Category: Skateboarding Product Reviews

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Skateboarding Product Reviews

Volcom Cuff Beanie

This week, Autumn finally kicked in and it looks likely that from here onwards Winter is going to become a reality. This morning more than any other day this year, I felt the cold on the way to our office but thankfully Volcom had sent a bunch of their Fall collection to help battle the elements.

The Volcom Cuff Beanie is straight up, seafaring standard headwear. Available in black, navy, olive (pictured) and bright orange, Volcom’s latest beanies are simple, warm and efficient when dealing with the freezing cold fog that we are destined to experience soon. The Cuff is branded on both sides, so if you don’t fancy the long, worded logo on one side of it, then you will be more than happy to rock the small Stone on the flipside. If you like your branding then you will love this for the choice.

This double fold, knit rib beanie comes in one size, so if your head is like Chunk from the Goonies or even if you are rocking a giant potato like Sloth’s from the same movie, you know it will fit fine. For around £20, one of these is well worth thinking about owning this winter. Available right now in your local skate shop.

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Skateboarding Product Reviews

Nike SB Koston 1

This product review was deleted. Support skater owned shoe companies instead.

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Skateboarding Product Reviews

Anti Hero Tony Miorana Love Toy deck 8.38

lovetoy_antiherodeckDeluxe wood is premium manufacturing made with the finest Canadian maple money can buy. There is no middle ground here. If you ride DLX, you are riding the crest of skateboarding.

Tony’s board is no exception. It’s a beast to say the least, but at 8.38″, it’s still very manageable on street as it is deep in the cradle. The length of the deck is 32”, pretty much what you would expect from a rig this size. I will say that I spent most of my time on the Love Toy enjoying the ever increasing number of decent bowls popping up around London this Autumn, however, I have taken to street with it and it felt equally as good. I am past the days of rails and stairs, but for cruising banks, curbs and hills, it’s a fine piece of wood.

Anti Hero remains one of my more preferred decks when it comes to choice for me. Their consistency in superiority is comforting and you know Cards would never ride anything but the best. Trust you instinct and get onto it before it’s too late.

AC

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Skateboarding Product Reviews

Lovenskate Real Ghouls Skate Pools deck

realGhoulsskatepools_lovenskate_paul parkerYou can always count on the guys at Lovenskate to come through with a one off board for an occassion, so as Halloween kicked in and the clocks went back, blood was spilled once again over at the old mangle and the Pool Ghouls broke out of the press!

One of our favourite UK artists Paul Parker was said to have turned this graphic around in no more than 48 hours and the results are electrifying.

These new beasts are very limited edition and come in regular 8.5″ shape and an 8.9″ Pool shark which is slightly longer, comes with a pointy nose and blocked tail. Stu Smith rightly points out this week on the Lovenskate website that this obviously makes this particular shape “rad for frontside inverts in graveyard pools”. There are only 35 of these in existence so grab one today from here. All decks come with free grip, stickers, post cards and a zine. Amazing.

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Skateboarding Product Reviews

SUPRA Douglas boot

The clocks have gone back, the Autumn has kicked in and inevitably the Winter will be inviting us into the big chill here in the UK over the next 2 months. For some it’s a bleak period, for others it’s a joyful season, but for many of us, preparation for cold, winter nights ahead starts now in terms of clothing and shoes.

SUPRA are one step ahead of the other shoe brands this year and have released a series of boots so you can combat pretty much any weather system when off your board. Question is, are these for you? What do you wear when you are not skating? Are you the commercial sports style person? Do you like a shoe? Are you partial to a boot? If it’s the latter then get ready to be introduced to Supra’s newest range of footwear designed to heavy duty wear off the griptape. A boot that is so durable that you can hike in them, as i found out a month ago whilst visiting Lulworth Cove down on the South coast.

These Douglas boots are all terrain vehicles, designed to tackle hillsides, puddles, dancefloors and pretty much anything that this planet will serve up. So far, they are not even fazed by the tasks that they have been put through so far, they look exactly the same as they did when they jumped out of the box, and when they have got dirty, these boots are so easy to wipe down and clean up.

I have noticed that I have formed bigger calf muscles in these last 6 weeks of wearing them daily, as the Douglas are heavy but not like foot bricks. They are kind of like Black Sabbath, but within the first 4 albums. None of that (debatable) average shit they released afterwards that you can never actually remember. They come with tough metal eyelets, leather laces, heavygauge stitching, a gusseted tongue (ooh missus) and they are super warm and comfy once on your feet.

If you are looking for a winter boot this year, the Douglas could well be your best option. Keep and eye on Supra as they are making some big waves in an area where a lot of other skate brands are just repeating themselves right now. These come highly recommended this winter. Pick them up in the Supra shop as they now deliver direct to the UK.

Zac

Lulworth Cove, October 2011- no problem for the Douglas.

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Skateboarding Product Reviews

Volcom Fear Pyjamas

We woke up this morning to receive a parcel from Volcom that said ‘Happy Halloween’ on the package, shaped like a coffin! You can imagine how quickly this was ripped open, puzzled to know what was inside, only for my anxious hands to pull out a set of Fear Pyjamas in time for the Halloween Massacre!

