Big Dude - Wakeboard Bindings

[BigBald]

I am thinking about upgrading my wakeboard bindings....possibly going the Ebay route.
Here are my stats....6'5" 260 lbs size 12 1/2 foot. I am starting to jump wake to wake consistantly....surface 180s and general playing. I currently use O'brien Link bindings and have been experiencing some heal slip.

I am hoping that someone can give me some help with some of the bindings that are out on Ebay. Here are some that I am finding:
Hyperlite 2004 Temet
Hyperlite 2005 Byerly
Hyperlite 2005 Murray
Hyperlite 2005 ERA
Liquid Force 2005-Team
CWB 2005 Boss.

I like the Temet and the ERA for the heal strap system...but I also like the look and the construction of the Byerly. The Byerly has the Boa speed dial that seems like a good system.

Any help would be appreciated....thank in advance

[Deuce]

Of course like boards, this kind of stuff is purely personal choice. But of your bindings listed, I will list the ones that I would consider purchasing and in order.

1. LF Teams....would already have them, but they did not make a XXL last year in anything but the Alpha's, which I liked...but not enough to purchase I guess. XL's are too small. LF seemed to break out of the pack with their bindings in 2005. Boat show time, will look seriously at the Transits.
2. '04 Temets(great bindings that were the binding standard for a few years[belmonts prior to '04). I would not hesitate to purchase these tomorrow.
3. '05 Era's

No experience with the CWB Boss bindings, but both friends that have the '05 CWB Zeus bindings love 'um. May want to consider them if you can find.

I am not sold on the boa system and have no plans to purchase bindings using it. No reason....just seems too much like a gimick.

Anyway....those are my thoughts and I am sticking to 'um....

[bkhallpass]

Splash,

Though I am getting a little bald, I'm not quite as big as you. 6'2", 230. I can do the surface
stuff, and some wake to wake tricks, but nothing inverted.

I have the Parks bindings, and really like them. Very comfortable for me. I tried the
Temets and liked them as well, but the Parks were just a little more comfortable.

Ideally, its better if you can try them on in the shop before going to the net to purchase.
The local shop even had some of the bindings I was considering, matched the internet price,
and told me I could bring them back and swap if I didn't like them.

BKH

[BigBald]

Thanks for the advice.....I have a great Local ski equipment place. I think I will take that advice to check them out.

The Temets seem to be a really good buy on Ebay right now. I liked the look of those also. I have two boys (11 & 12) that will require upgraded bindings as they keep growing....so buying some decent ones (if it's a good deal) this year...and then replacing them again in a year or two...wouldn't be too bad. They would get re-used eventually. My 11 year old already has size 10 foot.

[882001]

check out the cwb zeus they are awsome. im 6'2" 250 the hyperlite give me heal bruises

[fyerfytr]

Go with the LF Alphas. I am about your size and love them. They are very comfortable and easy to get in and out of. I have a 13 foot and wear the xxl's.

Mark

[BigBald]

Update....I found some brand new 2005 LiquidForce Alphas for $115. Just got them today and they are perfect. By the way, the source was a place in Houston. www.M2sports.com

For the prices they were selling stuff, I went ahead and bought a pair of 2005 LF Team Limited Editions for under $100 for my youngest son. Sizing is limited, but they still have some good stuff.

Plus, free shipping. And the guy was great to work with.

[Hlymons]

Thanks BBS for the tip,
I just ordered a wakeskate from them. You should like the LF bindings, last year I bought a pair and was really happy with the choice.


Thanks Again

[Deester]

Big, As you and I are about the same size and skill level, what board do you ride? I'm ready to upgrade and there are way too many choices out there. Thanks for any info. Dee

[BigBald]

I ride a three year old O'Brien....I can't remember exactly what model it is off the top of my head.....but I am probably going to be needing to upgrade the board next winter also. I am finding that I would rather have a board with the integrated fins on the outside edges and with a continuous rocker. But, I am still needing to work on my edges and get comfortable with my wake to wake jumps using heel and toe edges. And for that basic stuff the board I have is fine.

But the old O'brien Link bindings were really starting to hurt my heals, so I am anxious to use these new Alphas.

[66Skylark]

Hey Big,

A follow up to what board you use... What size is the board you use?

I have an old O'Brian Shredder wakeboard that I got about 15 years ago. I'd like to get a new board, and since we are about the same size, I was wondering what size board you use?

I assume, given my size, I should be looking for the biggest board I can find - to allow the most planing surface.

Let me know. I also appreciate anyone else's comments/suggestions...

[882001]

Hey Big,

A follow up to what board you use... What size is the board you use?

I have an old O'Brian Shredder wakeboard that I got about 15 years ago. I'd like to get a new board, and since we are about the same size, I was wondering what size board you use?

I assume, given my size, I should be looking for the biggest board I can find - to allow the most planing surface.

Let me know. I also appreciate anyone else's comments/suggestions...i ride a parks 144