The Landyachtz Drop Wedge
I'd been wanting to get hold of one of these decks for a while. My interest was first perked by seeing them in action speed carving and sliding in the Landyachtz vids. Having trawled the net I found that there were none in the UK, Europe, the USA and even the Landyachtz webiste had been sold out for months. I resigned myeslf to wait. Obviously these decks were highly highly sought after! Looking at the Canadian forums I knew there were guys riding them and recommending them, so they did exist... Eventually an email from Landyachtz confirmed they were back in the factory and after a few emails I had one winging it's way from Vancouver BC to the South of England.
The design
It's called the drop wedge because it's similar in shape to a conventional drop through speed board with one important twist - the front of the deck has been upturned slightly, to roughly the same angle as a wedged riser. Thus giving the front truck more steer.
Other things about the deck: It's got a subtle amout of concave. It's also got a small amout of flex, which I like for carving and it's got a striking black and white graphic. Overall the build quality is up to Landyachtz normal standards.
My setup
My intention was to set it up to ride it in a soft wheel speed carving/sliding style of riding inspired by the vids so I set it up with Randal 180's and some kancked kryptos route 70's to wear down. According to Mike Perreten 'the Drop Wedge is the board of choice for that style of riding and as far as I am concerned that is the most fun kind of riding'. Nice!
How it rides
Oooo yeah! It rides pretty how I was expecting - smooth as. The 180's with the angled fron truck gives it a nice progressive turn and precision carve but being drop thru it also feels stable at speed. In fact everything about this deck just feels right. In my opinion companies only arrive at designs like this by being true skaters - having an idea and seeing through from workshop to hill and back again, until it's perfected. It's not a product made to make money, or fill a catalogue, it's a product made to share stoke. Much respect to Landyachtz for yet again being innovators not imitators.
Overall Verdict
It immediately has become one of my fave decks. I've got so protective over it I've even made it little bumpers so that it don't get dinged. And I might make it a little basket so that it doesn't get cold at night. Are you looking at my landy? Lay a hand on it an I'll punch your fuckin brains out!
Links
The Drop Wedge on the Landyachtz website HERE
Film of the Landyachtz riders speed carving and sliding drop wedge decks HERE
A Silverfish Interview with Landyachtz founders Tom E and Mike P where they talk about the Drop Wedge HERE