The coffin box contains a long sleeve top and pants with elastic waistband and drawstring cord. The quality of this set is amazing. I had them on in a few minutes flat to feel the soft, brushed cotton sit on my skin and offer me some serious warmth in seconds.

Get these on this winter and pretend you are in the Misfits!

Cardboard artworks by illustrator Matthew Bromley

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Skateboarding Product Reviews

Emerica Wino shoe

I was very pleased when my favourite shoe company, Emerica, introduced a shoe dedicated to sorts like me called the Wino. I’ve been drinking actively for over a decade and it’s hard to find consistent partner for such a long period, therefore the shoe becomes ones best friend, every barfly knows this.

When they originally looked at the perfect shoe for an inebriated state, it seems they were looking for a mix between a Chuck Taylor and the classic plimsoll, thus this beautiful blend, a perfect equilibrium. The Wino has the simplicity of a plimsoll, but the widely accepted coolness of a Chuck Taylor, a diversity that sits suits any occasion, be it dinner on a yacht in Cannes or drinking K Cider on the streets of Dalston, it works either way.

The shoe design has some well thought through qualities, it was crucial to cater for swaying, so they implemented a tiny heel to compensate for this! Having that little extra support at the back ensures a forward balance and this I feel has been one of the strongest attributes to any drinking shoe. Another great feature I have noticed is if you feel the need to use your shoe laces for party tricks, the Wino looks super cool with or without laces, making them extra valuable at house parties!

The main reason I like this shoe from a consumer level is simple, they are very inexpensive. Therefore, when you’re staggering home after you’ve managed to drink yourself past the swaying heel support system, you could easily pass out wherever you are without worrying about someone stealing your shoes. If they get robbed, you can get another pair without breaking the bank! Just a tip. They also make for pretty good pillows at festivals by the way!

I love the Wino overall, but I love it most when I wake up in the morning knowing that this is as bad as my day is going to get and no matter what I do next. My winos are ready and waiting to take on the journey with me (providing I made it home and still have them of course).

A Barfly

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Skateboarding Product Reviews

Quiksilver Justin Brock Chino

To celebrate Justin Brock turning pro in 2009 Quiksilver released a limited edition chino. I am quite the chino man myself, so I was delighted to receive a pair of these! You can’t go wrong with a classic like this. They are smart but casual, wear them to your Nan’s birthday party or down to your local skatepark and you won’t feel out of place.

These chinos are a straight fit with side cut deep pockets. They also come with a swatch of extra material in case of any patch ups, which I must say won’t be needed. Well, not this week. I was skating home a bit drunk late last week, when I hit some rumble strips causing me to leave my board, become airborne and simultaneously collect some sizeable scabs on my knees, elbow and shoulder. The good news is that not even a scuff was left on these, so maybe worth considering that fact alone before shopping at your local skate shop.

Matthew Bromley

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Skateboarding Product Reviews

Krooked Zig Zagger

The Krooked ‘cruiser’ boards have been around a few years now with three sizes. The Zip Zinger Nano 7.125″, The Zip Zinger 7.5″ and the Zig Zagger 8.6″. They come in many colour ways and alternative themed graphics ranging from classic bold colours to ice-creams, to galactic space backgrounds, oh and the board comes with stickers and a novelty Krooked card crown!

It’s the 8.6″ Zig Zagger that has got me excited though. Mostly at the thought of looking down at my feet riding this board in the street or at Stockwell skidding about pretending in my head that i’m Mark Gonzales! “But its just cruiser board!” I hear you cry. Don’t be mistaken. It has the same concave, wheel base and equal nose and tail as most standard popsicle boards. You will still be able to pop out all your nollie tricks regardless of the boards pointy nose but now with added style!

My personal point to make with this review is that skateboarding is fun. If your enthusiasm for skateboarding is running low I can’t recommend the Zig Zagger enough, take a chance and make it part of your next set up. If you’re still not convinced watch the man himself having fun on one.

Matthew Bromley

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Skateboarding Product Reviews

Emerica Hopi Chiller Shoe review

If you are in need of a chiller right now, Emerica have these brand new Hopi’s available for the more laid back skater out there. Inspired by Andrew Reynolds’ desire to chill after a skate sesh, the Hopi is made from a thick, hand sewn suede and comes with a natural gum rubber outsole. These are as flat as pancakes, but don’t let that put you off as they are also the perfect chiller to have on whilst mooching round your house where you really don’t require any shoe with a heel anyway.

These simple and comfy bohemian shoes definitely bring the native indian, wild west look and also come with beads that you can take off easily. Especially if you are not looking to rock that Ben Jobe vibe and randomly huck out your magic flute at any moment whilst making a cuppa. You should also be aware that due to their tendency to look like one of those shoes you find at the pet shop, you should probably keep them out of reach if you keep a young canine in your yard, otherwise these could be mistaken for treats and be chewed apart.

After being in denial about ordering a pair of these, i’m now at one with my Hopi’s and they are doing a splendid job of making my life more chilled. As the long, cold nights start to roll in this autumn, you may want to think about getting yourself a pair and feeling the same comfort.

Zac