The good news is that there are a lot of options to choose from. They are designed for wakeboarders and are laid out to ensure that they stay free of injuries. Based on extensive research and experience, we have rounded up a list of the best wakeboard rope options available on the market these days. Check them out and see what they have to offer in order to make a wise purchasing decision in the end.
Top 5 Best Wakeboard Rope
Airhead Dyneema Thermal Wakeboard Rope
Rating: 4.5/5
Technical Specs:
- Length: 70 feet
- Weight: 1.55 pounds
- Special Feature: zero stretches for instant response
Product Specification
- Durable construction
The Airhead Dyneema wakeboard rope is constructed using fiber that is stronger than steel. It virtually revolutionizes a wide range of industries, including the sports industry, particularly in wakeboarding sport.
This wakeboard rope also claims to offer zero stretches to ensure an instantaneous and crisp response. These features are all packed in a bright green package of 70-feet length, containing a five-foot handle bridle, along with a four-section mainline.
- Inflexible and Durable
This wakeboard rope from Airhead is relatively inflexible and rigid, boasting a total of 2000 pound break resistance, floating in the water, making it an almost perfect solution to the wide range of different problems that are posed by wakeboarding.
To ensure extra durability, the complete length of this material is proudly made out of a waterproof PVC tube. If you have the right resources and are able to pay a hefty price for a model that can really perform well, then this thermal wakeboard is an amazing option for you to take into consideration.
- Wide EVA Grip
This wakeboard rope is 15 inches in width and is equipped with two foam floats, along with a full-length PVC tube for extra durability. A rope keeper is also included to ensure tangle-free storage.
Pros
- Offers good flexibility
- Stronger and more durable than steel
- Lightweight yet strong
Cons
- Quite pricey than others
Hyperlite SG Wakeboard Handle W/A-Line Mainline
Rating: 4.5/5
Technical Specs:
- Length: 85 feet
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Special Feature: Anti-Roll System (ARS) endcaps
Product Specification
- Rope and Handle Package
This product is a rope and handles package that includes an A-Line mainline. It can also be extended up to a total length of 85 feet. This is a professional-level handle that uses a sublimated stitched grip which includes new and lightweight end caps. This package is capable of delivering a solid grip.
- Silicon Coating
To further ensure the durability of this product, silicon coating is used in order to offer an amazing float. It is also very easy on the hands, thanks to its design of take-off sections in 5 inches, from 85 to 65-inch adjustments. The handle also features stitched covering that offers amazing comfort and good grip. This means that it has the capacity to hold up better compared to other models that use foam covers.
- Different Color Options
Another bonus offered by this wakeboard rope is the different color options. This means that you can choose one with a color that will best represent your preferences and style. This could give you more fun during the entire experience while ensuring a bright experience while wakeboarding.
Pros
- Complete rope and handle package
- Different colors included
- The rope can be extended in length
Cons
- Some concerns with the durability
Pro Wakesurf Rope
Rating: 4.5/5
Technical Specs:
- Length: 25 inches
- Weight: 2.55 pounds
- Special Feature: Double thick floating rope
Product Specification
- Professional Use
This wakeboard rope from SWELL is designed to make sure that your time while doing your favorite water sport is memorable, comfortable, and fun. It is designed for professional users. If you consider yourself a beginner but are planning to learn new jumps, then the SWELL wakesurf rope may be a good option that you can take into consideration.
- Soft Grip Handle
This board comes equipped with a 10-inch soft-grip handle. This gives you the assurance of a safe and comfortable grip. Its softness will make the pressure of the tug bearable, unlike the ones that are used in other models. No wonder this is a recommended product of choice among professional wakeboarders.
- ¾-inch Main Line
The use of a ¾-inch floating mainline is designed to offer easy grip and safety while making sure that it stays afloat above water.
