Shorter Board for Cruising and All-Around Fun (PPS, GFH, Gravity)?

[crusher]

I just recently got into longboarding and have been enjoying my first board, a Landyachtz Drop Carve, but I've already got the itch to add another board to the quiver and have been scoping out a few different options. This time I'm looking for something of the shorter, old school flavor, around 30" with at least one kick. This board would still mostly be used for general cruising/commuting, so maneuverability is important. I don't have any experience with it, but I might like to try out some slashing/skurfing-style riding or sliding with it as well (obviously change wheels as appropriate). I mainly want something more portable and good for all-around enjoyment that I can keep in my car.

There are a few boards that appeal to me right now (all linked here). The Pocket Pistols Retro Screamer and GFH Venice 30 both look like a good fit and are probably my top choices right now. A couple of the Gravity boards don't look too bad either. The 27" Mini Classic 3 and 33" Larry Bertlemann appeal to me the most of the Gravity stuff. The Earthwing Drifter Complete from Mile High Skates looks nice too, but I think it is too slide-oriented for me, since that is not the primary purpose for this board.

Am I asking for too much from one board? Are there any good pool boards that I am missing out on that would be good for this application? Would I be better off with dual kicktails? Am I on the right track as far as trucks and wheels that would be suited for this application (Trackers or Bennet Vectors, wheels in the 60-65 mm and 78A-83A range)?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

[jhelm007]

All your choices look good to me for the kind of skating you describe. For the same type of skating I use a powell classic vallely re-issue which is similar except wider. I chose mine because I already had wide trucks lying around from my younger days. I like that pocket pistols deck. I think I'd go with that one if I were in your shoes.

[Metalhead8290]

lb30 w/ tracker and 80a street g's

[ska1234]

the LB36 cruiser board?

[Metalhead8290]

opps sorry..i mean the larry bertlemann 33"

[Converse]

I have the LB33 with Trackers and 85a Rainskates Tsunamis, I'd recommend it to anyone. I hear the Bennetts are killer on it though, if you have the money I'd go for those.

[fluidfruit]

that pocket pistols board looks great! it definitely has the nicest shape, and graphics, imo.

[hoshnasi]

that pocket pistols board looks great! it definitely has the nicest shape, and graphics, imo.

x2, it comes with Bennetts too! I really like that one.

Also check out the Dingy, or Ben Wei. Might be a bit small, but the both rock.

[Achtane]

I have a Gravity LB33 with Bennetts and it turns ridiculously well.

[crusher]

Thanks for the help, everybody.

Yeah, I think it's going to come down to the PPS Retro Screamer or the LB33. I'm really leaning towards the PPS. It's a little bit more, but I'm in love with the shape and the graphic and it already comes with Bennett's, which I've yet to hear a bad thing about.

Any other thoughts? Any chance the PPS will be on the small side for what I want (I'm 5'8", 165 lbs)?

[Pinhead]

I took a test ride last week on someones board at a skatepark
that worked better than I thought it would.

Powell skull&snake 10"
Indy 169's
ABEC11 Grippins

[bean-a-reano]

Thanks for the help, everybody.

Yeah, I think it's going to come down to the PPS Retro Screamer or the LB33. I'm really leaning towards the PPS. It's a little bit more, but I'm in love with the shape and the graphic and it already comes with Bennett's, which I've yet to hear a bad thing about.

Any other thoughts? Any chance the PPS will be on the small side for what I want (I'm 5'8", 165 lbs)?

I just got the screamer, put a bennett on the front and RTs on the back. NIce bord, very nice. I am 5'9" @ 155. You won't be disappointed.

[birdman200]

gravity mini classic w/ bennets and 66mm zig zags

[jag09]

how does the pps handle as a everyday rider/ small hills every once in a while?

[bean-a-reano]

Funny you should ask. I went on a 30 block round trip this evening. Downtown, which has a few mellow hills. It did great, I also ran into some banks I hadn't seen before and it was very fun on them. The kick is very functional and is easy enough to ollie.

[flipkid]

the LB36 cruiser board?

I have the 36 logan cruiser and I love it. Its a great cruiser and carver.

[SCTR9Gold2]

Gravity Buttons (BK 32) is a great "cruiser" especially around small sidewalks. It is very fun to ride and carve up on. I love mine, its a great all around "smaller" cruiser/carver!

[crusher]

Well, thanks for all the responses, everyone. I put in the order yesterday for the PPS Retro Screamer complete with the Bennetts. Can't wait for it to show up! I ordered some pads and slide gloves to mess around with while I was at it too.

[yooeu]

Post pics and let us know how you like it

[aaronaftershock]

Aw, I would have gone with the GFH Mitch board, it's killer!