Bases

[JonnyBravo]

This is something I have been wanting to figure out for a LONG time. What is the best wakeskate base (FOR YOU). This is a serious topic, I don't use ws.com much anymore cause of the amount of stupidity that goes on in here, but for some of the international users of this site, we want to find out what people think about the wakeskate industry from over seas.

Ok so here is my list

Nylon Base

I am currently riding one of these (the limited edition arson), it seems to hold up amazingly on rails. I havent tested it much on rails, but it doesnt seem to be wearing down too much.

Pros -

Slides well and holds up well against rails

Cons -

havent found any yet

PBT

Examples that I have ridden: 07 oak team machine, 08 integ lemons.

Pros -

Seems to slide really well, doesnt bog down much and will hold up against rails

Cons -

Leaves nasty white gouges in the bottom of the board (to most people this will not matter, but i respect the thought and effort that goes into the design of a board and I like the graphic to hold up against a rail)

Epoxy Base

Example: NEW wakeskates (the 07/08 models that I have ridden both had epoxy bases, or somethin like that which looked like epoxy)

Pros -

It slides well on rails. If there is a loose screw, it will hold up. But you will lose a lot of the base.

Cons -

Once enough of the epoxy is loose, it tends to catch a little bit on rails, but is still one of my favourite bases.

Paint/wooden Base

Example:
A lot of older boards, and from knowledge some of the older CWB onset

Pros -

Obviously easy to manufacture, but i have never riden an only wood or paint base over a rail.

Cons -

From the looks of things, any effects from the rail, go straight to the board and can cause waterlogging (in wooden boards). But im not experienced enough in it.

Dura surf

Examples -

06 integrity
Integ limiteds (not sure of which ones but i know some do)
Omen

Pros -

Amazingly awesome to slide on. Holds up sooooooooooooooo well against rails and if i could id make a wakeskate from this

Cons -

From memory this is an expensive material so it may not be as good to use


Plastic/composite base

Examples: Byerly legacy/catylst 2.0/deuce pop (07)

Pros -

Never seen one break

Cons -

Whenever i rode one at cable, it was soooooooo slow, its not funny


Discuss. If anyone has any other bases, throw it out there, I wanna see what people think about the different bases that companies use

[SleuCrew]

JonnyBravo, Glad to hear the nylon is treating you well! I'm a really big fan of the nylon since it doesn't chip or tear like pbt. It's tough stuff, fast on the water and looks beautiful.

The 2010 Arson line will have a full Dura Surf concave meaning top sheet, sidewall and base. Basically a winchers dream.

I've been working with a new material that is actually tougher than Dura Surf... there are some issues with the graphics printing, but I think I'm close to having it dialed.

And when I say tough, I mean ride it over screw heads and concrete all day long and laugh about it tough!

[t-rex]

SleuCrew,

[JonnyBravo]

SleuCrew, I have been meaning to thankyou for the baord, but i guess i am a slacker. It is amazing, never been so consistant in my life. And i might finally be able to get my 3 shuvs back, landed 2 in a row yesterday (after like a year of not being able to do them). Also the board flips so well for kickies and v flips (I am getting back on the board for them, its just a matter of stance now).

Seriously anyone thinking about a new board should get an arson, I highly recommend it hahhaha