When talking about wakeboard bindings, there is really no such thing as one-size-fits-all. The good news, though, is that there is a binding that will fit your needs and preferences. Taking into consideration riding style and preferences, you can easily narrow down options out of the crowds of options. The best wakeboard bindings will take you to a whole new different level of comfort and performance.
At times, wakeboarders overlook the benefits offered by bindings, especially when choosing a wake setup. True, wake boots may not be as interesting as having a new wakeboard, but without a binding attachment that is well-fitting to the new board, you will end up having a hard time maximizing the benefits expected of it. Since there are a number of factors that need to be taken into consideration when choosing the best wakeboard bindings that will meet your needs, we have rounded up the best options that are currently out there.
Airhead Binding Venom Wakeboard – Best Fit and Comfort
Rating: 4.5/5
Technical Specs:
- Size: 4 to 8
- Closure Type: Lace-up
- Item Weight: 3.75 pounds
Product Specification
- Subtle and Sleek Design
The Airhead Venom wakeboard is known for its subtle and sleek design. It features a simple and oftentimes understated look, looking amazing without unnecessarily being too loud. Aside from its looks and appeal, these bindings also stand out pretty well because of the level of comfort that it offers. It also features a completely adjustable design, accommodating a wide size range.
- Open Toe Design
One of the nice things about these wakeboard bindings is the use of an open-toe design. This choice of design allows your feet to breathe. On top of that, it uses specific plates for the feet, ensuring easy entrance and an amazing fit.
- Thumbscrew system
This wakeboard bindings also use a thumbscrew system that makes sure that you will not end up losing the mounting hardware accidentally. Another interesting feature is the flexible plastisol overlay, combined with an easy-to-adjust lace system. All of these elements result in a comfortable wakeboarding equipment piece.
- Reputable Company
Airhead is no doubt one of the first manufacturers that you would think of when talking about watersports. The company has been in this field for decades already, which is why it is not really surprising that they completely know the needs of its customers, and how these needs will be met.
Pros
- Better fit with specific plates
- Adjustable closure system
- Easy entry
- Adjustable size
Cons
- Not fit for older wakeboard models
Hyperlite Team X Mens Wakeboard Bindings – Best in Ankle Support
Rating: 4.5/5
Technical Specs:
- Size: 7-8; 9-10
- Closure Type: Cinch Lace
- Item Weight: 6 pounds
Product Specification
- Versatile Design
One thing that stands out with this wakeboard bindings is their versatility. This means that it is nice to use whether you have already been wakeboarding for years, or still consider yourself as a beginner. It features a mid-level flex, offering a lot of ankle support, along with heel hold while offering a bit of forgiveness and flex wherever needed.
- Integrated Ankle Harness
Another favorite feature of this model is its integrated ankle harness. It has been built directly into the bindings’ customized dual-lacing system. This works hand-in-hand with its Hypercrush EVA cushioned impact feature, durable injected polymer plate system, and heat-moldable and 3D formed liner.
- Ideal for Beginners and Intermediate Riders
This results in a product that offers high-end features that you could ever need. As such, this is ideal for riders with intermediate skills who are looking at taking their riding experience a level higher, or for beginners who are looking for bindings that will grow with them. It also features a taller cuff height, providing all the needed support for a quality ride while hitting the wake.
- Extra Features
Other features included in this product are the multi-density internal upper support system that safely attaches the upper part to the plate, thus resulting in a responsive feel while riding.
It also comes with a 3-part construction, composed of the following: traction durability (outsole), impact resistance (midsole), and comfort & arch support (insole).
Pros
- Fusion plate system
- EVA outsole
- Internal upper support
Cons
- Quite pricey
CWB Board Co Men’s Faction Wakeboard Boots – Ideal for Its Softer Landings
Rating: 4.5/5
Technical Specs:
- Size: L (10-11); XL (11-12)
- Closure Type: Dual lace system
- Item Weight: 5.2 pounds
Product Specification
- Dependable Features
The manufacturer’s use of an infinity base plate system is considered one of the best in this industry. It offers you everything that you can find in high-end models, at a good price. The use of a supportive outer boot, along with a Cush liner and a dual lace system offers incomparable fit and comfort.
