pavedwave longboarding

MrJim · Joined: 06 Sep 2009 Posts: 15

In jan/feb I will go from Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai - Singapore. Now to my problem and that is which board I shall use.

I´ve been offer full sponsorship from Rollsrolls, Subsonicskateboards and Hackbrett. Hackbrett will make me a custom board if I want.
Rayne has been offering me 40% off on a dee-lite.

Anyone out there how can help me in which board I shall choose? Have someone been riding subsonics for long-distance?

Sheldon · Joined: 26 Nov 2007 Posts: 23

I rode the Subsonic Raven 40 during the New Zealand trip. I used "risers" and slammed the board about an inch or so above the ground.

It performed wonderfully lasted the entire trip without incident. Scott makes great boards and my experience has always shown them to be soft enough that they absorb the road a bit, in contrast to the rolls which I borrowed from James and could not stand to ride after 50 miles on a smooth trail due to its affect on my knees and ankles. I am not sure if that is a problem only I have had or if others have experienced it too. I also have the Pulse which has dealt with more than its share of miles and punishment in all forms.

I know nothing of Hackbrett, of those four options. I would take Subsonic for my trip again, and a Rayne as second choice.

Has Scott mentioned any board in particular? Are you doing this trip self supported or with vehicle support?

MrJim · Joined: 06 Sep 2009 Posts: 15

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

What Sheldon notes about the rollsrolls is true -- the all-carbon construction can be a bit harsh over the long haul. The benefits are that its ultralight and water can't damage it, and the fenders keep you dry. One other possible downside is that the deck is a little narrow, although you do get used to it. I'm actually using mine in the next 24-hour ride assuming it will be wet at least some of the time -- but I'm currently putting SOFT risers under the trucks to try giving it just a little bit of shock absorbing.

The Raven however, is low, light, has a wider platform for your feet. And, it's made of wood -- its easier on your body as you're going over all kinds of harsh terrain. New Zealand has a lot of truly horrible roads (and some smooth ones) from all I've heard from Sheldon. The Raven is also more narrow and lighter than the Reflex -- seems like your best bet.

The Pulse is a topmount deck. Personally I think that a cross-country trip can easily be done on a topmounted deck, and many actually are. But, it does require a lot more time spent riding a topmount and training those muscles. It also assumes you're going to use slightly smaller wheels. Personally, I would do a lot of pumping as well as pushing on that kind of deck, and would have to make my backpack ULTRA-light as well. I don't buy into the idea that a topmount is patently the "wrong" type of deck to ride cross-country, but I'm in the minority opinion on this one (nothing new there!)

Just make sure you're comfortable at faster speeds on the type of board you choose.

I still think the Raven is the best fit of the choices you've mentioned so far.

MrJim · Joined: 06 Sep 2009 Posts: 15

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

Nice. I haven't tested the woody, but sounds like a good possibility. It still has the fenders, the low deck, and the cushion of wood - you'd add a little weight, and you wouldn't have that waterproof / bulletproof quality anymore, and with a slightly narrow deck. I'd personally be more comfortable on faster hills on the shape of something like the raven. Good luck sounds like you're almost there.

MrJim · Joined: 06 Sep 2009 Posts: 15

Sheldon · Joined: 26 Nov 2007 Posts: 23

Awesome, the other plus to the Raven that I forgot to mention is it is also great for other types of riding. For a while it was set up as the driftiest board I have ever had. With the Fiber top and bottom it will be even better I'm pretty sure the one I rode was all wood and it with stood the heat, rain, and rock gouges.

wafflesole · Joined: 15 Apr 2008 Posts: 82

excellent advice sheldon! Basically gave the same reply on skatefurther but just said 'sheldon had.. and sheldon though...'

how are you mate?

MrJim · Joined: 06 Sep 2009 Posts: 15

I talked to Hackbrett yesterday and this is what he said.

we dont build lowriders ourselves, we could propably get landyachtz to sponsor an evo or a dually or a spud or a switch. we could then make it light by replacing some of the wood with foam and carbon wrap it. we can make them even lighter than the carbon evo.

What do you guys think about that, is it a good idea or should I go for a raven or a rollsrolls woody?