I am looking to buy a 2008 model wakeboard and bindings for this summer. I have it down to the Liquid Force Watson and the Slingshot Recoil. I want to put CWB Zeus or Liquid Force Vantage bindings on which ever board I choose. I am 6ft. and 170 pounds. With these two options which setup would you choose.

Because of the 08 CWB plate, you won't be able to put the bindings all the way out on the watson or the recoil. The plate is 6 inches and the holes are set up for 8 inch plates. So i think that takes the zeus out of the equation IMO. Out of the watson and the recoil I have not ridden the recoil but have heard good things, and the watson is a great board. <BR>So bottom line I say go with Watson/Vantage Combo. I have recommendations for others if you want them but out of those two thats my opinion.

cwb makes awesome bindings, but I'm not entirely sure how well they'd work with that board.

If you go with a Slingshot the flex gurus will tell you that you are missing some of the flex properties by having a wider, more traditional plate. I'd say it's probably not a huge deal breaker. IMO if you are thinking Watson I'd recommend the CWB Transcend, all around better board. Of the two boards I'd say it depends on your skill, personally I think Slingshot boards are a little tougher if you don't have the fundamentals of edging etc. down.

Should I buy a 138 or 142

142 recoil <BR> <BR>i know you said you are looking at '08 models but i am thinking it is possible that the '09 boards are set up to benefit 6" mounting best. i am not entirely certain that the traditional-mounting inserts on the (2009) recoil are set up for the 8 inch pattern any more. when i look at the PICTURES it looks like the bolts are closer to the 4 hole mounting pack for '09 than '08. i recently sent slingshot an e-mail asking about this as well as other things hopefully they can help us out, or maybe a rep will get on here and tell us for sure, because a picture is just that, a picture. <BR> <BR>most of the flex is in the tip and tails. the flex there should not be affected too much by "traditional-mounted" bindings. <BR> <BR>--------------------------------------------------- <BR>there is a photo of the 08 and 09 side by side on here, at the bottom <a href="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/1/654114.html?1230154773" target="_blank">http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/1/654114.html?1230154773</a> that i posted so you can see what i am talking about

of the binding choices i think i would personally go vantage, those things are sooo cushy!!! <BR> <BR>but most important, ask yourself if you want a soft flexible boot (vantage) or a stiffer boot (zeus) <BR> ohh and ask yourself also if you want closed toe or not. vantages are open (except for the '09 limited ones), and the zeus are closed

Vantages with the 142 recoil! Bigger is better with flex, vantages are cushy, and easy, and the flex rides like a dream. It will help your riding. you will edge better therefore do everything better! takes a week or two to get used to, but after that it's money!

CWB will send you some adaptors to fit most boards. Give them a call and they will help you out. I have them on my 08 Answers on an 07 Absolute