NPW and Skateboard - Need recommendation

Quote: Originally posted by grigorib

Quote: Originally posted by B-Roc   From the pic it looks like you might be running on Bennett Vector trucks, correct? Correct. Why, what's different about them?

Bennetts are very unique for their lean and pump. Given their geometry and tall bushing setup to maintain proper geometry, they are made for pumping which makes them great for what you describe as your style. They are often paired with Trackers for LDP (long distance pumping) setups where you run a loose Bennett on the front and a dead Tracker on the back.

I would own a set if they made a longer axle as I like boards around 9.5-10" wide (and I likely will own a pair someday just because you kinda sorta have to have one set in your collection).

If you like Bennetts you may want to try a set of Carver CXs if you can. They are expensive but they are the closest thing one can come to surfing the street and they pump very well. I have them on both my pool boards. They don't ride switch well at all but they carve pools, pipes and streets like no other.

I would not advise pairing them with a kite as they would be too squirrely and prone to wobble at speed and pearling if too much weight is on the front truck during an aggressive turn.

BTW, here is a picture of the longboard I am using...I know...talk about oldschool. I actually bought the board a little over 20 years ago...my girlfriend at the time used to ride on the front and me on the back just cruising down the boardwalk. I did get the OJ III wheels and bearings a few weeks ago, however. It's actually a really fun board to ride, very flexible deck and I like the long carvey turns.

The last pic is the street I ride in Oxnard...to the right is the beach so it's nice smooth air...

Quote: Originally posted by lunchbox

BTW, here is a picture of the longboard I am using...I know...talk about oldschool. I actually bought the board a little over 20 years ago...my girlfriend at the time used to ride on the front and me on the back just cruising down the boardwalk. I did get the OJ III wheels and bearings a few weeks ago, however. It's actually a really fun board to ride, very flexible deck and I like the long carvey turns. The last pic is the street I ride in Oxnard...to the right is the beach so it's nice smooth air...

Heck with the board (which is nice btw)... What's in that bag?

Quote: Originally posted by ssayre

Thanks, looks like it's got some tall risers. Does that help add more power when pumping? Also, dumb question, on that set up the back foot is behind the back truck on the tail right?

It's got about an inch of risers otherwise wheels were biting the deck. What really helps pumping are soft bushings. You can even pump a regular skateboard with soft bushings (rear bushings should be stiffer than the front). You should be able to tilt the board with a force of couple of fingers or fully down with a palm. It makes it easy to pump and it's more useful for lower turning radius which I like.

My stance is - front foot a bit back of front trucks, rear foot over and a bit backward of rear trucks (but not on the tail). Usually right shoulder facing forward, goofy. I can kite regular but can't pump it regular side though


Couple of things to add:
- risers are two piece: 1/2 inch flat + 1/2-3/8 inch tilted one on top of it to increase truck angle
- I went to read about Bennett Vector trucks and realized I'm using regular bushings which are shorter. Ordered tall red Bennett bushings, should have them in couple of weeks. Mine are apparently also 88a/90a (I thought they're softer than that) so using tall 90a will do alright for carving.

Quote: Originally posted by B-Roc

The taller Bennett bushings may allow you to eliminate some of the riser pads and still prevent wheelbite while allowing for more lean.enjoy.

Ordered tall Bennett bushings from sk8kings on 1/1 with estimate of 7-10 business days delivery and got them today! Gotta get out to test them tonight....

Quote: Originally posted by Windstruck

@lunchbox - coming in strong with five embedded quotes in one post. Setting the bar high in 2016! I'd like to see some video footage of the NPW landing into the minivan; pretty slick. :D

Here you go Steve its no big deal. Video from today - wind is pretty flaky at this spot - but its 5 minutes from home.

good wind and mild temps today. Hopefully I can work on slides with the new toy.

Quote: Originally posted by Randy

Quote: Originally posted by Windstruck   @lunchbox - coming in strong with five embedded quotes in one post. Setting the bar high in 2016! I'd like to see some video footage of the NPW landing into the minivan; pretty slick. :D Here you go Steve its no big deal. Video from today - wind is pretty flaky at this spot - but its 5 minutes from home.

Well played Randy, well played.

Quote: Originally posted by ssayre

good wind and mild temps today. Hopefully I can work on slides with the new toy.

Nice looking new ride Sean. Go get some! :karate:

Man I love the 2.5m wind days. Started off on 5m lines in around 14-18 mph wind. Wind picked up to mid 20's gusting 30. Removed the lines and flew off bridle. That's what's so great about these. Infinite possibilities. The 2.5 is the most gust tolerant and has the widest wind range out of the sizes I own. Looking forward to your thoughts on that size Lunchbox.

