timorous-goofball

[timorous-goofball]

15 Best Snowboard Bindings for Men and Women for the 2017-2018 Season

Welcome to our best snowboard bindings page of the top rated and most popular bindings for snowboarding. Bindings are the performance link between your boots and your snowboard. Quality bindings are the interface that transfers all your movements down into your ride. If the lines of communication are open everything flows nicely, if they aren’t open bad things can happen.

The first stop on this run is a general discussion about the most important characteristics of a solid set of bindings. We share some basic info about getting the right bindings and how it pays dividends down the road. Following that, you can stop by the types of bindings section to see which best fits your riding style. Check out the selection guide park for the key features to look out for before hitting that buy button. Last but not least, is the review section where you can peruse the best snowboard bindings for both men and women currently available.

THE CAPTAIN’S ORDERS: BUY HASSLE-FREE SNOWBOARD BINDINGS

Arguably the most important aspect of snowboard bindings is a quality ratcheting system. The last thing you want to be doing is dorking around with your bindings for 15 minutes when your buddies have already took off down the run and left you behind. Sure some people will buy the bindings based on looks alone, then their 3rd trip up to the mountain they break a strap trying to tighten them up. Then they’re out a day plus the cost of a lift ticket while they go buy higher quality bindings that would have saved them all of that trouble in the first place. That’s why experts will say buying expensive bindings are a “cost-effective” investment. You’ll probably want to stay away from cheap snowboard bindings unless you are a greenhorn in which a budget pair of bindings starts to make a lot more sense.

Once you’ve identified a pair of bindings with a quick and easy binding system, you’re ready to get down to the specifics. A big factor that will help narrow things down is selecting the type of bindings you want based on your riding style. If you’re not sure, you may want to go with one of the best all mountain snowboard bindings. These types of bindings are like the jack of all trades, they don’t do one single thing extremely well but they can do it all decently. Truth be told, an experienced rider can make nearly any set of bindings work. However, by perfectly calibrating quality snowboard boots and bindings experienced riders are able to work magic and make their board do their bidding — creating a feeling of oneness with their board. Those who like to tinker with things will enjoy this part of board optimization.

Though we do highly encourage buying quality bindings there is an exception. For those brand new to snowboarding and fairly raw beginners, it doesn’t make sense to drop $300 on a shiny new pair of the latest 2016 snowboard bindings. The hard truth about snowboarding is that a lot of people never make it out of the learning stage. Most people and especially snowboarding gear manufacturers will never tell you that, they love making a killing on selling fancy gear to greenhorns. Snowboarding can be difficult to learn, especially if you don’t dedicate at least a few consecutive days to getting it down. Trusting your edge feels unnatural at first and it takes some time to get the right muscle memory down. The bottom line is falling over and over sucks. When guys on TV and YouTube are making it look easy, newcomers to the sport get quickly discouraged and give up. That is why in most cases, we recommend buying a less expensive beginner pair of bindings if you are new to the sport.

The fact that most bindings use a ratchet system, most sets will work for older kids and women. There are some distinct bindings marketed as “kids snowboard bindings” and “youth snowboard bindings” for young children that are competitive and looking for the best in performance.

You’ve found the treasure. Here are the best snowboard bindings on the market. Our pages are updated regularly so you’re always viewing the freshest information and latest product selections. Oftentimes you can come across a top snowboard bindings sale from one of our partners, though the newest models probably won’t be discounted for a considerable amount of time. Amazon offers some pretty competitive prices year around but you can always go to a shop near you and do some price research.

1.     URTON CARTEL BINDINGS

The Burton name is synonymous with snowboarding. Many people think of the Burton snowboard bindings line as the gold standard. Their two main models of bindings (Genesis and Cartel) are extremely popular. The cartels are favored by many as the best all mountain snowboard bindings. They feature a medium stiffness (7/10), with a rock solid strap in ratchet system.

If you are an all mountain rider and enjoy exploring the backcountry as well as hitting the parks these will serve you well. Extra padding helps with impact absorption and the firm straps add to the responsiveness. The Burton Genesis Bindings are another favorite of Burton fans and they keep getting better every year. The Genesis bindings offer a new two-piece hammock style highback that has performed very well on all areas of downhill: air and wall hits, early morning pow slashes, and ripping your favorite cat tracks.

2. BURTON STILETTO BINDINGS

 For women, the Lexa and Stiletto bindings from Burton are exceptional. With hardy highbacks and grippy toe straps these are formidable bindings for serious riders. The Malavita bindings have garnered massive popularity lately and are a contender for the best women’s snowboard bindings.

3. FLOW FUSE GT BINDINGS

 The king of rear entry bindings, Flow is credited for coming up with that design. The Flow Fuse GT is their best rear entry model to date. All you have to do is bend the highback, slip your foot in, and then lock your feet in. The last step is to turn around and laugh at your buddies who are still sitting in the snow ratcheting away. It is pretty convenient, especially when trying to get a bunch of rounds in on shorter runs.

The Flow Fuse GT’s rear entry system is top of the line. You don’t sacrifice much performance and the medium stiff flex performs well in most situations. Definitely one of the best rear entry bindings out there.

4. FLOW OMNI BINDINGS

 Gals out there will enjoy the Flow Omni Bindings that offers more of a freestyle flex. You find the same Active Strap tech that allows for quick entry. The Omnis are easily one of the best women’s snowboard bindings with rear entry available.

5. K2 HURRITHANE BINDINGS

 The K2 snowboard bindings lineup this season has sold a lot of boarders on their brand. K2 has finally made their way into the picture of the best snowboarding bindings. The K2 Liens are a great middle ground pair of bindings, but we really dig their freestyle bindings for park riding. Both the K2 Lien FS and the K2 Hurrithane offer legit tweakability taking flex to a whole new level. The Hurrithane’s EVA footbed helps take the edge off high impact landings. We like the K2 Hurrithanes and they are arguably the best park bindings available right now.

6. FLUX DS BINDINGS

The Flux DS 2016 Bindings are an awesome middle ground with a 5/10 flex. They’ve got the butterability of a softer flex and a solid response time much like a stiffer set of bindings. These Flux bindings are entirely tool-less (besides the baseplate disc) so you can pretty much adjust anything on the fly. The Ultima Wing highback and honeycomb ankle strap round out this pair of bindings nicely.

OTHER POPULAR OPTIONS: 7. SALOMON DISTRICT BINDINGS

  8. RIDE RODEO BINDINGS

  9. UNION CONTACT PRO MEN’S SNOWBOARD BINDINGS

 TYPES OF SNOWBOARD BINDINGS

For all intents and purposes there are four main kinds of snowboard bindings. The best freeride snowboard bindings are going to be a little different than the best park bindings. A pair of bindings will usually find a place under one of these umbrella categories:

Freeride Bindings

The steep and deep calls for a stiff pair of bindings that will hold up to extreme speeds and responsive, quick energy transfers. Freeride bindings are built for going fast, deep powder, and challenging terrain. You don’t want to be caught out on an Alaskan mountain face with soft flexing highbacks, good luck making it down in one piece.

Freestyle (Park) Bindings

The ideal match for riders who spend most their time in the terrain park laying down tricks. Freestyle snowboard bindings usually have a very soft flex. This flex is more forgiving of rider error making for easier landings and the ability to tweak grabs and the like. Basically, mounting thick, stiff carbon fiber beasts onto a soft, buttery board isn’t going to be a good match for optimal park riding.

All-Mountain Bindings

For the rider who wants to do a little bit of everything, all mountain snowboard bindings are ideal. Groomed runs, powder, park, etc. these bindings will serve well. The key characteristic of all mountain bindings is that they usually have medium flex for all-purpose use.

