Board – Liquid Force Concept Grind 139x42
LF Synergy Bindings
Ridden with a Cab SB III 12m
Weight 78kg
Intro
I have been riding for a few years and always disliked the feel of foot straps. After riding a few times will boots I was hooked and began looking for a new set up. I think that Liquid Force is the dominating brand for wake style/binding set ups and the Concept seemed to be the board of choice. I was always hesitant to get a pair of boots. Most people seem to prefer straps. I can defiantly see the down side to boots, but the feel and comfort they give me personally ****s all over anything I have ever tried, I like the locked in feel, much more like wakeboarding and snowboarding.
The board -
With or without boots this is hands down the nicest board I have ever ridden. I was riding an underground FLX 06 128 and before that another underground. So jumping to a 139 x 42 board was a big step, but I immediately felt at home with minor changes to my riding style, which I think are more to do with riding boots than the board. A was a little nervous that the ‘wake style’ board would feel a little too much like a wake board and push a lot of water reducing the speed and upwind performance, this is not the case. The board obviously has more rocker than the FLX but is still very fast get up and going very well. Between your feet is a big wide flat bit of board that tapers off to a more precise double concave tip. I also had a ride on the LF recoil, the concept sort of sits between this and a ‘Cab Custom’ – enough rocker to cut through the chop and get good pop, but still a fast board. Because of its size it gets up and going as early as my FLX 128 and due to the boots I can almost hold down as much wind on it as well. I have been riding it for the last 2 months every session I’ve had so it’s defiantly a perfect all round board.
It comes in 3 different finished, standard, light and grind. The grind is finished with a snowboard type hard bottom that is made to be kicker and slider proof. I ran with the grind because there is no performance loss with the board and for $25 bucks more you get base that should be immune to small shells and rocks, if it does get any big gashes it can be repaired with a P-Tex candle, something that normal kite board bases can’t use.
The boots -
I can’t say much about the bindings as I have no comparison. I opted for the synergy over the union because the life expectancy is greater and I like the feel of lace ups. The boots aren’t nearly as heavy or stiff as I expected so the change from straps wasn’t that big. I’ve since read on forums that they are the perfect entry boot because of the flex. The only other thing I can say is that they use a 6.5 inch base plate so that fit kite spacing and on the bottom there is a ‘response plate’ that lets you set the degrees of your stance.
FINAL
Since I got this set up my old FLX hasn’t even come to the beach with me, and I was stocked on that board. I will post a follow up review when I get in some more riding time to let you know how the board lasts.
Looks sweet i like the way they mount the plate is a lot smaller than the one you get with the ss boots.
Slips in easy as. I always carry a small bottle of washing up liquid with my wakeboard but never had to use it on the synergy.
Like I said there my first pair of bindings, but i've never had a problem, I have the large and size 10.5 feet, and there pretty big on me, but once you crank them down they feel snug.
Now that I've got used to binding I would like to try some ultra stiff ones, to see how that feels. The synergies have a flexible back so your ankle can still bend backwards.
Anyone ride real stiff bindings? any disadvantages?
it can be harder to reach for some grabs with stiff bindings. its a personal choice, some people like to have plenty of flex in their boot, others prefer a more rigid hold down and less movement
by the way; pm if you are thinking of selling your synergies
Where is an LF dealer when you need one. I'd love to try a setup like this in Melbs.
just got a set of synergy bindings on the week end, thanks Padi
. i love them. relli good hold, easy to get in and out and really comfy. i have been riding them with a 131 recoil comp. i can not get enough of them.
looks sick, do you think the tongue needs to go between the inner and outer section of the boot, thats how I have it. You have it on the very inside.
I don't know
Have you ridden in many other bindings? How do these compare, in terms of flx, build quality etc.
yea i will. 
i just was trying each of the angles to find which one is best for me.
yea i find that the tounge fits nicely on the inside of the binding. it doesnt relli matter tho. whatever suits u.
compared to other bindings, i was riding LF Ultras b4 this, i found that when i crashed bad or went for a powered trick my feet would move around or slip out.
i must say people should try these bindings out, they are unreal!!!!!!!!!!
Good to here your lovin the boots Tom!
I have had the Concept Limited for about 2 months now and have been loving it. I have it set up with the synergy boots also. It is an awesome wakestyle board, with plenty of rocker for plush landings and pop. Although it is nice and flat through the centre so it is very fast to get plaining.
The limited edition is the lighter version of the grind and standard concept. For a big board it is really light especially combined with the synergy's which are very light.
Has any of you guys with the grind hit any sliders yet? How does the base hold up?
I'm stoked with this board and recommend it to any guys out there looking for a sweet wake-style set-up.
Here are a few pics for ya:
That looks sick man, I would love to give that edition a go, I heard that the LTD has a bit more flx as well, what do you think?
I got the grind edition because I progress to sliders and kickers as soon as possible, and cause I want the board to last as lo0ng as possible, I haven’t had the opportunity since I got it, maybe in the next couple of weekends.
How are you liking your concept? what other boards have you ridden?
I actually found it hard to pop when i first got it, compared to my old board, I think due to it's size I was loading for too long and loosing all my tension, and my back foot would drag a bit, but now i have it sorted. How did you find this?
Yeah I guess it would have more flex as it is thinner then the grind, however i have not rode both of them so I cant compare how they feel on the water.
I'm loving the board heaps, before this board I had the 09 Recoil 136 which was an awesome board too but I prefer the concept because it has more rocker so it is much softer on the landings. I also have a cardboards wakestyle board, this is a little older now and is used as my slider board. Although I'm starting to think I should have got the grind so I dont need too boards.
As for popping I found it alright but I think I may have had to get used to popping on my recoil in the beginning.
Hi all
Got a pair of Synergy bindings yesterday (cheers Padi). Awesome! . Unfortunately I've got small feet so sending back the mediums and going to try the smalls.
Looking at getting a concept grind or ltd to put them on. Not sure whether to go with the 135 or 139. Any recommendations? I weigh 75kg and current ride a 133cm Cab Custom.
get the 139 I think, it doesn't feel like a big board to ride..... for me anyway
Thanks very much for the advice guys. I'll go the 139. Now where can I place an order for wind?
