Loaded Vanguard

Loaded Vanguard Longboard Complete

The one that started it all. Symmetrical shape and stance for a balanced center of gravity to increase the ability to weight the deck through turns for better control and energy generation. The sidecuts allow for decreased torsional stiffness between the feet to exploit the board's torsional energy to allow for greater nuances in the turning radius.

Bamboo Vanguard Complete. Stronger, Livelier and altogether better than the Oak. Practically indestructible and more Loaded than ever. These lively composite boards offer the finest ride legally available. Advanced technologies, innovative design, and a commitment to using only the finest ingredients have led to the evolution of skateboarding. With symmetrical shape and stance for a balanced center of gravity, as well as the ability to weigh and un-weigh the deck through turns for control and efficient energy generation, these performance downhill boards will change the way you experience topography. Made in USA

Black Diamond Sports Recommends the following components:

• Paris 180mm Trucks
• 3DM Avila Wheels - for the most comfortable ride possible OR
• Seismic Speed Vent Wheels - for speed
• Bones Super Swiss Bearings

SPECS:

CONSTRUCTION: Epoxy and Tri-axle fiberglass sandwich a vert-lam Bamboo core, pressed into concave and convex cambers for liveliness, responsiveness and high energy potential.

FLEX: Currently available in five flexes spread out over two lengths.:

42"/107cm FLEX1: 175-230+lbs / 80-105+kg
42"/107cm FLEX2: 150-210+lbs / 68-95+kg
38"/98cm FLEX3: 150-200+lbs / 68-90+kg
38"/98cm FLEX4: 120-170+lbs / 55-77+kg
38"/98cm FLEX5: 80-140+lbs / 35-65+kg

Remember that a softer flex pattern will give you more control and tighter turns at slower speeds, however a softer board is more prone to lose stability at higher speeds

If you plan on doing a lot of hard pounding tricks: shovits, bonelesses, etc, a stiff flex will hold up better. Note: It is natural for the boards to break in and become slightly flexier over time.

SETUP:

Trucks: We recommend a 180mm longboard truck for the Vanguard. In particular, we ride the Randal R-II 180s and the Paris 180s.

Wheels: The Vanguard can handle most outerset or offset wheels from 65-85mm--preferably wide and soft. Be sure to find a wheel appropriate for your riding style and desired speed. We recommend 70-76mm wheels, including the 75mm Orangatang In Heats, 75mm Orangatang Durian, 70mm Orangatang 4Presidents, as well as the 75mm Retro Big-Zigs, 70mm Zig-Zags, 76mm Abec 11 Gumballs, and the 77mm Seismic 3DM Speed Vents. For hardness, we recommend between 75a and 85a, depending on your riding style. As always, don't be afraid to explore more options.

Bearings:There are many great bearings and we recommend the Bones Super Swiss and Bones Swiss Bearings.

Additional Set-up: Play around with kingpin tightness to adjust the looseness of the trucks. There are a lot of new bushings coming to market and they can make a huge difference in the ride. We recommend the Venom bushings. Go out and experiment.

Riding Tips:The board is designed for a centered, snowboard style stance. Learn to footbreak and slide. These are the safest ways to slow down at speed and they will allow you to increase your skills immensely as well as keeping you safe on the hills.