Beginner Bindings

Technically this isn’t a category in its own right, but it is an important distinction to make. Beginner bindings usually fall into the multipurpose all-mountain category and are generally more affordable. This helps those new to the sport figure out what they like best whether it be speed or park (or if they can even learn and enjoy boarding in the first place) before they end up dropping a grand on specialized gear.

SELECTION GUIDE: WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN THE RIGHT BINDINGS FOR YOU

Follow these general tips and you’ll be sure to get off on the right foot when making a selection. For install tips, check out REI.com’s page.

·         Flex:Many manufacturers will give their bindings a flex rating. The score ranges from 1 to 10, 10 being the stiffest and 1 being the softest. Though flex and feel will ultimately vary from binding to binding this is a good approximate number to go by. Mellow park riders will enjoy the feel and tweak of softer flexes while those chasing pro lines or riding icy superpipes will desire the instant response from stiffer bindings.

·         Baseplate:Hand-in-hand with flex is the baseplate which is the main connecting part between the binding and the snowboard. Baseplates are constructed using a variety of materials offering different strength to flex ratios.

·         Butter:A board’s butter ability is basically how much flex it allows. This enables the boarder to do flatland snowboarding tricks. A butter is toe presses or heel presses followed by spinning. If you’re trying to do these tricks you want soft flex bindings to match that buttery board.

·         Materials:More advanced materials generally are lighter-weight and lead to enhanced performance. Lower priced bindings will get the job done, but the highback and baseplate probably won’t be as responsive and long term durability may be compromised. Always look for quality straps and ratchets, if there’s complaints about them breaking easily you don’t want to touch them with a 10 foot pole.

·         Easy Entry:In the next section we talk about some of the quick entry bindings and how they work. The most popular design is rear entry bindings where you slip your feet in, fold up the highback and then you’re good for takeoff.

·         Boot Support & Padding:Generous cushioning and robust support straps equates to reduced vibration and a smoother ride. Especially if you like to chase big booters, the right amount of padding and boot combination will help reduce impact to your joints.

STRAP-IN BINDINGS VS. REAR ENTRY SNOWBOARD BINDINGS VS. STEP IN SNOWBOARD BINDINGS

Strap in bindings are the traditional snowboard binding and the most common type. They typically feature two straps with one across the ankle and one above or across the toe. There are boarders who prefer a strap across the toe (toe strap bindings) while others prefer over the toe. In the end, there isn’t a notable performance difference in these toe strap designs. Some pro’s won’t use anything but strap ins because they argue they these traditional bindings offer the best in support and security. They certainly anchor your feet to your snowboard. The downside is that oftentimes you’ll have to sit down in the snow before each run and ratchet them tight.

Rear entry bindings are also known as speed entry bindings. Flow was the first manufacturer to come up with this design so that’s why a lot of the time you’ll see people toss around Flow bindings in a discuss about rear entry bindings. However, now there are other companies that manufacturer these types of bindings not just Flow. Basically these bindings feature hinged highbacks that drop down much like a drawbridge. Then you can step into the binding for quick access in and out. These types of bindings get points for quick access, no more making skiier friends wait on you. The downside is that you may sacrifice a little performance for the convenience. Rear entry snowboard bindings also have been plagued by issues with poor design such as things breaking often, being a pain in the ass to set up or adjust, and latches coming undone and falling off too easy. That being said, over the last couple years designs have got much better.

Step in bindings aka clickers were a short lived alternative to traditional bindings. A lot of people get step in snowboard bindings confused with rear entry bindings but they are not the same. Snowboard step in bindings are matched with step in boots which have a locking mechanism on their sole that is compatible with that particular step in binding. You step in and the boot locks into place with a click and you’re off. That clicking sound is why many mountain goers took to calling them clickers.

[timorous-goofball]

Best Penny Board For 2017

If you’re around my age there’s a chance you owned one or, at the very least knew someone that had a penny board. And if you’re around my age you might need a gentle reminder of what a best penny board is.

So, “Penny Skateboards” is an Australian company that was established in 2010 by Ben MacKay. Named after his sister, Penny is a registered trademark for skateboards but because of their popularity, the name was soon being used to describe all small plastic skateboards. They’re composed of different parts, all made separately and can be bought fully assembled or as a kit, for you to build. Penny boards are lightweight but very strong, in fact, genuine ones are almost indestructible. And they come in the three different sizes; 22 inches, the slightly longer 27-inch and the longboard, or 36-inch.

While there has been a resurgence in penny boards, they’re definitely not new. Like everything cool, they go back to the 70s, when the former Venice Beach lifeguard, Larry Stevenson, created the first plastic skateboards, and in the 1990s a whole lot of brands popped up including Globe, Krooked Skateboards and Stereo Skateboards. But they’re back and all the cool kids have them or want them. With almost a cult-like following, but on a much bigger scale, they’re as much of an accessory as they are a means of transport. They fit into backpacks, lockers and under the arm, and you need to seriously get your hands on one. Below we have reviewed the top penny boards. (Spoiler: We like this one the best!)

 What You Need to Look For when You’re Buying the Best Penny Board

Size

Penny boards are available in various sizes including the 22”, the 27” and the 36” longboard. Each of these has their own benefits with the 22-inch board built for speed and the 36-inch is perfect for performing tricks. Size really does matter, however there are no one “best” size wheels for penny boards.

·         A 22″ Penny Skateboard would be good for you if:

You like getting around in the fastest possible time then you will want the 22-inch board. It’s easy to maneuver and small enough to put in your backpack or carry underarm. It’s definitely suited to the more experienced skater because of its speed but it’s also a good size for younger penny skateboarders. This is the original size and it’s as popular as ever.

·         A 27″ Penny Skateboard is for you if:

You’re into collecting the newest editions and designs, and if you like a little more board under your feet. The 27-inch, or The Nickel, is like having the best of the shorter board and the longboard: it’s perfect for newbies, those that are feeling a little more confident with their tricks and skaters who prefer a slightly bigger board. It has the same cool features as the 22” but it’s a little more stable, giving you a smooth ride.

·         The 36″ Penny Longboard is ideal if:

You like cruising the streets or coasting along the boardwalk. The newest member of the penny board family, the 36” longboard has larger wheels and reverse kingpin trucks that make for an easy ride. It’s perfect for beginners as well as more experienced riders who want to just coast along. For extra strength and flexibility, the plastic has been reformulated and while it has a wider and longer deck you can still pick up some speed downhill or travel at your own pace.

The Deck

The deck is the platform or the board that you stand on. There are loads of designs to choose from but we think the classic waffle top is still the best. The non-slip surface offers better control and grip for riders to ride, glide or perform tricks with ease and confidence.

The Components

If you’re new to the world of penny boards you’ll soon realize they are not all created equal. Because you can buy the parts separately you need to make sure you get the best you can afford. Go for high-quality components that’ll last longer.

The Material

So we know that the better penny boards are made of a stiff, but flexible plastic that is almost indestructible.  While they cost a little more be aware that cheaper boards are probably made from cheaper materials, which means they’re not going to last long at all. The old adage remains true: you get what you pay for.

The Top 5 Best Penny Boards

Penny Graphic Complete Skateboard

The Penny Complete Skateboard is like having a VIP or backstage pass to the coolest band ever! It’s great for beginners because of the soft wheels that literally glide over bumpy roads and any other obstacles, and advanced skateboarders love the retro design. I also like the pink, but hey that’s just me.

