Skateboards Archives - Weartested - detailed skate shoe reviews

Real Skateboards Heavyweights Decks

Edan Qian — Sat, 26 Aug 2017 17:53:27 +0000

Skateboard hardware, especially the skateboard deck, is continually exposed to an enormous amount of load and stress. That’s why there’s no question that time is being invested into researching innovative technologies to improve the durability of such boards. On the other hand, Skateboarders often decide that the marketed newest space-age technology in boards isn´t their cup of tea, so 7 plys of North American Maple are still their predominant weapon of choice. Most innovations such as new adhesives, various materials and inserts usually vanish sooner or later. With that said, Deluxe decided to see how people reacted if they simply try out new production and shapes, which lead to the development of Real Skateboards “Heavyweights” construction. We wanted to try something new for once and gave that technology a go to see if those extra dollars actually pay off.

Idea

The Heavyweights technology is a standard 7 ply deck which promises an improved strength through two cross-directional X-Band plys. Cross-directional layers can improve the stiffness of a composite like a skateboard deck because the stresses are distributed and compensated. The two plys are also thicker to support the strength. In summary, the decks offer more stiffness and strength.

Impressions

Overall, the improved stiffness of the deck from the start is very noticeable. When you stand on the mounted deck it is clear that it flexes much less than a regular deck. The rigidity of the deck also significantly improves the pop of the deck, with one characteristic quite noticeable: the sound of the pop. It is not dull, but very clear and loud. An advantage of the Heavyweights technology compared to normal decks is that the deck stays stiff for a much longer amount of time, which helps the board’s pop retain longer and inaccurate landings on nose or tail have no impact to the overall strength of the deck. In addition, the Heavyweights construction decks are lighter than regular decks. Usually a 7 ply wood deck weights about 1,350 kg the Heavyweights deck weights about 1,250 kg. The tendency to chip at the edges, however, can’t be decreased by the contraction inlay and happen to a Low Pro II deck as with any other deck.

Summary

Real decks with the Heavyweights technology offer stiff pop due to their special layer construction. The decks do have better strength, however, the tendency to chip the deck at the edges still remains.

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Real Skateboards Low Pro II Decks

Edan Qian — Sat, 10 Jun 2017 08:10:28 +0000

Skateboard hardware, especially the skateboard deck, is continually exposed to an enormous amount of load and stress. That’s why there’s no question that time is being invested into researching innovative technologies to improve the durability of such boards. On the other hand, Skateboarders often decide that the marketed newest space-age technology in boards isn´t their cup of tea, so 7 plys of North American Maple are still their predominant weapon of choice. Most innovations such as new adhesives, various materials and inserts usually vanish sooner or later. With that said, Deluxe decided to see how people reacted if they simply try out a new production method and shape, which led to the development of Real Skateboards “Low Pro II” construction. We wanted to try something new for once and gave that technology a go to see if it actually pays off.

Idea

The Low Pro II technology is basically a center pressed production process which influences the shape of the deck. The deck is a centered rocker and thus, has a lower center of gravity which should increases control and pop. Through the tighter concave the decks using this technology offer improved strength and lasting pop. In addition, Real used stiffer x-bands and an exclusive new additive free glue in order to increase the strength and lightness. In summary, Real promises to offer more board control and strength with their Low Pro II technology.

Impressions

Overall, the improved stiffness of the deck is very noticeable. When you stand on the mounted deck it is clear that it flexes much less than a regular deck. This rigidity also makes itself felt in the landings. Landings feel less cushioned. The rigidity of the deck also significantly improves the pop of the deck. At the beginning, it may be tricky getting used to the improved pop, because less force is needed for you to pop. However, after a short settling time and a few sessions, you become much more used to it. An advantage of the Low Pro II technology compared to normal decks is that the deck stays stiff for a much longer amount of time, which helps the board’s pop retain longer and inaccurate landings on nose or tail have no impact to the overall strength of the deck. The tendency to chip at the edges, however, can’t be decreased and happen to a Low Pro II deck as with any other deck.

