[jdnorthrup]

Hi all,

So I've taken my first runs using a +15 -10 wedge setup on Gullwing Chargers front and rear.  It's definitely more efficient to pump -- I can make it 3/4 of the way up my test hill instead of 1/4 now!  

Because of the angle differences, the front of my board is a tad higher than the rear now (obviously).  I guess I'm just wondering if anyone has opinions on adding risers to keep everything level -- does it help? hurt? not make a difference?  I know, I know... I'll try it and see what *I* like, but it's fun to ask the collective.  

It seems like levelling the board might help weight distribution to the rear, but who knows -- I've found this whole thing magical / not-rationally-obvious at times.  

I'll post pics soon of my comically long 46" bamboo cruiser with LDP ambitions.  I'm 6'5" so it actually works OK.

Hasta,
-jd

[racer128]

I dont think it makes a huge difference. If you feel it, you might make it a little more level. My other thought is that while pumping, many longboarders have trouble with slipping off the nose (reason for toestops). So, having a higher front end might help eliminate that... just a little bit. Its just an idea, probably wrong, so.................

[jdnorthrup]

Thanks for the opinion -- that makes sense.  Just pumped to work this morning on the setup and I think it's fine.  I'm still curious enough to try it though.  

Cheers,
-jd

[pavedwave]

personally i like the plank to be flat, or even nose downward.   the feeling I get with a higher nose is that i'm working harder to make it move forward -- this may be all more psychological than based on hard physics.  but on a flatland pumper, my preference is keeping the board even.

now if the board is designed for hills, like in Giant Slalom, then i think the lowered rear, higher nose effect isn't at all critical, in fact it might feel more comforting to feel locked into the turns as you're screaming around cones at 30-40mph.   i'm noticing more slalom boards set up this way these days.

[racer128]

personally, I hate turned up noses. But whatever you like is best, even if it isn't the most efficient. Chances are, the setup you like best and feel most comfortable on will be the most efficient, not vice versa.

[jdnorthrup]

OK, so I crammed a flipped pair of nested Khiro rail wedge risers in the rear  (so they lifted the back to level with the front, but didn't change the angle more than a degree).  WOW, it makes a huge difference for me.

Suddenly I'm able to literally go for miles without stopping to kick.  

So my current crazy pumpy setup is:
s9 46" bamboo pin -- a.k.a. "the moose"
gullwing chargers 10"
stock gullwing white bushings
khiro rail risers -- 15º wedge in front, 11º de-wedge in back
stock s9 wheels -- 70mm 78a

I like the chargers -- I've only tried randal rII 150s and gullwing alpines, but the chargers were a big upgrade.

Photos at some point.

-jd[/code]