Speed Wobbles and You

**Fishtale Boards** · 01-20-2008 11:24 AM

Originally Posted by MJKam11

I find that crouching is more unstable, since your ass is off the board, it messed up my balance a lot. I was going about 15-20 in central park and I went down in a stance that is normally used for a coleman slide, just to get ready to turn, and I actually started to wobble (I always do wobble but thanks to the Evo, it never becomes anything more than a weird sensation).

are drop down boards or double drops less likely to wobble, im assuming yes because you have less leverage on the trucks so nothing becomes of the initial turn??

**MJKam11** · 02-06-2008 08:54 PM

Originally Posted by Fishtale Boards

are drop down boards or double drops less likely to wobble, im assuming yes because you have less leverage on the trucks so nothing becomes of the initial turn??

(sort of late reply, I know). Drop down boards bring your center of gravity down lower to the ground, making it more stable (also has something to do with drifting and sliding, but I personally do not know). What makes the Evo as stable as it is, is the dewedged tail, it doesn't allow the truck to turn as much, so you can keep your trucks loose, and still be able to go down hills with it.

**Lovesauce** · 02-06-2008 11:30 PM

I've got an extreme n00bish question here...

What wheels do you guys usually use to ensure downhill safety? Using harder duro wheels makes sense to me since I assume they'd be easier to break into safety slides rather than the safer, although grippier softer wheels. I understand all wheels are slideable, but I can't imagine myself controlling my speed downhill with a slide using my soft wheels at even a relatively high speed. Maybe it's just me though.

**LandLockedboardingGS** · 02-06-2008 11:35 PM

what wheels are you using....If you go too high, your just going to slide around.....On a Dervish I like something around 82a......I rock 81a bigzigon my LBL eddie and I can slide it but it grips up fast.....the lip, IMO has a lot to do with it...I guess that would be considered the offset....I wouldnt really recommend much past 84a but im not a downhill racer or anything.....78a gumballs seem to be a great grippy wheel and once broke in they are good to control slides....I know a lot of people like flywheels...i dont have them but they are apparently good at controlling slides and having great grip.....

**Lovesauce** · 02-07-2008 12:15 AM

On my current board (S9 Teahupoo Supercruiser...46"), I was riding with my friends and we were just going around on some steep hills and I felt some slight speed wobbles but tried to relax. This was with 61mm 81a S9 wheels I got for Christmas so they're pretty new. I just changed them to 70mm 77a Retro ZigZags.

Simply put though, what wheels are optimal for downhilling (they're inevitable here in SoCal, every neighborhood has steep hills so I have to face them no matter what), and what do you guys do to control your speed once carving is no longer an option since speed is too high? Just stay calm as you assume the proper position and balance yourself while bombing?

**Rarrazz** · 02-07-2008 12:47 AM

Originally Posted by Lovesauce

On my current board (S9 Teahupoo Supercruiser...46"), I was riding with my friends and we were just going around on some steep hills and I felt some slight speed wobbles but tried to relax. This was with 61mm 81a S9 wheels I got for Christmas so they're pretty new. I just changed them to 70mm 77a Retro ZigZags.

Simply put though, what wheels are optimal for downhilling (they're inevitable here in SoCal, every neighborhood has steep hills so I have to face them no matter what), and what do you guys do to control your speed once carving is no longer an option since speed is too high? Just stay calm as you assume the proper position and balance yourself while bombing?

There's that, as well as working on your speed check slides, just to keep your speed down - and of course footbreaking.

Of course, if it's safe.. It's always fun to completely bomb it, and then ride it out

**assumeivan** · 02-07-2008 12:58 AM

I noticed that when I stand up abruptly to air brake wobbles tend to start, but once I get back into tucking they go away.

If the speed is too fast for you to pull out some carves what you said is the right thing to do, place yourself in a position you feel most comfortable with and relax.

Air brake, footbrake, or pull that pendy out to check your speed.

CL · 02-07-2008 01:04 AM

Originally Posted by Fishtale Boards

are drop down boards or double drops less likely to wobble, im assuming yes because you have less leverage on the trucks so nothing becomes of the initial turn??

This is totally off topic, but hey Fishtale, have you ever been to The Otherside in Towson, MD? My god, thats one of the BEST head shops i've ever been to in my life!!

**pistol pete** · 02-07-2008 04:23 PM

Originally Posted by assumeivan

Nice job on this thread. Sticky time!

i agree! very good job

**N.J.Skater31** · 02-07-2008 06:46 PM

I ride 180mm randals and i hardly ever get speed wobbles and if i do i just carve it out or slow down a bit.

