Beginner board

**MyFriendBob** · 11-19-2009 12:57 PM

Hi guys,

I've been lurking for a week or so and searching for my first longboard (or any skateboard at all in the last 22 years or so). Basically I'd be using this board just for cruising. Perhaps the additional carving every once in a while, but mainly just keeping up with my kiddo on her bike & having a bit of fun & exercise at the same time.

I'm probably most concerned with stability and perhaps a soft ride since where I'd be riding there are lots of street expansion joints and the not so occasional gravel rock. There's no hills anywhere around, and I have no plans on downhill or parking garages or anything like that.

I've somewhat narrowed it down based on what I've read, but I'm having a hard time finishing it off. Here's some of the ones that I seem to like a lot (favorites coming first)
G&S Fibreflex 44 pin - gets the nod for cost and looks, but concerns due to topmount and smaller width
Earthwing supercharger (although I'm not entirely sure of the diff of the supercharger vs the superglider other than 3 inches)
Legendary Griffin
Neversummer Heist
Landyachtz Spud

I'd also consider a BCLongboards Eel as well (as I do like the drop through idea).

I had planned on Randall or Paris trucks (or may Indy's on the supercharger) with preferably BigZig Lemons 75mm 83a & Bones Reds (no idea on the risers or even their use...)

Cost is a slight issue, as I was hoping to stay under $250.

I've ruled out Loaded's lineup, the KS Scimitar, LBL Komodo, and Honey's lineup. I know it's still kinda a big list but any advice would be more than appreciated.

Oh yeah, I'm 5'9", 155-160. No real skating experience other than when I was 13 (and even then it was just to get from a to b). No big plans on pumping either.

Thanks,
Ronnie

**Blix** · 11-19-2009 01:16 PM

A few bucks over your budget, but this would be a sick first ride: LongboardSkater.com: Gravity Bamboo Drop Carve "Kalai" Medium Flex - 41" - Complete

Longboardskater also have some nice Supercharger setups.

Prepare for fun!

**Crowman** · 11-19-2009 02:10 PM

If you are going to focus mostly on pushing, go with a drop deck or a drop through. Lower deck = easier pushing. Also, if you expect really rough conditions, I would go larger than 75mm. 85mm Seismic Speedvent in a low durometer (76a or so) will smooth out the pavement better.

**Crowman** · 11-19-2009 02:12 PM

One other thing: pumping is a lot more fun than pushing. Try it before you dismiss it.

**MyFriendBob** · 11-19-2009 02:35 PM

I should have said "the occassional pumping", as I had thought that might be fun from time to time.

Oh and moderators please feel free to move this to the Q&A section with my severe apologies.

Originally Posted by Crowman

One other thing: pumping is a lot more fun than pushing. Try it before you dismiss it.

**Bookworm** · 11-19-2009 02:42 PM

I ride an evo on crails and orangatang inheats.

it's really low and you can get a BIG kick out of it, and once you get up to a decent speed it pumps pretty well, though you have to be going around 15 before you can get the most out of your pumps.

**botofusup** · 11-19-2009 02:54 PM

I was just checking out the BC Eel, a lot like the Gravity Kalai or Dervish. It looks super versatile and has a nice price, I want one:
BCLONGBOARDS

**8ftbed** · 11-19-2009 03:33 PM

You'd do well with a Griffin. Low dropthrough, just enough give to make the ride a little softer, simple yet gorgeous to behold and you can pick from myriad colors. (match the kiddo's bike or whatev

). It'd be easy just for pushing and putzing around but is a blast to carve and if you ever decided to point it down a little faster grade, you could do that with a little tightening of the kp nuts or change your bushings.

I've got mine set up with Bennett 6.0's. Stock red barrel bottom and orange sabre top with Venom Sidewinders. I tend to always grab this for at least a couple of passes in the daily rotation.

**keef** · 11-19-2009 03:47 PM

Hi Ronnie, welcome.
All good suggestions, think you 98% already know what you want from reading your post. Check out Long Board Larry, maybe a couple on there that fit your requirements.
If not, knowing what I know now, I'd be going Earthwing on Indys, just for something a little different from everyone else!!
I'm sure you'll have a blast whatever you end up rolling on.
If you end up on Randalls get some Venom Barrels to help smooth out that rough pavement.

**Silverskater145** · 11-21-2009 02:42 AM

Hey Ronnie,

The Landyachtz boards are nice. The NS Heist is great too (my friend has that one).

I'd personally recommend the Original Malakai 40. It'd be a perfect straight cruiser board for you. Almost too perfect. The Original trucks will make your ride nice, smooth, and cushy. Not to mention you'll be able to carve like a pro from the beginning thanks to the trucks. The board (I hear) is pretty flexy too, so it'll be easy on your feet and easy to push.

I own an Original Apex 37, just ordered an Apex 34, and am thinking about getting the Malakai 40 in the future specifically for long distance cruising/commuting. Seems like such a relaxing/carefree board.

The Malakai 40 Longboard by Original Skateboards

YouTube - The Malakai 40 Longboard by Original...

Read for yourself, and make sure to check out their vids on youtube. I love the chill, flat pintail design of the board. Seconds :10-:15 is my fav part of the video.

I'd upgrade the Trucks to S8 and get the Abec11 Grippins 78a for what you want. It'll be $225 so I don't know if that is over your price range, but the boards real nice.