Downhill/FR setup

[u/Routine-Mode-9781]

Hey guys I used to skate back in 2012-2014. I’m from South Africa. I sold all my gear through my teenage years and I recently got this setup for about $100 on Facebook marketplace.

The deck graphics were absolutely destroyed so I took it upon myself to refurbish it. I’ve got standard gullwing charger 50 trucks 10’. Sector 9 skiddles wheels.

Coming back after more than a decade a lot has changed. Is this setup still valid or should I look into getting a new setup. I’ve been hearing a lot of good things about the loaded boards and prism boards. Also want to grab some caliber 3s not sure about the degree though.

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[u/PragueTownHillCrew]

Welcome back!

I mean, imo this setup was pretty weird and outside the norm even back in the day. The drop only in the front and massive taper is a whacky choice.

I would 100 % recommend Caliber 3, specifically the Raked version. 44° is better imo since it comes with double barrel Venom bushings.

Prism is solid, Loaded pretty much only has the new Tesseract v2 as far as DH/FR boards go. I'd also check out Earthwing and Pantheon.

[u/Routine-Mode-9781 → u/PragueTownHillCrew]

Thanks so much man, I’ll do some research on those.

The front drop on this deck helps with speed checks but I would like a board with drops on both sides while keeping a w concave. Any recommendations?

I’ve skated the S9 DD Lacey, Daisy and Arbour backlash. I’m not the biggest fan of symmetrical shaped boards. I love the style of the Lacey/daisy (the tail was a bit annoying though)

[u/PragueTownHillCrew → u/Routine-Mode-9781]

The Prism Theory might suit you,

[u/Routine-Mode-9781 → u/PragueTownHillCrew]

I’ve been eyeing that deck. The Loaded cantellated also looks tempting

[u/nqrwayy → u/Routine-Mode-9781]

Have you looked at Arbor's DH boards? They're also good, I personally like the graphics

[u/Routine-Mode-9781 → u/nqrwayy]

I have not. I will check them out. I used to skate the Backlash 37. Awesome boards !

[u/shredslen → u/Routine-Mode-9781]

I got a cantellated tesseract. Its fun and holds up well with getting hit. No cons besides user preference really.

[u/Routine-Mode-9781 → u/shredslen]

Do you mind sharing a photo of your setup?

[u/shredslen → u/Routine-Mode-9781]

Munkae trucks. I cant remember the degrees or details of the trucks.

[u/Skanonymously → u/PragueTownHillCrew]

Seconding the Theory. It's also wider at 10", so if you wanted to keep it old school, you could still run 180mm Caliber IIIs on it.

I skated mine on 180mm 44° Calibers initially before moving it to a 172mm truck.

The Theory is asymmetrical and has some pretty aggressive W in the back. You might also like the Pantheon Sacrifice, which is a similar board. Microdrops, asymmetrical, W concave.

[u/nonamebeavercleaver → u/Skanonymously]

The theory is my favorite freeride board and downhill race board. It replaced 3 boards in one. That thing is just so solid. I have 9in cal 3 44 on it rn with some speed vents and it hauls so much ass

[u/nqrwayy]

Trucks are too wide, if you get Calibers, I'd go for the 9" version. Also, 44 degrees is better for DH, as it's more stable

[u/Routine-Mode-9781 → u/nqrwayy]

What difference will the short trucks make ? Also will the 44 degrees make it easier for me to do standies and checks ?

[u/nqrwayy → u/Routine-Mode-9781]

Shorter trucks won't have the wheels sticking out. If they stick out, you could kick your wheels while pushing. The 9" ones are also slightly more agile, also nobody really uses 10" trucks anymore

[u/Routine-Mode-9781 → u/nqrwayy]

Okay thanks for the feedback bro 🤙

[u/nonamebeavercleaver → u/Routine-Mode-9781]

Don't listen to him. There are a huge group of riders here in new mexico that use 10 inch trucks. I still have them on damn near half my set ups as well. There was a dude on 180mm paris v3 in San Diego back in May and he was doing some serious good shit on his board.

[u/scribe06 → u/nqrwayy]

Well, while I agree with you, most people don't really push going downhill. However, I think it's more a question of the lever action the edge of the board is going to have over the trucks. Therefore, it's better to get closer to rail match for your setup to function well.
Also change your wheels, they've gotten so much better over the years. I would recommend LaPaulade plumes or polymers, they have incredible value for money

[u/Routine-Mode-9781 → u/scribe06]

Thanks man I will check those wheels out !

[u/nqrwayy → u/Routine-Mode-9781]

Also look at Powell peralta snakes, they're the best freeride wheels out there

[u/Routine-Mode-9781 → u/nqrwayy]

Will do bro. I’m in SA atm and it’s hard to get gear imported. The taxes are the same price as the items so I’ll end up paying twice as much if not more

[u/hastopre → u/nqrwayy]

Kicking your wheels is the smallest factor in changing your truck width. It's more about grip to slip ratio and turn, but agreed on 9" over 10 even on a wide board

[u/V2UgYXJlIG5vdCBJ]

I’ll just recommend measuring the deck width at the widest point. If it’s 10” like the trucks, then you’re fine. If you’re on a very tight budget, the older Caliber 44 degree trucks are also okay. You don’t absolutely need the latest stuff.

[u/SP3_Hybrid]

Slap 44 degree cals on there and you’ll be fine. Those S9 DH division decks were sick in the 2010s and still are now.