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| Freecarving (257 Posts)
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carvers axle/kingpin design
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On 4/13/2005
peters
wrote in from
United States
(64.236.nnn.nnn)
Carver put the axle's horizontal line behind the kingpin's vertical to create a pendulum effect - I think that's the key for both models. whereas Randals and most other truck setups have the kingpin bisect the axle. so the CX really does achieve the same effect with only one moving part, and you can quickly adjust that with different bushing duros. the C7 is more 'relaxed' though with all the fancy machinery - so each has a unique ride, I like 'em both.
these are definately GREAT for mellow surf on flats and inclines or declines -- but I'd also stick to randal / gullwing / seismic too for any kind of big hill!
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carvers
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On 4/13/2005 onedrop
wrote in from
United States
(141.150.nnn.nnn)
wow those cxs are steep! they are much simpler than the c7s which i have and love. i wonder how they can feel just like them though without the swivel mechanism. i run mine about medium loose on the bushings front and rear and loose on the front swivel. i like to use them at slow speeds on flats or on really mild slopes the best, doing cut backs and full circles. anything going downhill, i'll take out my landy drop carve w/ randals.
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carver trucks - CX and C7
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On 4/11/2005
peters
wrote in from
United States
(64.236.nnn.nnn)
hey glenD - on Carvers you gotta have riser if you want decent sized wheels on the deck. Even with a full INCH of riser for both the C7 and the CX models my Kryptos (70mm) still come really close to touchin' the deck at max pump. If you're inclined to surfing and carving lines you'll pick up the feel of the deck in just a few minutes.
btw, I'm really diggin' the CX's over the C7's. They've got the same feel using a much simpler design (see pics) plus they're tighter and more responsive. For mellow lines, flatland and soulcarving these are a sweet ride.
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Pumping how to, kinda
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On 4/11/2005 PSR
wrote in from
United States
(69.161.nnn.nnn)
I grabbed this stuff, using the "Search" function on this site, limiting the scan to 'longboarding,freecarving,sidewalk surfing,riding techniques,slalom',but I knew who to ask for author-wise, a certain Mr Gilmour,The Guru IMHO. I hope this helps a bit.
On 8/5/2000 John Gilmour wrote in from 18.202.xxx.xxx:
The best desciption of how to pump I have read was written by Dan Gesmer enbtitles pumping , Gyrating or Power Turning. I'm sure he has a copy at seismic. pumping can be very efficient if you have hte right board set up and his trucks. Pushing is still more efficient, but pumping with his trucks is almost twice as easy to go long distances than pumping with regular trucks.
First I learned the arm motion and timing from tic-tacking a regular kicktailed board.
Then I got on a very short board with very loose trucks with quick turning geometry trucks. I used California slaloms at first- but Bennetts are a good choice as are Lasers. You'll have to buy an old junk deck to get these off ebay.
if you try to learn to pump on a slower turning truck like a common street truck....I doubt you'll ever get it. indys turn slower than the above trucks and Tracker slower than that. Seismics would work well. If you want to make it easier you can run your trucks with both wedges thick ends pointed inwards- skinny sides to the tip and tail. Use soft grommets- hard urethane street grommets will make learning to pump almost impossible.
Then find an excellent surface..... note not a good surface but an EXCELLENT surface that is high traction. Some of that pink sidewalk stuff is really good- your street isn't a very good place to learn as it may have oil and antifreeze on it making it more slippery.
Try to turn the board while twisting the rear of the deck and pushing the board laterally.
If your timing is off you may have some difficulty getting this. To assist you can find a hill that is not steep enough to coast down.... but almost enought to keep going. Try pumping on this grade...if you can keep going- you are learning how to pump. your front foot tilts teh deck and the back foot pushes it out to the side and down.
Then go to flat.
Then try an uphill.
If that does not work you may favor one side over another when pumping as many do.
So pick your favored side and try to pump in a very very very very large circle- at least 30 feet in diameter.
your downforce has to match in timing to the lateral force and twisting motion and your hand motion.
if that fails...... get a large deck like a fibreflex pintail- and bounce on that when you pump (this is bad habit though) once you get the rhythm you can go to a regular board
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Carver trucks
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On 4/10/2005 GlenD
wrote in from
United States
(216.102.nnn.nnn)
how long does it take to get used to the carvers and what about wheel bite.
I can't use randall's on any board without cutouts. I have seismics, Indy's, Invaders, Baku's and Exkates and use these on different boards but none of them have the feel I'm really looking for. The tortions and seismics want to return to center too much, the invaders, trackers, indys don't carve hard enough.
Wheel bite is a big issue wth me because I'm a big guy and I have a special gift of being able to compress bushings well.
