Wakeboarding is one of the most adventurous ways to enjoy an afternoon on the water. There’s nothing like the thrill of being towed by a motorboat and feeling the spray of water on your face. Whether you’re enjoying a heart-stopping ride or you’re using the board to perform acrobatic tricks and jumps, using the best wakeboards can make all the difference in your experience. But with so many wakeboards on the market, how can you tell which one is the best one for your ride? Our guide to the best wakeboards can help you sort through all the options.
Product FAQ
Image by Herbert Aust from Pixabay
1. What Size and Weight Should I Look for in a Wakeboard?
The size and weight of a wakeboard help determine how it will perform in the water. Wakeboards that are heavier and longer tend to turn more slowly and lift out of the waterless, resulting in a much more stable ride. Lighter and shorter boards, on the other hand, are more nimble and more likely to rise out of the water. Beginning riders often opt for the stability of a heavier or longer board. Once you’ve gained some experience in the sport and have developed confidence in the water, a smaller and lighter board may be what you need to begin experimenting with tricks and jumps.
2. What Materials Are Wakeboards Constructed Out Of?
The best wakeboards are often constructed out of foam or fiberglass. Foam is lighter, more buoyant, and may result in a smoother ride. But foam boards are also less durable and don’t last as long. Fiberglass is much sturdier and will last longer.
3. What Is the Rocker?
The rocker describes the shape of the board and the amount of curve it has, which directly impacts the way the board performs in the water. The best wakeboards have either continuous or 3-stage rockers. Continuous rockers have one large and continuous curve, much like a rocking chair. Wakeboards with continuous rockers tend to move fast in the water and are easy to operate. Three-stage rockers essentially have a flat surface in the center of the board and upward curves on either end. Three-stage rockers move a little more slowly, but they also can achieve more height on jumps. One downside to 3-stage rockers is that their landings can be a little more intense and may put more strain on the body.
4. How Important Is It to Have Removable Fins?
The best wakeboards often have removable fins, or have a combination of removable and permanently attached fins. The advantage of removable fins is that you can customize the ride on your wakeboard. Remove the fins when you want a faster and looser ride. Reattach them when you’re riding in conditions where you want added stability.
5. What’s the Best Way to Maintain a Wakeboard?
To ensure that your wakeboard has a long life, keep it out of the sun when it’s not in use. It’s also a good idea to rinse it off with fresh water after you’ve ridden it in saltwater. Salt can cause corrosion on the board over time if it’s not washed off. Lastly, transport your wakeboard in a carrying case or bag whenever possible to guard against bumping and chipping.
6. Do Women or Children Require Wakeboards That Are Specially Designed for Them?
There are wakeboards on the market that are specially designed for women or for children. The best wakeboards for youth, who are generally smaller in stature, are shorter and/or lighter in weight. Some adult-sized wakeboards that are marketed to women are constructed using finishes that are more responsive to female riders.
7. What Design Features Should I Look for on the Base of the Wakeboard?
Wakeboards with smooth bottoms give the rider full control but also introduce a great deal of unpredictability. Wakeboards with channeled bottoms usually offer a smoother landing. The V-shaped bases typically found on 3-stage boards allow the rider to executive tricks and jumps with ease.
How We Reviewed the Best Wakeboards
Image by Herbert Aust from Pixabay
When evaluating the best wakeboards, we took a range of factors into consideration, including the construction of each board and the degree to which it offers lightweight maneuverability.
Overall Price Range of the Best Wakeboards
Image by David Mark from Pixabay
The best wakeboards range in price from $150 to more than $400 and are available at watersports stores, sporting goods outlets, and on online marketplaces like Amazon. Pricier wakeboards have design features that allow riders to customize the ride.
