First and foremost, bindings should be comfortable and fit the shape of your foot. Like any sports footwear, when trying bindings, lace them up, stand in the appropriate position for the sport—in the case of wakeboarding, in a comfortable stance with knees bent—and assess how they feel.
Keep in mind that bindings need to be broken in. However, they will only stretch in width, not in length. The more time you spend in the bindings, the clearer it will become if they are comfortable for wakeboarding.
If possible, always try on bindings before purchasing!
What Is the Purpose of the Bindings?
- Are they for recreational, advanced, or professional use?
- Are you looking for equipment for inverted tricks or obstacle riding?
Types of Bindings
Bindings can be divided into two main categories:
- Fixed Bindings
- Combination Bindings (separate binding and shoe)
1. Fixed Bindings
These bindings are always screwed onto the board and remain on the board when you take it off. Fixed bindings come in two variations:
- Open-Toe Bindings: Suitable for beginners and intermediate riders.
- Closed-Toe Bindings: Recommended for advanced and professional use.
Characteristics of Fixed Bindings:
- The boot's upper part bears all the load.
- In cases of heavy impact, the upper can tear away from the baseplate, or the foot can push forward and damage the open-toe design.
- Users often tighten the laces to the maximum, which can wear out the lace holders quickly.
Important: Only tighten bindings as much as is comfortable! Overtightening will shorten the lifespan of the bindings.
2. Combination Bindings
In this type, the binding itself absorbs all the load, allowing the boot to be worn loosely or adjusted for comfort. There are two styles of combination bindings:
- High-Back Bindings: Provide radical edge control.
- Low-Support Bindings: Allow freer movement, ideal for obstacle riding.
Important Tip: Always loosen the laces when taking off or putting on the boot. Failure to do so can damage the internal structure of the binding or the boot.
Sizing
- Open-Toe Bindings: Typically come in size ranges (e.g., 35-39).
- Closed-Toe Bindings: Sized like regular shoes (e.g., size 42).
By understanding your needs and the differences between binding types, you’ll be better equipped to choose the perfect setup for your wakeboarding adventures.
For more assistance or to try out bindings, feel free to contact us at +36 70 229 4810 or use the chat window on our website.
Happy Riding!
The Buywake.hu Team