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Getting into longboarding... questions

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ryano
Posts: 4465 - Karma: 1,535
so i know the companies like sector 9 and arbor and thats about it.. but other than that, i dont really know what are some other legit companies..

i'm looking at buying a used board to get me started and move up from there.

but what are some things i should know?
or recommend me a board.. from the riding i've done, i like a fair amount of flex, and medium to long length. if i had to guess, like 3-ish feet?..its been a while..

is there a rating system for flex?
how do they measure they're boards? inches?
whats considered long or medium?

and lastly, what are good trucks/wheels?

thanks +k for help

if you're selling one, hit me up
Feb 10 2012 11:07AM
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Brentizzle
Posts: 1584 - Karma: 1,871
check out landyachtz. they make super legit boards and they are all made in Vancouver. They have tons of different types so you can probably get more info about which board is best for you by just checking them out on their site.

http://www.landyachtz.com/D25.cfm?place=3&gclid=CIGSj87nk64CFQN8hwodlQgPIw
Feb 10 2012 11:19AM
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LivingColour
Posts: 1134 - Karma: 21
if you ever find your self in a speed wobble, DO NOT try to correct it by continually trying to turn the opposite way the board is going. Gently turn to the left or right until the board evens out.....wish someone would of told me that before all the painful falls :(
Feb 10 2012 11:22AM
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ryano
Posts: 4465 - Karma: 1,535
hahaha, word dude.. yea, i've never let myself get that fast.. i've taken a few falls, but it wasnt cuz of the wobbles..that shit scares me..
Feb 10 2012 11:37AM
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ryano
Posts: 4465 - Karma: 1,535
and thanks brentizzle, i'll check em out, they look sick.

Feb 10 2012 11:38AM
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manzear
Posts: 843 - Karma: 849
Loaded Longboards are pretty good too. They are pricey but, I like them. Really for starting out, you dont need anything too expensive...you will have a lot of  fun

Feb 10 2012 11:39AM
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.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
Loaded Boards!
Feb 10 2012 11:41AM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,268
Browse silverfish? Maybe look around daddiesboardshop.com or thelongboardstore.com or something to see what brands are out there. My friend has a never summer heist, I've ridden it a few times. Tt's got a decent amount of flex and with looser trucks flex is fun. That board is better if you have a narrower stance though.

Super flex isn't ideal for speed but if you're good/comfortable on the board you'll be fine.
Feb 10 2012 11:41AM
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E.C.
Posts: 3211 - Karma: 319
check out krackedskulls.com

it was my first board and i found out about them because of NS. i still ride one occasionally because they are super fun and a great board to start on.

I believe they give you the randal 180's which is also a decent truck (ive never had any problems)

im not very serious about longboarding i mainly use it ti kill time or get places that are too far to walk and too close to drive.

so from what youve told us i believe this would be a decent option for you.

also silverfishlongboarding.com is a forum site
Feb 10 2012 11:43AM
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ryano
Posts: 4465 - Karma: 1,535
sick, i'll deff check em out..

and thats pretty much the reason i'm getting into it.. moved to socal so i wanna get into something to casually do outside, that and my work is close, so i want to start boarding to work..

Feb 10 2012 11:46AM
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ryano
Posts: 4465 - Karma: 1,535
+k to all of you as well..


Feb 10 2012 11:48AM
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WestWoods
Posts: 960 - Karma: 414
Listen to the AR6 riding Dinosaur....
Feb 10 2012 11:50AM
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NE.
Posts: 234 - Karma: 428
I personally love loadeds but the other companies recommended are solid too. You could check out legendary longboards as well. I'd go with paris or randall trucks, and get wheels that are hard enough (80a-86a ish?) if you want to get into sliding.
Feb 10 2012 12:35PM
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Billek
Posts: 5665 - Karma: 98
I love my KS board.  Very durable, great flex, and the trucks, wheels, and bearings are good quality.  They are a little heavy compared to a lot of boards, but they are rock solid, symmetrical, low.  The decks are handmade, and they're straight to the point with no bullshit... something like $50, which lets you get some great components like the Randal trucks and nice wheels.