Pros
- Comfortable to use
- Ideal for beginners
- Different color options available
Cons
- Some issues with durability
Seachoice Seachoice 86726 5-Section Reflective Wakeboard Rope
Rating: 4/5
Technical Specs:
- Length: 75 feet
- Weight: 1.95 pounds
- Special Feature: Reflective tracker
Product Specification
- Breaking Strength
The overall breaking strength that is offered by a tow rope is what ultimately determines its main application. Ski and wakeboard ropes usually offer a minimum breaking strength of about 1,000 pounds.
This rope is designed to tow inflatables and tubes, which is why it offers higher breaker strength, considering the potential number of riders that need to be towed. As a reminder of the manufacturer, it is not recommended to use a wakeboard rope in pulling a tube, making sure that your rope is strong enough to offer this possibility.
- Dependable Length
This wakeboard rope features a length of 75 feet. This is one of the most important features that you need to look into. It also comes in several sections of different lengths. The purpose of these sections is to allow the wakeboarder to find the best spot in the wake of the boat.
This wakeboard rope is safe enough, thanks to its length, as ropes that are shorter than this length may put riders in the wake’s crest, where they will experience a total splash on the face.
- High-Quality Material
This wakeboard from Seachoice is made out of 16-strand polypropylene, selected for its high-performance strength-to-weight ratio, a wide range of colors available, resilience, and lower cost.
It is also designed to offer rot and mildew resistance, which is why you can expect that it can retain strength compared with other materials. When exposed to heavier loads, a rope that is made out of polypropylene has the capacity to stretch 2 to 3 percent of its length. This means that it easily goes back to its original length as the load is removed. It also floats on water as a bonus.
- Safety and Protective Features
This wakeboard rope comes with a number of features that make it last longer while allowing you to experience fun and enjoyment on the water. For example, it is equipped with UV protective coating, protecting it from the harmful effects of the ultraviolet rays coming from the sun.
It also comes with a reflective tracker, allowing it to be seen easily on the surface. At the same time, its rope keeper is added to ensure that the rope is coiled, kept out of the way when it is stored, and not in use.
Pros
- Reflective features
- High-quality material
- Extended length
Cons
- Some issues with the long length
OBrien 4-Section Poly-E Wake Combo Rope
Rating: 4/5
Technical Specs:
- Length: 55 to 70 inches
- Weight: 2.8 pounds
- Special Feature: Combo Rope
Product Specification
- Highly Adjustable Line Length
This combo rope is the only rope that you would need for various purposes, whether you are into wakeboarding or kneeboarding. You will certainly appreciate its use of a highly adjustable line length, with its three removable sections, along with a 55 mainline that gives you a range of customizable lengths.
- Extra Large Floating Handle
This board rope also comes with an extra-large floating handle that is huge enough to offer enough room for leverage, especially when doing spins. Its oversized 15 handle offers extra space to ensure better leverage, comfortable hold, and superior traction.
- Three Removable Sections
The three removable sections allow for easy adjustment, with lengths ranging from 55 to 70. As a bonus, its use of Low Stretch Poly E Construction makes it possible for consistent pulls, keeping the line and handle just above the water when stopped.
Pros
- Multi-purpose use
- Customizable lengths
- Superior traction
Cons
- Some issues with length
Buyer’s Guide
When choosing the type of wakeboarding rope to buy, what really matters, in the end, is a personal preference. However, there are factors that you might also want to take into consideration. After all, each rope may come with different specifications and features. Here are some of them:
Purpose of Use
It is very important to get the right type of rope, that is, one that is designed for wakeboarding. Some riders make the mistake of settling for a rope that is designed for other activities, such as a ski rope. Choosing the best type of wakeboard rope is a very important tool since it can make your overall performance more enjoyable.
In general, a rope that is stretchy is a no-no for wakeboarding. A stretchy rope will hinder you from performing many wakeboard tricks. As such, it is best not to settle with a substandard wakeboard rope, with a stretchy handle.
