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Choosing the Best Wakeboard Rope

by: boarding007( 9839Feedback score is 5,000 to 9,999)
11 out of 11 people found this guide helpful.
Guide viewed: 2601 times Tags: Wakeboard | Wakeboard Rope | Wakeskate | Wakeboard Handle | Spectra Rope


Bullet Lines Wakeboard Ropes & Handles

Whether you are a veteran wake boarder performing 360s with ease, or new to the sport, you probably put a lot of thought into your choice of wakeboards. But any professional will tell you, without the solid basics like wakeboard rope and handles, the best wakeboard won’t get you too far. Using the proper wakeboard rope is key to really enjoying this adrenalin pumping sport. With substandard or inappropriate wakeboard rope, your best maneuvers may be stopped short and with devastating results. Good wakeboard rope will provide you with the confidence and strength to perform all the right moves.

What to Look for In Wakeboard Rope

Quality wakeboard rope will have virtually no stretch to it at all. Unlike water-skiing rope, wakeboard rope relies on the tautness to propel riders above the wake. While the length of wakeboard rope can vary from 45 to 70 feet or more depending upon the riders experience and needs, the tensile strength should fall within specific parameters. Well made wakeboard rope should possess a tensile strength of at least 2000 lbs., with the best quality wakeboard ropes offering tensile strength over 4000 lbs.

Potential Damage to Your Wakeboard Rope

Wakeboard rope should also provide significant protection from the elements. Highly resistant wakeboard rope will stand up against constant tension, UV rays, salty sea-water and abrasion. You want a wakeboard rope that is light-weight, but with a high breaking strength.

What’s in a Name for Wakeboard Rope?

As the sport of wakeboarding has evolved professionals have come to rely on certain materials and fibers to offer security and confidence in their choice of wakeboard rope. Such materials are Spectra and Dyneema. You will notice many wakeboard rope retailers advertising the use of Spectra for some great reasons. First of all, this is a fiber which is actually 10 times stronger than steel. Remarkably, however, Spectra weighs significantly less. Due to its low specific gravity, wakeboard rope made from Spectra will float. All of these factors are important considerations in wakeboard rope.

Proper Maintenance of Wakeboard Rope

One thing you don’t want to happen while you are boarding is an unexpected rebound or breakage. In fact, the proper tightening of your wakeboard rope is what launches you into the air as you ride up and off the wake. So in addition to strong tensile strength and protective coating, you will need to maintain your wakeboard rope appropriately. Although your wakeboard rope may have additional UV protection of some sort, you will want to keep it stored out of direct sunlight. The UV rays can damage the fibers of your wakeboard rope significantly. It is wise to alternate use among several wakeboard ropes, as well as to switch rope ends each time. Finally, rinse your wakeboard rope with fresh water after each use, and wash it occasionally with a mild detergent to prolong its life. Ultimately, the small amount of time you invest in the purchase of a high quality wakeboard rope will be repaid with confident rides and effortless maneuvers on your wakeboard.

 


Guide ID: 10000000004014027Guide created: 07/13/07 (updated 07/29/09)

 
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