Penny, the company, has managed to combine a quality product with exceptional customer service that keeps customers loyal and coming back for more. The Penny Graphic Complete is without a doubt one of the best selling boards; their attention to detail and exceptional customer care is what sets them apart from other brands and keeps. Whether you’re getting it for yourself, or as a gift for someone else, it’s a good sized board to learn on and the smooth wheels make it easy to control and suitable for long distances. If you feel the need for a bit more speed and even longer coasting just oil the bearings, otherwise leave it as is.

Available in the coolest color combinations, the Penny Complete is designed for you to easily ride and ‘catch and carry’ and they fit into a bag or locker for easy storage and convenience. In our opinion, it’s a no-brainer.

EightBit 27” Complete Skate Board

Considered to be one of the best retro cruisers for beginners, the EightBit 27-inch Complete Skate Board is available in cool retro designs with a selection of board and wheel color combinations that let you customize your ride to suit you. There are so may choices, we can almost guarantee you no EightBit will look the same.

The EightBit 27” makes our list because it is a quality skateboard for smaller kids and even teens who are learning the basics; it has a strong waffle-grip deck for extra stability, and the 4-inch wide aluminum trucks and super smooth wheels give you a smooth, bump-free ride. While we know it isn’t as strong as an original Penny, we can tell you the deck is strong and flexible enough to handle serious wear and tear, and weight.

It is also cheaper than some of the other brands so if you’re buying it for someone who is learning or new to penny boards it won’t hurt your pocket as much.

Penny Nickel Complete Skateboard

It’s hard to write about penny boards and not feature the original. The Penny Nickel Complete Skateboardgives you that authentic cruising experience combined with style, quality and instant street cred’, or as someone else said, as cool as f***.

As with all the penny boards, there are so many colors and styles to choose from, from way-out-there Neo Tokyo and Bro Style to the more classic Rasta and Blackout. The Penny Nickel is 27-inches with nickel trucks and there is no assembly necessary. Whether you’re a student getting around campus or a tween tearing up the streets, this penny board is suited to everyone.

It’s lightweight and easy to carry, and while it only weighs 5.5 pounds its strong molded plastic board and well-constructed body will ensure your money is well spent.

Ridge Skateboards Big Brother Large Retro Cruiser

Ridge Skateboards has earned itself a good reputation in a fairly short amount of time and the Ridge Skateboards Big Brother Large Retro Cruiser is one of their best-selling boards. The 27-inch cruisers stay true to the iconic 1970s penny board shape in terms of design but they have upped the ante, increasing the size of the board and using better quality components.

Ridge Skateboards uses a secret plastic formula in the construction of their boards that consists of automotive industry-strength PU plastic, which combines strength and flexibility perfectly.

What we like about the Ridge Skateboards Big Brother Large Retro Cruiser is there are more than 1,500 color combinations to choose from. Can you say ‘cutomize’?

Skatro Mini Cruiser Skateboard

The Skatro Mini Cruiser Skateboard comes in at around about half of the price of the original Penny and they’ve managed to manufacture a board that is sturdy, trendy and made with quality components. The SKatro is well-designed, the wheels are easy to maneuver and it’s lightweight for the youngest of skaters to carry around with them. If you’re looking for the best cheap penny board on the market, this may be the one for you.

What they have gotten right is the manufacturing process that ensures optimal flex on every Skatro board. It is exclusive to them and has earned them the title of the smoothest mini cruiser on the market.

If you’re anything like us, and we think you might be, you need to take a look at their Retro style cruiser with limited edition gold aluminum trucks. Skatro has made a few of these available so if you want to get your hands on one, we suggest you move it.

Conclusion

There you have it, our review of the best/cheapest penny boards. The ride or die selection of the best penny skateboards available on the market at the moment. And while you might be thinking it’s a passing fad, we say yes it might be but it’s a pretty cool one.

You know something’s going to go mainstream when hipsters are posting pics on Instagram and outdoorsy type people are replacing their bikes, scooters and hoverboards with a compact piece of plastic with wheels. Deceptively simple, the design of the penny board is all about being flexible and light yet incredibly strong and robust. They’re compact enough for you to pick up and carry and you can toss them in a bag or a locker.

The best Penny boards have made a comeback in a big way and in cities and towns where traffic is a ‘mare and road rage fuels everyone, they’re designed for cruising the streets, maneuvering in and out of traffic, carefully of course, and if you’ve spent a fair bit of time on one and have managed to master a few tricks, riding up onto kerbs and getting around obstacles will prove unchallenging, to say the least.

We foresee penny boards being around for a while. They take us back to a time where cut-off jean shorts ruled and Chuck Taylors were the order of the day. They’re good for us, and our kids and they’re outrageously fun to ride. They make being outdoors fun and get us physical, more so than Olivia Newton-John ever did.

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[timorous-goofball]

10 BEST ACTION CAMERA REVIEWS AND BUYING GUIDE

Small and Tough

Action cameras are small, lightweight, wearable, mountable, portable, and sometimes waterproof camcorders. They’re useful because you can mount them to pretty much anything—from skateboards, surfboards, bicycles, and drones, to helmets, body parts, and even your pets.

Sure, you can also mount a traditional camcorder, which could very well feature better functionality and performance for the price. But regular camcorders are too heavy and bulky to strap onto yourself, your apparel, or your equipment. Plus, the gap between traditional camcorder and action camera performance is narrowing as technology improves. Action cams are forever getting smaller, lighter, and less expensive. Here you’ll find the top-rated action cams we’ve tested.

Frame Rates and Resolution

Before you start digging into the reviews, a few notes on choosing a cam that’s right for you. You’ll definitely want to consider frame rate, expressed as frames per second (fps). Some action cameras offer up to 240fps recording, while others only go to 30fps. For standard playback, 30fps is perfectly fine. It’s when you want to slow footage down in editing to create dramatic scenes that frame rate matters. Footage captured at 240fps can be slowed down and played back smoothly at one quarter speed. You may also want to go for a cinematic look, in which case you’ll want one that has a 24fps capture option.

Then there’s resolution and video quality. At this point, the best action cams on the market capture footage at 4K, most at 30fps. Some can also shoot in 4K at 60fps. Shooting in 4K does have some advantages, notably in the ability to crop footage and maintain 1080p quality at output—it makes the ultra-wide view of a typical action cam lens a bit more versatile. Cameras that support 4K can be set to record in lower resolutions as well, if you want to keep file sizes down.

 Mounting

You’ll also want to keep your specific needs in mind. Not all cameras are suitable for every sport, and certain form factors lend themselves better to certain activities. On top of that, different shapes allow for different mounting accessories and possibilities. If you want to catch a unique perspective, like an under-skateboard shot, you’ll want to pay close attention to size.

Waterproofing is important to consider if you’ll be recording footage underwater or even around water. Some waterproof cameras can go deeper than others, and some have built-in waterproofing so that you don’t need to think about extra housing. And if you’re already invested in a system, like GoPro, which uses a proprietary mount, then sticking with what you’ve got can help save money on extra accessories.

Some drones have gimbal mounts that work with certain GoPro models. We’ve reviewed several drones that work with older GoPro models, including the Yuneec Typhoon G, the Blade Chroma, and the Xiro Xplorer G. The best of the bunch, as far as GoPro integration goes, is GoPro’s own Karma, in part because it supports that latest cameras, but it has room for improvement.

 There’s some appeal to using a modular action cam with your drone—but it looks like integrated cameras have won out. The aircraft that we’ve seen released in the past year have shown that DJI is just as capable of making a small video camera as GoPro, and the lenses are better tuned for aerial use, with narrower fields of view and no fish-eye distortion.

