Wakeboard recomendations

Looking for some helpful advice. Started boarding last summer with a beginner's board (free motion drive 43). Honestly, I have a long ways to go to be able to say that the board is holding me back, on a scale of 1 to 5 my skill level is at a 2. But I'm in the process of upgrading my boat with a tower, custom ballast system, and perfect pass so this summer should see lots of progress.

So bottom line I'm looking for suggestions on which boards would be a good upgrade (new or used...preferably used). What type of fin layout should I be looking for. What type of rocker is going to give me good balance between stability and pop?

FYI I'm 6-2" 190 lbs and I don't ride rails.

Thanks in advance

Now you've opened a can of worms!

Quick advice, if at all possible ride before you buy. Its going to come down to personal preference.

If it were me I would go with continuous rocker. You could do a really mellow three stage but they are still more unpredictable.

I don't know anything about CWB or OBrien but Hyperlites 3DS series is supposed to be the cats pajamas. The Liquid Force Trip series also has continuous rocker and has been around for ages. I rode on for a long time and it rides high and fast with very predictable release off the wake.

If you don't have it yet either, make an investment in good no stretch line. It will help your riding as much as any board.

Regarding the can of worms...hopefully people can give me recommendations without trashing on other people's posts. I respect people who qualify their opinions like you did.

I bought the non-stretch line last August...spendy little S.O.B.!

Well eveyone is different so my suggestion is to demo all the boards you can from all manufactures. If you are lookin At Cwb then I would demo the Flame, the Pure and the Factor all three are great proven molds that have been around for years. Well best of luck to ya if you can DEMO,DEMO,DEMO its the only way to see what really feels good to you and thats what matters.

DEMO, that said. Demo the Liquid Force Trip, great great board that was the original basis for alot of pro LF boards in past years. On the Hyperlite side my vote is for an Belmont you can find or the Motive. All these boards are riden at pro and first time out levels. They are very versitile! The no stretch rope advice is also an extreamly important one.

As for what you want to be looking for.. Continuous rocker gives you speed and consistent pop in a more mellow longer line. While a 3 stage board gives you alot more abrupt straight up pop that is less predictable. The rocker refers to the curve of the board from nose to tail. Aside from the board, good snug bindings are important to keep you out on the water riding and to keep you from twisting anything and hurting yourself. As far as stiff/flexible and easy release/stay on your foot... thats all a matter of opinion.

Good luck!