Suggestions for wake handle/rope

[jlane330]

We've been using an old Straightline rope and handle at 60'. Not sure what the rope is made of, but it's pretty small in diameter and doesn't seem to stretch. The handle is a bit narrow compared to today's 15" wide offerings. Any suggestions?

- handle needs to float
- needs to allow for 60' length (preferably without a bunch of small extensions)
- suggestions on handle material? Chamois, foam, etc?
- what's the advantage/disadvantage of the silicon coated ropes?

Thanks!

[TheLivinIsEasy]

We've been using an old Straightline rope and handle at 60'. Not sure what the rope is made of, but it's pretty small in diameter and doesn't seem to stretch. The handle is a bit narrow compared to today's 15" wide offerings. Any suggestions?

- handle needs to float
- needs to allow for 60' length (preferably without a bunch of small extensions)
- suggestions on handle material? Chamois, foam, etc?
- what's the advantage/disadvantage of the silicon coated ropes?

Thanks!

I am no expert, so I will be interested to see if anyone more knowledgeable chimes in, but I am on the market as well, and from what I can tell, dyneema is what you want. I think the silicon coating is what makes it float.

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[jlane330]

I am no expert, so I will be interested to see if anyone more knowledgeable chimes in, but I am on the market as well, and from what I can tell, dyneema is what you want. I think the silicon coating is what makes it float.

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Thanks for the input. I ended up getting a close-out 2017 Hyperlite Webb rope/handle for $80 shipped. It has the dyneema/silicon flat line and chamois handle. The handle is REALLY light, and the rope is super thin. Haven't tried it yet, but should work for us. I think I have what is considered the A-line this year, not sure. Shortest it goes is 65' with handle (has several extensions), which should be fine. The X-line is shorter yet (60' minimum), but for the cost, I couldn't pass this up.

Maybe you can find one on close-out like I did. I just looked where I bought mine but they are sold out.

[197 TT]

I'll try to keep this thread going...

Any thoughts on the nylon coated vs. the non? Personally don't like the coated, I feel like it kinks and tangles more, yet seems to be more common.

Ropes and handles are expensive, and I seem to keep striking out...

Last year I spend a ton of time looking for an upgrade and ended up buying a Liquid Force non coated with the Hydra-Tak handle (Shane Pro?) I spent a lot of money on it and the fabric that wraps the handled stretched and got loose and sloppy, and the rope started to fray almost immediately.

Shame on me for not going to LF for a warranty, but regardless, I spent a lot of money for a rope/handle that lasted me about 5 sets before it was wearing out....

Would love recommendations... Feel like back in the day I got several uses out of combos and now I get a month?

[MI_Corey]

I've tried almost all of the major players in the handle/line game for wakeboarding and the only two I would recommend are Hyperlite (accurate) or Follow. I had problems with LF, Ronix, and Proline (CWB) either falling apart within a couple months or the coating wadding up.

[hyman989]

I own a follow one bought from blemboards.com and love it. Gear held up all year and never sank like some of my other ones

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[MMPRES]

+1 on LF products lacking. Very innovative at times, but the quality leaves a lot to be desired.

With handles/ropes I can attest to Corey's statement-Accurate (lines, HL/Ronix Handles) and Follow are the best on the market when it comes to quality and durability.

The handle is just a matter of preference- the majority of pro-model (endorsed by pro riders, I.E. "the murray handle", etc. ) tend to have features that make them built to last: Nylon overlay, with neoprene cushioning that is stitched into the handle base, etc., not molded foam.

Of note, the traditional "Chamois" handles are very comfortable to grip and are very buoyant but have the tendency to what I call "motorcycle" (when the glue gives way and only the stitching holds the fabric in place and it tends to spin like a bike throttle- that's why it's important to pay attention to the stitching patters on the handle). Newer generation handles 17'/18'(speaking of only hyperlite as that's all I've bought for the last 10+ years) have resolved this issue with elaborate stitching patterns to hold the fabric in place after the glue wears.

The majority of handles are buoyant, it's the ropes that are hit or miss. The coated ropes tend to float, but can be a pain in the a$$ to wind up until they're broken in and they do tend to kink, etc. However, these are more the norm as they do float. Most ropes are 70' standard and come with links to get you to 55'.

