Help..on the fence..Belmonts

kid 08-08-2003, 9:45 PM

I have never heard so much even waited opinions which probably means I can't go wrong with either but here is the deal....

I have done some research and decided to buy a new 2003 Belmont board tomorrow w 2003 Belmont Bindings...just can't decide on board size and binding size (only one size left in stock )...

I am beginner intermediate..coming from waterskiing and skiing background and started to wakeboard a few months ago and love it..can do w2w, surface 180, some single wake 180 etc...I am 5'9"" and 184 pounds, probably going on average about 21 mph...

Do I get the 136 or 141 ? Charts indicate that either is ok and I can't demo both...Has anybody been in my similar situation ( weight, skill level etc ) and tried both ? Made the right or wrong choice ? Or does it really make much difference ?

Next question..my foot is 8 1/2 and chart says medium ( the store would have to order and take 10 days ) but could I get away with Medium Large ( they are in stock and they are giving me a great deal on these. Will the ML work well or should I wait ( I have only 6 weeks or so left to this season ) ?

Thanks for your help..

Colin

(jaxboarder) · (jaxboarder) **Join Date: Dec 2001** 08-08-2003, 9:55 PM

the ml will work perfect...as for the board, a 136 will be fine but the 141 will be easier to control and have much softer landings.

(deepstructure)

you're about the same as me - im 5'8" and 175lbs. i ride a 2002 141 belmont. love it. and i have 03 belmont large bindings. you'll probably be fine with the medium large as the larges are loose-fitting on me. they're great bindings. very comfy. i like 'em lose (i come out of them almost every fall), i can get them on w/o soap no problem and almost w/o undoing the option2 strap!

kid 08-08-2003, 10:26 PM

Thanks guys..you are helping me ease my mind and go for the 141..Ciao

Colin

(bob) · (bob) **Join Date: Feb 2001** 08-10-2003, 10:09 PM

Chris your bindings sound like they are way too loose, if they dont make your feet numb after a long while riding or you fall out just about every fall they are too loose

(bob) · (bob) **Join Date: Feb 2001** 08-10-2003, 10:13 PM

oh yea i ride a set of medium belmonts and have 8.5 feet, also im glad they are not any larger

(deepstructure)

lol - you're nuts.

kid 08-11-2003, 5:51 AM

OK..bought the 141 and love it..also got the ML Bindings and truthfully although they " fit " snug enough I wish I had waited and ordered the Mediums..I may try and see what the store can do for me. Here is my question...

How tight should they be ? Right now I don't get that cramped feeling and my feet can wiggle a little..i.e. front of foot and heel somewhat..I do not come out of them if laced tight..it is just that there is a little play in the front and heel...

Comments ?

Thanks

Colin

(deepstructure) · (deepstructure) **Join Date: Jun 2002** 08-11-2003, 9:40 AM

it's all personal feel colin. whatever works for you - there's no "right" way. i know guys that never want them to come off no matter what, and others that ride them completely loose. whatever works for you.

in my experience as a ice-hockey player, it was the same thing. some guys wear their skates so tight it's ridiculous - i wore my slighty loose. i learned from a trainer for the pros and power skating specialist that you want the boot around the top of your foot tight, to grip you to the skate, but you want the area around your ankles loose for flexibility.

so i took the same approach for wakeboarding - so on the belmonts i snug the option2 strap down, but i don't even bother cinching up the lace.

i believe that having the boots loose has saved me some ankle strains when coming up short on my tantrums. my friend has his really tight and is now sitting out because he came up short on his tantrum and tweaked his ankle. purely conjecture perhaps, but i think having them loose has made all the difference with some crashes.

(bob) · (bob) **Join Date: Feb 2001** 08-11-2003, 9:55 PM

alright, try a raley with your loose bindings and i only hope both feet come out instead of just one

(rootc) · (rootc) **Join Date: Aug 2002** 08-12-2003, 7:23 AM

Go with the 141. As for bindings you should not get the med/lg, they will be way to big. Get the Medium or the mini mediums. I wear size 10 shoes and the md/lg parks were a little loose on me until I modified them. They fit really well now.

It's not "all personal feel" - tight fitting bindings are better. When you snowboard do you leave your boots loose. Do basketball players not tie thier shoes. A little common sense goes a long way - make sure your gear is properly fitted regardless of the sport.

(Message edited by rootc on August 12, 2003)

kid 08-12-2003, 10:39 AM

Thanks to everyone for the advice..I went out for a ride last night and a few times my right foot slipped forward 1/2 inch or more...I have talked to the store and they have ordered the medium bindings to be here tomorrow with no problem exchanging..I did offer to pay the " quick ship " fee...

I am a skier and agree on " fit " being comfortable but snug...will let you know how it goes..later

Colin

(deepstructure)

quote:
Do basketball players not tie thier shoes. A little common sense goes a long way

lol. yes it is personal feel. it doesn't help to appeal to common sense when you use such a ridiculous analogy. and if you'd read my post you know that not only am i using common sense, but im also borrowing the exclusive and experienced sense of professionals, both in this sport and from others.

tight fit bindings are not automatically better. it depends on the rider. if you're someone that tighter bindings are better for - fine. don't presume to know best for the rest of us, even if we're a minority.

from kyle schmidt's binding article in wakeboarding magazines feb 03 gear guide:

"the worst problem to have with your bindings is lack of adjustability. a common mistake in choosing bindings is buying the too small."

"front lace-up bindings offer a fully adjustable feeling over the entire front of the foot."

"the major advantage of a rear lace-up binding is that you can ride with the top loose if you like to bone the board out far for pokes and grabs..."

i guess he said all that because he was emphasizing how everyone rides the same and just needs something that fits tighter.

(rootc) · (rootc) **Join Date: Aug 2002** 08-12-2003, 1:44 PM

common sense remark was a bit out of line - I apologize.

Your right though, WBM is the deffinitive source for binding knowledge. If Kyle Schmidt wrote it then its deffinately true. Once again - Your bidings should fit snug and if not snug then tight. "Try a raley with your loose bindings."

It sounds like our disagreement is a matter of miscommunication. I think you will agree with this: The binding should always be snug/tight around the foot. Ankle support is a matter of personal preference.