pavedwave longboarding

Bullwings · Joined: 01 Aug 2008 Posts: 62

Hey all,

I'm just wondering what everyone's experience has been for the best shock absorbing wheels? I've gone out on some decently long rides 5-10 miles at a time on decent to crappy roads. I've been noticing after my rides that my left leg hurts (i have an intermedulary titanium rod inside of it due to a major break).

I've tried to back off of riding the front of my board so much, and that has helped, even though pumping is a little bit harder.

Right now, i'm using 73mm 80a speed vents. I"m thinking of getting some 75mm 72a avilas or maybe some 76mm superballs. Any other good shock aborbing wheels out there i should consider? I don't want to go any larger than 76mm, and nothing smaller than 70mm.

stocago · Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Posts: 227

I have the Superballs and can vouch for their plushness. They feel softer than 82a, more like 78a to 80a, but apparently measure at 81a. Other wheels that I have that dampen well are much softer: 75a Grippins and 77a BigZigs. The latter being better because of the bigger diameter. I haven't tried the limes, but I'd guess that they'd be good, too, as well as the orange 'tangs.

pavedwave · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 1120 Location: seattle wa usa

In my experience, those 75mm 72a Avilas are really sweet for all the nastiest conditions. I plan to put them back on for next year's STP-- there's about 10 miles of non-stop chipsealed road that almost makes me not want to do the ride anymore, but those Avilas will do the trick.

I would also think the 77mm blackOps in the softest (75a?) duro would be pretty nice, because they're even bigger, but I haven't tested that out.

Continue to hear good things about the EW Superballs.

Bullwings · Joined: 01 Aug 2008 Posts: 62

Ok, so it's a toss up with two wheels now.

Milehighskate.com

has the Tunnel STRs for only $39.95 (better than thelongboardstore or daddiesboardshop) and also has the EW Superballs.

lots of people complain that the superballs are slow, but i'm looking more for cushioning, maintaining roll momentum, and ease of pump.

I'm thinking the superballs have two of those over the tunnels - cushion and momentum. How's the STRs at cushioning though? I know it's smaller than my current wheel (73mm speedvents), but also has a solid core and is a softer durometer.

Hanael, can you make a direct comparison for LDP? You seem to have access to all the latest wheel goodies.

stocago · Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Posts: 227

pavedwave · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 1120 Location: seattle wa usa

For me the bottom line isn't so much speed, but just how horrible are the conditions. Chipseal is nasssssty. And that's where I find the 72a Avilas to soak up the vibrations the most. I really don't think anything can beat 'em, but I would bet that the softest Speedvents (75a?) would come pretty close, not only because they're soft, but they're also a couple mm larger, and bigger does mean better shock absorption, in general.

If it's a dedicated pusher board with tons of wheel clearance, then the next best thing are the 97mm Flywheels -- they roll over everything -- and contrary to what people say about "big wheels == slow acceleration", I would ride the 97mm's across the country if I expected to push most of the way, and if I knew the conditions would be tortuous.

Man, now that it's winter, and the sessions are slowing to a trickle... I hope peeps will clock and send some cyber miles!

stocago · Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Posts: 227

I'm fortunate to be able to choose to skate on roads and trails that have very good quality pavement. I should have stated that in my post. The Superballs would be better suited for worse than average to average roads. I've ridden my 86a Zigs on crappy pavement and it's no fun. AND slow. Smile

Bullwings · Joined: 01 Aug 2008 Posts: 62

Now I'm torn between the Superballs and the Avilas again. Like James says, i'm not concerned about speed, i'm all about comfort.

My lead leg is probably more sensitive than most of yours out there. So, what I consider crappy terrain might not really be as bad for some of you.

I often find that what stops me from skating more is not that i'm tired, but that my leg hurts. It also might be due to the on set of winter (yeah, like it gets cold in SoCal... haha, but it is cooler).

Maybe i'll just have to flip a coin. Purple skunk is the only place that i'll consider buying Avilas since they have such an awesome price on a set of four. I guess i'll just have to toss a coin and mull over it some more.

barefootboarder · Joined: 28 May 2008 Posts: 51 Location: England

pavedwave · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 1120 Location: seattle wa usa

Trimming the lips off Avilas does make a difference in one thing -- traction on high speed turns. All that extra lip on fast turns makes the wheels "skitter" across the pavement in the 20-35mph range, which is why when slalom racers adopted these for GS hills, they'd shave them down.

So as far as LDP goes, I don't bother trimming them, since the speeds are almost always in the 10--20mph range instead. I rather like the look of them and think that at slower speeds the extra lip gives even a bit more cushioning effect, although THAT last little bit might be considered codswallop Wink