Beginner w some questions, I hope you'll indulge me.
I'm trying to outfit a couple starter slalom boards for myself and a few kids who have an interest. I found some 32" boards with 18.5 wheelbase, very workable cheapos, and we may build a board or two for kicks. I'm wishing to get some input gear I have laying around, and what to consider buying.
My skate crew may very well decide they'd rather go fishing or swimming all summer, so not looking for ultimate setups yet.
So.
I've heard of using narrow trucks in the rear, also heard these 85mm trackers I have make a nice TS setup. I have 2 sets of these, eBay specials: a pair of Darts and a pair of Racetrack S - I believe they don't make Racetrack x in this width?
My questions are: Is a mixed set of 85mm rear with a 106mm Racetrack X in front a good setup, or would it be a bit of a specialty thing? Thats another way of asking if I just pick up a few 106 RT-X's, do I have several good pairs for slalom, or should I think about matching 106mm RT-S for back trucks?
I'm skating these narrow Racetrack S front AND back with a wedge in front right now, seems very turny but I have no point of reference, too new at this. Most everyone else thinks it's too loose and fast for comfort, which makes me think it's probably pretty good.
Why is Seismic often noted as a good BACK truck, and not often highly praised for front? I had a board w 105 30/45 on it, liked it a LOT, then SOLD it to some kid to spread the "concept". Do many of you ride Seismic in front for slalom? I feel I need to replace that setup, and not only 'cause it looked cool...
Lastly, wheels to upgrade. Gumballs seem to be pretty standard. Any strong argument for something else? What's a good duro to start dodging cones with, and would different duro back and front be a plus? I lean towards 78a, just because grippy sounds right, and I didn't think the very stickiest (the extreme) seemed all that "balanced. I'll ride pretty aggressively, but others are still tyring to stay upright.
Grippins - a bit less costly than the 'balls - good for starters, or not so much?
I appreciate any comments on this. I have been searching quite a bit on the subject, but felt the time to ask a few specific questions had come.
A good, cheap setup for beginners in slalom is RTX/RTS combo in 106mm. Or if you want something a little bit more expensive but better you can go with a Bennet 4.3 in the front and a 106mm RTS in the rear.
Depending on your mounting options 14* wedge/dewedge is good for RTX/RTS and 10* wedge 14* dewedge is good for Bennet/RTS combos.
I've never tried riding Seismics as a front truck but from my experience Seismics turn too linearly and slowly to make a good front truck.
As for wheels I wouldn't go with Gumballs, they're too big for TS, I'd go with 66 or 70mm ZigZags or 69mm Hot Spots, duro depends on your weight.
A good, cheap setup for beginners in slalom is RTX/RTS combo in 106mm. Or if you want something a little bit more expensive but better you can go with a Bennet 4.3 in the front and a 106mm RTS in the rear.
Depending on your mounting options 14* wedge/dewedge is good for RTX/RTS and 10* wedge 14* dewedge is good for Bennet/RTS combos.
I've never tried riding Seismics as a front truck but from my experience Seismics turn too linearly and slowly to make a good front truck.
As for wheels I wouldn't go with Gumballs, they're too big for TS, I'd go with 66 or 70mm ZigZags or 69mm Hot Spots, duro depends on your weight.
Thanks!
I have not tried Bennet yet.
How do you accurately determine wedge angle? I've bought a few, none even stated the angle, I thought they were the same but haven't really compared. I did see a pretty high tech wedge kit somewhere.
Great tip on the wheels, I had heard bigger was not always better, but thought she was just being kind
I just put 66 no-names on my board. I'll browse in that range.
Me, chubbed up a tad since college, 185# but sure to lose a few as salad season is upon us. Is harder better for heavier? A couple of these kids might not be 100lbs wet.
Narrow rear trucks for TS and Hybrid?
Linear Mode