I used the new board which to my surprise still works in small locations but not nearly as well as s9 with sidewinders. Great choice with the s9 and sidewinders.

Also, I removed the third line stuff on my street kite bar. I'm going to run like that for awhile. I really liked only hooking up 2 lines.

Quote: Originally posted by ssayre

Man I love the 2.5m wind days. Started off on 5m lines in around 14-18 mph wind. Wind picked up to mid 20's gusting 30. Removed the lines and flew off bridle. That's what's so great about these. Infinite possibilities. The 2.5 is the most gust tolerant and has the widest wind range out of the sizes I own. Looking forward to your thoughts on that size Lunchbox. I used the new board which to my surprise still works in small locations but not nearly as well as s9 with sidewinders. Great choice with the s9 and sidewinders. Also, I removed the third line stuff on my street kite bar. I'm going to run like that for awhile. I really liked only hooking up 2 lines.

Is that the photo the local network news affiliate used for their top-of-the-hour story? Nice pic! Don't blame you for ditching the 3rd line for that set up. Talk about easy-peasy. :karate:

Quote: Originally posted by ssayre

Yeah Steve, this should be very nice for quick set up. I know we are only talking 1 line but it also created some other problems on 5m lines. When looping the kite, the third line leader creates a lot of friction in the line hindering control. It also winds up nicer on the bar when packing up. I will still need that third line 10% of the time on sketchy wind days when I'm near downwind obstacles. I have the 3rd line wound up separately and the 3rd line leader and components separate. It only takes a minute to install. This way I can slip it on by itself if flying no lines but need to hook up kite killer or install it and the 5m line if flying short lines. If that makes any sense.

Makes good sense. For what it's worth, I rigged up a super simple third-line leash of sorts using a short piece of rope 7-8 feet long with a carabiner on each end. Loop one end of the rope around your waist, hook the carabiner onto it (I made a simple overhand knot loop at the right length) and then attach the other end to the back of the 3rd line after its been through the bar. Get the length right and you will be able to outstretch either arm with some slack in the line, but if you have to let go you will have your 3rd line attached to your "harness". I'd rather deal with that rigging than a kite killer. KKs are just a pain in the seat meat.

Quote: Originally posted by B-Roc

Sorry that didn't work out. If you don't like that definitely do not get a board with W concave or boards with mega flared wheel wheels as those are really uncomfortable (and I wear a size 8.5 shoe).

It's definitely me, not the board. It seems to be a popular board and it would probably grow on me if I give it a chance. Plus I have absolutely no regrets. I've swapped trucks and have the bears on the s9. I only rode around the garage but it feels great! Kind of like having a 3rd board I didn't even know I had. This is great having 2 complete set ups to toy around with. Just like kites, it's taking some time to figure out best fit for my style. And figuring out what my style is. So I count this is a win. Learning is most the fun.

Quote: Originally posted by Cochise Kiter

Ssayre, just for kicks why not try the Sidewinder trucks on the Apex? It may feel like a totally different board with those on it.

Don't worry, I'll be getting to that soon :D

My pivot cups and bushings are shot on the sidewinders. I've got the bushings but I'm waiting on the cups.

Also waiting on a set of wheels.

Quote: Originally posted by lunchbox

Have you got an idea of what deck you're going to get as a replacement? I'd be curious to know what kind of wheels and trucks you're going to use as well (or are you going to use the existing trucks)? I think the goal of this board was to slide and carve or slide and speed? I just recently bought a Sector 9 Revolver complete. Very grippy and turns really tight. It's a pintail which I'm not quite sure a lot of people like, but so far it seems to be working for what I want (i.e. practice down the line surfing and bottom and top turns with a skateboard and kite). Next board for me is going to be about 40-42" and a little carvey but is stable at speed as well. Might have to reach out to B-Roc on deck, tracks and wheel recommendations...

I just checked out your revolver online. It has exactly the same wheel base as mine and the overall length is only a 1 3/4" longer. The width is the same as well. Concave looks similar.

Mine is a drop through where yours is top mount, but other than that, I'm guessing the ride will be exactly the same. Great board. It's like it was designed for kiting. You can turn aggressively when needed to buffer a gust or keep line tension in a lull. I will top mount the sidewinders when I put them back on to try it out. Not having drop through when kiting doesn't matter because we don't have to push.

Busted landing an ollie



New Board. It's a sickness at this point



Comparison



Lunchbox, not trying to hijack your thread but just figured this was a good spot for board talk since this thread has pictures of boards.