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P.S. PSR
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On 4/6/2005 tom t
wrote in from
Canada
(64.228.nnn.nnn)
Oh, and they don't exactly "shorten" the feeling of the board...they just make it feel "swoopy" at the front. Anyone who can pump or carve should easily pick it up in half an hour.
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PSR
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On 4/6/2005 tom t
wrote in from
Canada
(64.228.nnn.nnn)
Hey PSR,
They definitely turn super-tight, and yes, they wobble if they're really loose...I tighten the front truck bushing and leave the swivel adjustment "just-snug".
Ultra-aggressive speed-pumping makes an otherwise boring sidewalk or alleyway a lot of fun; a small flatspot turns into an endless, meditative carving session.I skate mine every day at lunch, when I don't have time to hit the hills.
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Tiki as downhill carver
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On 4/5/2005
Ethan
wrote in from
United States
(67.169.nnn.nnn)
I'm still using use Comet's TIKI for downhill carving. Its a great deck, I love it as much now as when I bought it last year. Its my most trusted deck.
Have mine set up with 180mm seismics ( quickturn 45 degree baseplates with red springs in front, and quickturns with light green "medium' springs in back). I weigh 165lbs. For hard carving I use 80a Grippins, which are great cause you can carve super hard but still slide em, and then rotate them so they dont cone. For slide/carve sessions try the yellow Comet wheels.
This setup carves hard but isn't TOO turny in back. I go 15-35 on this setup in around SF.
For narrower streets & sidewalks with banked driveways at lower speeds I use the 34" inch Comet Scramjet. This deck with seismic quickturns 150mm is an INSANELY CARVEY. I'm doing freaking circles back up the hill on SF's butter smooth downhill street called Rivera on the scramjet...but its a lil short for me to get in a proper drop knee position. But man that board can carve hard and manuever in tight spaces.
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Carver Trucks
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On 4/5/2005 PSR
wrote in from
United States
(69.161.nnn.nnn)
Tom, how much do those 'shorten' the feel of the board? They look like they turn Super-Tight! Oh, and do they wobble?
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eddie
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On 4/4/2005 tom
wrote in from
Canada
(64.228.nnn.nnn)
Eddie,
PSR gave you lots of great tips. I just wanted to add info about the Carver trucks...They're better seen than described. Check out the videos @ www.carverskateboards.com. I got a set last fall and I'm hooked! But for hill carving and speed runs, I'd go Randal, Gullwing Cruiser 60s, or Originals.
Just to reiterate what PSR told ya, FLEX is your friend when you want to carve!!
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Eddie's best bet
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On 3/30/2005 PSR
wrote in from
United States
(69.161.nnn.nnn)
Eddie, go look at what Comet makes for big, gnarly, just-flexy-enough concaved DH/Cruising decks. I think the 'TIKI' will be a good bet, but, hey look around in there. You cannot beat hardwood vertical laminates, or bamboo, mixed with glass and carbon fiber for added strength and snappy flex. The Comet's have great concaves that Fit bigger feet, and are just super-high quality decks. Don't be thrown by the kicktails you see, they are just there when needed, not a hinderance to the weight or feel of the board. I like the angles of Comet's Kicks, too, as they work in urban and banked areas fine, but don't impede when I'm tuckin'+ trukin'. Other deck brands to consider would be Landyatchz, Insect, Loaded, Kebbek, G+S, and Barfoot.
For wheels, go wide and soft for grip. 3DM, Abec 11, Payaso, or Manx would be good choices for getitng gription on descents where grip/manuvering is key. Don't go too big, keep it around 70mm so that you can keep wheel-rub at bay. If you go bigger than that, go Softer, like the 72mm S-9 wheel, or Abec 11's Gumball, and look for 78a or softer, like 75a,72a, etc. Softer will wear quicker, but be stickier on most tarmac. Bigger wheels will roll faster, and as I noted, be more likely to rub when you lean hard.
With trucks, Randals are the obvious choice, as they turn predictably, and are easy to modify with bushing upgrades and wedging. Trackers do well by me, but can be a bit 'low' when used with bigger wheels (above 72mm). Z-roller desreves mention, as the 8mm axles do provide good grip, although the trucks are pretty quick/nervous underfoot, and may need Stimulator or Radikal bushings to stabilize them at higher speeds.If you go with Seismics, pick the spring kit to suit your weight, as most are sold with soft-to-mid range springs. Mr. Dan Gesmer would be who to ask about that, as he designed those trucks.
I hope that helps some. There are of course custom board builders, mostly associated with slalom Racing, who would likely be able to make you a G.S.-like board that's 'road-cruising' friendly if you're willing to buy into a custom deck. In that, you may find you'd get the shape and flex 'just right' for your riding. Otherwise, Comet would be my first choice.
