The 8 Best Value Wakeboards for 2022
By: Jack Mace: Watersports Buyer | June 13, 2022
Wakeboarding gear doesn’t have to be prohibitively expensive. Sure, you can spend as much as you’d like on a new board, but at some point it becomes a game of diminishing returns. So it’s up to you to find that sweet spot when buying a wakeboard of price and performance that puts a smile on your face every time you hit the water. We happen to think that this list of the best value wakeboards is a great place to start. Every board on this list punches way above its price tag. Every board on this list is just as much fun as boards that cost hundreds of dollars more. So if you’re looking for a good time on a budget, we’ve got you covered.
New This Year:
There’s never been a better time to shop for a value wakeboard. Trickle down means that tech that was only available on high-end boards just a few years ago is commonplace at a more budget friendly price point. So prices have dropped while performance has grown impressively. Add to that the growth of wake parks, and there’s a whole new market for affordable boards that’s pushed development. So think about what characteristics you like in a board, how you want your riding style to progress, and what you prioritize, and then peruse this list to find the best budget wakeboard that fits your criteria.
This Year's Best Value Wakeboards:
Ronix Parks Modello
There aren't too many Golf x Wakeboarding crossover technologies, but then again, there aren't too many Parks Bonifays in this world. The Ronix Parks Modello Wakeboard borrows golfball dimple technology and slaps it all over the bottom of the board, creating a loose, friction busting feel that allows the rider to break free at the drop of a hat. Combine that with a long effective edge and huge surface area, and you've got the perfect tool for a wake-slashing good time. This is a versatile, jibby board, perfect for anyone with a loose riding style.
| Profile | Construction | Original Price |
| Continuous Rocker | Monocoque Foam Construction | $399.99 |
Hyperlite Rusty Pro
With a history of cranking out classic boards like the cult favorite Marek, it's no secret that when master shredder Rusty Malinoski gets together with master shaper Aaron Stumpf, good things happen. The Hyperlite Rusty Pro Wakeboard keeps the tradition alive, and with some style. This big-bodied boat board is built boost it big off the wake. It's light and snappy, rails hard on edge, and provides the combination of explosive pop and forgiving landings that Rusty needs to fuel his high flying riding style. If you like to go big, and want a stable platform for techy tricks, the Rusty is your board.
| Profile | Construction | Original Price |
| Abrupt Rocker | Layered Glass Monocoque | $389.99 |
Hyperlite Motive
The Hyperlite Motive Wakeboard is a go-to wakeboard for the whole boat. From first-timers to riders learning to carve and catch some air, the Motive will give you a reason to keep getting after it. Featuring a forgiving 6-degree edge bevel and continuous rocker for mellow turns and enjoyable rides. This is a supremely versatile board that just about anyone will get along with.
| Profile | Construction | Original Price |
| Continuous Rocker | Layered Glass Monocoque | $259.99 |
Slingshot Nomad
The Slingshot Nomad Wakeboard is an innovative cruiser that lets you ride with the flow of the wake. Its massive waist width and thin wood core construction bring pop, stability, and more control on landings, whether you're behind a boat or on the cable. If you're looking for one board that does it all, the Nomad is for you, it’s the definition of a one-board quiver that excels in every condition.
| Profile | Construction | Original Price |
| Continuous Rocker | Atomic Wood Core | $479.99 |
Obrien Intent
For those riders that like to have their board off the wake as much as on it, we'd like to introduce you to the all-new Obrien Intent Wakeboard. This one-of-a-kind deck sets the standard for a high-performing boat board, fast, intense, immediately responsive, and tough. The Vector Net technology and feather core help the Intent erupt off the wake and land softly with the Center shaped-spine. Riders can customize the feel they desire by removing the four fins. If you like catching air at every opportunity, this is the board for you.
| Profile | Construction | Original Price |
| 3 Stage Rocker | Feather Core | $459.99 |
Obrien System
Get the learning curve out of the way and get to the real fun faster with the Obrien System Wakeboard. With its' continuous rocker and three fins, the System provides a predictable and stable ride both on and off the wake. Riders can add and remove the center fin to allow for their desired drag and stability. An extra buoyant foam core helps learning riders get out of the water and on their feet. This is an affordable introduction to wakeboarding that will hook you or your friends for life.
| Profile | Construction | Original Price |
| Continuous Rocker | Feather Core | $189.99 |
Connelly Blaze
From your first day on the board to progression sessions with friends, the Connelly Blaze Wakeboard is approachable for new riders who are eager to learn the ins and outs of boat sports. A deep center fin and long molded base provide stability and tracking when you're getting to know the waves, while a subtle 3-stage rocker helps you get poppy off the wake once you understand the rhythm. This board was designed to help you progress, no matter where you’re starting from.
| Profile | Construction | Original Price |
| 3 Stage Rocker | System 80 Core | $299.99 |
Hyperlite Divine - Girls'
There's no stopping her progression when she hops on the Hyperlite Divine Wakeboard. Designed to master basic skills and hone in on more advanced maneuvers thanks to a forgiving and smooth-riding continuous rocker profile, the Divine's tuned Satin flex has just the right amount of pop and feel on the water for her to have a ton of fun! This board will have you carving and clearing the wake in no time.
| Profile | Construction | Original Price |
| Continuous Rocker | Layered Glass Monocoque | $239.99 |
Learn More With Our Other Wake Guides:
- Wakeboards - How to Choose & Size Chart
- Wakeboard Boots & Bindings - How to Choose
- Wakeboards & Wakeboard Bindings - Compatibility Guide
- Wakeskates - How to Choose
- Wakesurf Boards - How to Choose
- Wakesurfing - How to Wakesurf & Beginner Tips
- Wakesurfing - Boat Setup / Safety
- Wakeboarding - How to Wakeboard & Beginner Tips
- Wakeboarding - Towing Speed, Rope Length & Boat Weight
- Wakeboard Vests / Life Jackets - How to Choose
- Wakeboard Ropes & Handles - How to Choose
- Wing Foiling & Winging - How to Get Started
Learn About our Favorite Wake Gear
- The Best Wakeboard Bindings
- The Best Wakefoils
- The Best Wakesurf Boards
- The Best Wakeboards
- The Best Wakeboard Life Jackets & Vests
- The Best Wakeboard Ropes & Handles
- The Best Boat Fenders & Accessories
- The Best Wakesurf Ropes & Handles
- The Best Wakeskates
- The Best Wake Ballast Bags & Wake Shapers
- The Best Water Skis
- The Best Beginner Wakeboards
- The Best Value Wakesurf Boards
- The Best Value Wakeboards
- The Best Beginner Wakesurf Boards
The Selection Process:
Our wake buyer has an endless amount of knowledge on all things watersports stemming from years of experience in the watersports industry in tandem with their countless hours out in the water catching waves behind the boat or ripping at the cable park. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Jack Mace
I grew up on the north end of Lake Washington and was surrounded by watersports enthusiasts who all had an immense passion for any activity done on the water. My dad has also worked in the boating industry my whole life, so those two factors were the main building blocks that shaped my love for the industry from a young age.
After attending Western Washington University, I moved back to the Seattle area and worked as a sailing instructor for a number of years at my cousin’s rental shop on Lake Union before joining the evo family in 2012.
At evo, I started out on the customer service team and worked my way onto the merchandising team which gave me the opportunity to integrate my passion and love for the water into a career as the Watersports Buyer. I still reside in the Seattle area with my wife Katie and two sons, Wes and Carter.