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 Controls and Apps

On-camera controls and wireless features should also be considered. GoPro’s least expensive camera (the Hero Session) focuses on simple, one-button operation, but relies on a connected mobile device to adjust settings. Some models have LCDs and controls built in, but can be a bit more cumbersome to use. There’s a lot of give and take when you’re dealing with such compact devices. We’ve found touch-screen models to be the easiest to operate.

A great app can supplement a poor on-camera control system, and even elevate the camera’s usefulness. For instance, some apps let you use your phone as a live viewfinder to frame your shots, and some even let you transfer files to your phone wirelessly. On top of that, many apps let you use your phone as a wireless remote, so you can easily control that helmet-mounted camera without all the fuss of dismounting or taking off your gear.

Ultimately, your choice in action camera should come down to performance and ease of use. We’ve filmed hours of footage with many of the major contenders to determine where each device stands in the increasingly crowded field. Some excel in all manner of extreme situations, while others can fall apart underwater or once the sun goes down. And what good is an action cam if it’s not built for action? We sussed out the best cameras overall, and you can’t go wrong with any of the choices listed here.

[timorous-goofball]

13 Best Skateboard Backpacks in 2018

Skateboard Backpacks are essential for people who love skating.  Be sure to choose a solid skateboard backpack which will not easily get damaged even if it’s tossed around because that will happen.  The best skate backpacks should be multi-purpose wherein you can store various items such as a book, camera, laptops, your beads, tools, and others. Having this in mind, it is not an easy to find the best backpacks that fit your needs.  The good thing is there are now a lot of skateboard backpacks which are functional, stylish and at the same time affordable. Our team has tested and used many of the backpacks to give you a good recommendation on which skate backpack to get.

Best Skateboard Backpacks

1. Dakine Daytripper Skate Backpack

The Dakine Daytripper Skate Backpack is very durable because it is made from 600D Polyester.  Its laptop sleeve can fit 15″ laptops.  It features skateboard carry straps.  The sunglass pocket has fleece lined.  The side pockets are secure since it is zippered.  It has an Amazon rating of 4.5 which makes it one of the best-rated packs.

2. Dakine Lid Skate Backpacks

The Dakine Lid Skate Backpacks are made of 600D Polyester.  It is imported with a padded sleeve that is suitable for 15″ laptops.  It features skateboard carry straps and zippered side pockets.  This backpack has an adjustable sternum strap.  It is a favored product with an Amazon rating of 4.4.

3. Dakine Manual Skateboard Backpack

The Dakine Manual Skateboard Backpack is durable since it is made of 600D Polyester.  It is imported and it has skateboard carry straps.  The zippered front pocket can protect your belongings.  There are a variety of colors to choose from.  It has an excellent Amazon rating of 4.2.

4. Eastsport Double Strap Skater Backpack

The Eastsport Double Strap Skater Backpack has a spacious main compartment along with an interior pocket for laptops.  It has a dual velcro skater compression straps in order to carry skateboards securely.  There are two side mesh pockets where you can place your bottled water.  The back panel has cushioned mesh to provide you more support and comfort.  This backpack measures 19″ x 13″ x 8.5″.  It is among the best skate backpacks with an Amazon rating of 4.6.

5. Element Mohave Skateboard Backpack

The Element Mohave Skateboard Backpack is 100% Polyester. The lining is also 100% Polyester. It is imported and manufactured in China. The zipper closure can make all your valuables safe. It has 14″ shoulder drop and measures 19″ in height and 11″ in width. It’s ok to hand wash this backpack. It features an internal sleeve for laptops. It has a logo applique and two buckle straps at the front. The side pockets are zippered and it has a drop sleeve for your sunglass. There are 4 ID windows. It is the best-rated skateboard backpack in Amazon with a rating of 4.8.

6. Element Skateboards Mohave Backpack

The Element Skateboards Mohave Backpack is 100% Polyester.  It has a zippered closure and can be hand washed.  This color-blocked backpack features a very spacious main compartment as well as a front outer pocket.  It has two adjustable shoulder straps plus a hanging loop strap.  It is made from high-quality materials.  It has a 4.6 rating on Amazon which makes it a dependable product.

7. Nike Skateboard Backpacks

The Nike skateboard backpacks consist of buckle straps in order to easily carry around your skateboard.  It has a spacious zippered main compartment. The curved shoulder straps provide a comfortable fit.  Your 15-inch laptop can be stored in the external zip sleeve.  It has a dimension of 19”H x 12”W x 6”D.  It has a perfect 5 rating on Amazon.

8. Nixon Smith Skateboard Backpacks

The materials used on Nixon Smith Skateboard Backpacks is 600D polyester, 1200D PU coated slub ripstop. It has one padded pocket dedicated for your laptop and one expandable mesh side for your water container. This backpack has the ability to carry a skateboard. It measures 12 x 19.5 x 6 in and has a volume of 1452 cu in. It is one of the best-rated backpacks in Amazon with a rating of 4.6.

9. Penny Skateboard Backpacks

The Penny Black Skateboarder Backpacks are very durable and strong.  In fact, it has the ability to withstand any abuse.  It is created from high-quality materials.  It is the most trusted product with a rating of 4.7 on Amazon.

10. Eastsport 

Skater

 Backpack

The Eastsport Skater Backpack is made from high-quality materials. If you are looking for a durable and strong backpack that can withstand any abuse then this is the product for you. It obtained a 4.3 rating on Amazon, which means it is highly recommended by your skateboard peers.

11. RVCA Push Skate Backpack 

The RVCA Push Skate Backpack is strong because it is made from 100% Polyester.  It is fully secured with a zipper closure.  It has a 13″ shoulder drop and measures 19″ in height and 11″ in width.  It can be machine washed.  It has flexible padded shoulder straps with flexible sternum strap to comfortably fit you.  The main compartment is comprised of a padded sleeve for your 15-inch laptop.  The front part has hook and loop skate straps.  This backpack has several pockets.  It has a big front pocket, a side pocket for your water bottle and zippered side pockets for your gadgets.  The front part shows the RVCA motors patch.  It is made in China.  It has a perfect 5 rating on Amazon.

12. Burton Skateboard Backpacks

The Burton Skateboarder Backpacks has a padded compartment for laptops.  It measures 17in x 11in x 2in.  It also has an additional fleece-lined sleeve where you can place your tablet or small laptop.  It has a measurement of 11.5in x 7.5in.  This backpack can carry a skate through its front webbing.  The huge main compartment has an internal organization.  There are numerous external accessory pockets for your belongings.  The most trusted product on Amazon with a rating of 5.

13. Eastsport Multi Compartment Skater Backpack

The Eastsport Multi Compartment Skater Backpack have shoulder straps and sternum strap.  It has two pockets dedicated for your cell phone and MP3.  The external mesh pocket is for your water bottle.  The internal pocket features a keyring clip.  It obtained 4.5 rating in Amazon.

Which skateboard backpack do you choose?  Skate backpacks are a must if you are on the go.  The most amazing thing about these backpacks is you can carry all the things you need on your way to school or work while having your board with you at all times.

[timorous-goofball]

Buying Guide for Roller Skates

For those of us who find the timeless act of roller skating to be a passion, we know why, where and what we need to enjoy ourselves. But, if you are just getting into skating, this is where some helpful education will mean the world. Here you are going to see a breakdown of the roller skates out there and hopefully get you on the right track in choosing a great pair of skates.

  What Type of Skater are you?

  • Indoor (Roller Rink)

 The skates included in this category are typically Artistic or recreational skates. This type of skater is looking for an experience like ice skating with good control with narrow wheels and high boots for stability in spins and jumps.

