JAM Longboards - The "SilverBack"

The Jam Silverback is undoubtedly the largest longboard out there. It is built and designed for one purpose: cruising.

This supertanker surpasses all expectations that are formed at first glance...

Every reviewer should to do some research before he tests the product. So, with the best intentions, I did the rudimentary homework for this surfboard on wheels, as to be somewhat informed. When I finally received the Silverback, I wasn't sure exactly what to do with it… more importantly, where was I going to put it? It's a behemoth -- which also doubles as an accurate weight description. (Note to readers: I advise you not to try and cram a 6' 8" board into the back of your girlfriend's small Mitsubishi.)

Technical Info - Specifications

The Silverback is put together with meticulous care. 17-ply flawless Bitch plywood measures to a board that is 1 1/16" thick, and very stiff. The deck also features pyramid risers (in addition to 1/2" pads) that are made from the same plywood.

Besides the wood, the Silverback sports:

Trucks: Tracker Darts (219mm)
Wheels: Abec 11 Flywheels (97mm)
Bearings: Biltin High Speed (Mfg: Abec 11)
Riser Pads: Integrated truck pads + 1/2" hard risers
Grip: Sanded, molded with paint

Measurements:

Length: 80" (6' 8")
Width at widest point: 9"
Height resting on wheels: 6 3/16"
Wheelbase: 45"
Tail: 20"
Nose: 7 1/2"

From a structural standpoint, the Silverback was designed to dampen any vibration whatsoever. The extra long tail, and extended wheelbase do well to accomplish this. Also, with so many layers of wood, the deck is rendered incredibly stiff, increasing stability, and again, tolerance for vibration.

One of the first things you'll notice about the Silverback is how beautiful it looks. The hand painted gradient is masterfully applied to the top of the deck, integrating a "Clear Max Grip" coat. The single, outlined racing stripe running the length of the deck is enough to finish this giant off, and add to the classic surfboard look. The Silverback is one of the prettiest, and most eye-catching boards I've ever seen.

The price tag for one of these beauties comes out to a mean $300. But when you consider how much material you're getting, and how unique this board is, it seems more reasonable...

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The Ride

When I first lay the Silverback on the ground, I felt as if I should have gotten onto my stomach, and start paddling, rather than pushing. When I did start to push, I wasn't too surprised. Being so heavy, the board took a several pumps to get going at a moderate speed. Also, each push is a workout, due to the fact that you're nearly 7" off the ground.

Surprisingly enough, this tanker carves much better than one might infer. I was certainly taken aback. Though, it does take some time to find that "sweet spot," much less to pick a spot to stand at all. I've found that anywhere near the middle, give or take 6" provides enough leverage to maneuver the Silverback. Although it doesn't seen that this board was meant to carve, it performs well enough to weave along, and make a complete u-turn on a 2 lane residential street with some effort.

You might find that the lack of maneuverability can play to your advantage. If you're into walking the board, or any sort of cross stepping, then you'll find that the Jam will allow you to stand, or move in any direction, with confidence, and total balance.

The thing flies. All of your arduous propelling does not go to waste. The Silverback creates so much momentum on the Biltin bearings, and huge Flywheels that you scarcely have to push more than twice a minute on a flat surface. On mellow slopes, you feel as if you're floating on a cloud…a very fast cloud. You can barely feel the ground. The momentum is easily controllable as this giant flows from side to side.

Steeper hills are a different matter. You instantly feel amazingly confident. Now, this is not always a good thing, considering how much weight you have to control. Speed wobbles are absolutely nonexistent, and the wheels will grip no matter what. If you're looking to just blast down a hill with all forms of recklessness and assurance, this is the board for you.

Final Verdict:

This is easily the biggest stick you've ever handled. Fast, strong, and slightly less than agile, the Silverback does its duty well. I recommend this board to any cross-stepping enthusiast. I will say that this is definitely NOT a "round town" board, due to its weight.

You might also want to consider how you're going to transport such a large board. I suggest a roof rack, a truck bed, or (if you're clever) the back of a small Mitsubishi. Then again, you might think of the Silverback as a more practical form of longer distance traveling (with less mileage.)

 

-Kevin Clark, Editor, LongboardDirectory

Want us to Review YOUR Board?

Contact Kevin at kevinclark@longboarddirectory.com

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Check out these related websites for more information on the JAM Silverback Longboard:

JAM Longboards official Site

 

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