The
Loaded Vanguard Bamboo - A New Era of Longboarding Altogether...
Watch
the Loaded Vanguard Video (QuickTime)
The Loaded Bamboo Vanguard is a freeride
monster. It is the most comfortable aggressive carving
board of its class on the market.
A perfect mix of a snowboard, and a longboard
-- easily outperforming most others
with style...
After having
tested a Vanguard numerous times, I was more than stoked to
receive a new bamboo version of a board that had performed so
well for so long. When I first opened the box with the Bamboo
Vanguard, I was a little disappointed. Gumballs, RII 180s, a
deck with concave and camber… "This thing should weigh
a ton," I said to myself. However, one should not judge
a book by its cover.
"Whoa!"
As soon
as I lifted the board, I got a feeling similar to when you lift
an empty milk carton that is seemingly full, but is empty. When
I stepped onto the board, it didn't take long for me to realize
that with one jump, the center of the board could be flexed
very, very low...
Okay, so
it was light, and the center could touch the ground. Big deal.
I thought this featherweight could never measure up to its older,
oaken brother. I soon found that my assumptions
were to be corrected. I was dealing with something much
more advanced than I thought was possible with a board
of this type...
Technical
Info - Specifications
Since the
beginning, Loaded has been bent on using the best materials,
and the newest construction technologies. Bamboo is in, folks.
The new Vanguard sports a vertically laminated bamboo core sandwiched
between a layer of unobtrusive tri-axle fiberglass. This core
gives the board it's snap and reflex, while minimizing weight.
The grip is sprayed on, instead of applied as tape, to maximize
the flex.
In addition
to the new build, he guys at Loaded seem to have designed the
board with this setup in mind:
Trucks:
Randal RIIs (180mm)
Wheels: Abec 11 Gumballs (76mm, 81a durometer)
Bearings: Max Abec 5
Riser Pads: None
Why no
riser pads? The deck features cutouts at either end that
prevent any chance of wheelbite whatsoever. Go ahead, Slap some
huge wheels on there. The premium setup that was tested did
well to exemplify what this board is capable of.
The price
tag is a little heavy, adding up to nearly $300 with the premium
setup - but you DO get what you pay for...
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The Ride
The bamboo
version of the Vanguard takes to the streets like a fish to
water. It solely outperforms any other board in its class,
including its predecessor. With unmatched flex, response,
and liveliness, the Vanguard can be adapted to any riding
style.
When first
stepping on to the board, I could instantly sense the reflex
- like a dog eagerly anticipating a walk. Carve after carve,
I could feel the energy the bamboo gives being recoiled throughout
the board. I saw little difference between the speed going into
the turn, and the speed coming out. It even sounds
fast...
As I
said, the Vanguard can be adapted to any riding style. On
the flats, it can be easily pumped, giving a snowboard-like
feel. As a commuter, it is light and agile enough to weave through
pedestrians.
Even in
ditches, you can feel the energy in the board powering you through
each carve. Speed is no issue here, as the Vanguard creates
it's own thanks to the high rebound provided by the bamboo.
The grip isn't as great as it could be, but for most situations,
it holds your feet in place just fine.
This
is not a downhill board. Downhill is where the beast gets
shaky - literally. On mellow hills, this deck can take any carve,
at any angle, and still keep you stuck to the asphalt. Larger
hills are a different case. At speeds exceeding 25 mph, the
Vanguard starts to lose traction at the rear wheels. Now, the
Gumballs have an incredibly secure grip, but the rebound of
the deck causes them to break erratically, making the board
feel unstable.
Now, sliding
is a different matter. The Vanguard will push into a nice, controlled
slide (yes, even with Gumballs) on the steeps, which helps to
shave off some of that instability. Let me reiterate: this is
not a downhill board… this is a freeride board, and
was designed to be used as such.
Final
Verdict:
9 out of
10.
Overall,
I am very pleased with the Vanguard.
I can say
that it provides an amazing feel that can be applied to most
styles of riding. With more flex and agility than 95% of the
boards out there, I highly recommend the Vanguard to anyone
who has been searching for a powerhouse of carving.
An amazing
all-around board - it handles like a dream, and puts down lines
that won't quit.
This
board is well worth the money.
-Kevin
Clark, Editor, LongboardDirectory
Want
us to Review YOUR Board?
Contact
Kevin at kevinclark@longboarddirectory.com
_____________________________________________
See
the Vanguard in Action - VIDEO
_____________________________________________
Check
out these related websites for more information on the Loaded
Vanguard:
Loaded
Longboards official Site
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