 • Speed/Jam

 The name really says a lot about this type of skater. Low cut boots that fit like a tennis shoe for going around a course and keeping speed for longer spurts of time and free movement bearings for getting your groove on.

 • Roller Derby

 No brainer here, you want a boot that will take a beating with wheels that can give you speed on tight turns. These are also cut with a low boot.

 • Outdoor

 In all reality, any skate can be an outdoor skate with a low or high boot. You just need different wheels that are made for those conditions. Outdoor wheels are going to be slightly softer to give you a smooth ride, but not soft enough to have chunks taken out while going over rough concrete.

 Roller Skate Sizing

 A skate should be fit like a pair of tennis shoes in that you want ¼” to ½”. You will find that in most cases skates are cut in a Men’s size, so ladies, you will want to go down a size in those cases. Some skates only come in a Black or White, but don’t assume that the white is a Women’s skate. Pay attention to datapoints in listings to ensure you are getting the skate you want. We have all purchased that one item online and missed an important note on a color or size. More sizing information available in the roller skate sizing guide.

 Anatomy of a Skate

 • Boot: High or low, this is going to be the easiest part of your shopping experience. The boot is what attaches to the plates and wheels.

 • Plate: This is the typically Aluminum or nylon and holds the wheels to the boot.

 • Trucks: These hold the wheels to the plate of your skate.

 • Wheels: Depending on your style, different wheels are used for different purposes.

 • Bearings: These help your wheels move. Typically the higher the grade or rating, the smoother your wheel will spin.

 • Toe Stop/Plug: This can either be used as a brake.

[timorous-goofball]

5 Best Skateboard Helmets Reviews And Buying Guide

Skating is a standout amongst the most widely recognized and prominent games for the youthful era. There will be just a couple quantities of youngsters who haven't got a skateboard on his birthday show. Nonetheless, as most other exciting games skateboarding additionally accompanies some threat and it's an absolute necessity for each skater to get himself the best skateboard cap to secure himself from the perils of a skateboarding come up short. Individuals, both the advertisers and the skaters get cognizant about utilizing the best skateboarding head protector while riding a skateboard. Advertisers are presenting progressively and different skateboard protective caps with new outlines and better elements. These days you have the alternative to pick the best skateboard cap of your own among such a large number of choices in the present market and each accompanies some new and propelled highlights for particular clients. You can just check your rundown of necessities and locate the best skateboard protective cap that suits your prerequisites best. Despite the fact that it is hard for the novices to discover which highlights you ought to go and scan for at to start with, yet you will discover it out all through your skating background. Notwithstanding, you don't need to stress over that at all as you can discover it a tad bit less demanding to pick the one best skateboarding head protector with our best skateboarding cap surveys and purchasing guide.

5 Best Skateboarding Helmets Reviews

Genius Tec Classic Skate Helmet Review

One of the best advantages of the skateboard protective caps which have been around and a reliable top decision of the skaters wherever is the Pro-Tec Classic Skate Helmet. This delightfully composed skate head protector will safeguard you against the knocks and from falls that regularly happen while pounding it in the skate-stop!

These cool skateboard caps are highlighted with a high-thickness, infusion formed PE shell alongside 2-organize internal froth liner which gives you most extreme solace while putting it on your head. You will be certain that this skater protective cap will retain low contacts without any difficulty.

An extravagant wrap on the liner wicks away the dampness so as to forestall dribbling sweat on you, permitting you a more prominent concentration and solace. Its 11 vast vents enhance the course through air to keep you cool amid extreme exercises. Extensive estimated protective caps fit head periphery of 22.8-23.6 inches (58-60cm) and it incorporates a flexible button strap guaranteeing ideal fit. The Pro-Tec Classic Skate Helmet accompanies 1 year guarantee.

Last Verdict: The Pro-Tec Classic Skate protective cap is an incredible looking popular cap

giving a solid assurance against hitting. Being a superior skater you should guarantee

a greatest wellbeing for your riding and the Pro-Tec Classic Skateboarding Helmet will guarantee

that while you are on a ride. The quality development and ventilation make it worth your bucks.

punisher skateboard head protector, punisher professional cap, master arrangement cap

Punisher Pro Series Skateboard Helmet Review

The Punisher is a name the vast majority of the skates out there would be acquainted with. Punisher Pro Series Skateboard protective cap such one adornments that you would need to experience being a skater.

For all the gifted skaters and the tenderfoots too one thing is to recall that wellbeing starts things out. You can't yet secure your riding first. Punisher Pro Series Skateboard Helmet accordingly gives all levels of skaters with solid assurance against solid hits.

This Punisher Youth Skate Helmet has awesome air cooling vents to keep you dry making you agreeable while wearing the best skateboard protective cap. What's more, in the event that you are somebody who has the leisure activity for skating and biking in the meantime then the Punisher youth skate head protector is the best skateboard cap for you.

Last Verdict: Punisher is one of the celebrated brands for the skaters and it has been maintaining

its notoriety for their quality items and awesome consumer loyalty. In spite of the fact that many are there

who can't be happy with the fitting of this Punisher Pro Series skateboarding head protector

exceptionally for children yet aside from this, it is an extraordinary skate head protector that you would ever discover.

razor skate head protector, razor cap audits, v17 cap, rajor helmetRazor V-17 Youth Skate Helmet Review

Some of the time it gets minimal elusive the best match of skateboarding protective cap for the skaters. You have to comprehend that not all individuals have the same molded heads. In this way, it's essential to make sense of which state of head you have and pick the best skateboarding cap as per that.

This Razor V-17 Youth Skate Helmet is one of those protective caps which are specific for individuals and you discover it the best on the off chance that you have an oval formed head and it will bring a grin on the characteristics of the bikers also. Its inside cushioning will comfort you and keep your head shielded from serious wounds.

The most astounding thing about this Razor V17 Youth Skate is that it accompanies 17 top and side vents which help the riders keep cool even on the hot days.

Lovely and brilliant shading options Not all around characterized for all shape headed children

It may not fit for the oval headed skater.

Last Verdict: Skaters who feel wearing a head protector is not that cool, look at this

what's more, you will state an inverse word to yourself. The Razor Youth skateboarding protective cap

is both defensive and chic for the youthful skaters. You should try it out at this point.

triple eight head protector, confirmed cap audits, triple helmetTriple Eight Certified Helmet Review

The Triple Eight Brainsaver Dual Certified with the EPS Liner Helmet is a perfect one for skateboarding, biking, inline skating, long boarding, and roller skating. This is one of the best skate protective caps which is double confirmed in CE EN 1078 (Helmets for, skateboarders, pedal cyclists and roller skaters) and AS/NZS 206 (Bicycle Helmets). You can keep your head ensured with its polystyrene Liner which will give it a chance to inhale with consummately put vents.

The Triple Eight Brainsaver Helmet is without a doubt going to keep you safe and let you appreciate a cool riding in the late spring days. While numerous head protectors are showcased just for recreational utilize, this one meets the US guidelines for roller-skating, skateboarding, and even bike riding for youngsters beyond 5 years old.

In the event that you like to have the best skateboard head protectors that meet bicycling standard as well, then it ought to be entirely OK one for you.

Ideal for skaters, bikers longboarding skaters and roller skater. No mentionable cons discovered up until this point

Last Verdict: This expert quality developed Triple Eight head protectors for skateboarding

what's more, other activity sports has been serving for such a large number of years of tuning in to the skaters from

everywhere throughout the world and utilizing the most recent innovation to make the best skateboard cap

assurance accessible in the present market.

specially crafted head protector, spray painting cap, spray painting outline helmetGraffiti Custom Designed Skateboarding Helmet Review

the Graffiti Custom Designed Helmet is likely the most intriguing and the best skateboard protective cap in our best skateboard cap surveys. Spray painting Helmets are reasonable for individuals of any age who get a kick out of the chance to have the opportunity to outline their own particular skateboard head protector.

