Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Symbian review by Adam Hill


Ok so Kami  asked me to review the Symbian for the blog . So here goes .

First off how about the vital statistics

Shape                                   Symetrical          

Length                                 41.6” – 106cm

Width                                   10” – 25.4cm

Wheelbase                         From 30.5”-77.5cm to 31.3”-79.5cm

Nose/ Tail                           From 2.7” – 6.8cm to 3.1”-7.9cm (changes with wheel base obviously)

Construction                      9ply Canadian Maple

Profile                                  Rockered 0.75”/ 1.9cm

Concave                               0.75”-1.9cm

Flex                                       Stiff





How I set it up

Dropped thru

I like to have mine setup on Sabres with double Sabre orange X-type cones , and rolling on Cult Classics . Short Wheelbase .

 Top mounted

 I go for an Indy 215 or Krux 10” (don’t think they make them anymore) again with double orange X-type  Sabre bushings but rolling on Cult Converters rather than Classics . Short Wheelbase .

Ok so the geeky numbers and setup details are out of the way how does it feel under foot .

First off I really like the ability to adjust the wheelbase so  I can set it how I want it . Short Wheelbase all the way for me .  I like the shorter wheel base as I find it helps me to get things snapped sideways a bit quicker .

I really find the standing platform is a natural fit for me , my feet lock perfectly into the hips .  These hips are so good . They are  developed by the combination of concave and rocker . Which if you then combine with the shape top edge of the rail . You get  all the control you could want . This locked in feel really gives you the confidence to hack into a standy  or speed check without fear of loosing your footing . However it’s not obstructive if you want to move your foot around . I hate it when you have a ton of grip but can’t adjust your feet quickly when you need to .



The deck is nice and stiff so there is minimal flex and torsional twist .  I find this really helps slides to be a lot smoother and help to reduce wheel chatter .  Sorry I know loads of people out there really love a flexy deck but at speed they are horrible . This also means Symbian can handle a bit of  speed . Don’t get me wrong I won’t be swapping it for my Vandella or Sequel anytime soon but I would happily go bomb a hill on it .

I would seriously recommend the Symbian to anyone looking to get into longboarding as it acquits itself well within a few different disciplines . It’s a great freerider that can handle some hill bombing , and makes for a good flatland freestyler too . So with one board you can try out more or less the full range of riding experinces longboarding has to offer and see what floats your boat .  

It also makes a great board for the accomplished rider too as it is a well constructed and shaped Freeride deck that you can really push to the limit . I have been using and abusing mine for quite a while now and it is holding up really well .

 The Symbian is also good option for the flatland freestylers out there amongst you . As it has fully functional kicks on the nose and tail . This helps to make the board snap up into your hands a lot easier for your Tiger claws , big spins , and finger flips etc . The kicks make shovits , manuals , ollies , and such  a lot easier too .

As for the Graphic ....well you don’t ride the graphic but we all like having something pretty to look at right .  Personally I really like the art work on the Symbian it’s a bit of a trippy design  with the foil details which really help make the whole thing ping and come to life .   It’s a design done by artist Jethro Haynes  check out his work on his website http://www.jethrohaynes.com/  .



If you folks have any question about the Symbian I’ve not covered in this review please contact  me via email adam@lushlongboards.com and I will do my best to answer any questions you may have .

Monday, January 16, 2012

81a Flashbacks

i have the 81a flashbacks on my freeride setup and these wheels are great for sliding, they slip out when you want them to, for as long as you want them to. In other words very predictable wheels and very easy to have control over them when sliding or gripping. it took me one session of sliding to break these wheels in and when i did i could feel i huge difference to my old wheels (landyatch zombie hawgz 80a) i would highly recommend these for freeride, sliding and an all round good performing wheel :D
Jorge Higgins

Available at http://www.newtons-shred.co.uk/wheels/abec11-wheels/abec11-flashbacks-70mm.html

PSD foot stop

Recently I have been using the psd foot stop on my smooth cut 37.

Before that i used many foot stop and  I can tell you after riding the best hill of my life in knk camp in Slovenia PSD is a much better choice in all aspect.

Whether you are going downhill and want your feet to stay where it's supposed to be. Your feet will be locked when pushing and give a better feel when cornering.

Not only very light and strong this baby is adjustable and can be used for all type of discipline.

Isaac say : if you don't have one you need one !


Kami & Brad's Essex Spot Tour Episode 3: Slide Hill

Off road hill , great for practising new tricks and meet the local southend pirates

Kami & Brad's Essex Spot Tour Episode 2: RRW

Brad secret spot R.R.W if you want to know more ask Brad