At the end of the day, you get what you pay for. Combination ropes/handles tend to be focused on entry level riders and aren't going to have the creature comforts and quality as the more expensive ropes would. Pro-riders endorse these handles/ropes because it's what they use (A LOT).

[TheLivinIsEasy]

+1 on LF products lacking. Very innovative at times, but the quality leaves a lot to be desired.

With handles/ropes I can attest to Corey's statement-Accurate (lines, HL/Ronix Handles) and Follow are the best on the market when it comes to quality and durability.

The handle is just a matter of preference- the majority of pro-model (endorsed by pro riders, I.E. "the murray handle", etc. ) tend to have features that make them built to last: Nylon overlay, with neoprene cushioning that is stitched into the handle base, etc., not molded foam.

Of note, the traditional "Chamois" handles are very comfortable to grip and are very buoyant but have the tendency to what I call "motorcycle" (when the glue gives way and only the stitching holds the fabric in place and it tends to spin like a bike throttle- that's why it's important to pay attention to the stitching patters on the handle). Newer generation handles 17'/18'(speaking of only hyperlite as that's all I've bought for the last 10+ years) have resolved this issue with elaborate stitching patterns to hold the fabric in place after the glue wears.

The majority of handles are buoyant, it's the ropes that are hit or miss. The coated ropes tend to float, but can be a pain in the a$$ to wind up until they're broken in and they do tend to kink, etc. However, these are more the norm as they do float. Most ropes are 70' standard and come with links to get you to 55'.

At the end of the day, you get what you pay for. Combination ropes/handles tend to be focused on entry level riders and aren't going to have the creature comforts and quality as the more expensive ropes would. Pro-riders endorse these handles/ropes because it's what they use (A LOT).

What is the difference between A Lines and X Lines?

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[MI_Corey]

Just length

[dvsone79]

I've tried almost all of the major players in the handle/line game for wakeboarding and the only two I would recommend are Hyperlite (accurate) or Follow. I had problems with LF, Ronix, and Proline (CWB) either falling apart within a couple months or the coating wadding up.

I second this. I’ve had the best experience from Accurate. Both rope and handle.

[tex]

Just go put your hands on handles. Some of the best handles I've used have been fabricated by a boat mechanic who could barely make a heli. I have loved and hated some really expensive handles but think of the swimsuit thread....what feels good in your hands feels good in your hands! Just thoughts from a Texan!

[osmonet]

We've been using an old Straightline rope and handle at 60'. Not sure what the rope is made of, but it's pretty small in diameter and doesn't seem to stretch. The handle is a bit narrow compared to today's 15" wide offerings. Any suggestions?

- handle needs to float
- needs to allow for 60' length (preferably without a bunch of small extensions)
- suggestions on handle material? Chamois, foam, etc?
- what's the advantage/disadvantage of the silicon coated ropes?

Thanks!

Call Masterline direct. The factory in Florida will answer all your questions and make you a custom handle and rope at a reasonable price.

[TheLivinIsEasy]

I found a 2017 Webb/Relapse package for $80 as well. $100 less than the 2018, so I went with it. Thanks for the suggestion JLane!

[Canwan]

I own a follow one bought from blemboards.com and love it. Gear held up all year and never sank like some of my other ones

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FYI appears to be blemboard.com

[MTH7]

Any good rope is going to be dyneema. The coating makes sure the rope doesn't fray or snag something, causing it to fray. It also does not burn your hands when you're floating in the water and the boat is pulling the rope tight. Some coatings have EVA in them, which makes the line float.

High end handles will float. Again, the handle has EVA foam in it allowing it to float. A high end handle will have a bar lock on it (goes on either end of the bar of the handle). This makes sure the bar of the handle doesn't roll. Foam vs. chamois is preference. Go hold a bunch of handles. Stitching on chamois handles can come loose. Foam handles can loose chunks. It all depends on how you take care of them. Hyperlite / Accurate has consistently made the best lasting ropes and handles in my opinion.

If you want a good rope / handle, shoot me a PM