I was checking out the Black Label web site (See, those promotional tours really work!) when I came across something I think I remember seeing in Transworld Business that I had meant to comment on. This is the Blackhole series of “anti-wheelbite construction” decks from Black Label, and if I’m not mistaken, those are a modern take on good old fashioned wheel wells. I don’t know about you, but I miss wheel wells. On every deck I ride I get little burn spots from wheel bite. I don’t really worry about slamming from wheel bite, I think it’s only happened to me once in the last five years. It’s more of an aesthetic thing really. I just like the way wheel wells look. This new version of wheel wells doesn’t quite do it for me though. A few longboard companies have been doing a more extreme version of this for years actually. The wells actually punch through the entire board resulting in a fully functional but goofy look. (Can’t find one the damned things online when I need it.) So actually, this post should have been titled “The return of the wheel well to contemporary skateboards.” I wonder how these are selling. I imagine the techy kids would be worried about the structural integrity.
Re: old idea...resold as new! tip of the hat to skate and annoy
Don't really like the look of it. I'd rather go with risers.
#1. With risers you don't need to drill holes in your deck, possibly weakening it.
#2. Some risers make the board last longer, because they absorb shocks.
What I wouldn't mind would be if all streetdecks came out with the classical wheel wells, like the Flip Lance Mountain. That would be awesome.
Re: old idea...resold as new! tip of the hat to skate and annoy
Now that is some technology advancement. As roundwall becomes more and more prevalent and the skating is migrating from street to a combination of styles, It only makes sense that the equipment design begins to see some terrain generated requirements. I still stick to my guns that terrain dictates functionality of design.
To bad its seen as being "new fangled", when its actually old as the hills. Of course there will always be those that say the wheel wells are used differently now, but thats up for debate.
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My comments represent a selfishly one sided 1970's skateboarder mindset, and do not reflect the current fashion-skate-lifestyle industry's views.
Re: old idea...resold as new! tip of the hat to skate and annoy
it seems like it would restrict what wheels and trucks you ride.. i love my wheels to hang over the edge of the board a little.. indi 169s and bowl bombers on a 8 inch board.. just feels and looks rad
Re: old idea...resold as new! tip of the hat to skate and annoy
Quote:
Originally Posted by mc99david
it seems like it would restrict what wheels and trucks you ride.. i love my wheels to hang over the edge of the board a little.. indi 169s and bowl bombers on a 8 inch board.. just feels and looks rad
restrict? dont all popsicles take popsicle trucks and popsicle wheels. All that stuff is standardized isn't it? Isn't it just different colors and paint jobs.
On a serious note, I find it very cool and functional. Heck take a fully outfitted popsicle, outfitted as a typical street set-up, then add some 58-62mm wheels and dont miss a beat. Thats a very functional design enhancement. I just dont like the novelty, "check this out" "new fangled"ness of it. Now, the new Buddy Carr board has some validity to being something new.
__________________
My comments represent a selfishly one sided 1970's skateboarder mindset, and do not reflect the current fashion-skate-lifestyle industry's views.
Re: old idea...resold as new! tip of the hat to skate and annoy
i wonder if people ever get shoe-bite with those? standing over the hole on a sharp turn, wheel pokes through the hole and contacts your shoe --> instant stop n' pitch, no?
Re: old idea...resold as new! tip of the hat to skate and annoy
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wells
Wheelbite isn't really a problem with hard wheels and street trucks if you've got normal forward-kingpin trucks and skate more than 10mph.
Agreed. I've got 98a 60mm wheels on a Jason Jessee Reissue deck, and i get wheelbite, but it never throws me, the wheels are just too hard to "bite" onto the deck and throw me. It just slows me down a bit.
I think its a decent idea at best, but its not really needed when your dealing with the usual street components (i.e. trucks that barely turn and wheels as hard as rocks). If your using bigger wheels and/or using softer bushings then i can see it being useful.
Pavedwave nailed it on the head, those hole cutouts on the Envy things were a horrible idea.
Re: old idea...resold as new! tip of the hat to skate and annoy
[quote=skategeezer;1297111506A few longboard companies have been doing a more extreme version of this for years actually. The wells actually punch through the entire board resulting in a fully functional but goofy look. (Can’t find one the damned things online when I need it.) [/QUOTE]
old idea...resold as new! tip of the hat to skate and annoy
