Advice needed for beginner longboarder

**shreddingmaterial** · 06-11-2004 09:29 AM

I've skated in the 80's and early 90's and now want to enjoy some "easy" carving on a longboard but not sure what to get. I know everyone has ideas on what to get but here's my thought and I'd appreciate any feed back.

I'm interested in the Vision Cruiser deck 48" (10" x 48") because I can get the deck cheap. What's your take on the deck?

I was thinking about getting Powell Bomber wheels 85a (I'm used to skating 90a on my street deck). I'm not sure what height I should get them at 60mm, 64mm, or 68mm. Suggestions?

As for trucks, I love Indy's and have an old pair of Indy 169's but not sure if those trucks will be wide enough for the Vision Cruiser. Thoughts?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
j.

**sk8dragon** · 06-11-2004 09:37 AM

I've never ridden the Vision deck before but have picked it up and checked it out at a shop once and It looked very nice. As for the wheels, alot of people dig those things for slideing but i'm not sure if they'd be really good for carving, a wider softer wheel would be ideal for what you want to do. I'd go with the biggest bombers, but thats just me. Those indies you have would probably fit perfect but you might need to get some angled risers to make them turn a bit better.

**sniffleless** · 06-11-2004 10:09 AM

I've got a friend that rides a Vision. It seems pretty good. For a first board it wouldn't be bad. The Indys will work fine. That's what I have on my old SMA longboard. Just throw on some risers (regular or wedge) and as long as you have good clearance it should be fine. I'd go with the larger wheel size. EAsier to cruise on larger wheels. What sk8dragon was saying about width is right. You deffently get better grip with a wider wheel but those Powell's are nice. But over all that doesn't sound like a bad set up. You can always change out what you don't like down the road.

**sniffleless** · 06-11-2004 10:12 AM

Vision deck. Powell wheels. Indy trucks.
Sounds like an 80-90's set up to me.
I'd almost do it just for nostalgia.

**drew** · 06-11-2004 11:36 AM

The Bombers are a nice wheel, but I'd go with something softer, like 78a or 75a duro, for smoother carves. As for trucks, Indy's on angled risers are decent, but there's a lot more out there these days which turn better; Randal, Exkate, Seismic to name a few.

**Ginjiroku** · 06-11-2004 01:47 PM

How wide is the Vision deck? The indies should fit great the 169's are 9in. I have a pair. Yea put some angled risers on the deck too. Also don't get the the 85a bombers if you want to carve. You'll be sliding all over the place. You'll want something wide and soft. About 78a or softer should be fine. I'd get some 3DM Avalons. They're really wide and come in a verity of duros the softest is 72a but you could get away with somthing a little harder. They're 68mm. Or if you want biger wheels get some 3DM Avilias or some Abec 11 Gumballs.

**OriginalBob** · 06-11-2004 02:06 PM

so you're going for the vision deck on ebay? good luck (im not being sarcastic, i love getting decks off ebay) with that. also, get something like randals if you want a good all-around truck, and those wheels might be too hard, i also agree with others, go for something more around 78a if you just want to carve... though the 85a's will work as long as you're not going too fast. and all those wheel sizes are considered small for most longboards, especially a 48 inch deck. maybe go for another wheel thats larger, wider and softer.

**shreddingmaterial** · 06-12-2004 09:22 AM

Actually I'm buying the deck from an online vendor and not through ebay. But thanks for the good luck - I'll use it towards my poker playing. Thanks for all the advice it helps out a lot. There's been some mention of wheels and I checked them out - they sound sweet but for me the graphics/style isn't for me. I'm still debating. I think I'll heed the advice to go softer. I was looking at another Poweel wheel Wings Cruiser that is 65mm and 80a. Anybody have experience with that wheel? Also where can I get wedged risers?

Thanks,
j.

**drew** · 06-12-2004 03:59 PM

I'd be surprised if you're online vendor didn't sell angled risers.

**tam** · 06-12-2004 04:36 PM

partypoker.com or pokerroom.com? haha or the real deal?

tam

**shreddingmaterial** · 06-13-2004 07:15 AM

Actually I play $2-4 to $ 4-8 holdem at Ultimatebet and Paradise and play a little higher in cardrooms/casinos and home games. Fun stuff!

I went to my local skateshop yesterday and ordered a set of wedged risers. I can't wait to set up my longboard. I've already mapped out a few hills and areas to cruise!

j.

**wombat boarder** · 06-13-2004 03:00 PM

check out www.lushlongboards.com for some great carving boards. go for a nice flexy deck with biiiig soft wheels- the best for cruisin and carvin.
peace

**Longboardloser** · 06-13-2004 04:50 PM

Not much use for people in the US however.

**dave_p** · 06-14-2004 05:10 PM

the nine inch indys will be fine i think. get some softer wheels, and sideset if the width is an issue. go for 70's. maybe krypto reds, nice ride.

**Kometsky** · 06-14-2004 05:23 PM

I'd go for slightly wider trucks and softer wheels than you are reffering to.
for wheels try something in the 78a, 80a range they will still slide if wanted but will be grippier than the hard wheels. And get them offset since centerset narrows the wheelbase down a bit.

**sniffleless** · 06-15-2004 10:28 AM

Places to get the wedge/angled risers are most online shops like solidskate.com longskate.com milehighskates.com. All these places should have them.
The sideset wheel idea is something to consider. The Kryptonics Classic K is what I'd get. 70mm 78a. Can't go wrong.

**shreddingmaterial** · 06-19-2004 09:52 AM

Alright, my new and first longboard is coming along nicely. I'm sticking with the Indy 169 trucks for the moment but since I haven't ridden on those particular trucks for more than 10 years I noticed the bushing are shot. Any advice on new bushings? Again I plan to cruising mostly.

Thanks,
j.