Nord Boards
Archive for October, 2009
Sector 9 Reflections Sidewinder Longboard
The sidewinder series longboards are very unique as they use the highly popular patented sidewinder trucks. The double kingpin pivot system allows for a higher range of motion creating amazing carves like no other style of longboard truck. The sector 9 reflections longboard is one of just 4 sector 9 longboards that comes with these trucks however you can put them on just about any sector 9 longboard to get the same carving ability just make sure to ask an expert if they will fit a certain board correctly. The reflections longboard is compact, flexy, fast, and turns better than any other sidewinder longboard. It is the only sidewinder longboard that uses fiber-glass layers to create the flex that longboards are known for. The extra flex helps this board turn ever sharper if you could imagine that being possible.
The sector 9 reflections sidewinder longboard should be set up with nothing but the best and that is the sidewinder trucks. As far as wheels go you want a good slalom style, or wide surface area wheel with a flat edge that helps to grip the ground creating harder carving turns and keeps you from bouncing too much while turning at higher speeds. A few good recommendations for that style wheel are the sector 9 69mm wheel, the some of the most popular wheels of this style are the newer orangatang wheels in either 70mm (4 president) or 75mm (in-heat) sizes. They come in orange and purple colors. Orange is 80a hardness and the purple is 84a just slightly harder. A good bearing for the sector 9 reflections would have to be the sector 9 cosmic abec 7 bearings. They are a great price and super smooth.
Sector Nine 2-for-1 Longboards
Reflections
Ala-moana
Seriously… 2-for-1 sector 9 longboards? Yeah it’s true, sort of… Composed of the sidewinder series and cosmic series longboards the sector 9 reflections longboard is 2 parts into 1. It uses the famous gullwing sidewinder trucks which is the sidewinder alter ego and it also is composed of part cosmic series which means the deck is super flexy with thin layers of maple and fiberglass that add a smooth surf feel to the ride. Must be why the reflections is one of sector 9’s most popular longboards.
But wait, that’s not the only 2-for-1 sector 9 longboard. You must know about the sector 9 ala moana longboard. The sector 9 ala moana is basically a 3-for-1. It is part bamboo series, part sidewinder series. So what’s the other series? Well at 31.75 inches long the exact same length as the rasta native longboard it qualifies to fit in the mini series too. So the sector 9 ala moana longboard has many aspects to make it the most unique longboard, wait mini longboard in the sector nine line-up.
Sector 9 Mainland Longboard Review
Ok so we got a bunch of new sector 9 longboards in and I decided to start taking some of the demo boards for a spin in our parking lot. One of the first boards I took for a ride was the sector 9 mainland longboard. The board was set up with 65mm sector 9 wheels, sector 9 greaseball bearings, and gullwing mission trucks. I was thirsty so I jumped on and took it next door to the vending machine to get a Dr. Pepper. The flex in the deck was really nice and made for a fun little ride. The trucks however were surprisingly loose and manueverable. A few little twists with a skate tool put them just into the perfect spot and made it a little more stable. I was actually very surprised at how well the mainland performed with the gullwing mission trucks as I always thought they didn’t allow for turns as sharp and smooth as the board rode.
So with that in mind I would recommend to anyone who wants the sector 9 mainland longboard to set it up pretty much factory built. The only thing I would possibly change would be the bearings to an abec 7 cosmic series bearing as it is a cosmic series longboard and possibly some 70mm retro zigzag wheels, or orangatang 4 president 70mm wheels in purple as they allow you to get a little more power behind your turns and really pump in and out of the turns using the flex in the board without bouncing too much. Overall I would give the board an 8 out of 10.
Sector 9 california pintail longboard review
The sector 9 california pintail longboard is great for bombing hills and carving really this board can become just about anything you customize it to be, though I wouldn’t recommend kickflipping a 4 stair with this monster (if you can, kudos to you). This board comes with wheel cutouts so you can use just about any truck on it you want. Like I said earlier though the wheel cutouts and long wheelbase make this board so customizable that you can really do just about anything with it.
