Need a new wakeboard rope and handle

[LSVLance]

But I'll be darned if I can find a thread on it (and I did look ).

I've been using the rope and handle that came with my Hyperlite starter kit (fluid 137 board and spins) for 6 years now, and last week I rode behind my friends boat and realized that my rope is stretching like crazy...so it's time for a new one.

So I went shopping and it didn't take long for my head to start spinning...

So I thought I'd ask for suggestions on what you guys like. I'm not looking for a bargain rope and handle, yet I'm no where near a good enough boarder to demand the very best of the best. I want a comfortable handle to hopefully extend my runs and a rope that doesn't stretch...

I looked at the straight lines and accurates...just because I recognized the names...but would feel better spending that kind of coin if I had a reccomendation or two first..

So what say you? What should I buy and where?

thanks in advance...

[LSVLance]

Oh....and I just found the discount code for us over at wake-space.com...so if you reccommend a set that they have in stock, that'd be even better...

[johnsvt]

Just ordered Proline LG handle and rope combo. Did have hyperlite neoprene handle and only lasted 3-4 months.

[ffdawg]

Nice rope. Made by Helium:

http://www.inlandsurfer.com/accessories.htm

[obski]

I have really liked the Viper lines. They don't stretch, look good, and hold up well. They are also easy to handle.

I have used different handles, but have been liking the carbon handle from SL that my daughter has. If I needed a new one, that is what I would go with.

I saw that Wake-space has this one: handle and line combo.

[LSVLance]

Just ordered Proline LG handle and rope combo. Did have hyperlite neoprene handle and only lasted 3-4 months.

What is that leather grip like? I wonder how it will hold up over time... I had my cheapo starter rope and handle for 6-7 years, if I spend $180 on a new set, it better last me a lifetime...

[LSVLance]

I have really liked the Viper lines. They don't stretch, look good, and hold up well. They are also easy to handle.

I have used different handles, but have been liking the carbon handle from SL that my daughter has. If I needed a new one, that is what I would go with.

I saw that Wake-space has this one: handle and line combo.

That looks nice... What is the advantage of the carbon handle? I'm assuming it's very light and sturdy? Does it float?

[johnsvt]

Just ordered Proline LG handle and rope combo. Did have hyperlite neoprene handle and only lasted 3-4 months.

What is that leather grip like? I wonder how it will hold up over time... I had my cheapo starter rope and handle for 6-7 years, if I spend $180 on a new set, it better last me a lifetime...

Alot of the guys at wakeworld seem to like this combo. I spent 82.00 plus shipping from tom at DWC.

[LSVLance]

Alot of the guys at wakeworld seem to like this combo. I spent 82.00 plus shipping from tom at DWC.

$82 for the rope AND handle? Where is this DWC you speak of?

[obski]

I have really liked the Viper lines. They don't stretch, look good, and hold up well. They are also easy to handle.

I have used different handles, but have been liking the carbon handle from SL that my daughter has. If I needed a new one, that is what I would go with.

I saw that Wake-space has this one: handle and line combo.

That looks nice... What is the advantage of the carbon handle? I'm assuming it's very light and sturdy? Does it float?

The carbon handle is light and strong. It has a good feel when you are boarding because of that stiffness. I don't really remember if it floats or not.

I noticed that the Viper line they have listed at Wake-space is 75'. The new lines are 78' with 3', 5', and 10' sections. The new handles come with 2' of line instead of 5' so that full length is still 80', but would be 83' if paired with an older handle.

[johnsvt]

Alot of the guys at wakeworld seem to like this combo. I spent 82.00 plus shipping from tom at DWC.

$82 for the rope AND handle? Where is this DWC you speak of?

http://boardersmall.com/xcart/home.php call Tom, tell him Ewing sent you and you are a malibu crew member he likes us peeps and yes line and handle.

Edited July 4, 2007 by johnsvt

[LSVLance]

http://boardersmall.com/xcart/home.php call Tom, tell him Ewing sent you and you are a malibu crew member he likes us peeps and yes line and handle.

Thanks, I'll do that tomorrow...

[LouDoc]

I recently got a Helium 85' rope with the cable coating and a comfy handle on Ebay from DJ's boardshop. I love the cable rope because my wife usually brings the rope around quite quickly and my hand doesn't burn with the coated rope. The handle has the soft foam (I believe its an Accurate handle retails for about $60). I got both rope and handle for $110. I've also found some other good deals on Ebay such as the Jacket series - you should be able to get that rope for $60-$70 on ebay.

