O'brien gear experts Help Please

(bailey) · (bailey) **Join Date: May 2001** 05-22-2006, 3:15 PM

I am looking at ordering some bindings off the internet. I have a pair of System Bindings from 2002 (blue ones) and I love them. Problem is I ripped them out. I saw some 2004 Systems on ebay (yellow ones). The pictures look the same but...
Are they the same binding or did they change over the two years.
Thanks a lot

(ozwest) · (ozwest) **Join Date: May 2006** 05-22-2006, 3:37 PM

I'm no expert but here's what I found on wakeworld.com's reviews. Hope it helps.

2004:
http://www.wakeworld.com/boots/getboot5.asp?ProductID=2300

2002 (your bindings):
http://www.wakeworld.com/boots/getboot2.asp?ProductID=1439

(jjakober) · (jjakober) **Join Date: Apr 2002** 05-23-2006, 7:14 AM

They removed the extra wraps that went through the little notches in the clamp pieces, and the inside material was softened up a bit to make them more comfortable. Also the pull strap was changed on the heel piece.

Later,
jjakober

(bailey) · (bailey) **Join Date: May 2001** 05-23-2006, 9:53 AM

Does this make them not as supportive?
I have really bad ankles and I loved how stiff and supportive my old pair was. I can't find anything comperable in the new bindings.
Thanks

(innov8) · (innov8) **Join Date: May 2005** 05-23-2006, 9:59 AM

If you are lookin for somthing stiff with alot of ankle support, then check out the 06 CWB Fuse. This binding has tons of ankle support.
www.ridecwb.com

(jarrod) · (jarrod) **Join Date: May 2003** 05-23-2006, 10:02 AM

Exactly. I'm currently riding the fuses. They are a little stiffer, but not too stiff.

(jjakober) · (jjakober) **Join Date: Apr 2002** 05-23-2006, 2:12 PM

If you are looking for a stiff binding that is more up to date, then check out the O'Brien Xenon http://www.wakeworld.com/boots/getboot7.asp?ProductID=3035 or Radon http://www.wakeworld.com/boots/getboot7.asp?ProductID=3201. Both these bindings offer great ankle support and are super comfortable.

Later,
jjakober

(bailey) · (bailey) **Join Date: May 2001** 05-23-2006, 3:22 PM

I think I tried on all those suggestions in the last week. Unfortunately none were as stiff as the old systems.
Thanks for the input.

(kristian) · (kristian) **Join Date: Nov 2002** 05-23-2006, 3:45 PM

have you tried the 3ds' they're pretty dam stiff.

(jjakober) · (jjakober) **Join Date: Apr 2002** 05-23-2006, 4:42 PM

That's interesting, I used to ride the Systems and I would say the Xenon's are stiffer then the Systems and the Argons are at least as stiff as the Systems. I guess that just show's that everyone is different!

Good luck in your search.

jjakober

(andy_nintzel)

I am a expert. They are exactly the same bindings as the 2002

(team_o) · (team_o) **Join Date: Jun 2002** 05-24-2006, 6:28 AM

No - I am an expert!!!

The difference between 2002 and 2004 is the 04's have a better footbed, and the inner material on the heel & toes is much more comfortable.

Also the sizing on the 04's may fit a bit smaller so factor that in when you buy. I think in the 02's a large was a bit big for me and in 04 a large was just right. (I have a small size 10 foot)

(team_o) · (team_o) **Join Date: Jun 2002** 05-24-2006, 6:30 AM

Although I would agree with J Jakober that the Radon's are just as stiff (if mot more so) than the 04 Systems and a way better binding - in comfort and performance.

(Message edited by team_o on May 24, 2006)