that sessions aboard this fast-­reacting, low-profile design will be tough to quit. With no bottom features and a single 1-inch fin, the Habit is easy to break free for shoves and spins, so it’s a great fit for techy riders who like a looser feel.

Sizes: 48 in., 52 in.

MSRP: $430

ridecwb.com

This aptly named boot is all about making ­wakeboarding accessible for up-and-­coming riders. It all starts with a sticker price just north of $200, but the ­Access’ ­affordability is just the ­beginning. The low-profile ­design and 2-degree canting of the ­entire platform ­create a comfortable feel that’s ­designed to keep you on the water until the sun goes down.

MSRP: $205

obrien.com

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Ronix One Boot

For many, Danny Harf’s pro-model boot is the crown jewel in the Ronix line. What makes the One so popular? Is it the comfort provided by the Intuition ­liner? The balance between support and mobility? It seems to vary from rider to rider, but we’d guess it has something to do with all the features Ronix has packed into the One, like the internal Brainframe technology, the Feetbelts, and the baseless double-stuffed foot bed, to name just a few.

MSRP: $510

ronixwake.com

CWB Prizm

The Prizm is a unique boot in the CWB line. The internal disc-mounting system is ­located directly underfoot, giving your board more room to flex without being restricted by a wide base plate. The boot also features a removable inner liner with a thin yet durable sole, keeping your feet protected during your walk back to the starting dock.

MSRP: $400

ridecwb.com

Humanoid Wire

Do you like a low-cut, lightweight, flexible boot? Take a close look at the Humanoid Wire. It features the ­conven­ience of a Velcro upper and the ­security of a low lacing system. It also features a baseless chassis for a direct foot-to-board connection, and Smart Toof technology, which keeps your stance angles from changing on you even if your hardware gets loose.

MSRP: $330

humanoidwake.com

Jobe Evo

The Evo Sneaker is the boot portion of the intriguing modular setup ­exclusively offered by Jobe. The skins, bindings and sneakers are all sold separately, with plenty of different colors to choose from. This allows Jobe to focus on making the Evo Sneaker as comfortable as possible while the binding and skin provide most of the support.

MSRP: $200

jobesports.com

O’Brien Nomad

The Nomad is the most flexible boot in O’Brien’s line, and consequently one of the most popular. The Nomad features a traditional dual-lace system with a lightweight chassis and a single-­panel upper to keep things simple. It also features a few extra luxuries, like ­Power Arch support to keep your foot from rolling ­inward, ­reducing stress on your knees.

MSRP: $360

obrien.com

Ronix Kinetic

The Kinetik boot is packed with technology to keep your foot secure and comfortable. This cable-oriented boot is ­engineered to flex inward easily, but ­remains more supportive and rigid on the outside to give you something ­extra to lean against when you lock into a press. The Kinetik also features Ronix’s internal Brainframe technology, a moldable Intuition liner, and much more.

MSRP: $530

ronixwake.com

Slingshot Rad

Slingshot’s Rad boot keeps getting better and better every year. For 2016, the Rad features a bottomless base plate for increased foot-to-board sensitivity, a redesigned heel hold-down system for a secure fit, redesigned form-fitting reflex liners, a more rigid base plate, a customizable Velcro and lace combination, and a hip new look.

MSRP: $449

slingshotsports.com

The post Best Wakeboard Boots of 2016 appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

The Lowdown: Befitting its progressive park-riding namesakes, the Shredtown is a top-of-the-line boot with rugged, hard-sole removable liners designed for traversing parks or exploring new spots.

• Three Gummy Straps yield an ultratight yet flexible feel

• New K9 mounting system delivers a strong board connection and eliminates heel and toe lift

• New baseless design and direct-connect soles deliver more responsive performance and more flexibility

MSRP: $459

slingshotsports.com

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