Flex vs. rock hard stiff no flex

[bullwings]

So, what's your preference for hybrid/GS?

I have an Axe 2.5 and i redrilled it for a longer wheel base. I still can't get used to the rock hard non-existant flex. It makes it difficult for me to pump.

I'm probably spoiled by my Pulse 40. But, i've been finding boards with flex easier for me to pump, even if the trucks haven't been dialed in.

So, what's your preference? Flex or no flex?

I'm going to keep giving my Axe 2.5 a try, but I think i'll be putting it up for sale soon. The kick tail and no-flex just don't work for me.

Setups i've tried. Front truck: bennett 4.3 and 5.0 with different bushings. and wedging anywhere from 7 to 14 degrees.

Back trucks: RTS 120 something, and 125 randals (42 degree plate) with two angled soft wedge risers, and wedge kit with anything from 4-7 degrees on top of the two soft wedge risers. also tried a bunch of different bushing combos (Khiro bushing kit only, and some bitch bushings).

[Petary791]

My Libido has slight flex and I really dig it. I don't have much to compare it to though, but I like how it feels for sure.

[vavickers]

Personally, I've found pumping to be more of a rhythm thing than a flex or no flex thing.

[Sh1v3i2]

I have never actually done a slalom course but from pumping on my dervish or my balboa compared to a stiff slalom board its easier at slower speeds with flex but getting higher speeds with a stiff board is so much easier. The flexy boards have a habit of sliding out and robbing power.

[cheetah94]

For pumping, flex makes it a little bit more responsive through your leg, but its more of a mind over matter type thing. Its like tying a knot with gloves on. No matter how thin they are, you lose some touch and it makes it harder.

If your planning on using your board for slalom, its a great board. At higher speeds, when you try to turn with a flexy board, it tends to flex instead of putting pressure on the trucks, so it responds less through the turns. Flexy boards, as a general principle, are not good for slalom.

[bullwings]

Never planned to compete or anything. It's just something i've been doing for fun on my own. Plus, the board doubles as a commuter.

I think i've been spoiled by boards with flex. I just can't get used to it. Stiffer snappy flex works for me, but rock hard solid just doesn't feel right, and neither does the kick tail. I can't quite figure out how to use it for my foot placement. Ah well, guess I just suck at this. haha

I guess i'll just have to try out more of a GS type board with a little bit of snappy flex to it, but not noodley like a loaded or anything.

something with a 24-25.5" WB and under 35" in length would probably suit my needs.

LY mummy looks to fit the bill. I know it's not very good for GS or any type of slalom, but it looks like it'd probably be fun to just shoot through my cones with it and use for general commuting/pumping.

I was looking at the LY mummy, gravity gs32, and rayne timeline. they're all marketted as slalomish boards, but seem to fall short as far as serious slalom is considered. Can't find any other mass slalomish boards with flex at daddiesboardshop. I wanted to take advantage of the 20% sale they had this weekend, but I probably should wait and do a bit more research before dropping the bomb like that. Eh, I guess i'll just ride what i've got for now.

Funny thing about flex though, doesn't Roeracing make a bunch of flexing slalom boards? Is there something special about the kind of flex those boards have?

[inertiatic515]

Never planned to compete or anything. It's just something i've been doing for fun on my own. Plus, the board doubles as a commuter.

I think i've been spoiled by boards with flex. I just can't get used to it. Stiffer snappy flex works for me, but rock hard solid just doesn't feel right, and neither does the kick tail. I can't quite figure out how to use it for my foot placement. Ah well, guess I just suck at this. haha

I guess i'll just have to try out more of a GS type board with a little bit of snappy flex to it, but not noodley like a loaded or anything.

something with a 24-25.5" WB and under 35" in length would probably suit my needs.

LY mummy looks to fit the bill. I know it's not very good for GS or any type of slalom, but it looks like it'd probably be fun to just shoot through my cones with it and use for general commuting/pumping.

I was looking at the LY mummy, gravity gs32, and rayne timeline. they're all marketted as slalomish boards, but seem to fall short as far as serious slalom is considered. Can't find any other mass slalomish boards with flex at daddiesboardshop. I wanted to take advantage of the 20% sale they had this weekend, but I probably should wait and do a bit more research before dropping the bomb like that. Eh, I guess i'll just ride what i've got for now.

Funny thing about flex though, doesn't Roeracing make a bunch of flexing slalom boards? Is there something special about the kind of flex those boards have?

The Axe 2.5 should be able to run hybrid and GS, from what I've heard. You may want a flexier board, but the Timeline is definitely too flexy for slalom.

[DHBM]

i like having a wee bit of flex

[Kevin in Edmonton]

So much flex on my homade I can roll a shortboard under it! Make it a trend!

But I learnt on shortboards, so I got used to it, then when I got to the long on the first try it was sooooooooo weird!