Wakeboard Bindings
You've got your
bindings are the only link uniting board and rider, it is important that they are both snug and comfortable in order to give you the best ride (and safest) possible. Besides proper sizing, the quality of the material will make a big difference in how comfortable the binding is. It should curve inwards to support your arch and outwards to accommodate your toes.
Popular Brands
To get you started, check out some of these popular brands. You might also want to visit
Wakeworld.com and
WakeBoarder.com to see reviews on bindings. Remember that you can choose any brand you want that suits your price range: the binding manufacturer does not have to be the same as the board manufacturer. If you are a beginner, most people would say don't bother spending a lot of money on bindings, but find a well rated pair that fit your budget. If you are an intermediate to advanced wakeboarder, make sure to check the ability specification ratings on the bindings when buying.
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HyperLite
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HyperLite
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Liquid Force
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O'Brien
Finding the Right Wakeboard Bindings
There are a few main criteria that you want to focus on when shopping for bindings. Most importantly, if you can try them on in person, all the better. Look for bindings that offer stable support, solid hold, an easy entry and release; and a comfortable footbed. You want them to be as snug as possible without cutting off your circulation: a great fit will make your board more responsive so that you can made quick turns without any lag.
To help you understand these aspects more fully, the following sections will discuss the various parts of the bindings and how they affect the fit and your ride.
'''A Solid, Yet Forgiving Fit That Provides Support and Comfort'''
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* Bindings are composed of a closure feature that consists of the "overlay" and "underlay." What you want from this is a firm hold that is also forgiving. That means you should be able to:
** Wear them for about 20 minutes without tiring or losing circulation in your feet.
** Flex your knees and ankles without sensing bunching or pinching.
** Have little to no heel lift.
** Know that your ankles are well supported, and your foot is secure all over and doesn't move around.
** Get an idea of how well you can "feel" the board. Remember, you want something supportive, but also responsive.
* '''The overlay''', or outer closure piece, provides firm foot support by snugly holding the toe and heel pieces together and pushing the heel down towards the board. The overlay can be made of different types of materials, including plastic, thick foamy materials, or a series of laces or buckles. You will see the closures on either the front or back of the binding, and which style you choose is as much a matter of personal preference as it is convenience. Some prefer frontentry because they find it more natural feeling and flexible.
* '''The underlay''' is the soft material between the overlay and the top of the foot: this makes your ride more comfortable. Usually it won't provide much support, but it will be comfy. If you want something a little sturdier, opt for a stiffer underlayjust remember that you will lose some of the comfort.
* If you really want or need super tight bindings, you might find that they don't go on (or come off) as easily as you'd like. When you can't give up a perfect fit, a quick fix is to use a lubricant, such as
binding lube.
* '''The footbed''' is basically the inner sole of the binding. It's cushioned to make your foot comfortable, but also to absorb shock and keep your hooves from sliding around inside the binding.
* You might notice that it's not flat. That is both for supporting the foot under the arch and toes, and for adjusting your posturea higher heel lets you bend your knees more easily, thus reducing pressure on your joints.
* The outer hardware which holds the binding together is ergonomically designed to support the foot by curving into the arch on good models.
* The '''flex''' of the binding is another important factor to consider. '''Stiff boots''' will give you the most support and let you have a feeling of being "locked in." Having a stiffer boot will also allow you to tweak your tricks, and they are also better for carving and speed. A '''softer boot''' however, will allow you to maneuver your tricks better.
* An
boot is more common and will allow a precise fit. It will give you more control and quick heel to toe response. These boots will also keep your feet warm, which is an advantage if you live in colder areas.
Attaching and Adjusting Bindings
Depending on the manufacturer, bindings are usually easy to attach and adjust. While they can be attached in a board shop, a screwdriver is the most you will probably need for securing: most bindings include a series of screws or washers and bolts. Adjusting the angle and spacing on the bindings is fairly simple as well. The baseplate, or the sole of the binding, is adaptable on most models so that you can create the best stance for your riding style.
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