We've come a long way since the super stretchy towline that Mick would use to pull the tube through the rollers.  Even the most high-end ski ropes have a bit of stretch in them.  You may be asking, "What does stretch have to do with wake ropes?"  The bottom line in wakeboard ropes is NO-STRETCH! (Pardon my caps locks)  Please let me explain why we want no-stretch wake ropes in the two following scenarios:

You're cutting into the wake with a stretchy line.  The line grows 3 inches as you load it up.  Popping off the wake, your board releases from the water and you start to spin a frontside three.  Just as you leave the water, the line decides it wants the 3 inches back that you 'stole'.  This jerk in the line pulls you forward off your rotation, and you case the wake nose first.  Sorry for the graphic account, but I feel it is my duty to inform the world about the evils of stretchy line.

 Now imagine the same situation, but with a Spectra no-stretch line.  You're out in the flats eyein' up the frothy kicker.  As you press back on your heels loading the line, it stays the same length with all the leverage of your heel edge held against it.  When you pop off the wake the power in the line pulls you smoothly and consistently through the air.  You had planned on spinning a three, but with the added comfort you feel in the arms of the Spectra, you go for a five and stomp the landing, OOOWWWEEE!

To summarize- you want to ride with Spectra (no-stretch) line.  You don't want to ride with stretchy line.  That's the lowdown...now here's the breakdown.

Note: Wake ropes range in length from 65'-80' and can be adjusted in 5' sections.  Handles at 5' to the length of the rope.

THREE ROPE TYPES

Spectra (No-stretch)- This is the line you need!  Spectra is a fiber that has virtually no stretch factor, it's smooth and consistent.

Polyethylene (Low-stretch)- Ropes made of "Poly" have some stretch to them.  At Dj's Boardshop we understand that it's not always possible to throw down the $ for the Spectra.  If it's Poly or no water time, by all means, get the Poly.  It's also cheap back up line to have in the boat.

Tube and Ski (Super-stretch)- Just say No!

WAKE HANDLES

If you're coming from the world of water skiing, wake handles probably seem freaking huge!  Handles range in size from 15"-17".  They are designed to be there when you need a little something extra to grab on to (i.e. flips, rolls, spins).  Most handles come with a neoprene wrap on the neck of the handle or just past it.  This keeps the handle floating on the surface.  The grip on handles can vary from a smooth, no-stick surface, to a chuncky grip pattern.  The two main differences in shapes of handles are the traditional triangle handle and the "wrapped handle".  Wrapped handles have a second small handle several inches from the neck of the main handle which is used to help with spins.

We hope this helps!  Let us know if you have any questions on lines or handles.
Best,
Dj
Dj's Boardshop