**LandLockedboardingGS** · 02-07-2008 08:22 PM

Ive rocked the Otherside before...maybe ttwo years ago....I dont really remember it but...it was cool

**battlekin12** · 02-13-2008 02:56 AM

worst speed wobble moment of my LIFE
i didnt know what speed wobbles were cuz i was just an idiot, so i was bombin this hill that was around this steep / haha no but its the steepest hill ive seen in a while (boise idaho the one on glennwood by capital high)

i had been skating regular short boards forever and my friend was saying "mann i could TOTALLY go down that hill" so i got a new shortboard and it was my day to christen it its weird cuz it rides almost like a longboard even though its SHORTER then a regular skateboard, its KINDA like an old school board, anyway it was soo small i could barely fit my feet on it,

and the trucks were SOOOOOOOO loose cuz thats how i always ride them, (again i was a n00b so i didnt know to tighten them)

so it was lunch so i grabbed my board and got a big crowd to come watch, well not big like 10-15 people so i started goin down the sidewalk and i was doin alright and i wasnt rly scared i was just really excited, and all of a sudden i felt myself loosing control looked down and saw my board shaking soo much i was moving across the ENDTIRE width of the sidewalk

now i was in a sticky situation cuz i didnt know what was happenin, i couldnt bail left cuz theres a chainlink fence there, goes straight from sidewalk to fence, if i bailed left i would have been HIT BY A CAR so i just jumped forward and hit the ground runnin as FAST AS I COULD, andi dont know how i didnt die anyway i was fine my board was fine rly lucky

but ever since i have a phobia of ANY speed at all, if im getting ANYWHERE near as fast as i can sprint im probably crying

**robotopdx** · 02-15-2008 04:48 PM

This is a great thread.
someone should contribute some of this information to the wikipedia article on speed wobble.

Speed wobble - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Think of all the teeth you could save!

**elementalzoo** · 02-23-2008 02:44 PM

"What Doesn't Cause Wobbles

Tight trucks, loose trucks, particular boards, particular bearings, particular wheels, phases of the moon, or sunspots. People get wobbles regardless of all of these.

What Contributes to Wobbles

Tense legs, knees, and ankles. Riding straight downhill. Speed. Crosswinds or bad pavement. Too-loose trucks. Too-tight trucks. Worn or sloppy pivot cups. Shorter wheelbases. Skitching. Standing up or crouching down suddenly."

No offense, but these are two completely contradictory statements. You can't say trucks have nothing to do with the wobs, and then say they do. It doesn't make sense.

I agree with a lot of what you said, particularly in the beginning in regards to oscillation and physic. What people forget is that from the ground up, you are in a complete system. Terrain, wheels, trucks, board, rider. Enough oscillation in any part of this system can and often does affect the whole.

It is not always possible to 'ride out' wobs. Even the best skaters are affected by them. You can be relaxed as a wet noodle and still have zero impact ( e.g. by 'relaxing more' )on the oscillation affect once it starts.

Since most riders will not measure levels on every surface, understand that even a mild 'dip' or rivet while impact from the wheels up and yes, how fast you're really going has a great impact on wether you will get through them without getting pitched. If it was just a matter of 'relaxing', there'd be no need for leathers or any other safety gear. The FACT is, there are instances where you WILL bail or become Superman

Either way, it's eat sh*t time. So in downhill, best to wear that safety gear eh?

Tons of skaters will brag they never get wobs. I don't trust a thing they say because it's total cack. Much of what was written CAN help you avoid wobs...for a time. But a strong oscillation process can and does occur and all the skill in the world won't help you.

**AngryGumball** · 02-28-2008 10:53 PM

Just searching for these annoying speed wobbles to see how to fight it. This is what happened to me yesterday: I'm riding elsewhere from work on an alternate route. This involved this fun little hill to bomb...nothing scary, just looked fun and safe to do. So I get going, start enjoying the speed I got (I'm sure I was probably somewhere near 20 mph, not sure) and sure enough as the ground levels out that's when the wobble session begins. Debating whether to ride towards someone's lawn and bail out or ride it out, I went with that second option as I knew I was only on flat land now. Luckily it was a success and I rode off with adrenaline going and proud I didn't wipe out. On the other hand, I ride down a much 'higher' hill, that's more gradual every day from work, but I don't get wobbles. And I'm on a bumpy sidewalk. Not sure why my ride down a short little hill.

I know possible factors that definitely contributed to this was loose turning randals, and a flexdex c29. This thing is insane when it comes to tight turning so I'm sure the 1 little bump in the ground had the ripple effect. Atleast I rode off in 1 piece, remaining on my board still. And lastly, I wasn't the slightest bit nervous when coming down the hill so I wouldn't say that I got nervous from it.

**smallhillrider** · 02-29-2008 12:18 PM

ha lol one day I was riding down this safe looking hill my friends board with 48mm wheels (you can guess =)) go down the hill, reach 15 mph, get speed wobble, and get over it. Once I stop the wobble I fall over this tiny little stone. Thank god I fell on my back and do judo... =)

**Brandead** · 03-12-2008 05:52 PM

mm i remeber the wobble i had cause my trucks was way toooo losee and i moved my back leg and go oh #### bails lucky i found my glasses and hearing aids

and oh jimz bushings ftw

**bombsies** · 03-12-2008 05:56 PM

I get wobbles when I push and kick... any1 else have this problem?

**GravityRider15** · 03-12-2008 06:14 PM

Originally Posted by bombsies

I get wobbles when I push and kick... any1 else have this problem?

thats an easy fix. don't suck8)

but really, how fast are you going when you get them when pushing?

**slither9192** · 03-12-2008 07:06 PM

Does anyone know how to actually get speed wobs. I mean like you can get the wobs by doing this or that. I think if you figured out how to get wobs you could figure out how to get rid of them. Or even better you could harness the wobs and become the best at slalom.