New Wakeboard Advice
 

Well after a cold and rainy start to summer here in the Midwest I finally got out on the water last weekend for the first time this season. I decided it was probably time for me to get a new set up as my current one is on its looking pretty rough. I'm not all that familiar with what boards are on the market these days so I'm looking for some advice on what to get.

I'd say I'm an advanced rider, most basic inverts and spins, various TS/HS 360's and 540's. I mainly ride behind the boat but recently with a cable park within an hour of me I'll head up there when I can't get on the river with some buddies. I've been riding a Slingshot Choice 137 for the last few seasons now, I originally bought it as a cheap park board that I wouldn't feel bad about ruining. I find myself riding behind my buddies 2000 Malibu Response most the time, its got a wedge and we put close to 2k of ballast in it so the wake is decent but by no means big. I've found it to be a lot of fun to ride the slingshot on the small wake because of how fast it edges and how playful it is on the water.

I don't have the opportunities to ride as much as I used to so I'm not looking to break the bank, I'll likely get something that s a year or two old, or maybe a blem board. I've been leaning towards getting another slingshot but am really open to any suggestions. I definitely want something that is going to be just as playful on the water but maybe not as soft and a little more pop than the Slingshot Choice I have now.

I'll likely be looking for some new bindings too, currently have an older pair of Liquid Force Harley's. I've always liked Liquid Force Bindings in my experience they've been very comfortable and flexible, but the quality has never been all that great and they've worn out on me pretty bad.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Oh I almost forgot! I see everyone has been riding bigger boards these days so whats the benefit of doing so and is it worth it? I'm about about 5'11 and 150, I'm thinking I might go up to a 140ish but not sure.

I'd say stick with slingshot. I've tried some others and will probably go back to slingshot next time around. The humanoid boards are supposed to be really durable but they're not cheap.
I like the slingshot bindings too. Quality is pretty good, though I don't think any bindings are made super tough.
My brother rides the Nomad with Options (the open toe boot) which he loves. It's good because it rides well behind boat and cable. It's not very stiff but stiffer than your Choice and a little better suited for boat. It rides big though, the smallest size being 145.
I ride a liquid force Timba which is great behind boat but I can't stand it for cable! I had to get a second board to ride cable (ronix press play, which isn't that great either to be honest).
If you could find a Slingshot Response, that would be my perfect board. I loved that thing! Good for cable and boat, but slingshot doesn't make it anymore.
Seems like more people are going with a separate boat and cable board for their quiver.

Second sticking with Slingshot.

Great, dependable, durable, and versatile products.

Ive favored the Reflex (RIP) and Response. Rode Dylans board, the Solo, and it was great. It seems to be a solid all around kind of board.

With the thinner profiles and reduced weight these days, sizing up on your next board is a good idea. More real estate for buffered landings, stability, and of course Monster stickers (j/k). I'm pretty much the same dimensions and have always ridden a 141-142cm board. My next will prob be a 143-146cm.

How did you find the Solo behind boat? I'm a little unsure about the narrow outline, and the softer tip/tail. How does it compare to the older Recoil or Response?

I have a 18' hl 141 relapse thats seen the water once if your interested

I just rode the Solo at the park and it was a blast. I was not thinking about the thin profile while riding it. I doubt it would be any negative factor behind the wake. Sounds kinda generic but it felt in between a Response and Recoil. Buttery but not too noodle-ly (whatever that means).

140 is pretty big for 5'11/150 , although you're on the taller side.

what's current board length?

Not sure if my PM is working, but if you still have the Response for sale I would be interested. Thank you.

Sorry...I meant relapse for sale.

check your pm. sent you my number.