Downhill/Skatekite board

Kodiak · Since 01 Aug 2005 1114 Posts Slidey

Looking at stopping by Daddies tomorrow on the way out to the gorge to grab a board to use for both downhill and skatekiting.

I have been looking here and online and my understanding is I want 180 mm trucks (not sure why, or even what the 180mm dimension measures) and something with wheels that are soft enough to roll over pebbles but hard enough that will still let me slide out. Not sure about the length, any opinions on how long is too long? This board is a good price, got some good reviews, and looks sweet, but not sure if 46" is too long.

http://www.daddiesboardshop.com/gravity-boards-carve-1-ring-of-fire-complete-longboard-skateboard.aspx

Any advice?

forrest · Thu Jun 25, 09 6:53 pm

180mm wheel to wheel. That board looks sweet, just get it. The 80a wheels are a little soft, but that's what you want to start with unless you've got some experience on a skateboard. Generally, 98a is what you get on a regular skateboard IIRC.

Longer means you can go faster and stay stable, shorter means you can turn sharper but are less stable at speed.

DOPEFLY · Since 13 Oct 2007 97 Posts Maui

The Randall 180's are the finest trucks you can run. Flip the trucks so that 180's face in, this will change the degree of slope and stabilize the trucks at even higher speeds. Ive broke the 50 mph on my Randall's coupled with a LY Evo deck - I cant say anything bad about Randall's. Also, replace the kingpin with with an aftermarket pin that yields more strength. Flip the kingpin and replace the cup washers with two flat washers on each end. This will allow you to adjust the trucks without digging underneath with your tool and it allows the bushings to compress evenly without mutating the ends. Dont bug over aftermarket bushings as Randall bushings are great. If you decide to try other bushings, pick up a set of yellow Kiro's, they are similiar to the Randall's but lower profile - keeping it lower is always better(the reason for drop decks). I never had any luck with bushings in durometers harder than stock Randall's. My Loaded is 38", my Evo(I would have to look) is much similiar. I had a 42" Tahoe Talmont and I was more than happy to make it into a book shelf - too long for the riding style I developed. If you want to skate kite than I would say get something a bit more squirrely to jibe on and if you want it stable for DH then pay attention to the height and keep the deck thicker. Oh, 80a is great, Ive ran 78a forever and can smoke blind corners, lay em out, and feel good about it. Slide, Slide, Slide, until you know when you want the wheels to break contact. You can usually adjust your technique before your wheels. I wouldnt recommend a 70mm wheel - 76 or higher. Good luck!

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

just get somethin! gman and I just got back from a most enjoyable Tabor sesh. We have progressed from being totally wusses to actually carving up the whole hill in a few weeks.

get some gloves (with pucks) and a helmet too!

we were thinking of checking out Washington Park next... also we did the east side of Mosier tunnels but want to check the west side.

Kodiak · Since 01 Aug 2005 1114 Posts Slidey

I just hope I can get out of work early enough to make it down there before they close on Friday. I will probably get that board and then a helmet, gloves and some shoes. Maybe some knee pads as well.

wjb · Since 14 Aug 2007 223 Posts Nor Cal Stoked

Check these out. I love mine http://www.krackedskulls.com/

kiteboards · Since 19 Mar 2009 47 Posts

Awesome Longboards wjd, watched your videos at youtube you guys have a sick ass crew.

chanson · Since 31 Jan 2006 1874 Posts WISCONSIN Chimey

jim,

that board will work great... keep it in the car at all times!

and I like that everyones calling it skatekite now, vs.. kiteskate... don't want to be confused with.. http://www.kiteskating.com/ Cool

forrest · Fri Jun 26, 09 8:08 am

East side of Moiser tunnels has good downhill? The West side is pretty much flat.

FunShui · Since 16 Jul 2006 146 Posts Really, really Stoked

Nice board. I really like the Sector 9 pintails. Here is a cool one from Daddy's for the same price http://www.daddiesboardshop.com/sector9-pipeline-complete.aspx

For the sick speed you might upgrade your bearings to the Bones Swiss.

Just getting something is good!

mikeinhoodriver · Since 23 Apr 2009 442 Posts down wind somewhere Obsessed

...since we are talking longboards, anybody have any 70mm wheels for sale? Got a deck I'm putting together, actually homemade out of a slalom snowboard. Cant wait to ride!

wjb · Since 14 Aug 2007 223 Posts Nor Cal Stoked

pdxmonkeyboy · Fri Jun 26, 09 8:45 am

Gman and i are rocking the sector 9 pintails. Very nice board as well. Daddies will totally hook you up, just tell them what your using it for. Haven't been up to Tabor on my longboard. Could be really fun though. I did get airborne on the "learning curve" during the 03' soap box derby race. YIKES!!

For you NE PDX guys. Come try the NE 15th hill from Prescot all the way to Natures on Fremont. You get going psycho fast and need to use both lanes to carve hard and keep your speed in check.
Thumb's Up

wjb · Since 14 Aug 2007 223 Posts Nor Cal Stoked

I am sure everyone has seen this but here it is anyway

http://vimeo.com/1654340

pdxmonkeyboy · Fri Jun 26, 09 8:55 am

Link

ouchie....

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

pdxmonkeyboy · Fri Jun 26, 09 9:43 am

Don't forget a good set if knee pads!!!