What We Reviewed
- Full Throttle Aqua Extreme
- RAVE Sports Lyric Premier
- O’Brien System Wakeboard
- Hyperlite Wakeboard
- Shane Dose Wakeboard-145
- Airhead Fluid
- Connelly Reverb
- Ronix One
- Hyperlite 2019 Motive Jr Wakeboard 119
- Hyperlite 134cm Prizm
Full Throttle Aqua Extreme wakeboard
- Multiple defined channels for increased stability and edge control
- Boots are included with board (universal sizing fits mens' size 7-13 shoe)
- Two removable fins & Quick tighten lace system
Features
The Full Throttle Aqua Extreme wakeboard is especially good for beginning and intermediate riders. Multiple defined channels run from the tip to the nose of this wakeboard, bolstering stability and control and making this a great choice for riders learning to keep their balance. This wakeboard has a layered glass sheet, two molded-in fins, and a continuous Rocker that effortlessly lifts riders off the wake and softens turns. The Full Throttle Aqua Extreme comes with lace-up boots and is appropriate for riders 155 pounds and up.
Warranty
The Full Throttle Aqua Extreme comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
PROS
- 2 molded fins
- Lace-up boots included
- Lightweight
- Graphic finish
Cons
- Some users complained about chipping
- Not as compatible with intermediate and advanced wakeboarders
Rave Sports Lyri
- The Lyric wakeboard features a 3 stage rocker (7.5cm/3" rocker) with a progressive edge that is rounded in center and...
- Constructed of RIM molded PU with Carbon Fiber reinforcement and a high density laminate core.
- Board size of 54" x 15.66" x .5" (137cm x 39.8cm x 1.27cm), best fit for riders over 125 lbs. (57 Kg)
Features
The Rave Sports Lyric is a durable wakeboard constructed out of high-density laminate with carbon fiber reinforcement. It’s an ideal wakeboard for beginners because of the stability it gets from larger fins and extra length and weight. The Rave Sports Lyric Premier is 4.6 feet long and 15 pounds in weight. Built-in tracking channels and the 2 fins mean this wakeboard offers a smooth ride and lots of hold on the water. It also cuts hard while performing surface tricks. This wakeboard performs best for riders weighing at least 125 pounds.
Warranty
The Rave Sports Lyric Premier comes with a one-year limited warranty.
PROS
- Great for beginning wakeboarders
- Easy to maneuver
- Stable
- Comes with adjustable, lined boots
- Durable
Cons
- Slightly heavier than some other wakeboards
O’Brien System wakeboard
- For 140-230 lb. Riders
- Size US Men's 11-14 bindings
- Continuous rocker keeps the board stable
Features
The O’Brien System wakeboard has a continuous rocker that makes for a smoother ride and gives you plenty of lifts if you want to perform tricks. A lightweight foam core makes it easy to maneuver this wakeboard. This wakeboard comes with boots that slip on easily with several different stance measurements. The O’Brien System Wakeboard also has center-mounted flank fins and dual channels at the tip and tail. This wakeboard performs best for riders weighing between 140 and 230 pounds.
Warranty
The O’Brien System Wakeboard comes with a one-year warranty.
PROS
- Available in 4 sizes
- Boots included
- 2 different color options
Cons
- Doesn’t fit as tightly as some advanced riders may want
Hyperlite Wakeboard
No products found.
Features
The Hyperlite Wakeboard is a great option for more experienced riders interested in performing tricks jumps. Constructed out of layered fiberglass, this wakeboard is lightweight and highly maneuverable. It has a 3-stage rocker, which gives riders the stability to jump off wakes. A unique feature on the Hyperlite Wakeboard is the 4 removable fins, which make it possible to customize how the board handles. Use the fins when you’re looking for a stable ride, and take them off when you’re ready to perform tricks and jumps. The Hyperlite Wakeboard is available in 3 different sizes.
Warranty
The Hyperlite Wakeboard comes with a 2-year warranty.
PROS
- 4 removable fins
- 3-stage rocker
- Great for advanced riders
- Lightweight
- Easy to maneuver
- Available in 3 sizes
Cons
- More expensive than some other wakeboards
Shane Dose Wakeboard
Features
The Shane Dose Wakeboard is a durable piece of sporting equipment, thanks to a wooden core with layered glass covering. This wakeboard has a continuous rocker line that offers a smooth ride. Four fins make it easy to customize your experience on this wakeboard while still achieving high speeds. This board is available in 2 different sizes — 137 cm and 145 cm.