If you're a fairy and want to do 'tricks' on a longobardboard, don't get a KS because it doesn't have a tail.  If you want to snowboard on the street, then give me a high five and buy a Kracked Skulls board. 
Feb 10 2012 1:04PM
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ForeverYung
Posts: 8385 - Karma: 2,060
.
Feb 10 2012 1:09PM
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ryano
Posts: 4465 - Karma: 1,535
would it be a bad idea to just buy the board, and see if i can get trucks and wheels elsewhere for a bit cheaper? cuz the board is 50 bucks, (i'd get the M1), would it be possible to get dece trucks and wheels for 50 bucks?
Feb 10 2012 1:12PM
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nevetsw18
Posts: 268 - Karma: 26
What is the typical learning curve for like beginners, I'm interested in learning as well
Feb 10 2012 1:18PM
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Chaunceyskis
Posts: 2197 - Karma: 346
i want so badly
Feb 10 2012 1:24PM
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ryano
Posts: 4465 - Karma: 1,535
i'm sure they're great. but they're above my skill level and price range...
Feb 10 2012 1:25PM
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Miles.Spencer
Posts: 76 - Karma: 21
you should look into honeyskateboards.com or loaded boards or madrid
Feb 10 2012 1:49PM
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Motes
Posts: 1840 - Karma: 90

Look at BC Longboards, I own the eel and I love it.  Its 41'' so its a solid size plus its made of bamboo and fiberglass so its going to last you a while.  Eventhough its $230 for a complete you get paris trucks, orangatang wheels, and reds barings which are all solid to be included for that price point.

When it come to riding, its perfect for everything.  I got in a sketchy accident (before I got the board) so I dont bomb hills as much but you would be fine bombing on it.  Its also perfect for just goofing around and cruzing.  Its shape allows you to do tricks and stuff like that and I rip it around my campus all the time.

I got it as my first board and am soo happy I did because i'm not gonna need another board anytime soon and It looks dope.  All my friends prefer it over their boards and one of them has an origional longboard which he paid a good $100-$150 more for.

http://www.bclongboards.dreamhosters.com/boards/eel

Feb 10 2012 2:03PM
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plaplapla
Posts: 435 - Karma: 70
check out landyachtz and bustin'

i have gravity, but it kinda sucks... loaded blows too - although its flexible bamboo, they eventually start to sag and they are mad expensive.... not worth it

this board is sick


http://www.fivemilelongboards.com/propaganda/five-mile-a-10-warthog/

Feb 10 2012 2:11PM
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ryano
Posts: 4465 - Karma: 1,535
that looks super sick. but i just cant drop that much on a board right now. :/
Feb 10 2012 2:12PM
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plaplapla
Posts: 435 - Karma: 70
sucks
Feb 10 2012 2:12PM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,268
A lot of people, especially on silverfish, hate on loaded cause it's cool. All the "core" people saw all the "n00bs" buying them and, well, you know how that goes... I've only ridden one of their boards like once, but they are quite expensive and you can probably get something similar for a bit less that's just as quality.

All you need is a deck you like, a set of 50 degree randals and the appropriate bushings and you'll be good for almost anything.
Feb 10 2012 2:18PM
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ryano
Posts: 4465 - Karma: 1,535
what kind of bushings?


thanks for all the info guys, i just dont want to go into a shop and be clueless..
Feb 10 2012 2:22PM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,268
It really depends on how heavy you are and your preferences. Basically, a good idea is to get a board and leave the stock bushings in then ride a bit. You'll eventually figure out if you want softer or harder ones and what shape.

Abec 11 makes the reflex bushings, there's venom, khiro and some others. All are good.

Cones offer less resistance, barrels resist more, the so called "eliminator" or stepped barrel thing offers a lot of resistance. Harder needs more effort to turn while softer one just lean over easier.
Feb 10 2012 2:25PM
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MFM
Posts: 842 - Karma: 77
Get a real skateboard or a cruiser that isn't a gay longboard
Feb 10 2012 2:29PM
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C-Weezy
Posts: 786 - Karma: 50
Anybody got a recommendation on a good freestyle longboard? for like powersliding and stuff, a drop thru deck I believe? looking to get into it as well
Feb 10 2012 2:35PM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,268
lol

Anything slides, I briefly rode a drop through but never slid a lot. It did seem to let go a bit easier. Right now I'm on a board with a slightly wedged nose and tail with 50 degree trucks. It's quite responsive and tippy and pretty fun to slide, probably not ideal for higher speeds compared to your standard drop through though.

There's like 1.5 million symmetrical dropthroughs for sliding out there. Earthwing supermodel is pretty nice and it's generally regarded as a quality, inexpensive board.
Feb 10 2012 2:44PM
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Billek
Posts: 5665 - Karma: 98
Honestly, no.  The Randal II trucks are the best bang for your buck, and the KS decks were built to house them perfectly, they are bomber trucks, and I've heard nothing but good things about them.  Same thing with the wheels and bearings, all good bang for your buck equipment. 

