can somebody give me some tips for a first slalom setup?

[wardlarson]

Right now i've got a budget of $180. let me know how this setup sounds:

Flexdex Slalom 30
Tracker RTS and RTX 139mm with a 1/2" riser
Red 70mm 78a ZigZags
DBS ABEC 7 bearings

[speshlspeclsteak]

get an axe 1 complete flexdex = no concave

[Brute379]

RTX?RTS is good but I would opt for 106mm

Zig Zags are a good choice and 70mm should be fine

You will want risers, but wedges and or a wedge kit from Khiro.

For a deck you have many options, a wood Pavel (contact WAX), CHIxILL, Sk8Kings,etc.

Bearings are not as important as practice and Bones Reds, Pleasure Tools, or Speedy Lunatics should serve you well.

Check the classifieds as I believe I recently saw some Fatboy decks for sale

[Bugs]

Originally Posted by wardlarson

Right now i've got a budget of $180. let me know how this setup sounds:

Flexdex Slalom 30
Tracker RTS and RTX 139mm with a 1/2" riser
Red 70mm 78a ZigZags
DBS ABEC 7 bearings

The trucks are too wide. You need wedges, not riser.

The trick with slalom setups is getting them set up right with regards to wedging and bushings. If you want to buy something that you know is going to work out of the box, get one of these.

You get the right components, with upgraded bushings, wedged and dewedged just right, and it's within your budget. It's good value and you can't go wrong.

(I have no connection with sk8kings, just an occasional customer.)

[WAX]

I would go with a wood Pavel deck ($55 and 2 styles to choose from)
a Bennett in front
an RT-S rear
HotSpots or Zags
good inexpensive bearings and a Khiro rail wedge kit (that way someone can find what works for their own style much easier and actually save some money in the long run)
and some Venom Bushings

Personally I find the Axe series boards too hard to adapt to, I prefer the Pavel and Fullbag shapes as they seem much more suited to skateboarders adapting to slalom.

If you are interested in a Pavel shoot me a PM and ill get the info to you (I will be away from the computer till sunday) as for the other parts, Check out Mile High Skates.

[Christophish]

Definitely go for the Bennett 4.3 front, 106mm RTS rear. Khiro bushings, or Venoms if you can get a hold of them, but you'll need lots to play around with, depending on your weight, riding style, and preference. A Sk8kings complete might be your best bet, as they will work with you and give you lots of advice setting it up custom for YOU!

Lose the Flexdex idea... they just aren't a competitive slalom board. When I say competitive, I don't mean formal racing, I mean they just don't compare to decks like the Axe or Fullbag. I haven't tried a wood Pavel, but I've heard good things.

Wedges for sure, ZigZags or Bennett Alligators for wheels. Go with 78a-81a rear, 83-86a front. Bearings: Whatever you have until later...

[Homer80]

You might want to consider bringing some smaller wheels. My first time out with 70mm zigs and a tight course with a good hill was way too much. I had some old smaller stingers that I put on and made some full passes. Pumping down hill on 70mm wheels can be crazy fast if your not used to it.

[bucksaw87]

get a wooden deck...like wax said, a woody pavel...or, as otehr people have recommended, a sk8kings axe. trucks? NARROWER! 106mm tracker rts rear and rtx front; or a 106mm rts rear with a bennett 4.3 front. you don't NEED split-duro wheels, but it definitely helps. zigzags, bennett alligators, seismic hotspots, etc. seem to be good choices. talk to karrot to get some reflex bushings for the front, and khiros for the back. and have fun!

[donald20]

i hate to chime in on this but i gotta say something:
WAX is also VERY able to set a board up the right way with all the options included.he's part of the coss crew and we all know what they are skatewise.

other than that i second what wax said about board choices.just my personal preferences too.

[bucksaw87]

Originally Posted by WAX

I would go with a wood Pavel deck ($55 and 2 styles to choose from)
a Bennett in front
an RT-S rear
HotSpots or Zags

Originally Posted by donald20

...other than that i second what wax said about board choices.just my personal preferences too.

gee, i wonder why



listen to the man! he knows his stuff!

[claude regnier]

Wardlarson - I don't know how far away you are from Hood River, Portland or Seatle but there is quite a good crew there that would indeed help with set-up and testing as well as advice.

If you ae close to Hood River there is abig race coming up next weekend.

As far a gear goes gets some opinions but try to ride a few things first, if you can just to see what feels best for you. We are all little different in styles, likes and dislikes.

You have been given the best options for anyone from beginer to advanced. Yes there are very many talented guys that can kick ass on wood decks and low cost trucks and such.

Test and play and your on your way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Many Happy pumps!!!!!!