[LSVLance]

Just ordered Proline LG handle and rope combo.

Well, that's the one I just ordered as well...

Thanks man, that was a screaming deal....

Edited July 5, 2007 by LSVLance

[timmypop]

I was afraid people would recommend the carbon handle. I purchased the exact Eclipse SL carbon handle with the purchase of my new boat last year. I had already purchased the handle when I was talking with a pro rider the next weekend. He said he didn't ride with one because it about tore his arm off when he missed a grab. Unlucky for sure, but how often could that happen.

The following weekend I found out. The short version is I was pulling in for a normal air and got pitched out. I knew I was crashing and prepared for impact as normal. The next thing I knew I came up and was in unbelievable pain. I realized my arm went through the handle and got caught while crashing. People in the boat said I just about ripped the tower off. My arm luckily became free and the handle came off, but not before doing incredible damage. Brand new boat, first month of the season and I was done. 6 months of intense rehab just to get it straight agian. I can finally ride thankfully.

The carbon handle now sits in my garage. True this could happen with any handle, but I would like to beleive that a softer handle would not do as much damage and certainly it is flexible so if it does, it may come free easier.

Maybe this will prove my point. Picture

I've got a slightly used handle in my garage if anyone is interested

[superjet]

I really like the Accurate A Line. It has held up to two years of use and is just starting to show some wear.

Just ordered Proline LG handle and rope combo.

Well, that's the one I just ordered as well...

Thanks man, that was a screaming deal....

[vlx4me]

I love carbon handles. I like the accurates and yes they float.

Edited September 14, 2007 by vlx4me

[chathamsolutions]

Sorry to hear about your carbon accident. I also hear they crack, fill up with water and then are lame.

You can find a decent handle and rope for $100. I always look at the boat shows and find a combo for $100. That usually lasts me 2 seasons. I've learned to always keep a spare on board.

I.E. http://boardersmall.com/xcart/product.php?...=297&page=1

I just bought this rope from this guy:

http://cgi.ebay.com/75-COATED-SPECTRA-WAKE...1QQcmdZViewItem

It's not the greatest rope, but it IS spectra and it is mostly covered. The only wear areas are the places where the rope isn't covered. And that's at the connection points for the extentions. $50 for a covered rope is a deal.

I switched to a covered rope this last season and won't go back. It loops easier, goes through your hands easier when you're waiting in the water for the handle to get to you, and is obviously going to hold up better over time.

I'd highly recommend getting a covered rope. Also - for the first time this season I went over my rope with my prop. I saw it coming and killed the engine, but the prop was spinning. I grabbed my goggles and dove under - it had only wrapped 3 times around the axle - but no cuts anywhere.

If your rope and handle are lasting 6 years, you need to get out on the water more often

[Gordo]

I bought the Proline Delta Carbon about 2 months ago and we like it a lot.

[Bill_AirJunky]

Hooking your arm in the handle is definitely a drag & will tear you up good. And I've never been a fan of the carbon handles....... too many broken handle stories out there........ever pull carbon fiber splinters out of your skin? It ain't pretty.

But the two issues are really not related. You can hook your arm in just about any handle. And with the super high strength of these ropes we use, they aren't going to be the first thing to give. Do yourself & your riding buddies a favor & get yourself a quick release. Comptech makes the best, swivels & has both a manual & automatic setting. But there are plenty of others, including some really simple, inexpensive ones.

I use a CinchMax release which is really just a velcro link in your rope. Stays on my rope/handle no matter what boat I'm riding behind. If you get hooked in the rope/handle, the velcro will release long before your body does. I've been using it for like 4 or 5 years on every ride. I can load the heck out of the line on a big backroll & it won't cut lose. But the one time I got wrapped up in the rope, it only took a second & I was sitting in the water with the rope piled up all around me. But I lived to ride again....... as soon as we hooked the rope back up!

Edited September 14, 2007 by Bill_AirJunky

[obski]

I have really liked the Viper lines. They don't stretch, look good, and hold up well. They are also easy to handle.

I have used different handles, but have been liking the carbon handle from SL that my daughter has. If I needed a new one, that is what I would go with.

I saw that Wake-space has this one: handle and line combo.

