Sunday, March 11, 2012

Arbor axis koa

So It's getting about time to head to bed but I just have to write about this board since I was out and saw someone ride by with it, he joined me in a small sesh on my warm-up hill. Not only is this board absolutely beautiful looking from the koa in my opinion, but it's unbelievably stable down hills and sliding it was cake, the boards cut should be especially reminiscent for snowboarders with the sidecut. Also the axis's camber gives a slight-medium flex for those who enjoy more flexible boards but with the ability to tackle hills as well.

The Arbor axis Koa also has a drop through mount for better carving, sliding, and downhill performance, as well as a slight nose and kicktail (more of a hangover really) for shuv it's, and g-turns and such, although there are probably better boards for techier tricks. I was lucky and this guy had it set up with Paris Adam Coltons, bones ceramics, and some Orangatang in heat's. But I can tell you right now, you don't need this setup to have this board perform well, I would actually just recommend getting some randall 180's (not too fond of Paris, for my own reasons but you could get these also), any of the Orangatangs to suit your needs, and some bones reds, this is just my choice set up, but if you already know what you like then just throw it on and enjoy. I recommend this board to anyone looking for an awesome freeride, sliding, or light bombing board, with a bit of a different feel. Normally I don't feel as secure even with the slightest touch of flex but this board was extremely comfortable and stable even at somewhat high speeds. Also if you're a little strapped for cash this board can compete with the best of them, so this board is especially amazing for those looking for a first board, and will surprise even the oldest riders for the price that it is.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Arbor Pin Bamboo Longboard


Since 1995, the Arbor Collective has been crafting skateboard longboards from eco-friendly materials and construction methods. The Venice, CA based company is particularly known for the Arbor Pin Bamboo Longboard. The classic carving longboard has a bamboo pin-tail deck which measured 46 inches in length and 9.5 inches in width.

Nine-inch Gullwing Charger trucks, 72mm 75a Slalom Series wheels, and Abec 5 bearings come standard. Graphics by Nanami Cowdroy further make this board stand out. In terms of performance, the Arbor Bamboo Pin can take on even the steepest hill runs.

The Holidays are Here


The holidays have finally arrived and with them come all the frustrations of holiday gift shopping. From sitting in traffic to fighting crowds and standing in line, the holiday shopping seasons is not something a lot of people look forward to. Luckily, though, online shopping has finally overcome the Shipping & Handling hurdle with rock-bottom shipping costs and ultra-fast delivery times. It’s finally economical and convenient to shop online.

It’s always been my goal to spend as little time out in the holiday shopping mess as possible. That’s why I’ve always turned to the internet for my holiday needs. But this year I noticed the shipping rates are even lower than last year’s. Pair that with the low prices I already find online and it’s more than worth it to shop from the comfort of my home or office. I have an old-school skater buddy who collects skateboards so this year think I’ll wow him with a thoughtful gift from Arbor longboards. Not only will I get a great gift without leaving the house, he’ll feel like he owes me some beers. It’s a win-win.

Arbor Bamboo Axis Longboard Review

Arbor Bamboo Axis Longboard

The arbor bamboo axis is the newest shaped longboard from arbor. It is a drop through model that allows high speed with lots of stability. It is great for carving, down-hill riding, and lots of speed. It was designed symmetrically allowing you to ride the board forward or backwards with the same feel. It has a medium flex to the deck which allows you to carve nice and smoothly.

When setting up the bamboo axis put some 10″ gullwing charger trucks on it for added stability and it also allows the trucks to stick out just enough to put a nice 75mm orangatang durian wheel on the board in the purple duro which is perfect for all types of riding. I would set it up with a bones swiss bearing for ultimate speed and longevity.

Arbor Koa Axis Longboard Review

Arbor Koa Axis Longboard

The arbor koa axis is one of the newest shapes in the arbor family. It is a drop through model that was built with speed and stability in mind. It is great for carving, down-hill riding, and lots of speed. It has a symmetrical shape allowing you to ride the board either way with no difference at all. The shape of the board was inspired by arbors roots, SNOWBOARDING. It has a medium flex to it which allows you to carve nice a smooth without too much bounce and just enough flex.

When setting up the koa axis put some 10″ gullwing charger trucks on it for added stability and it also allows the trucks to stick out just enough to put a nice 75mm orangatang durian wheel on the board in the purple duro which is perfect for all types of riding. I would set it up with a bones swiss bearing for ultimate speed and longevity.

Arbor Koa Hybrid Longboard

Arbor Koa Hybrid Longboard

The koa hybrid is a great board for cruising the streets and mashing around town. It sports a nice nose and kicktail that allow you to olly, manual, or do just about any type of trick that you can on a regular skateboard. The koa hybrid sports a top layer of hawaiian koa wood on top of canadian maple pressed together to make a unique and beautiful looking board. They call it a hybrid because it is just that; longboard and skateboard all in one. This board can keep up with just about any longboard cruising down the street but can also be taken into the skate parks to carve the bowls.

Recommended set up for this board varies depending on what you are wanting to do with the board. But my recommendations that will allow you to do a little over everything would be to set it up with 10″ gullwing charger trucks for a nice wide base. For the wheels put some orangatang fat free 65mm yellow wheels that will allow for a nice smooth ride but also grip the walls in the skate park just enough. For bearings set it up with some bones reds for a smooth glide that will last a while at a nice low price.

Arbor Longboard Skateboards

Longboard Skateboard
Due to release in early sping 2010 are the new arbor longboard skateboards. A lot of new editions and changes are being made this time around. I’m very excited to check out all the new skates coming out and to demo them. Some of the changes to this years boards are several new shapes/styles as well as the carry over boards as always but with some cool new graphics. Lets start with the mini longboard skateboard called the pocket rocket, not too much has changed other than the graphic. The biggest change is the new assorted colored bottom graphic with 4 new colors on the bamboo version as well as a new bamboo board itself. The sizzler is going to have 2 colorways this year blue and red. One of the biggest changes is the remake of the older bogart board. One of the other new changes arbor is making is some boards with black grip tape with arbor logo die-cuts.

The biggest surprise for the longboard skateboards from arbor is the arbor axis which is a drop through top mount that is awesome looking. The axis skate is 40″ long and 8.5″ wide a great all around style board available in both koa and bamboo wood. Also a similar board called the assault with some of the black grip with a koa die cut will be coming out as a drop through top mount. It is a little longer at 42″ and a little wide at 8.75″ for someone that wants that little extra stability. These boards should start showing up in shops in early march, 2010.