How Much Does a Good Wakeboard Cost? (Shocking!)

Although wakeboarding and wake surfing are popular, go-to activities during the summer, seasoned wakeboarders and newcomers might have trouble finding the perfect wakeboard that suits their budget, skills, or needs. With a wide selection of wakeboards on the market to choose from, you might have one question on your mind: how much does a good wakeboard cost?

Although the prices vary depending on where you look, not all wakeboards have the same quality. When selecting a good wakeboard, there are several components you should consider when determining its cost and quality. 

What’s the Average Cost of a High-Quality Wakeboard?

While many affordable wakeboards cost between $200 and $400, most higher quality wakeboards cost between $500 or $900. Several factors determine the overall cost of the wakeboard you want to buy, such as the technology they incorporate into it, as is the case for the Ronix 2021 One Blackout Wakeboard worth almost $1,300.  

Some users might find a wakeboard worth its value if the board includes other accessories to make their wakeboarding or wake surfing experience more convenient, such as packaged bindings and board fins, while others don’t. 

For example, the Hyperlite Wakeboard Agent 2021 comes with four removable fins that allow users to keep their board on a straight path or turn more easily and bindings that fit most shoe sizes. In addition, it costs about $300, making it ideal for riders seeking a wakeboard on an affordable budget.

Does a Wakeboard’s Material Affect Its Cost?

When searching for a good wakeboard, one factor I recommend you consider is the type of materials it uses in its build. Although some wakeboards look similar on the surface, one’s internal structure might differ from another’s.

While most wakeboards use fiberglass and resin as their outer shell materials, the factor that makes each one different is the material used for their internal cores. ABS foam cores are one of the more robust core materials for a wakeboard, making them ideal for people seeking durable or stiff boards suitable for any experience level.

Wooden cores are less rigid than foam cores, allowing wakeboarders more freedom when riding waves or performing tricks. In addition, using a wakeboard with a wooden core can also provide an extra snap when riding a boat’s wake. Although you might have more impact when landing, it heightens your experience if you prefer using more advanced wakeboarding methods.

The Liquid Force 2019 Rhythm 140 Wakeboard has a paulownia wood core that gives the board excellent rebound, movement response, and flexibility for experienced riders. These features allow riders to keep their riding speed as they approach their wake. At above $350, this good wakeboard is ideal for people interested in having a greater surface area for wave contact.

Does the Rocker Shape of a Good Wakeboard Affect Its Overall Cost?

The style of a wakeboard’s bottom is another component to consider when asking yourself, “how much does a good wakeboard cost?” The rocker measures the wakeboard’s curve from its tail to its nose. 

The type of rocker your wakeboard has can determine your landing weight, the lift you get while riding, and how it maintains its speed. These rocker styles have their advantages and disadvantages that work best for specific wakeboard riders. 

Continuous Rocker

Wakeboards with continuous rockers curve from their tail to their tip. This characteristic allows the wakeboard to remain stable as it moves across the water and predictable as you pop off the wake, as is the case for the O’Brien System Wakeboard, whose speed remains consistent as you head towards the wake.

This consistency makes it ideal for wakeboard riders looking for a board that lets you make smoother landings after jumping from wakes as it hits the water’s surface. However, unlike three-stage rockers, the jumping height isn’t as high.

Three-Stage Rocker

Three-stage rocker wakeboards, such as the RONIX Vault, have their surfaces divided into three sections: the tail, the middle, and the tip. The middle section is the flattest area of the rocker, while its tip and tail areas have significant angles. 

The angled areas allow users to ride the wake faster and create a more significant pop, making a rider’s wake jump exceptionally higher. However, the flat middle section’s surface is susceptible to harder landings due to its flatness not dissipating the water upon impact. 

Base Shape Design

The shape of your wakeboard’s base affects their performance in the water, regardless if you prefer wakeboarding via boat or cables. Therefore, it would be wise to consider this factor to narrow down the best one to purchase when picking out a valuable wakeboard.

Featureless Base

A featureless wakeboard base lacks channels for controlling the water flow underneath it. Without these built-in features, the performance of the board depends on its shape and rocker. For instance, the CTRL Durado doesn’t have chiseled channels and has a rounder shape for its tip and tail.

Base with Channels

A wakeboard base with channels allows the board to redirect flowing water. Another function that might entice potential wakeboard riders includes reducing the water impact while landing to reduce knee damage.

Several models, such as the RONIX Krush, incorporate this design in shorter and longer wakeboards. I recommend this base style for riders who want to maneuver through water efficiently without placing extra fins on your board. 

Base with V-Shape Spines

Like channel-based boards, v-shaped spines allow wakeboards to reduce the water impact during landing. These spines also allow wakeboard riders to efficiently maneuver each edge. Most boards with three-stage rockers incorporate this base shape design to enhance their performance.

Does Size Matter?

Every wakeboard rider I come across has their own idea of what makes a good wakeboard size. Some may prefer larger ones, while others might be more comfortable riding on a smaller board. Although it narrows down on a person’s preference and performance level, some size factors might affect the overall cost of high-quality wakeboards.

A good wakeboard should accommodate its rider’s weight and keep them balanced while riding across the water surface, wake, or kicker ramps. The longer the wakeboard measures, the more body weight it can withstand.

Shorter wakeboards generally have less control and stability when turning. Inversely, longer boards have more stability and slower controls suitable for novice riders. 

Weight-wise, longer wakeboards tend to be heavier than shorter boards. Although some riders might feel this hinders their wakeboarding experience, others believe this extra weight enhances their performance for softer and more stable landings. 

For instance, you might be interested in getting a $600 wakeboard that includes bindings when you order. Some people might find this deal great for their budget, while others won’t.

Are Wakeboards Better When They Include the Accessories or When You Have to Buy Them Separately?

This factor varies, depending on the person you ask. For example, some people find it more convenient to have built-in or detachable fins and bindings to their wakeboards to save time and resources when searching for compatible ones separately.

Other people don’t mind spending extra money on separate or interchangeable accessories if they don’t come with their boards or have accessories that don’t meet their wakeboarding needs. 

When selecting a wakeboard with bindings, it’s your personal preference of what style you want them in. Some manufacturers install them as one-size-fits-most, while others advise you to select your shoe size for a perfect fit. 

However, if your $500 wakeboard with fins doesn’t include bindings, you might need to opt for buying separate ones. The average price range for bindings can be as low as $130 to $200, while others might cost about $400. 

Of course, the price of these accessories depends on how manufacturers make them. Other factors include how stiff or flexible they are, their style, and how you fasten them.

What’s the Best Way to Invest in a Good Wakeboard?

When investing in a good wakeboard, you’ll need to consider the frequency you’ll want to use it. People living closer to the water during the summer might have better chances of making time for wakeboarding.

Depending on your wakeboarding skills and desire to enhance your skills, you may find investing in a wakeboard with a design and accessories that meet your speed preferences. Smaller ones might be harder to control for novices, but can provide excellent high speeds for advanced riders.

Final Thoughts

The best and most valuable wakeboards typically suit your riding experience and how much comfort or control you want as you maneuver it while using a boat or cable. But, of course, your wakeboarding needs might differ from somebody else, so it would be wise to decide what you desire the most.

Although wakeboards on the lower cost spectrum make great options, the best quality boards cost about $500 to $800. Generally, these boards have more elaborate builds that allow riders more flexibility and movement as they ride and jump.

While some of the best quality boards have the most intricate designs and features, they’re only best when it matches your physicality and wakeboarding skillset. 

Next time you ask yourself, “how much does a good wakeboard cost?” think about how your ideal pick fits your budget and how you want to ride.