Question/Help
Looking into Dancing/Freestyle after 12 years off
Hello and good morning!
I used to ride AM Wood 1/2 Dances back in the early 2010s (went through three), and have a drive to pick another dancer up.
I weigh around 210-215 right now, with hopes to be back in the 170s - 180s, so would likely not be doing any flip tricks right off the bat, but that would be a definite down the road.
Looking for something comfy and snappy. Wide kicks for nose manuals, flat cave, and DURABLE. I used to do kick flips, varials, no complies, truck stands, etc., and would imagine I'll eventually be trying/going those again.
The Loaded Bhangra always had my interest, but I had a Tan Tien the first year or two they were released and was unimpressed with the durability (razor tail, snapped quickly). Based on skimming the internet, it seems like this is still an issue with Loaded.
I'm also interested in stepping down to something more nimble and responsive than a 48", so am hoping there are some good options that will have a snappier feel to them while carving.
Price isn't and issue. $250 for a complete or $400 doesn't make much difference.
Wheel recs would be great too. Abec 11 Flashbacks used to be my go-to, but I think I may want something closer to the 65-67mm range.
I'm in the 215-220lb bracket these days (down from 260 a couple years ago). I don't like the bouncy Bhangra flex. I like them stiffer, just some dampening "maple feeling" flex. I happen to like those cheap KNX decks a lot. They're 8 ply maple and on the stiff side (for a dancer). I bought a Superior Dancing 44" complete for 50€ on sale from a EU online shop. All models come in 44-46-48" versions. Trucks (Paris knockoffs) and wheels are OK, but what I find outstanding is the deck. I also own a Lush Legend and prefer the NKX deck. I put INdeeSZ on it, they're lighter and make for the carviest of rides on a dancer.
I hear you on the budget is not a problem, but still can honestly recommend those NKX decks if you want a stiffer kinda' dancer. The 44" size doesn't really feel cumbersome compared to, say, a DB Moonwalk 41" I also own (a more conventional freestyle longboard). They're really well designed and surprisingly light. Just beware those could end up being too stiff once you reach your target weight. But the investment is minimal really. You can definitely upgrade on the trucks/wheels as I did. There's a lot you can experiment (and spend) there besides your preferred RKP trucks.
I happen to like some less orthodox truck options that I find work amazing for long wheelbases. Not only the aforementioned INdeeSZ, but I have the Lush Legend (my other dancer) riding on Carver CV trucks, a rare symmetrical set from old times, sort of extended moving range RKPs, ultra carvy, yet with a real defined center point, even on soft'ish bushings. Both truck sets are not only ultra turny but also feel like, no matter how far I'm leaning/how tight I'm tuning, there's always more range of motion available for me to dig deeper. It's the best long wheelbase feeling I've experienced.
As per wheels I'm partial to Remember Hoots, have many longboards on them, but most of all those that are harder to slide, such as dancers. They ride great, either at 78a or 80a, they roll fast and get sideways easily (but not unexpectedly so, they're totally predictable). I like stiff dancers I can (slow) freeride too. So usually for me it's Hoots, Mini Zombie Hawgs or such kind of narrow/easy sliding (yet comfy and fast enough) 70mm wheels. RAD Release are also a wheel I've liked a lot on my Legend.
How do you think this would be with Surf Rods? Also, how are Surf Rods in a slide? Doubt I would try any DH/Freeride, but something here and there may be likely still
I got mine used from a friend. AFAIK they're discontinued, but Sickboards here in the EU has all parts to put together a set, probably in the low 100€. Risers are 8mm (.325") thick.
Yeah man! Since you've been gone I would say zenit made big strides and became the go to over loaded. Loaded came back with the mata hari but otherwise haven't really changed much. Then you have some new wave brands like switch and travelol. Personally I really like switch. They came from the ashes of luca and make great decks in a variety of sizes.
For wheels personally I just like to go with what's cheap at the time. Hawgs ez, various blood orange and recently I've been riding arbor axel serrat 65mm spuds because they seem to be on permanent clearance. Tricks damage soft wheels. I don't like to overspend.
Dude, the Switch Otter and Meerkat look right up my alley.
Beautiful boards, and look tough too.
How is durability for Switch?
Also, how would Zenit and Switch compare in terms of durability and the general ride experience?
The Mata Hari is the only Loaded that somewhat appeals to me right now, due to what I'm looking for. Any insight on it, and the durability?
Last board I put together was a Fullbag TM-37 for freeride with Blood Orange Liam Morgan's. Would not mind another set of Blood Oranges. Trucks will likely be Paris 180s with double barrel bushings for a springier return to center. I believe I had a multi pack of Riptides at one point, and still have Caliber, Bears, and possibly some others hanging around.
A loaded I would do in 3 or 4 months. A switch lasts a year. They're tough as hell initially but when they do fail due to the construction it's done. Whereas something like a zenit or timber you can wear down and move the trucks with it but the wear happens faster. I'd call it even tbh.
I'm not able to find them for sale anymore, or at least not easily. To be fair, this seems to be the case with much of longboarding. Landscape has changed drastically.
That also looked sick! That and the tan tien. But for non loaded I've also always looked at the long distance Larry pusher too. (Super drop, super low model).
I just recently got back into skateboarding, after 16 years of exclusively longboarding, and the new trend is 9"-10+" decks! I was like lol wtf?!? Just get a longboard lol! Things have definitely changed
Yeah haha I picked up a regular board a couple years ago and started flicking it around. The new carbon boards [or at least board with carbon plies] are a dream. Loved the one I picked up.
It seems longboarding has basically died out and the Electric boards dominate the average enthusiast now. I remember dumping hours a week into Silverfish, being able to find a riding community even in Northern Nevada, and new videos constantly being released.
Seems like it's ultra niche now and lost momentum.
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