For the skaters wearing a head protector is fun when you can express your considerations. Every Graffiti head protector buy incorporates five craftsman quality markers so you will make your own particular uncommon drawing on your cool skate cap.

Thus, make the most of your exciting knowledge of skating and express your uniqueness with your specially craft on Graffiti skate protective caps.

Measure Variations for children and grown-ups are accessible for all skaters and bikers.

Configuration can be expelled and re-planned

Accompanies the ink cleaning arrangement

CPSC certified No movable back strap

Some may confront fitting issue

(Check before you purchase)

Last Verdict: Most of the games partner individuals are the proprietor of an imaginative personality and for

every one of those sorts of bikers and skaters and particularly young lady skaters, this Graffiti specially crafted

skateboard cap is the best skateboard cap. Draw your own outlines on your cool skateboard

caps and be one of a kind in his companion and colleagues.

[timorous-goofball]

5 Best Skateboard Trucks Reviews And Buying Guide

Picking the best skateboard trucks is not that simple as it is by all accounts. To pick the correct trucks for skateboards, you would need to find out about two or three things about the best skateboard trucks. On the off chance that you are a skater that you may have been comprehended what the skateboarding trucks are and what they do. Be that as it may, to locate the best skateboard trucks for skateboards of various style you should realize that how it functions.

The skateboarding trucks are a significant basically critical part for your skateboards in transit it rides and it controls the general way that how your skateboard functions. For discovering the best skateboards for skateboards, a profound comprehension of the distinction among different components like its tallness, measure, bushing style will help you out to ride your skateboard and working it better. It won't just help you picking the best skateboard trucks for skateboards of various styles additionally help you improving as an and swifter skater.

Along these lines, the main reason for this article is to help you with a superior comprehension of the best skateboard trucks and aptitude you're skating abilities through the fast examination among some best trucks for skateboards in the market at present.

Destruction 5.0 Skateboard Trucks

destruction 5 skateboard truck

The primary name that comes in our best skateboard trucks rundown is Havoc 5.0 Skateboard Trucks. Recall that one thing once more; every rider has his own decision for his best skateboard trucks as for his riding expertise and styles of his skateboarding. Ruin is one of the best skateboard trucks as indicated by us since our examination demonstrates that Havoc has earned a name for giving a constantly not too bad quality skateboard trucks at a sensible cost. This should be the lightest skateboard trucks in the present market. The Havoc 5.0 Trucks are the best skateboard trucks particularly for the learners and similarly it is the best decision for the easygoing skaters who are not that liable to do many granulate traps.

Thunder Polish Hi 147 High Performance Skateboard Trucks (Set of 2)

thunder clean skateboard truck

Thunder Polish Hi 147 Skateboard Truck is an incredible skateboarding truck that will astound you with its components. This is another prominent lightest skateboard trucks you can discover in the present market. These wonderful sparkling cleaned skateboard trucks will permit you doing bunches of turns and turn with your skateboard and this is the best skateboard trucks for the cruisers who love to accomplish more road styles and different traps with their most loved skateboard. The Thunder Polish skateboard truck accompanies an assurance against a wide range of imperfections which guarantees you about the solidness of this lovely and lightweight skateboard truck.

Journey Boards 5.25″ Matte Silver Double Barrel Skateboard Trucks

twofold barrel skateboard trucks

The privilege beside best skateboard trucks in our top rundown is the Quest Boards Matte Silver Skateboard Trucks. The Quest skateboard trucks are Double barrel skateboard trucks that permit you to do numerous more traps with your skateboard. The Quest skateboard is a reasonable lightweight skateboard truck made with quality materials. The best thing about these moderate skateboarding trucks is that you can conform it from delicate state to hard which you have been absent in most other quality skateboard trucks. The controlling of the truck is highlighted with calculated Kingpin which is secured rather than appended freely in the base of the truck.

Autonomous Skateboard Trucks 129mm Silver Raw STAGE 11 7.75 in PAIR (2 trucks)

autonomous skateboard trucks

Autonomous is as of now a reliable name at whatever point it goes ahead the question to purchase the best skateboard trucks. Autonomous Skateboard Trucks are as of now earned their prominence by their consistent administration gave the best quality segments. These Independent skateboard trucks are the individual proposal of the vast majority of its clients. This is an outstanding skateboard truck for its incredible execution and its toughness too. It will permit you a firm, durable and free ride with this great excellent skateboarding trucks. It's a flawless blend of value and prize simply like the commendable best skateboard trucks.

5″ Speed Trucks Set – Gold/Black

The Speed Skateboard Trucks will astonish you at the main look. It's an only planned skateboarding truck that will add an additional measurement to the look of your cruiser board. This stunning Speed Skateboard trucks offers you with an extraordinary execution to do with your skating styles. It's anything but difficult to move and it truly helps you to do many traps to perform many wanders aimlessly effortlessly. It is another expansion to the best skateboard trucks particularly for its exceptional look and in addition its astounding metal-made trucks. You can try this excellent and lightweight skateboard trucks out for encountering a smoother ride on it.

[timorous-goofball]

Purchasing guide for Best skateboard wheels

Picking the best skateboard wheels reasonable with one specific model is not a simple undertaking since the accessibility of different brands each having its detail or just showcasing of having the specific determination. Skateboards wheels are for the most part particularly intended to guarantee charming riding in particular riding surface. Notwithstanding, there are various things that ought to be mulled over before purchasing new skateboard wheels. The followings are the most essential ones:

Development Material

The vast majority of the skateboard wheels accessible in the present market are made of polyurethane since it is a hard complex material that affirmations the wheel for last more. Polyurethane has been utilizing path again from the 70s. Fabricating organizations for these of materials have altogether enhanced the nature of the materials similarity with the rising needs of skateboards field. These materials are to a great degree impervious to any consumption which makes it appropriate for wide employments. Also, the wheels are made of these materials are accessible at a reasonable cost.

Distance across of the Wheels

Distance across is utilized for measuring the extent of the skateboarding wheel. It is for the most part measured in millimeters unit. Wheels with littler width imply that the skateboard is little as well. The greater part of the breadths extend in the vicinity of 50 and 75mm. The bigger wheels are the less demanding to ride at a speedier speed.

Durometer Value of the Wheels

Durometer is utilized for measuring the inflexibility of the wheels. There are various sorts of durometers in the market. Many organizations utilize a 100-point scale durometers. The more prominent the number on the scale implies the harder the wheel is. A few makers however few uses b scale durometer to quantify the inflexibility of the wheels. The range from 88a-95a implies that the wheel is harder and 96a-99a speaks to that the wheels with exceptional hold and reasonable speed.

Contact Patch

This is the measuring unit of each skateboard's execution. The range in contact is measured to decide the riding surface. For the bigger wheels, the contact fix must be likewise huge. Regularly, the contact fix is straight corresponding to the span of the skateboards. Huge contact patches confirmations notwithstanding spreading of the weight. This outcomes with an open to riding. Contact fix is crucial in diminishing wheels urethane pressur

[timorous-goofball]

What type of skateboard should I buy?

There are many different shapes, and sizes of skateboards, and it can all get a bit confusing. Here are the main skateboard types and also what we offer at Osprey...

  Longboard Skateboards

Longboards come in all shapes and sizes but as a general rule, a longboard is a skateboard that is 33 inches or longer. You can get twin tip longboards, pintail longboards, swallowtail longboards, drop-through decks, drop decks and the list goes on!

