Keith Hollien recently sent us an introduction to his 2008 line of skateboards, and we think you'll appreciate reading it right from him.  So, check out the...

'08 Keith Hollien Signature Series Boards

 

From Keith Hollien:

Let me start out with some history of the Keith Hollien Signature Series. The concept for my boards is not new. The cut-away shape that they are based upon has been around for a long time, as we all know, but my signature series shapes for 2008 are the result of what began over 25 years ago...

I started skateboarding in 1964, started slaloming in 1976 and I began riding a cutaway shape in 1978 (Thanks to an article by Henry Hester). In 1979, I met Mark McCree of Radikal Trucks and he had a cutaway board that was the starting point for my models. Over the next 8 years, we worked on the shape until we were satisfied with everything. In 1988, Mark made my first Signature Model under the Static Racing Systems name. The board was wood, flat and very stiff. It measured 24" x 8".

In the 80's I had been working on a couple of different models, but nothing was produced before I retired in 1993. When I came back to racing in 2003, I found my old model to be too short and I had to come up with something to race with. I started work on my Signature Series and today I have 4 models to cover all aspects of slalom skateboarding.
 

My models are intended for surf stance. The major benefit of my shape is the amount of leverage that the large platform area provides for your feet. The extra leverage positively effects your ability to apply pressure directly to the trucks. The main advantage of my version of the cutaway shape is that it gives the rider increased area for the placement of their front foot in the curve of the cutaway (behind the front truck). This helps to initiate turns quicker. The placement of the back foot on the back wing (in front of the rear truck) helps to give the rear truck better traction. My shape can help to address some traction issues of conventional trucks. I like my boards very stiff. My boards are riden by people of all ages, weights and sizes. They are very stiff and concave and have no flex or camber. My models are suitable for a wide range of riders and styles.

TS - Tight Slalom Model is 25" x 8.25" and drilled 18.50" hole to hole.

HS - Hybrid Slalom Model is 27" x 8.50" and drilled 19.625" hole to hole.

GS - Giant Slalom Model is 29" x 8.75" and drilled 21.25" - 22.75" hole to hole.

SS - Surf Slalom Model is 31" x 9" and drilled 23.50" - 24.75" hole to hole.