Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Sector 9 Longboards

It seems these days a lot of people are all hopping on the Rayne, Loaded, and Landyachtz bandwagon. At some point Sector 9 had to have some competition right? Well in my opinion without sector 9 there would be none of these other companies as it kinda started this whole new vibe for skating not only for younger skaters, but for the people who surf and snowboard as well, and wanted to find an alternative to those things for when they couldn't throw some powder or slash some waves.

Before all of these now mainstream brands, a sector 9 was the thing to have, and still are! Sector 9 has a super diverse array of boards for freeriding, slalom, downhill, cruising, carving, advanced tricks, you name it, and Sector 9 will have something for it. Not only this but Sector 9 has also set the bar for making skateboarding environmentally friendly as well with using carbon fibers, bamboo, and other alternatives to wood as well as having their own set amount of forestry that they use to keep from adding on to the environmental struggle we already have. So if you're looking for a board, don't stop at the above simply because they're what's mainstream, really look around at the Sector 9 longboards as well and you'll find that there are plenty of boards that will attain to your needs and probably for less money out of your pocket as well.

Sector 9 Carbon Decay

The Sector 9 Carbon Decay is an awesome, light downhill, cruising, carving, and freeride board. Unfortunately it doesn't have much of a hangover (nose/kick) for advanced tricks but regardless this board is awesome for freeriding. I haven't personally taken one on the hills but it would make for an awesome commuting board and it's a bit smaller than most freeride boards that are usually about 40" and I think the Decay is only 37.7" (Or 38 if you're not wanting to be specific) Which means it has a slightly smaller wheelbase than most as well making urban riding a lot easier.

I think the Decay is an awesome board especially if you like the drop through mounts which if you don't already know sets you lower to the ground for a lower center of gravity making for easier sliding, and pushing, and more stability at higher speeds. Another great thing about the Decay is the fact that it's cheaper than most "top of the line" boards and in all reality it's just plain neglected, you can get this board with a better setup if you don't feel like spending almost 200$ on a deck alone if you're short on cash, because honestly, this board will put up with the best of them and is great especially for people undecided on what type of longboarding they want to get into, so whether you're looking for a new board to replace your old one or looking for a first, the Decay is definitely a solid choice strapped for cash or not.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Joel Tudor

When I hear “Sector 9” my mind automatically goes to Sector 9 longboards. The truth is, Sector 9 (now a part of Billabong International) sells a lot more that just skateboarding hardware. They carry surfing and snowboarding gear, too. Sector 9 also sponsors athletes, including surfer Joel Tudor.Tudor turned pro when he was just 14 years old. He won his first ASP competition at 15, making him the youngest winner in such an event. Unlike many of his contemporaries who ride shortboards, Tudor never abandoned his longboard. It took seven attempts, but in 1998 he finally won the longboard event in the Canary Islands.

Sector 9 Nicaragua

The Sector 9 Nicaragua Longboard, is actually the same as the 2010 Sector 9 El Azteca model with a new paint job. This board is made with 4 plys of hardrock maple and 2 plys of fiberglass which gives it a lot of flex and durability for amazing flowing carves that can only be matched by the waves themselves. The Nicaragua also comes with a kicktail which makes for easier kickturns and more control on tighter turns and carves.

The Nicaragua comes with Gullwing mission 9 inch trucks, BON 65mm wheels, and rush abec 5 bearings. The gullwing missions are actually quite an exceptional truck for both cruising and carving, however if you have the extra money and truly enjoy that surfing feeling then I suggest getting the gullwing sidewinders. Also, the BON wheels could be switched out with a larger wheel if you like smoother and wider turning carves or a smaller and maybe even grippier wheel for tighter turning carves and more control in ubran short spaced urban areas. As always I highly recommend upgrading the rush abec 5′s to at least bones reds, you can never argue with more speed, longer coasting times, and longer bearing life, in the long run it’ll end up saving you more money simply because bones offer such a durable bearing. If there are any other questions you may have on the Nicaragua then feel free to comment.

Check it out: The S9 Jake’s

INFO
Built for use around the Gullwing Sidewinder trucks, the 2011 Jake’s takes all the performance of a standard mini-carver and adds some style: Bamboo! Much like the classic Mullet haircut, this board is classy up front but still has a rockin’ party in the back-end. It shares the same shape as the 2010 Ala Moana but with a new beach graphic that really shows off the natural beauty of the bamboo. If you are looking for a responsive mini-carver with a touch of class, this board is for you!


The Jake’s

Length: 31.75"
Width: 8.8"
Nose: 1.5"
Tail: 2.25"
Wheelbase: 23.75"
#Plys: 5
Material: Bamboo


•Gullwing Sidewinder (9")
•Sector 9 Greaseball ABEC 5
•Sector 9 Nineball 69mm

I want It Now!

The Bob Marley Series

To celebrate the life and times of one of Reggae’s most influential artists Sector 9 has partnered with the Bob Marley foundation to produce this beautiful 4 deck series made of 100% Bamboo. If you too share the spirit of love and peace that made Bob Marley such a remarkable person then check out this fantastic series today.

The Revolution

Length: 40.5"
Width: 9.125"
Nose: 3"
Tail: 5.25"
Wheelbase: 28"
#Plys: 5
Material: Bamboo


•Gullwing Charger (10")
•Sector 9 Greaseball ABEC 5
•Sector 9 Nineball 70mm

I Want It Now!

Sector 9 Shattered Sidewinder Longboard Review

The Low-Down
Hey everybody! I hope this post finds you well and relaxing in-between skate sessions. After months of waiting to see this year’s lineup of new Sector 9 Longboards the time has finally arrived and Sector 9 is looking as fantastic as ever with a few redesigns and face-lifts to the lineup.

Last year’s Sand Wedge model has been given a face-lift and renamed to the Shattered. While the name and graphic may have changed, this board has not. It handles every bit as good as its predecessor. As part of the Sidewinder series of decks this board is specifically designed for use with the double-kingpin Gullwing Sidewinder truck and is built to carve. Whether you are a beginner or pro this board will have you shredding asphalt in no time. Check out the Shattered today!

Specs:
• Overall Length: 38.25″
• Max Width: 9″
• Nose Length: 2.5″
• Tail Length: 4.5″
• Wheelbase: 27.25″
• # Plys: 8
• Form: Drop Through w/ Flush Mount cutouts

Video Review:

For more information check out our video review of the Shattered. Clayton discusses the board and a few of the setup options you have available for it. Thanks for watching!