Warranty
The Shane Dose Wakeboard comes with a lifetime return policy.
PROS
- Continuous rocker
- Durable
- Fast
Cons
- More expensive than some other wakeboards
Airhead Fluid wakeboard
- FLUID is designed for intermediate to expert riders weighing 90 -170 lbs. The 6 fin dual thruster setup provides the...
- Stay on edge, get more speed into the wake and stomp landings without slipping out
- The removable center fins provide tracking
Features
The Airhead Fluid wakeboard is ideal for riders weighing between 90 and 170 pounds. This wakeboard has a continuous rocker that makes for a fast ride. This wakeboard also has removable center fins and side fins that are curved and angled outwards at 11 degrees to provide an extra edge.
Warranty
The Airhead Fluid wakeboard comes with a one-year limited warranty.
PROS
- Continuous rocker
- Removable fins
- Angled side fins provide extra hold
- Ideal for intermediate to expert riders
Cons
- Not as effective with heavier riders.
Connelly Reverb
Features
The Connelly Reverb is a great wakeboard for beginning riders. At nearly 4.5 feet long, this wakeboard has a 3-stage rocker that offering stability. A V-tech tip and tail facilitate smooth transitions and landings, and a removable center fin offers additional control and customization.
Warranty
The Connelly Reverb wakeboard comes with a one-year limited warranty.
PROS
- Bright graphics
- 3-stage rocker
- Removable center fin
- Boots and bindings included
Cons
- May not be challenging enough for expert riders
- Some users complained about this board’s finish
Ronix One
No products found.
Features
The Ronix One is a durable wakeboard constructed with a second piece of glass wrapping through its fiberglass core. This wakeboard, which features a 3-stage rocker, also has built-in speed walls that enhance the performance. This is a lightweight wakeboard that offers smooth landings.
Warranty
The Ronix One comes with a one-year warranty.
PROS
- Durable
- 3-stage rocker
- Smooth landings
- Lightweight
Cons
- Expensive
Hyperlite 2019 Motive Jr Wakeboard
Features
The Hyperlite 2019 Motive Jr Wakeboard is a great board for youth who are just starting in the sport. At 3.8 feet long and 15 pounds in weight, this board is designed for smaller riders. The construction of this wakeboard integrates the top and bottom glass, resulting in a durable and lightweight piece of sporting equipment that handles well. The Hyperlite 2019 Motive Jr Wakeboard has fins that are molded into the board and a continuous rocker, which results in a more stable ride.
Warranty
The Hyperlite 2019 Motive Jr Wakeboard comes with a 2-year warranty.
PROS
- Continuous rocker
- Boots included
- Great for youth
- Forgiving ride
Cons
- Not designed for elaborate tricks and jumps
Hyperlite Prizm
- Satin flex
- A favorite among team riders
Features
The Hyperlite Prizm is specifically designed with the needs of female riders in mind. It is coated with a satin flex that is designed to respond to female riders. This wakeboard has a subtle 3-stage rocker. The construction of this wakeboard integrates the top and bottom glass, resulting in a durable and lightweight piece of sporting equipment that handles well. It is available in 2 sizes — 134 cm and 139 cm.
Warranty
The Hyperlite Prizm comes with a 2-year warranty.
PROS
- Lightweight and durable
- Designed for female riders
- Great handling
Cons
- Expensive
- Bindings not included
The Verdict
Image via Pexels
The Full Throttle Aqua Extreme is one of the best wakeboards. We loved the multiple defined channels that run from the tip to the nose of this wakeboard, bolstering stability and control and making this a great choice for beginning and intermediate riders still learning to keep their balance. This wakeboard has a layered glass sheet, two molded-in fins, and a continuous Rocker that will effortlessly lift riders off the wake and soften turns. The Full Throttle Aqua Extreme comes with lace-up boots and is appropriate for riders 155 pounds and up.
Featured Image by ivgrez from Pixabay
Last update on 2023-09-27 at 07:12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