Summary

Real decks with the Low Pro II technology offer excellent and stiff pop due to their improved, lower center of gravity shape. The decks do have better strength, however, the tendency to chip the deck at the edges still remains.

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Palace Skateboards FW15 Drop 1 Lookbook

Christoph Dyckmans — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 08:28:18 +0000

Palace is UK’s premier skateboarding and street wear brand. Now they started their own flagship store in London and are getting worldwide attention. Palace FW 2015 drop 1 is now online at Arrow&Beast – Europe’s Palace distributor. Be sure to check the most recent skateboard decks and last few pairs remaining of the spring season Adidas X Palace collabo footwear, the Palace pro shoes in suede. Palace Fall 2015 drop two is due in a few weeks with actual release date still tbc.

Go over to Arrow&Beast and check out the new Palace stuff!

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Bright January 2013 recap, part I

Clemens Dyckmans — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 20:16:44 +0000

Every year in January, Skateboard-Europe meets at the Bright trade show. After years in the former Stasi-building in Berlin they moved to a new location for this year’s spring iteration. The “Alte Münze” building was well-received, although it was a little tricky to orientate yourself at first.

Unfortunately key-brands of recent years didn’t have a booth, such as Nike, Converse, Etnies…as a result they won’t be covered in this recap. However, here are a few impressions as well as personal highlights of the companies that attended Bright. We will start with Habitat and HUF footwear, two younger companies that are able to claim a solid piece of the skateboard footwear cake for several seasons now. Check back for part II and III and more Fall 13 footwear of brands like adidas, Vans and Lakai later this week.

Habitat Footwear

Following the successful and aesthetically grown up skateboard department, Habitat footwear is cementing their existance with new silhouettes and – besides adidas – the best colorways in the business. Austyn Gillette will have a second pro model coexisting with his first vulcanised shoe, the AG, and the relatively new Kerry Getz signature shoe looks solid as well.

Overview at Habitat’s booth: many subtle earth-toned colorways.

The Habitat AG, Austyn Gillette’s 2nd signature style. The lacing is pushed far towards the heel, so the laces shouldn’t break. It features a very thin and flexible cupsole construction that should offer outstanding boardfeel. One of our favorite colorways of the trade show.

The Habitat Kerry Getz, a slim vulcanised style that features design DNA of his former signature models.

HUF footwear

Hand in hand with the very successful HUF apparel, the footwear division gains more and more momentum. The young company’s success is based on daring design that takes elements of classic silhouettes and mixes them up to something fresh, not just a blatant copy. An example is the reworked and improved Vans Old Skool sibling Southern with the leather patch that we reviewed. For Fall 2013, they will realease new colorways of models such as the Joey Pepper and will introduce the Peter Ramondetta signature style that features a unique toe box. They also keep pushing the lines with a hiking/running hybrid that apparently prebooked very well.

The Joey Pepper signature model in bordeaux and grey, well deserved Mr. Pepper!

The Peter Ramnodetta shoe that will be out in June or July 13. The toebox is pretty unique and an example for HUFs creative endeavors.

The HUF hiking/running hybrid, can you pull it off?

Other Highlights

Alien Workshop has besides Habitat – as always- awesome graphics lined up for 2013. Almost too precious to be skated, these belong on the wall.

For more behind the scenes pictures, the Nike SB 10 years exhibition opening as well as pictures of the “House of VANS” party, have a look at our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram (@weartested).

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Habitat Skateboards P2 deck review

Clemens Dyckmans — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 08:11:34 +0000

Once in a while, weartested is not strictly about just indepth skate shoe reviews. It’s good to switch the topic now and then, like we did last year with the Stance Socks review. This time we decided to offer a detailed look into the more and more establishing P2 deck construction and put one of Habitat Skateboards Manimal series decks to the test. Thanks again to the good guys at D.N.A. Europe, especially Jaime Fernandez.

High Quality PDF file: Habitat P2 Deck review

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