The california pintail comes with san clemente trucks and wheels but thought these would suffice just fine you can get something loads better for just a few extra dollars. For trucks I recommend bombers and chargers for trucks for downhill and sidewinder if you want to carve and cruise. For wheels I recommend any of the sector 9 wheels in a bout a 70-75mm I recommend a 85a or harder for sliding or 80a and below for anything else. For bearings since you just some abec 5’s which aren’t all bad but if you’re bombing hills can sometimes blow and the abec 5’s don’t have a removable shield (unfortunately) however reds are probably the best for the price and they have a removable shield which is a bonus because you save a lot of money by just cleaning your bearings instead of going out and buying another 20$ set of bearings.
sector 9 BHNC longboard review
The sector 9 BHNC longboard (or bomb hills not countries longboard) is one of our many new sector 9 longboards. The BHNC has a pintail shape which is perfect for face ripping speeds and as you might of guessed is great for bombing hills. The BHNC is a super wide 10 inch board and is also great for sharp turns so it can be customized for carving as well. The board is also super stiff and responsive. The BHNC is great for beginners and experts alike and you can customize however your heart desires.
The BHNC comes with san clemente trucks and wheels though the san clementes are great for beginners if you’ve mastered the wood beneath your feet then I suggest getting chargers or bombers for trucks if you plan on bombing hills and cruising or if you want to get a real surfy feeling with this board I suggest getting gullwing sidewinders. The BHNC as I have already mentioned comes with san clemente as well, once again though these wheels are fine for beginners experts and intermediates might not find these so tasty. My wheel of choice are any of the sector nine wheels in about a 70-80mm. The BHNC also comes with abec 5 bearings though abec 5’s can get you around town these won’t be able to take the speed of a true hill (I have actually had bearings blow out at high speeds and trust me it’s not fun) I suggest getting reds and before bombing any hills make sure to clean your bearings every now and then and lube them or else they can heat up and when they heat up they warp and can shoot right out of your bearing.
Sector 9 montage mini longboard
The sector 9 montage mini longboard is just about the same as the reno, mosh pit, and 9′er drop. the only difference between the other 3 is that the montage is the smallest of the other 3 which makes it even better for weaving through traffic, hiding in bushes, and all the other great advantages of a mini longboard. The montage is great for not just commuting around the city, to school, work, etc. but it is also great for mini ramping. The montage is also just as customizable as the other 3 but unfortunately the montage doesn’t have wheel cutouts so I definitely don’t recommend sidewinders. The sector 9 montage is a great board for any beginner or expert.
The montage comes with san clemente trucks and wheels, the san clemente’s are great for if you’re just beginning but if you already have riding your board dialed in I suggest getting bombers or chargers. The montage also comes with san clemente wheels, though they’re great for beginners I suggest getting sector wheels in about a 70-75mm wheels. The montage also comes with abec 5 bearings but If you want to make your friends jealous I suggest spending a few extra bucks on the bones reds or sector 9 ceramic bearings
sector 9 reno mini longboard
The sector 9 reno mini longboard is almost a complete replica of the mosh pit and 9′er drop. However, the reno is a bit thinner. all of the same things apply though, it’s small enough to hide in lockers, behind bushes, just about anywhere you would hide something. The reno also has a fat tail, whatever you would use it for, it’s there but basically it’s just really easy to put your foot there and make it comfortable. The reno can be customized to your hearts content. I recommend the reno to any newbie or expert rider.
