Carving and Freeriding: Which Longboard?

[Briggs]

Hey Silverfish,

I had a go on a mate's longboard the other day (a Landyachtz Drop Hammer), and seem to be hooked already! So hours of research later and I have a basic idea of the type of board I want to get. But there is such a large market! And with each company seeming to have a different construction technique which they claim is the best, I need some guidance choosing the right board for me.

I am 5' 10" and about 145 lb. What I want to do most of all is slide and carve, but, I wouldn't mind a pinch of speed either. I want to be able to hit some nice hills and control my speed all the way down with slides and agile carves. So, freeriding and carving basically (looks like the two don't usually go hand in hand though...) Also, I have a feeling that this board may become my main means of transportation (commuting).

So from what I've read so far I'm thinking that a symmetrical board may be best. I'd like something which is unlikely to get wheel bite, so probably something with wheel cutouts. Flex... I am not too sure about. Seems a flexy board is good for carving while a stiffer one is good for sliding. Any help there would be appreciated. I would prefer something between 32" and 40", but these are just guidelines really.

Some of the boards that I am considering are: Comet FSMini, Original Apex 34/37, Kracked Skulls Scimitar 38", Rayne Avenger, BC Eel 37 ", Insect Mosquito, Loaded Dervish. Any opinions on those and suggestions for more, please.

Cheers!

[gavmck]

I have the perfect board for you sir! Been riding mine around for a few weeks and it's my new favourite all round setup!

You need:
- slide and carve, but, I wouldn't mind a pinch of speed either
- may become my main means of transportation (commuting).
- a symmetrical board may be best.
- probably something with wheel cutouts.
- between 32" and 40"

Seems a flexy board is good for carving while a stiffer one is good for sliding.

Lets deal with this statement first. People say flexy boards are better for carving, but there's wimpy flexy cruiser carving and POWERFUL MAN CARVING for which a stiff board feels great, just have loose trucks!

So I reckon you need a Rayne Nemesis, some 180mm reverse kingpin trucks and some 70-75mm round edge wheels.

The Nemesis deck is nice and stiff, even under my 200lbs, lowered a bit to give you stability at speed and a locked in slide as well as being easier to push for commuting, but not too low so it still feels good carving those turns. It's symmetrical so if you wanna bust a 180 and keep going switch, that's nice and comfy.

Some reverse kingpin trucks will offer you stability and versetility, especially when you get the bushings dialled in. I'd recommend the new Sabre trucks because they have the best bushings in the world (Give them an hour to break in though) and you don't have to do things like install new kingpins, flat washers etc etc to get them to run right, they just work out of the box.

Round edge 70-75mm wheels will give you a nice slide and be big enough to rip around and do yer commuting on. Something like the Orangatang stimulus or durian would be excellent!

Yah, that should cover it...

[keef]

If your mate's Landy had you hooked after one ride, then get one of those, and set it up the same as his. It will do everything you have stated you want. Otherwise you'll buy something, and it wont feel the same, then you'll be sad.

Don't get stuck in the "Have I got the right board and setup for this that or the other..." thing as it will just stop you having fun.

[SoFlo]

You can slide a flexy board, you can carve a stiff one. I know a few people who have done 35mph hills on vanguards. It's all what you make of it. You will love your first board, no matter what. Part of the fun is doing things that your board isn't "typically used" for. Then when you get a board that's made for whatever it is, all of sudden you're super comfortable with it.

That being said...FSM would probably be sick for you.

[senkakureiken]

I also think you should consider where you live. If you have lots of hills, go with something stiffer and a touch longer (in my opinion) and if your area is pretty flat with smaller hills get something a bit flexy. Legendary make the Demon and the griffin which you can get drop through and lots of people like them. Also you can get either in maple or birch.

[ariola13]

I own a comet FSM mini. I've been doing a little bit of everything with it. I haven't tested it at high speeds but it stayed stable when going around 25-30 mph. It could probably handle a little more though. Sliding is fun as well and i just started landing shove-its.

If you're looking to go faster, you should also check out the FSM's. The longer wheel base adds that little extra stability. You will have to settle for slightly wider carves of course. Crossovers are also easier on this board.

I've also had a chance to ride the Apex 37. I loved it's carving ability but i don't know about going fast. Maybe if you changed the sprigs in the trucks.