A lot of riders agree that trying a pair of these bindings for Faction boots will allow you to experience a stronger, lighter, and better-fitting pair that will ensure a good wakeboarding experience.
- Multiple Sizes Available
The LTD faction bindings are available in multiple size options, including medium, large, and extra-large sizes. This means that there will always be a pair that will best suit your needs and preferences.
These bindings will prove useful in achieving your wakeboarding stunt executions. Because they are designed to be strong and light, they are useful, ideal to be added to your wakeboard.
- Softer Landings
The impact and result of hard landings towards the body can result in body pain, or even failure to ride your board in an effective and efficient manner. This is not a problem with these bindings, thanks to its use of shock pads and Cush liner. They are designed to reduce the shock that is caused by huge and hard landings.
- Huge Center Spine
These bindings also come with a huge center spine that runs from the tip to rail, assisting in the provision of softer landings, while minimizing the impact on the rider’s knees. On top of that, it offers a good amount of grip because it comes with four fins. It comes with a continuous rocker, with a size of 2.49 inches, making it ideal enough for an ideal wakeboarding experience.
Pros
- Faction bindings included
- Great grip offered
- Durable and lightweight
Cons
- It Maybe challenging for beginners to use
O’Brien Connect Wakeboard Binding – Best for Beginner to Intermediate Riders
Rating: 4/5
Technical Specs:
- Size: 4-6
- Closure Type: Velcro straps
- Item Weight: ~
Product Specification
- Entry Level Design
The bindings are what you need as you improve your wakeboarding skills. This is an amazing entry-level boot that is ideal for both beginner and intermediate wakeboarders. Its simple design and useful features would definitely make for an effective first pair of bindings. The price is affordable too.
- Maximum Heel and Hold Support
These bindings feature the use of J Bars, offering maximum heel and hold support. This ensures that your feet stay comfortable. It also uses Velcro straps for its closure system, making it easy to slip in and off. This simple design makes it easy to use, even favored by those who prefer this type of closure than the use of laces. S
- Other Effective Features
Other interesting features offered by these bindings include the Superior Orthotic Footbed. The bindings also use a Strobel lasted liner, which is based on the design of a wakeboard. It also comes with a CMEVA outsole that takes the level of comfort to a higher notch.
- Open Toe Design
The use of an open-toe design for these bindings ensures more fit and flexibility. As such, these bindings are able to accommodate a wide range of foot sizes. Along with its lube-free entry design, there is no need to worry about sliding your feet in and out or tugging the laces for an amazing fit.
Pros
- More fit and flexibility
- More responsive boot design
- Lube free entry
Cons
- Wide size
Airush Core Wakeboard Bindings– Best in Impact Absorption
Rating: 4/5
Technical Specs:
- Size: 6-7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12-13
- Closure Type: Velcro strap
- Item Weight: ~
Product Specification
- Ease of Entry
These bindings specifically focus on creating a performance binding, combined with absolute ease of entry. This Airush core boot offers a good combination of comfort and primary fit, thanks to its use of a Velcro closure that is designed especially for single-hand function.
- Unique Velcro Closure
This model uses a unique Velcro closure system that works by engaging the hell lock system, especially when the middle Velcro strap is already engaged. This works together with its close-toe design, along with extra Velcro straps. With all of these features, the Core boot is an ideal kite binding.
- Comfort Features
These bindings use plush inner memory foam, combined with a dual-density footbed that introduces a better level of comfort. Other features include heavy-duty, reinforced, and double-stitched base plate and upper connection, entirely maximizing these bindings’ long-term performance.
- Baseless System
A revolutionary baseless system is what these bindings have to offer. It comes with an original low-profile design offering amazing board control. It is also ultra-light for a reduction in its overall swing weight. It can be mounted into the universal 6-inch hole pattern that works by reducing heel and toe lift while maximizing the transfer of energy.