The reno comes with san clemente trucks and wheels which of course aren’t bad but you can get a way better setup for just a few extra dollars. I suggest getting gullwing chargers or bombers but just like the mosh pit and 9′er drop you can put just about any truck on the board even sidewinders. However, if you decide to get sidewinders I wouldn’t suggest getting too big of a wheel, because you will get wheelbite even with the cutouts so I suggest about a 60mm with sidewinders or if you get chargers and bombers about a 70mm or 75mm. The Reno also comes with abec 5 bearings but I suggest getting reds if you want to really tear up the streets for just a few extra bucks.
the sector 9 9er drop mini longboard
Alright everyone time for another board from sector 9’s mini series. The sector 9 9′er drop mini longboard is actually almost identical to the mosh pit. The 9′er has all of the features of the mosh pit mini such as the amazing ability to be customized to no end, It’s a mini which means great for storing in your locker at the college (if you’re not tearing up the campus) or maybe you’re not one of these youngsters that keep their boards in lockers…It’s also small enough to hide in little crevices to keep your kids, girlfriend, etc. from stealing and showing it off to all of your friends and taking it for themselves (trust me I have one I haven’t gotten it back for a week). The 9′er is an all around great board for absolutely anyone.
The sector 9 9′er drop mini comes with stock san clemente trucks and wheels now really, the san clemente isn’t all bad in fact if you’re a beginner or even an intermediate they’re fine but if you really know what you’re doing on one of these things you can get a much better set up for just a few dollars extra (I don’t know what it would be in other currency but I assure you it’s cheap either way). I suggest getting either chargers or bombers but just like the mosh pit mini you can go as far as getting super tight turning sidewinders and not worry about your wheels grinding your board. Just like all of our great mini longboards and well any longboard for that matter these babies comes with abec 5 bearings now the abec 5’s will get you started but for a real pro I suggest getting bones reds or sector 9 ceramics.
Sector nine mosh pit mini longboard
Alright guys I’m back and I know you all missed me. We just got a whole new line of sector nine longboards and mini’s as well. The mosh pit mini brings something new to the table for the sector nine minis. First of all the mosh pit is of course like any mini sleek, and easy to hide away. Though the mosh pit is a little wider and longer than most minis it’s still just as easy to fit into a locker or hide away in the bushes. The Sector nine mosh pit mini longboard also has a super wide tail for not only style but a nice foundation for you to move your foot around on. The mosh pit is also easily customizable thanks to it’s shape and wheel cutout you can get just about any truck possible on there. The mosh pit is an all around great board for beginners and those peel out of their driveways with one of these things.
The mosh pit comes with San clemente trucks and wheels. Whereas the San clemente trucks and wheels aren’t bad for just a few extra dollars you can get some exuberantly better trucks and wheels. I suggest getting either the bombers or chargers for this just because they are less likely to give you wheelbite. However thanks to sector nine for making this board so customizable and compatible with just about any truck you can get something as sensitive as sector nine sidewinders to rock. The mosh pit also comes with abec 5 bearings and just like san clementes though these bearings aren’t bad you can get tearing through the streets in no time just by spending 5-10 extra dollars on some bones reds (which beat everything up until about a 60+ range) but If you want something that will really melt the wheels to your bearings I suggest getting sector nine ceramics
How to slide on a sector 9 longboard
Ok here it is. A lot of people are getting in to longboarding and lots want to know how to slide or if it is hard or what type of wheels do they need, etc. etc. So I’m going to tell you a little bit about sliding and recommend some boards for it. The first thing you are going to need to do is learn how to ride your board. Once you get comfortable riding and have good stability get yourself some slide gloves. Sector 9 has some great longboard slide gloves to check out. The next important thing is a good longboard. One of the sector 9 longboard I would personally recommend would have to be the sector 9 sunset longboard. It has a great low center of gravity which makes sliding much easier. Then you want a nice harder styled wheel for easier sliding something 84a or harder. The shape of the wheel also does make a different. You can really slide on any wheel that is 84a or harder but I would recommend a free-ride style wheel that has rounded edges and doesn’t grip the ground to much.
Now you are ready to start learning how to slide that you have a great set up. If you are learning to slide on flat ground you are going to need a good amount of speed. The easiest way to learn to slide would be leaning toward your front into a push up position as it seems to be a little more comfortable then to lean backwards. You want to make a “question mark” turn. So you will lean slightly to your heal side of the board then hard to your toes and put your hands on the ground and push your feet out. It may take a few tries but you will slowly pick it up and get comfortable doing it. After you get good you can start to learn some other types of slides which are lots of fun!