Great for:

A     mode of transport and cruising around

Manoeuvrability     for beginners

Stability     for beginners

Going     fast due to wheel size

Big     swooping turns

A     smooth ride on rough ground

Not so great for:

Tricks     & flips

Carrying/transporting     around

Typically used:

DownhillFlat roads

  There are three types of longboard:

1.     Pintail: The pintail shape prevents the wheel from touching the board ("wheelbite") whilst still providing plenty of foot space. They allow for deep carving turns and are also good cruising.

2.     Twin Tip: The nose and tail are almost exactly symmetrical. Design avoids wheel bite. Drop through decks are mostly on this style of longboard to give traction and grip on speedy downhills. Great for deep carves.

3.     Cruiser Longboard: Cruisers have a "kick-tail" on the back. The trucks are higher and the wheels are larger and softer than a standard. The bushings are much more flexible, giving the rider the ability to turn and manoeuvre easily.

Cruiser Skateboards

Cruisers are also great for getting you from A to B, but the one major advantage of a shorter skateboard is how easy it is to transport around. Their shorter deck length in comparison to a longboard allows you to make tighter turns to dodge obstacles. A lot of new skaters need a little extra stability so it is worth noting that beginners usually find long boards to be more stable.

Great for:

A     mode of transport and cruising around

Carrying/transporting     around – fits in your backpack!

Tight     turns and carves

A     smooth ride

Not so great for:

Going     fast

Stability     for beginners

Manoeuvrability     for beginners

Tricks     & flips

Typically used:

City & Street Flat roads

Small Skateboards

These are the same as cruisers, just smaller. These can be made of wood or plastic (a style which has been very popular recently). The added benefit of these is being even more convenient to carry around.

These are a perfect starter set up for young beginners just looking to get to grips with riding a skateboard and perfect their balance, but also great for more experienced riders looking for a different skateboarding style.

Great for:

A     mode of transport and cruising around

Carrying/transporting     around – fits in your backpack!

Tight     turns and carves

A     smooth ride

Tricks     & flips

Not so great for:

Going     fast

Stability     for beginners

Manoeuvrability     for beginners

Typically used:

DownhillFlat roadsPark & Bowl

Carve Skateboards

Carve boards are designed with special front trucks which allow the skateboard to tilt, the front trucks to pivot and the wheels to change direction, much more than a normal skateboard. This allows the rider to generate their own speed by pumping the pump forwards and backwards, similar to the feeling of surfing or carving a wave.

These skateboards are very popular with surfers (particularly as a substitute for when the surf is flat!) as they blur the boundaries between surf and skate; you can mimic your surfing stance and slide out the tail for a realistic surfing simulator.

Great for:

Generating     your own speed

Practising     your surfing/snowboarding (carving) skills

A     mode of transport and cruising around

Carrying/transporting     around

Tight     and deep carves

Effortless     pumping

Not so great for:

Going     fast

Stability     for beginners

Manoeuvrability     for beginners

Tricks     & flips

Typically used:

 Downhill Flat roadsPark & Bowl

Double Kick Skateboards

The kick tail is possibly the most important invention in the sport of skateboarding. A ‘double kick’ is a skateboard with two kicks at either end of the board allowing the execution of all manner of flip tricks that skaters perform today.

A wide range of tricks & flips

Grinding

A     mode of transport and cruising around

Carrying/transporting     around

Street     skating

Park     skating

Not so great for:

Going     fast

Going     long distances

Typically used:

Downhill Flat roads Park & Bowl

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[timorous-goofball]

Girl Darkroom Skate Deck Review

I picked up the Girl Darkroom 8.5 Anderson model from my local skate shop a few weeks ago. I tend to spend most of my time either skating tranny at the park or pushing down the street to the park. You might want to slim things down with an 8 (Mike Mo model) or an 8.12 (Malto or Mariano) if you focus on technical tricks.

Nearly everybody has heard of Skateboards for girls before. Even those who don’t skateboard are familiar with the brand, more often than not. And ever since their newest skate film Pretty Sweet came out late last year, the brand’s been even more popular than usual.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that as far as skate decks go there is not a whole lot of variation. Nearly any deck – no matter which company makes it – is made with the same materials and via the same process. The durability on any deck will be nearly the same.

But for those of us who skate on a daily basis, we know that the little things make all the difference. Well, not really all the difference, but they do make some difference. And that’s why I like Girl’s products. Their decks are nearly perfect in my opinion because of the mellower concave on most models and the noticeable differences in nose and tail. From the get-go, it’s also apparent that their boards are a bit stiffer than those offered by most other brands, though this does nothing to sacrifice pop. In fact, I feel that Girl decks are some of the springiest around.

The Darkroom Skate Deck has held up well so far. The pop is still the same as it was when I got it and the shallow concave is just how I like it. The only negative that I’ve noticed – and it’s hard to call it a negative – is that the graphic has worn off quickly. And when you’re paying money for the label (which, unfortunately, you are), this is a bummer, even if you don’t really care about looks.

At the end of the day, the Girl Darkroom is a great deck for anybody looking for a new skateboard. Like most decks, what really matters is 1) the parts you strap beneath it (trucks, bearings, wheels) and 2) the person riding it. If you like skateboarding, you’ll like this deck. If you don’t like skateboarding, then buy this deck anyways and you’ll like it soon enough.

  EyTah�yQ�u�

[timorous-goofball]

Bearings

On this page we will have a look at why bearings are important for your skateboard set up and some of the manufacturers of bearings. If you click down to the reviews of the specific bearings you will get a lot more detail on the individual sets and if they suit you.

Bearing Companies

Even though the bearings that are in skateboard wheels are a specific size there are specific makers of skateboard bearings. The bearings that they produce are built specifically for the harsh treatment a skateboard can give them rolling around streets and attempting tricks. If you think about the pressure that is put on them every time you ride your board from landing tricks and just general bombing around. The bearings used on skateboards need to be resilient, fast and smooth to ensure they cope with these pressures.

There are not a huge amount on the market as a few certain types are used by a lot of skaters. We will run through some of those standard bearing sets and point out the differences.

A lot of skaters ignore the bearings that are in there wheels and just keep the old set going when really they are one of the most important things to look after and replace when they are worn.

Bronson Speed Co.

The Californian based skateboard bearing company have a couple of sets of bearings on the market that are very popular with a lot of skaters. They pride themselves on leaving no stone unturned when it comes to the technology that sits inside your wheel. This attention to details makes very fast and smooth bearings. The Bronson Speed Co. team has many very famous skaters riding for the brand including Pedro Barros, Sam Beckett and Cody Chapman. They produce two sets of bearings, the mid price set is the Bronson G2 and the premium bearings are the Bronson G3, both are quality bearings offering a smooth ride but the G3’s have the edge when it comes to quality.

Have a look at the individual reviews for the Bronson bearings and see if they are the ones for your set up. They would be a good addition to anyone’s board.

Why Choose Slower Bearings?

It does seem strange that companies offer different grades of bearings when they are not a particularly expensive part of your board. Surely everyone would go for the best and the fastest. Well no, there are a number of reasons why people may well opt for a slower set.

New skaters may prefer a slower board that doesn’t fly along with one small push when they are trying to master the basics of getting around on a board or just learning some new tricks.

It’s not everyone’s cup of tea to fly around the park at warp speed hitting everything with absolute aggression. There are a lot of skaters who like to roll around a little slower working on tricks and the technical side of skating.

Kids need slower boards to start learning, even some of the mid range bearings are maybe a little too quick for kids. The last thing you want is to put children off skating by building them a super fast board that they can’t handle.

