I submitted the poll question the other day: 11/18/2008 - What most influences your purchase of a wakeboard? Price - 6.55% Looks (graphics, color, etc.) - 5.04% Shape/features - 56.42% Brand name - 6.05% Rider endorsement - 3.53% Recommendations from sales staff - 4.53% Recommendations from friends - 10.83% Other - 7.05% 397 Total Votes Like you'd expect the majority bought based on the shape and the features, but for someone like me there really is no way to demo a board and see what features you like or dislike. The nearest boardshop I know of is probably an hr to 1 1/2 hrs away and I don't think they even let you demo. So for most people answering this question, do you have the opportunity to demo a board before purchase and do you demo a bunch before making a decision? If not how do you decide; research online, talking to friends, the marketing of the board, etc. There is a new thread every other day about what board,binding, vest I should get and everyone always throws out their preference but my real question is WHY? What draws you to that board? Personally I started out on a CWB board someone gave me, I was happy with it so I went back to CWB and then again the next year. I won a HL Byerly in 05 but it was a little big for me, then the Obrien Natural in 07 which I really liked, but then last year I ended up back on a CWB Absolute mostly because of a great deal. Basically every year is almost a crap shoot for me picking one, even though I've been riding for a while. I stick with features I like but that is more about comfort with what I know. Just wondering what helps other people decide or how I could gauge what would suit me best without the opportunity to try them. (Message edited by rico80 on November 21, 2008)
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