Picking a good rope will make all the difference when it comes to your performance on the water. You’ll want rope that is both comfortable to use and capable of allowing you to stay on top of the wake.
In the sections below, you’ll learn about the four best wakeboard ropes for beginners and pros and come away with a much clearer picture of which wakeboard rope to buy for your needs.
What Type of Wakeboard Rope Should I Use?
It most certainly can be a tough choice to pick a good wakeboard rope. Fortunately, all the bases are covered in the section below.
How Stretchy Should A Wakeboard Rope Be?
Wakeboard ropes should not be stretchy. You want them to be less stretchy than water ski ropes. The biggest difference between wakeboard and waterski ropes is that wakeboard ropes don’t have any stretch, so the length of the rope doesn’t recoil when you leave the wake.
So you will not be able to use a rope for both water skiing, particularly if you are serious about perfecting your craft. However, weekend getaway warriors who want to do both will often find using a “hybrid” rope —typically one made of nylon- and this is great because it can be suitable for water skiing as well.
Types of Wakeboard Ropes By Material
You will find that wakeboard ropes are made of several different materials. Knowing the characteristics of each is critically important. Choose the wrong rope, and you’ll have a hard time accomplishing your goals out on the water.
Dyneema: Our Choice Is- MUMUBOAT Dyneema Wakeboard Rope
Dyneema is renowned for its zero-stretch properties. It is a laminated fabric constructed to be stronger than steel at the molecular level and is highly resistant to both UV light and chemicals (such as sunscreens). As such, it is an excellent candidate for a material to be used in wakeboard ropes.
The MUMBOAT Dyneema Wakeboard Rope can be split into 4 different sections and is capable of handling a break strength of up to 2200 lbs. The comfy EVA handle is a bonus that’ll help prevent any handwear. This is a great option for wakeboard enthusiasts who are tired of having to constantly replace worn ropes.
Polypropylene: Our Choice Is- SWELL Wakesurf Premium Braided Wakesurf Rope
Polypropylene is a material that has similar properties to Dyneema. It is not as elastic as nylon, which is a good thing when you’re looking for a wakeboard rope that lacks any stretch. If there is any downside, it’s that some swear by Dyneema as being more resistant to abrasion and UV damage versus poly.
The Seachoice 4-Section Wakeboard Rope can be divided into 4 removable sections. Many Seachoice tow ropes utilize 16-strand polypropylene, selected for its remarkable strength-to-weight balance, durability, vibrant color options, and affordability. Additionally, it boasts resistance to rot and mildew, ensuring prolonged strength compared to alternative materials. Even under heavy loads surpassing 70% of its breaking strength, polypropylene rope stretches merely 2% – 3% of its length, promptly reverting to its original state once the load is lifted. Plus, it floats effortlessly!
Hybrid PE (Memory Foam): Our Choice Is- Ronix 3.0 Hide Grip
You can find a lot of different companies manufacturing wakeboard products these days. Not all will stand the test of time, though. It is important that you buy from a company that stands by its product and shows a passion for the industry.
Ronix fits the bill, as they have more than 30 years of expertise behind them when it comes to wakeboarding. The Ronix 3.0 Hide Grip is among the most enjoyable experiences for wakeboarders. The handle is fitted with a unique 3D molded pattern for maximum grip and the memory foam provides the ultimate in you being able to find a rope that feels good to handle.
Nylon: Our Choice is Airhead Trick Handle Airhead Wakeboard Rope
This is about the most affordable you can get, while still getting quality performance. For years, Airhead has been a household name for families who just want to get out on the water. It’s a great entry-level option that gets you out on the water without breaking the bank.
This Airhead Trick Handle Rope is 75’ long and can be divided into 4 different sections. One of the most likable features is the Aluminum-core grip handle with finger protectors. It’s a versatile piece of equipment with its low stretch.
What Wakeboard Rope Do The Pros Use?
Pro Wake Tour Champion Cory Teunissen touts the Hyperlite Series of ropes as a must for any serious wakeboarder. “To have a company that is so passionate about getting people’s feet in binding or getting people’s feet on surfboards is so important to me.” (See full video here.)
You may have heard references to Hyperlite’s 2023 lineup of Pro Handles, which includes the Blueprint, Rusty, Murray, Capitol, and Riot. The Riot in particular comes at a reasonable price tag once you consider all that it has to offer.
Here’s what makes the Hyperlite Riot a professional-grade wakeboard rope:
- Total line length of 75 feet with 2 removable 2.5’ sections and 2 removable 5’ sections
- Nylon end caps
- Equipped with an Anti-Roll System (ARS)
- 15” Bar Length
- Silicone Flat Line
Which Wakeboard Rope Is The Most Affordable?
Being new to any sport or hobby and having to start from scratch can be tough. The costs of gear alone can be discouraging. In the case of wakeboarding, however, it’s easy to find a low-cost option that gives you the best bang for your buck.
You will often find the greatest deals online, especially during the times of the year when shops will be looking to shed inventory ahead of the next season.
There are several affordable options for those dabbling in the sport of wakeboarding. Here are some of the best:
- Airhead Trick Handle Nylon Rope– Affordable and versatile, with a little bit of elasticity.
- Airhead Electric Blue Dyneema– Dyneema rope doesn’t have the same features as some of the more premium offerings in the list above, but can still be great for those who want something on the more affordable side of the scale.
- Swonder Wakeboard Rope– polyester rope with a breakaway strength of 1600 pounds
Final Thoughts
If you want to be using the same wakeboard rope that the pros use, then you’ll want to go with a premium Dyneema rope such as those offered by Hyperlite. Riders of all skill levels can find a rope that fits their needs and budget in the list above.