Hopefully our reviews will give you some more detail and help you choose.

[timorous-goofball]

Decks

A look at the some of the best boards on the market.

We all have different preferences and there are thousands of skateboard decks to choose from. We will try to help you with the type of deck that you may want to think about buying. There is no one deck that fits all and trends and styles change over the years. One of the best bits of advice is to try your friends skateboards and see what is for you. With our reviews we will try and give you more info than a nice picture and help you make the right choice of board.

Skateboard decks are one of the most important parts of your set up.

There are a lot of reasons why people may want a new skateboard deck and different boards are right for you at different point of your skating. Maybe you are new to skating and are on a budget, you want to see if the skateboarding is for you before investing a lot. Down at the skate park you may have seen someone skating really well and like the look of there deck or you may want to ride the same deck as your favourite pro. Or it could be you just fancy a change. Whatever the reason there is a set up out there for you.

Most people buy their skateboard deck for the feel and how it rides others will buy a deck for the graphics. Hopefully our reviews will give you a good insight into which skateboard deck is for you. But remember our skateboard reviews are our opinion and you may want to try a few out and read a few more reviews.

Skateboard width.

There are lots of different widths of skateboard deck out there and its tough to find the right set up. The narrower 7.5 deck and 8.0 decks are great for tricks and doing lots of flips. These boards tend to be a bit more twitchy and harder to control at times but a lot of fun. A lot of skaters ride skateboards that are around to 7.5 to 8.25 style. On the wider end of the scales you have skateboards that are around the 8.75 deck size and upwards. Brands like Black Label Skateboards and Elephant Skateboards offer wider boards that are much more stable at speed. The set ups are generally heavier and harder to do a lot of modern tricks on but feel really good at the skate park. A lot of beginners prefer a wider deck as it feels more stable on your feet. Our beginner reviews will help with this.

See specific skateboard deck reviews for the widths.

Wheel base.

The distance between your trucks is important measurement on your board, a long wheel base give you more stability and a smoother turn but is less agile and harder to whip around things. The shorter wheel base boards are much more twitchy and fun to throw around the park. The big factor in this may be your height. If you are 6′ 2″ then a longer wheel base will be no problem but if you are 5′ 8″ then it could be a big factor in choosing your board. Some of the wider skateboards offer variable wheel bases on their boards with 2 options to bolt on your front truck. This gives you the best of both worlds. If you need a really short deck a lot of brands like Enjoi and Blind make mini decks.

Most of our specific skateboard reviews will give you wheel base information.

How much concave do I need on my skateboard?

Skateboard concave is a really personal thing. Some skaters like a really flat decks where as other prefer super deep concave. Most brands offer a range of boards between flat concave, medium concave and full concave. Hopefully are reviews can give you a bit more info.

Flat decks.

These decks are becoming trendy with a few brands offering 8″ flat boards, they allow you to move your feet around easily on the board. They are not that common in modern boards but more are appearing and some of the old re issue decks are flat.

Medium concave skateboard deck.

A deck with more concave are naturally stronger as the curve in the wood provides extra support so you are less likely to snap your skateboard. They provide a lot of grip and feel really good when you are flying around the park. Most modern boards have concave and are pretty strong. A good idea is to have a skate on a few of your friends and see if you like the feel of the skateboard then check the concave.

Full concave skateboard deck.

These decks have steep concave and have a lot of grip for your feet. The great thing is that your skateboard deck will stick to your feet really easily, the bad thing is that they don’t make it easy for you to move your feet.

Our individual reviews will give you concave information.

Skateboard graphics.

Graphics are a personal thing and a contentious issue, they are difficult to write reviews on! Personally I don’t really mind what graphics are on my decks as they soon get scraped off with rail slides and covered with stickers. Most serious skaters will go for the feel of a deck rather than the look, but it does help to also like the graphics on the deck you buy. There are so many skateboard decks out there that you will probably be able to pick up a deck that has the right feel and your style graphics. We can comment on graphics but can’t put too much in our reviews. If you like it then its for you!

Brands like Palace and Enjoi offer modern graphics with strong colours and patterns and not too much detailed art work. Other decks like the re issue boards tend to have a lot of detailed graphics. Steve Caballero always had the dragon illustrations on his boards. It depends on what is for you, it really is a personal choice. Just remember that if you intend to learn a lot of tricks the art work won’t stay on the board for long!

We have mostly mentioned the more modern street and park style skateboards in our reviews but have a look that style of skateboarding that you want to get into and buy the right board.

As well as the normal boards there are long boards, cruisers, down hill decks and slalom boards. All are on the more niche side of skateboarding but all great fun. On Organic Skateboards we will try and provide as many reviews as possible.

How our skateboard reviews work.

Skating is an individual sport with many different options of components. We will provide skateboard reviews on as many as we can but try and get to your local skate shop as well. There is no better way to work out what you need by chatting and feeling your deck.

Enjoy reading our skateboard deck reviews and hope they help!

[timorous-goofball]

Wheels

Skateboard wheels are a very personal choice and there are a lot on the market. Depending on your style of skating and the type of terrain where you live will determine which ones suit you. Hopefully our skateboard wheel reviews will help you make your choice. What does the 97a, 95a and 101a actually mean?

It means the measurement of the hardness of the skateboard wheel which is measured in the durometer scale. The number before the ‘a’ indicates the hardness. A wheel that has a hardness off 99a is going to be pretty hard and will be fast on smooth surface but a wheel with a lower number on the durometer like 87a will be a lot softer and smoother on rougher surfaces.

What are skateboard wheels made of?

Skateboard wheels are usually made of polyurethane, they are made by using a mould and come in lots of different colours!

The rough UK streets!

We all watch endless skate videos of top pros rolling around super smooth streets and school play grounds in California in full sun. Well that is not really the case in the UK. We have some nice smooth places to skate in city centres and plenty of new parks but most of us live in areas with pretty bumpy old tarmac pavements that are horrible to skate on. This is where softer and larger diameter skateboard wheels come into play, the bigger the diameter the smoother they will be over a bumpy surface and also the softer they are the smoother the ride will be.

A lot of UK skaters like the feel of hard wheels but want something to roll on a number of surfaces so a wider diameter of 58mm could be the way forward for you.

OJ make the “Filmer” wheels that have a hardness of 87a. These feel amazing on the rough streets but are slow and squidgy at the skate park. If you spend most of your time carving around the streets and car parks these could be for you. They are also really quiet hence the “OJ Filmer Wheels” name. Be warned don’t try too many power slides with these as they have a lot of grip and are made for the skaters that want to cruise around.

Skateboard Wheels for the parks.

The number of concrete and indoor skate parks is growing rapidly in the UK which gives everyone the opportunity to skate some really nice smooth and fast surfaces. There are tons of wheels on the market to suit this sort of skating. They tend to be smaller in diameter and have a harder compound like 99a to 101a. These feel great when you are bombing around the park and pushing the board into tricks. They power slide nice and easily and are definitely the best choice for the skate park. The worst thing on these wheels is to slide the board and get a big flat spot that makes them slower and noisy. They are noisy and make the board really loud on a rough surface.

There are a number of lightweight skateboard wheels on the market as a lot of larger boards are sold that are pretty heavy set ups. The Welcome Ghost Orb are claimed to be around 15% lighter than others on the market which could make a massive difference to your skateboard if you add it to a set up with light weight trucks as well.

Its worth getting a few and trying them out and even have a couple of sets for different types of surface. When you are thinking about buying try and think about the surface you skate on the most.

Read our skateboard product reviews and find the best products for your style!