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new board
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On 3/30/2005
eddie
wrote in from
United States
(70.112.nnn.nnn)
i am getting a bigger board this time for sure. im a bigger than average guy, and i cant get low enough on my old deck to slide very good or very safe until i learn how. ive been looking at a homemade deck. 46 inches long by 10 inches, and 3/4 inch thick 13 ply Baltic Birch plywood. but im still looking at some name brand decks. i want something with some good flex this time. i am hoping to find something that is just as drastic of a change from when i switched from stock trucks to the randalls. i want some pro s#@!. lots of the hills i skate are just narrow 2 lane roads, so i need to turn sharp, but i also need a board that feels stable. my current set-up can get a little washy when things get hairy.
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Next board in da quiver
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On 3/29/2005 PSR
wrote in from
United States
(69.161.nnn.nnn)
Eddie, simple thoughts here, honest... Don't buy exactly what you already have. Diversify. If you've got a long-ish board, pick one that's either shorter (quicker turns) or longer (faster,bigger arcs). Note that Flex plays a big part hee. I've seen long boards that flex well, and thus can Crank in deeper turns. I've also seen stiffer shorter boards that hang well at a good clip (although shorter deck do tend to turn quicker,wheelbase length tends to make for tighter turns regardless). What kind of ride do you picture yourself using? Do you want more speed and larger,deeper turns? Do you want snappier, quicker turns that control your speed on steeps? Do you need a kicktail for urban obstacle avoidance?
From what you describe, I'm gonna guess you're on a Cosmic Rider, which is a pretty decent deck, and you've moved beyond the generic-feeling trucks S-9 unfortunately slaps onto their otherwise nice set-ups.
If you're gonna move on, figure out what you Like about that board, and note what you might not like. From there, then the board of your future can take shape. One very,very cool thing in Skateboardland is that any number of comboos can be put together, from decks,trucks,wheels,riser/wedges,and even bearings, to Build the ride you want. Sort it out. Ask dumb-sounding questions here on this site. Get answers that make sense, then put it together. There are riders here that you can ask advide from. I can be e-mailed at ebrammer @ adelphia DOT net, but guys like Cliff Coleman blow what I know away.
I could stab at what 'I' think is a good choice group of boards, wheels, trucks. But I'd prefer you think over what you've got, and what you'd wish for. After that, then we can narrow this down to the Few,Righteous Boards to pick from.
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need help with a new board
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On 3/29/2005 eddie
wrote in from
United States
(70.112.nnn.nnn)
its time to buy my 2and board. i have a sector 9 now (i dont know what kind - it has a tail though), 36 in i think with a set of randalls. i mostly do down hill carving, but i do plenty of crusing and plan to find some ditches. i just dont know where to start between flex decks and everything else. i cant seem to figure out what boards are for what. can anyone help guide me?
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carver trucks
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On 3/29/2005
eddie
wrote in from
United States
(70.112.nnn.nnn)
whats the difference between the carver and randall trucks. im real new.
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Carvers
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On 3/13/2005 tom t
wrote in from
Canada
(64.228.nnn.nnn)
I got mine back in the fall and I ride 'em all the time!
Onedrop, you said it: Concrete Surfing!!
Highly recommended addition to anyone's quiver.
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Carver Trucks
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On 3/12/2005 onedrop
wrote in from
United States
(68.162.nnn.nnn)
I agree they are alot of fun. I've only had them for a week now but once you get used to them, going back to standard trucks is really weird. Even sloppy loose trucks feel stiff and tight. The carves ala the name are unreal with these trucks and really emphasizes using the whole body to turn (ie. leading with the shoulders). It's really a great feeling and captures the idea of concrete surfing. So far, I've enjoyed these the most on a very mild sloping long road where slow carves and roundhouse cutbacks rule. Definitely check these out if you're looking for real fluid style riding, there's nothing like them.