Material
The rope is usually made of different types of materials. Some are made of Dyneema, some with Spectra. Others are also made with polyester. These types of materials offer different characteristics in terms of performance and look. For example, ropes that are designed with Spectra offer zero-stretch features and are known to be durable, floating effortlessly on water, and ultra-lightweight.
On the other hand, Dyneema constructed ropes offer strong resistance to abrasion, UV, and saltwater. Poly E materials may be considered the least expensive option but may stretch out of their length when used. They are more ideal for beginners and learners, but they are not ideal for experienced wakeboarders. Because of their varying characteristics, the material to be used for wakeboarding will entirely depend on what is ideal for you.
Material Summary:
Dyneema
This type of material used for wakeboard rope is incredibly strong. Typically, it is used with high-end, more expensive ropes. As a matter of fact, Dyneema ropes are known for being as strong as wires, holding up well even with UV and saltwater.
Spectra
This type of rope is usually very light. The reason is that it is made out of fiber, and is stronger than steel. This only means that it is also durable, and has the capacity to float well in water.
Poly E (PE)
Even though Poly E ropes are not as strong when compared to the first ones listed in this list, it has the capacity to offer a small stretch. As such, it is generally cheaper than others and may be a good option if you need a spare rope or if you are on a budget.
Solin
Solin is as strong and tough as Dyneema. The only difference is that it does not float well. It is often selected as an alternative to Dyneema because it is also a cheaper option, though it has the tendency to tangle easily.
Length
The lengths of wakeboards range from 55 to over 75 feet. Your choice of length will highly depend on your personal preference, experience level, and boat wake. After all, wakeboarding should be an adventure that is comfortable. Because of this, it is very important to choose the right rope that can offer you the best comfort. The length just is enough, not too long not too short. If you find it challenging to clear the wake, then a shorter rope will be better for you.
It is observed that beginners ride better with ropes that are 65 feet in length or longer. The length is enough to allow them to perform basic tricks, and in turn on the wakeboard. Apparently, a rope that is longer in length will be better for experienced wakeboarders because it is best in gaining more speed while improving maneuverability.
Handle
When wakeboarding, it is very important to have a good grip on the rope of the wakeboarding. As such, it is important that the rope is comfortable and durable enough. There are various materials that are often used in the handle design. Still, it is best to consider ergonomics, choosing one that can offer an excellent grip.
Some tow rope features aluminum-coated handles that offer better grip while doing wakeboard tricks. Aside from the type of material used for the handle, it is also important to consider the size of the rope. Handles are usually 6 to 15 inches in width.
Note that the longer the handles, the easier it will be for you to perform different tricks using the rope. Therefore, if you are looking at achieving a better grip, with more opportunities of completing more tricks, then it would be best to choose ropes that are more extended, with broader handles.
FAQs
Is it possible to use ski rope for wakeboarding?
If you consider yourself as a beginner who is still trying to discover the basic things about wakeboarding, then using a ski rope is a possibility. However, if you have finally gotten the hang of it and are ready to start learning the jumps, then you might want to consider changing to using a wakeboard rope.
Is it possible to shorten a wakeboard rope?
It is recommended to buy the rope with the appropriate length because shortening it may only weaken it. However, if lending it to others is an option for you, you may want to figure out the shortest length you want your rope to be, and pinch it into the length desired as you hold the other end using your other hand. You can then let go of your hand in order to create a loop. Form a boat arch, going beneath while crossing the rope. Lastly, bring it back on top, securing and pulling it tight.
Conclusion
Wakeboard ropes are very important as a part of your wakeboarding gear because they can provide you with the needed protection, allowing you to perform tricks while making sure that you are comfortable along the way. If you are searching for the best wakeboard rope, the list above will help you with the basic things that you need to take into consideration.
This list has provided you with the best options there, paying close attention to durability, design, and overall quality. Even though each option comes with its own pros and cons, they are among the highly favored options out there. Checking out the list and the features is a good place to start.