I thought I would give an update to this subject. Shortly after this post my family gave me an SL carbon handle for my birthday like my daughter's. We used it all season and really liked it, but it is being sent back to SL for warranty. It is falling apart with the padding coming off. It was showing some normal wear until we had some of my son's friends out in the boat trying to teach them to wakeboard. Some of them were bigger beefier kinds who were really struggling to get up - you know the drill. Anyway, after a couple of sessions with them and another group of bigger beginners really ripped up the handle. It also didn't help having it hit some rocks on the turn island of the ski lake.

I'm getting it replaced and then I will plan on using it only for those who know what they are doing and get out the old Murray handle and old Viper line to use with begginers.

[chathamsolutions]

Hooking your arm in the handle is definitely a drag & will tear you up good. And I've never been a fan of the carbon handles....... too many broken handle stories out there........ever pull carbon fiber splinters out of your skin? It ain't pretty.

But the two issues are really not related. You can hook your arm in just about any handle. And with the super high strength of these ropes we use, they aren't going to be the first thing to give. Do yourself & your riding buddies a favor & get yourself a quick release. Comptech makes the best, swivels & has both a manual & automatic setting. But there are plenty of others, including some really simple, inexpensive ones.

I use a CinchMax release which is really just a velcro link in your rope. Stays on my rope/handle no matter what boat I'm riding behind. If you get hooked in the rope/handle, the velcro will release long before your body does. I've been using it for like 4 or 5 years on every ride. I can load the heck out of the line on a big backroll & it won't cut lose. But the one time I got wrapped up in the rope, it only took a second & I was sitting in the water with the rope piled up all around me. But I lived to ride again....... as soon as we hooked the rope back up!

I REALLY like your idea for wakeboarding and surfing.

The Comptech looks incredible, but ain't no way I'm spending $500 on that. I don't do that many twisting tricks to justify it. But your velcro idea sounds interesting.

It doesn't appear that there's any pictures at the LINK you posted. It's the $65 option, correct?

Can you give us a picture of how you use it? Did you splice your line? Do you have a line that you keep it on around the tow post and hook your other lines to it?

Please help.

[Bill_AirJunky]

I REALLY like your idea for wakeboarding and surfing.

The Comptech looks incredible, but ain't no way I'm spending $500 on that. I don't do that many twisting tricks to justify it. But your velcro idea sounds interesting.

It doesn't appear that there's any pictures at the LINK you posted. It's the $65 option, correct?

Can you give us a picture of how you use it? Did you splice your line? Do you have a line that you keep it on around the tow post and hook your other lines to it?

Please help.

Yea, on one hand I agree that the Comptech release is a bit expensive. But then again the doctor's bill can add up to far more than $500 in a hurry. And we all spend a LOT more than that on our boats & other gear.

The Cinch is a great option. What I like about is that it stays on my rope, no matter what boat I'm riding behind. And it doesn't take any one person to be on the ball to pull it. I can set the velcro engagement as high or low as I see fit. And when I exceed it's capacity, it'll release.

Here is a link to a pic of it.

It's two pieces... the hook & the loop, and the rope is tied to one end while the boat (tower/pylon) is at the other. The hook is sandwiched between two pieces of the loop. I'm 225 lbs & will load the line up pretty good on a big cut into the wake, so I usually ride with the Cinch fully engaged. But a smaller, lighter, more timid rider might not need that..... so you unhook the hook&loop & engage it only 1/2 way..... or 3/4s or whatever you need. It doesn't take long to figure it out.

The Comptech has a unique feature in it that it will detect how much force it required to release. ie; 200 lbs is just getting out of the water. 600 or 650 lbs is not unusual on a big backroll or front flip. The Cinch release doesn't have that cool feature, but that velcro will stay hooked up if it's fully engaged & you ride it away!

Edited September 14, 2007 by Bill_AirJunky

[VLXDave]

The Ronix One handle is awesome. I switched from a Hyperlite premier handle, which wasn't bad, but the Ronix is lightyears better. I can ride twice as long now because my arms don't get as tired.

[MalibuBuzz]

We've been thru 3 ropes and handles this summer! 1st one handle broke - straightline w/amoeba handle , 2nd one was borrowed by the neighbor who sucked it up the impeller of their jet ski boat, and 3rd one - another straightline - all the rubber is falling off the handle. Good thing I bought from overton's where returns are easy...guess I will return, then wait to order a new one when new stock comes in next spring.