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lost texan heading for da hills
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On 2/20/2005
lost texan
wrote in from
United States
(24.155.nnn.nnn)
Matt,
supreme gratitude, im ridin freebord x-80 been learnin on small local hills, old friend of mine moved bac from mountain valley of idaho and i think were gonna hit those runs, thx. yah stopping.... haha caught a couple edges before i got it down, but always room for improvement. thanks for the advice maybe i'll catch ya on de road sumday,
peace
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carver trucks
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On 1/29/2005
glenn
wrote in from
United States
(68.0.nnn.nnn)
has any one tried these trucks i got mine last week they are so fun there not like ordi ary trucks the back one is a standard truck but the front one has and another axis so u can do a u turn in the middle of the rhode but still keep your speed and if u want u dont have to pump with ur foot at all u can stand still and just pump like ur wur carving and ull pick up speed u get more speed each turn but i havent been able to ride them in the road yet since we got 3 feet of snow a week ago but iv been ripping through my basement nonstop the only thing from keeping you going is your leg muscles getting tired its great fun
(im not sure how to show pictures on this but im just gonna try)
http://www.carverskateboards.com/images/products/c1.jpg
http://www.carverskateboards.com/images/products/c1.jpg
heres the site where you can buy them these trucks are the ultimate cruising machines
http://carverskateboards.com/
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Dallas has it.. kinda
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On 1/26/2005 Matt
wrote in from
United States
(67.66.nnn.nnn)
Hey Lost Texan,
Glad to hear of another person getting into it. I too live in Dallas and just wanted to recommend an area to you. East of Dallas is Rockwall (over Lake Ray Hubbard) the way the town is set up causes the whole West side of Rockwall to flow downhill into the lake. Not many runs over a mile, but there are a few if you can navigate neighborhoods and cars well. Unfortunately some of the best runs are in a private gated community but it takes very little effort to still access them legally (kinda). Just practice up on your stopping ability as there are some steep hills and last thing needed is people getting hurt and downhill getting banned. But hope that helps ya out, maybe see ya sometime. Stay safe and have fun...
~Matt H.~
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100 lb. solution
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On 1/21/2005 PSR
wrote in from
United States
(69.161.nnn.nnn)
Nick, look for these bushings for your trucks; Khiro, White colored bushings. They're a super-soft bushing, and can get your trucks to turn very easily, very smoothly, and have good rebound(return to center,nice for quick turns). Other places you might find softer bushings would be through, of all places, Rollerskating Rinks. 'Quad' skates, the type used before inline rollerblades came to be, used natural Rubber bushings. These are quite soft, as rollerskates don'thave the leverage skateboards do on the trucks. If you get the "soft dance" type, you should be able to squeeze them in your fingers, they're that soft! Brands to look for would be Sure-Grip , Chicago, or Laser. Just be sure the size is close to what your trucks use, as some rollerskate trucks have really Tall bushings.
That brings to mind your question on kingpins. Yes, adding an extra 1/4 Inch of kingpin height will make a truck turn looser, but may make the kingpin/nut 'hang-up' in grinds or even just in catching an odd pebble on the road. Still, it's something to consider doing, but look at bushings that're softer first.
Much Luck! ;-)
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need help on carving
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On 1/21/2005
nick
wrote in from
United States
(204.108.nnn.nnn)
im about a hundred pounds and i want to cave hard but my king pin truck is at the very edge and that doesnt do much should i get a longer king pin
*im 12
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Tom's truck choices
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On 1/11/2005 PSR
wrote in from
United States
(69.161.nnn.nnn)
Tom, I've found that the Randals, while pretty sure-footed and predictable, are not the best for setting up a quick-turning board, especially if the wheelbase is fairly long. So, the Randals turn in at 45*, as do the steeper Seismics, but the Exate trucks, which are a 'torsion bushing' truck, are deeper leaning and have a bit quicker geometry. The thing with torsion trucks is that they work by twisting against the bushing, so they have a very surfy feel while turning, and lean pretty deep. The Seismics tend to work quite well when a 5* or 7* wedge is added underneath, which then puts the geometry at 50* or 52*. The Springs are adjustable at each corner, ie, you can have your front toe set soft while having the rear heel set stiffer, something no other truck can do. Meanwhile, if you like the Randals, but want a quicker steering action, add a wedge (or a steeper wedge if you have one already), but don't push it past 60* of pivot angle. Consider your bushings, and look for a more responsive, bouncier, maybe softer bushing combo.
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Labeda DH wheels
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On 1/11/2005 PSR
wrote in from
United States
(69.161.nnn.nnn)
Check out Sk8shop.ch for some Labeda wheels. Be sure to click on the English version,unless you speak Deutch. However, the wheels I was thinking of in my previous post are the wider Luge/Dh type. They're hard to find, but imho, worth seeking out. They're probably not as fast as the newer offerings from ABEC 11, but good stuff nonetheless.
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RE: Freecarving
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On 1/11/2005
3 Fingered Jack
wrote in from
United States
(192.35.nnn.nnn)
Which model Sector 9 were you using? I'd give S9 a call they're good folks and stand behind they're products. Try a platinum series board. I have a platinum series Bomber with Randall II 180's and Krytonic Classic K's. I've had no troubles. My opinion comes w/ the fact that I'm 6'2" and 250lbs+. The boards can't be that bad if they'll support my size/weight and sz13 gunboats.
Cheers,
3FJ
God rides a longboard.
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