Post
by Michael Stride » Fri Mar 06, 2009 10:43 pm
It has give, but not flop. Its flexy but not bendy, its torsionally rigid, but not a plank. Its the balance we strive for. I hope.
I think modern slalom decks show that a slight flex is a good thing, for most riders. Decks like the Pavel Pirnack would be a supreme example of a stiff deck, with give, with feel. With life. Pretty much the best out there right now.
Ultra stiff decks might as well be made of wood. A good example is the Skaterbuilt Maysey. Lightweight, wood, stiff, took Maysey to a world title. Excellent value too. IMHO all a high tech lightweight stiff deck does is perhaps be quicker off the line in a push start, certainly going lightweight at all costs isnt doing it for me....its nice to say you have the lightest deck as you unpack your board, but then put heavy high end trucks on it....dont get it myself.
Anyone can make the lightest deck in the world....this we have learnt. Donald could, Roe could, Kaliber could, Exsetsett could....BUT as you know its more than that. I think some materials like wood layers have a beneficial effect on feel, and vibration damping. The Octane decks have a nice feel to them, the foam and glass mix seems to give a good ride. In fact we were testing the trucks last week and the riders didnt even mention the deck....it didnt occur to them it was anything other than a production model.
...also, as we all know, bright shiny colours make you 1/2 a second quicker, and riding a slick looking curvy board makes you another second quicker. This is scientific fact. tee hee.