- Reduced Baseplate Contact Points
To ensure better control and feel, these bindings use reduced baseplate contact points for improved impact absorption. To make things easier, the package comes with the needed mounting hardware. It is even designed for easy use while allowing you to control your board well.
Pros
- Easy entry
- Comfortable fit
- Single-hand function
Cons
- Some issue with binding durability
Buyer’s Guide
There are some things to take into consideration when selecting the best wakeboard bindings. These bindings vary in closure systems, flex, and the way in which they are attached to your board. Note that there is no single binding for all. Getting the right one, however, can amazingly enhance your skill levels and abilities fast.
Before getting one for yourself, you may want to take some time in familiarizing some of the types of bindings that are available for you to choose from, as well as some terms that you might encounter:
Flex
As a general rule of thumb, the stiffer the wakeboard bindings are, the better carving and speed you can expect. On the other hand, the softer they are, the better maneuverability they can offer for executing tricks. As such, it depends on personal preference along with the purpose of use.
Also, boots with stiffer flex offer more ankle support as you ride, while the softer ones give you the freedom to tweak your wakeboard easily as you land tricks.
Closure Systems
The following are some of the most common types of closure systems used in wakeboard bindings:
- Laces and Fasteners
They are the most efficient and common type of closure system used in most wakeboard bindings.
- Hinges
Hinges make it easy for easy slipping in and out of your boots. The hinge can be found on the boot heel, allowing you to open it easily, flipping a lever instead of entering right into a narrow entrance at the ankle.
- Boa Lacing System
This type of closure system is similar to the ones that are used in snowboard boots. They are fast and easy to tighten up, which means that there is no need to spend too much time lacing up the boots.
- Velcro Straps
The use of Velcro strap is another efficient closure system that does not need tying laces.
Binding Style
In order to ensure the best fit, it is often recommended to get your set of bindings even if you are using a shared wakeboard. They are easier to swap on the boat in between rides.
- System Bindings
System bindings are somewhat similar to the bindings used for snowboards. They feature ratchet straps and highback frames across the toes and ankles, taking a custom design for the boot. This allows riders to customize the fit, securing the complete leg, and not just the toes and heel.
- Open-Toe
Boots with an open-toe design provide your toes with breathing space, allowing you to stretch out better than close-toe boots. They are recommended for kids who are still continuing to grow. They are also ideal for those who are planning to use a single wakeboard boat.
- Closed-Toe
Boots with a closed-toe design provide a better fit. This translates to better leverage, control, and faster heel-to-toe response. They also help in keeping your fit feel warmer, which may prove to be an issue if you are planning to ride in climates that are colder.
FAQs
Are the best wakeboard bindings always the expensive ones?
Not really. Still, the ones that are more expensive have the tendency to last longer. They are also mostly represented by the most reputable brands in the industry.
How do you choose the right wakeboarding bindings for your needs?
When choosing the best wakeboard bindings, the right one that fits needs to be tight enough, but not too much that it would already be very uncomfortable, hindering you from walking well. It should be snug and comfortable. Your boots need to be tight because you definitely would not want them to slip off your feet as you do enjoy the sport. You may want to look for bindings that feature heat-molded liners. These types of liners offer a better fit for your wakeboard bindings without the need to use a lubricant.
How do you know the best size for good wakeboard bindings?
The options for wakeboard bindings are usually available in US sizes. If you are only familiar with the UK size, there is no need to worry much. For males, all you need to do is to add one from the UK size, and that automatically becomes the US size. For women, two should be added. Out of that measurement, you can try out different bindings in order to find out which one is best for your needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Finding the best wakeboard bindings is similar to selecting a new pair of shoes. It is very important to look for the best one that you find most comfortable with. This means aiming to have one that is snug and cozy, given that bindings secure you to your wakeboard. Having one that is too tight or too light might end up very uncomfortable.
There are a lot of factors to take into consideration when choosing the best wakeboard bindings, including the fit, flex, system, and closure of the bindings. This does not even mention the specific types of features securing you to your wakeboard. Since the options can turn out to be overwhelming, starting out from this list is a good way to choose the best wakeboard bindings