Quote:

New Board. It's a sickness at this point

Awesome....I'm not alone!
Speaking of boards, I'm in the process of researching another board as we speak. Great thing about the skateboard thing is...it's quite a bit cheaper than kites

Quote:

Lunchbox, not trying to hijack your thread but just figured this was a good spot for board talk since this thread has pictures of boards.

I agree...and I always look forward to reading your posts...so hijack away

Quote: Originally posted by ssayre

. I did notice I have to be more mindful of rocks and and bumps with the 60mm wheels versus the 70mm.

True that :o:flaming:

Quote: Originally posted by lunchbox

Quote: I did notice I have to be more mindful of rocks and and bumps with the 60mm wheels Good way to practice your ollies while kiting...:P BTW, I just ordered another board yesterday. Still carvey but should be a little more stable at speed. Might practice going down some pretty mellow hills as well. - Sector 9 Lookout. It's got 74MM wheels so going over little rocks shouldn't be a problem. Curious to see how that board works for you...

Standard RKP trucks on the lookout I assume?

I'm bummed I broke the s9. I had no business trying to ollie on it. Probably would have lasted forever if I left well enough alone and kept the sidewinders on it for a carving set up.

I did do some ollies on the short board last night. Much more appropriate board for that type of behavior

Quote: Originally posted by lunchbox

Quote: Sounds like good exorcise. That's what I need. My board is similar in size and wheel base so I would get trucks only and try that. Both the c7 and cx kits come with the c2 as the rear less carvy rear truck. Benett vector truck in front looks like another option. Don't know how it compares performance wise but it is very inexpensive. Good exercise indeed...it's my excuse to eat more donuts :D Yep...you're right...C2 on back. I've read good things about the Benett Vectors and Trackers in the back. Definitely worth a try...those Carver trucks are expensive! BTW, I went to my spot in Oxnard to do some streetkiting on Sunday as my normal spot at Zuma was too packed with cars and there was no wind. I guess mid to high 70 temps at the beach with sunny skies in February was enough to get everyone and their Mom to take a little drive to the beach. I have actually never seen it that crowded even during summer! Anyways I digress... While I was waiting for the wind to pick up I took out my Revolver for a little spin. To my surprise I was able to pump it and not have to put my foot down once. It's a different feel than the C7 truck but possible none the less. I was pretty shocked...I didn't think I would be able to make it work especially with the stock bushings!

Not sure how I missed this but that's cool about the revolver. I've tried to pump with my sidewinders and i can feel a really good power stroke initially but it tends to send me completely sideways instead of forward since they turn so good and then I have to push again. I'll have to give it another try.

I've been hitting the trail at the park this weekend with nothing but my short shipyard deck and pushing. It's been great fun and I have been getting more and more into skating than kiting. No wind necessary. I rode for at least a few miles and had the tunes on and got some good exorcise.

It's almost as if I'm a normal person using the designated paths for exorcise except I'm on a skateboard and have yet to see anyone over 19 on one on the paved trails. This is getting scary.

Quote: Originally posted by ssayre

I have been getting more and more into skating than kiting. No wind necessary.

Me too for the past year or more. I miss kiting but skating is so much easier to arrange for and way more predictable. I want to go kiting but its harder to find time and every time I do the wind or the tides are wrong.

Got a chance to use the randy 1.5 single keel npw today and the mini lookout. Very fun when conditions are right. Today the wind was teasing me a little but still had a good time.

Quote: Originally posted by soliver

Great Stuff Sean,... remind me, what size NS2 is the yellow one?

ns2 colors

2.5 green, 4m yellow (shown in video), 5.5m red, 7m blue

all other sizes are custom on the ns2's

Oh yeah, did I mention I have a set for sale!

Quote: Originally posted by lunchbox

Quote: Looking at this video really impressed on me the advantage of getting pulled around on pavement using a board without foot straps as compared to being harnessed in or having skates on your feet. There is a lot to be said for simply stepping off the board when things get squirrelly with the bar in your hand and the kite being flown right off of the bridles. If you haven't tried it, definitely give it a shot. I'm totally hooked.

I've got 1.5, 2.5, and 3.2m NS3s along with the B-K street bar. I'm highly tempted to try this on pavement. Unfortunately I don't have the right board. I used to skateboard as a teenager so I suspect my board skills could be resurrected. I'd most certainly put on all of my "plastic courage" for this event!

Truth be told I've ordered some 86a durometer 125mm skate wheels for my Powerslide Metropolis SUV frames and have been wanting to try this on skates. My wife, however, has other plans. As I still have "nocturnal urges" perhaps I should pass on this "opportunity". I think I'm going to return the wheels for a refund without even opening up the box. A man needs to have his priorities in order. :saint: