Cable wakeboards differ greatly compared to their boat specific counterparts. The nature of riding at a cable park is tough on boards due to constant obstacle impact resulting in the need for a more durable construction. In this article, we’ll walk you through what makes a cable board unique, what they’re made of and why it is a good idea to size up!
PROFILE:
The lack of a wake negates the need for 3-stage rockers hence why all cable boards feature continuous rockers. The amount of rocker from tip to tail will vary from model to model. A board with more rocker will result in slower top water speeds but allow for softer landings and more pop onto obstacles. A board with a flat rocker will carry more top water speed allowing riders to boost off kickers and quickly reach all obstacles in the park.
CONSTRUCTION:
Cable specific wakeboards spend most of their time sliding over features such as rails, boxes and jumps therefore it is vital that the construction of a cable board is durable enough to withstand everything you’re going to throw at it. Boat boards can be used at the park however their traditional fibreglass and foam construction will deteriorate quickly. Most cable specific wakeboards feature a sintered [aka “grind”] base that results in a board able to withstand the impact from obstacles for a long period of time.
Cable boards are flexible in the interest of a fun and forgiving ride. Wood cores are found amongst nearly all cable boards as they produce a suitable balance of durability, weight, pop and flex. The cores are CNC machined to varying degrees controlling flex and base channels are added as required. Sidewall material is added around the perimeter for durability with fibreglass wrapping the lot for additional strength. Materials can be introduced to increase response or control flex such as carbon fibre or timber laminates in varying orientations.
FLEX:
Arguably the most defining feature of any cable board is flex. While boat specific wakeboards are designed to be stiff in the interest of pop and response off the wake, cable boards are designed to be flexible in the interest of fun and playfulness whilst riding obstacles. The softer the board, the more playful, however a careful balance needs to be struck to ensure a flexible board can still provide stable landings, solid pop to jump onto features and survive hundreds if not thousands of laps around the park. When choosing a board, it is best to consider what your interests are. A rider that prefers rails will suit a board with a soft flex however a rider that prefers air tricks and kickers will prefer a stiff board that will survive heavy landings. If you ride a range of obstacles at the park, a board with a mid-flex will balance both rails and kickers appropriately.
BASE CHANNELS & FINS:
Cable boards don’t include removable fins* due to riders preferring a loose feel on the water and eliminating the chance of fin’s catching on obstacles. The removal of fins places more importance on base channels which are critical to board performance affecting a boards grip and edge hold. The amount of grip a board provides comes down to rider preference; A board with base channels will provide more edge hold while a board without will be loose and slippery. *Beginner cable boards may include removable fins.
SIZE GUIDE:
Cable wakeboards are ridden in longer lengths compared to boat boards due to slower riding speeds and a few key variables. As a rule of thumb, the shorter the board the more manoeuvrable and lightweight it will feel. However, having a small surface area results in increased drag, harder landings, and an unforgiving feel. In contrast, a longer board will carry more top water speed, softer landings, and a forgiving feel.
- 135 cm (40 - 60 kg)
- 140 cm (50 - 70 kg)
- 145 cm (60 - 90 kg)
- 150 cm (70 - 100 kg)
- 155 cm (80 - 100+ kg)
- 160 cm (90+ kg)
Slingshot 2024 Coalition Wakeboard
Description
The Coalition is more or less the gold standard of cable wakeboards with a magical outline, tip shape, and rocker combo that delivers endless amounts of grins in the park. The Coalition was the first board in the industry to feature chined rails, allowing the board to slide across uneven surfaces like butter and also equates to a looser, more playful feel on the water and perfect for mastering the art of the "butter". Over the seasons the board has evolved into larger size offerings, ranging from a 141 up to 161, and also features additional inserts enabling riders to make their stance extra skinny for that new-age look and feel. Featuring custom art by Wesley Mark Jacobsen of the Space Mob.
Specifications
• Single-Shot Fusion Sidewalls: Our innovative manufacturing process produces unrivaled dampening and durability by infusing the rail into the core of the board with a single shot, eliminating the need for fasteners or staples.
• Carbon Bedrock Inserts: Light, flexible, and super strong, our Carbon Bedrock Inserts reduce overall board weight, increase pull strength, and allow for a more consistent flex under foot.
• Ballistic Base: With .7mm's of bulletproof protection between your board and the surfaces you're sliding across, this base layer is ready for battle. Put to the test daily by some of the most daring park riders in the game.
• Hybrid Rocker Profile: Delivering the best of both worlds, the hybrid rocker profile is a happy medium with a little more pop than a continuous rocker, but still nice and fast on the water.
• Chined Rails: The toe and heel edges of the board are raised up approximately 4-5 mm, creating a small buffer zone between the edges of your board and uneven rail surfaces to help protect your edges.
• Additional 5th Insert: This additional stance option brings the boots in even closer, because the Mob told us "it would be rad". So grab a longer board, slam the boots to the middle, and enjoy the latest trend in wakeboarding.
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