From my experience, you're not gonna get a better deal than a complete setup from KS, cutting corners on the wheels and trucks will only come back to haunt you.  Also, from the few comparisons I have made, the trucks and wheels are priced very nicely.
Feb 10 2012 2:53PM
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SPskier543
Posts: 2413 - Karma: 324
a couple weeks, depends on your balance mostly. once you get good at pushing and just cruising which takes a week or so you can start progressing pretty quickly
Feb 10 2012 3:05PM
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ryano
Posts: 4465 - Karma: 1,535
wait. are you saying no dont buy em separte. orr no its not a bad idea?
Feb 10 2012 3:33PM
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Billek
Posts: 5665 - Karma: 98
Buy them together unless you can dig up an insane deal on comparable parts.
Feb 10 2012 3:53PM
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TheBredward
Posts: 186 - Karma: 36
Bc eel son. Check em out
Feb 10 2012 6:20PM
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DGski
Posts: 3491 - Karma: 2,328
kracked skulls are very cheap and very legit, lot of positive feedback
Feb 10 2012 6:27PM
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mnfreeskier
Posts: 939 - Karma: 69
http://www.nordboards.com/stblloloco.html i got that board with randalls and bones reds bearings and i love it. i just got into longboarding this past year and its amazing. even though the wheels are 78a, they still will slide once they are broken in. its a great activity for the off season, i cant wait for the summer to longboard again.
Feb 10 2012 6:35PM
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Lavieille
Posts: 814 - Karma: 318
Yes! I love my pintial, checkout daddiesboardshop.com for some great stuff
Feb 10 2012 6:37PM
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holy.shep
Posts: 413 - Karma: 24
check out muirskate.com, they have guides and shit for beginners and they have buying guides for carving, freeride, and downhill, plus the prices are good and you can make custom complete boards so you get exactly what you want.
I recently bought a Never Summer Heist from there with upgraded trucks, bearings, and wheels. I just wish they let you choose bushings in the completes cause my caliber bushings lick butthole
Feb 10 2012 7:01PM
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PJS.
Posts: 11943 - Karma: 895
Wear a helmet. Always.
Feb 10 2012 7:47PM
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eldridge
Posts: 2272 - Karma: 47
couldnt be happier with my landyacthz
Feb 10 2012 9:21PM
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JzD.
Posts: 1615 - Karma: 153
Just practice, as with everything. Super fun cruising around in the summer at 2 in the morning with no cars on the street, doesnt get much better
Feb 10 2012 9:36PM
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joshua
Posts: 5046 - Karma: 1,280
Yeah I love my landyachtz nine to five.

Just make sure you get a real longboard, the first board i got was just from some mall skate chain store and was basicely just a bigger skateboard, got my landyachtz and my mind was blown!
Feb 10 2012 10:15PM
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Goku
Posts: 8119 - Karma: 4,223
are over priced for what you get
Feb 10 2012 10:18PM
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KrazyistKarl
Posts: 1725 - Karma: 599
inb4 loaded. fuck too late
Feb 10 2012 10:33PM
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Tamas
Posts: 550 - Karma: 842
Bustin' Boards for NYC are radical. even get to choose you design and colors.
Feb 10 2012 10:39PM
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Billek
Posts: 5665 - Karma: 98
For getting better, all you have to do is shred hard and be safe.  On my college commute days, ill go without a helmet, but if you are having a hill session, you should wear a helmet. 

HELMET!  Don't worry about looking strange... outsiders won't give a fuck about you wearing one, and any decent longboarder would be an idiot to hate on you for wearing one.  Be safe out there!

When you're skating around people on a sidewalk, make sure you do everything you can to be out of their way.  'Walkers' don't know what to do sometimes when they hear you skating up behind them, and the may get nervous.  Chances are, you'll be skating around them in the future, so be super respectful to anyone you skate around.

Sometimes your best times to shred will be odd hours of the day.  Midnight sessions in sketchy areas are better than daytime in certain cases just because there's less traffic and you can see headlights. 

Make sure you check out any new runs by giving them a slow run through.  There might be a pothole, or a sidewalk gap or any other obstacle that could end your day.  Remember, it only takes one un-skatable feature in a run to ruin the whole thing for you. 

FOOTBRAKING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This shit is really important.  My first session was simply getting footbraking down, and I am happy that I did because footbraking is sometimes the only way you have of slowing down.  Other speed checking maneuvers can be a quick powerslide, but more likely, simply carving as hard as you can back and forth will keep your speed down.  If things get out of control, you can try to aim for grass and ride into it, but that's a last resort... it's important to be familiar with the terrain and know where to slow down so you don't kill yourself.

Have fun out there.  You'd be surprised at how much of a rush even the simplest of runs can give you.
Feb 10 2012 10:52PM
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Swaggermager
Posts: 2576 - Karma: 950
This. KS is also sick becasue you can do a sweet custom paint job and grip job
Feb 10 2012 10:58PM
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MountainManDan
Posts: 305 - Karma: 297

Just go for something cheap, but nice.

Flush mounted trucks are really nice especially when you're starting out, they allow you to be a little bit closer to the ground which helps immensely with establishing balance and other basics.

Feb 10 2012 11:00PM
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Billek
Posts: 5665 - Karma: 98
Dropthrough > flush.
Feb 10 2012 11:03PM
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