Category: Skateboarding Product Reviews

VANS have started to take their apparel very seriously. You only have to walk in to the store in Carnaby Street these days to realise that there are fresh threads everywhere on sale. We decided to find out whether they are actually worth you picking up and got our hands on a new Classic Polo shirt to see what all the fuss was about.

The first thing you realise is that this shirt is not your average polo material. Most people at some point in their lifetime would have thrown on a polo but this material feels bespoke to the brand who have bought skate shoes for generations since 1966.

A blend of 96% cotton and 4% spandex feels soft to the skin and gives your body plenty of movement. The shirt is not overbranded, something i have noticed on all of the current wave of Vans Apparel. It comes with only a miniature classic slip on image and should be on your body.

Check out more colours at www.vans.co.uk

Chuck Bangers

Does anyone remember the board reviews Big Brother Magazine used to do? They used to do the most random stuff to those boards, like sticking them under the tires of 4×4’s and doing doughnut spins in a car park or using them as shit catapults.

I remember cringing at them when I was younger whilst I looked back at my battered set up that resembled more of a blunt tooth pick on roller skates than a skateboard thinking “Why? Why would they waste these boards?”

Now I know why they did that random stuff, because writing and reading board reviews is boring. I vaguely remember them doing something with a porn-star, who said her favourite board out of the lot she had to review was a Natural Koncept deck because the graphics were pretty. And Natural Koncept decks weren’t pretty, they looked like one of the twats that graff up Southbank did it.

Seriously, Graffers or whatever you’re called- find your own spots instead of trying to be all extreme and cool and urban by doing it at skate spots. If I got a pound for everytime a tourist with a lopsided beret or an A-level art student with too many belts gets in my way at SouthBank trying to take a photo of those walls- well, I wouldn’t be writing board reviews let me tell you that… And I don’t even live anywhere near London.

Anyways, this time I got a delightful shred stick from AntiHero (a John Cardiel pro model) to play on. Sorry to get all political and “whatnot”, but I personally wouldn’t really go out and buy an American board; Not because I hate Americans ( which I don’t. Well, just not the ones that ask if I live in London when I say I’m from England), but because they’re are a huge number of Rad British board companies out at the moment; Heroin, Casual, Death, Heathen, Third Foot, The Harmony, Blueprint to name but a few- and that they rely on British skaters to buy their stuff which in turn will help to support the UK skatescene.

But saying that, if I did buy an American board, you’d better believe it would be an AntiHero. And I’m sure I don’t need to tell you why- but I’m going to anyway; AntiHero are fucking sick. No pussy footing trendy malarky; just horrible, burly, sweaty, disgusting, vomit inducing, scab collecting skateboarding. Granted, their hessian approach to skateboarding may not appeal to everyone (but I don’t see why not you fag!)- but no one can deny that AntiHero are 100% dedicated to skateboarding. and maybe drinking beer. But mainly skateboarding.

The graphic on this board looks like something someone involved with Beautiful Losers would draw, i.e., it’s random as fook and looks really Americana. I’m not to sure why this volcano is riding a bicycle, but he looks pretty stoked with himself. I would of though a volcano would much prefer to ride some gnarly chopper bike in beaten up leathers held together by Grateful Dead patches. Or surely it’s just prefer to sit and belch loads of boiling hot lava at nearby villages and watch it’s inhabitant’s skin melt off as they try to escape. Now that’s make a hot graphic (Hot? Get it?).

AntiHero have a burly team, and Cardiel is the burliest of them all. It fookin sucks that he’s out of action, and won’t ever be able to shred like he used to- but absolutely amazing that he can even roll around at all. The Doctors in Australia told him that he would never even be able to walk again! He pretty much told them to Fuck off and willed himself to the point where he’s at now. And that’s why Cardiel is the burliest.

He’s the sort of skater you flinch at when you watch him on videos cause he always seems to be going faster than he should and always looks like he’s going to eat shit and makes it. So gnarly. I know he’ll still be involved in skateboarding one way or another and that he definitely won’t go to star in crap American sitcoms or films involving comic book nerds like Jason Lee.

If you haven’t already seen them, hunt down all the AntiHero vids, watch them, listen to Fang and go skate the curb outside your house and pretend it’s pool coping. I also recommend searching for the Andy Roy interviews that appeared in several Big Brother magazines just to make sure you stay on the right track… Thrasher even used to print his letters from jail in their mail bombs section. Gnarly. But not cool.

And the board is pretty good too- you know, the usual, it’s wood and like a lot of other skateboards. Up AntiHero.

Zombie

Photo by Ben Hay at Casual Skateboards

2007 was a good year for Emerica and Baker pro rider Andrew Reynolds.

The launch of his own clothing range Altamont Apparel was press released worldwide to wide acclaim but you may be wondering if the hype supercedes the garments so we decided to get our hands on the goods themselves and let you know the truth.

The Captain jacket comes in one piece and blends a hoodie and jacket together. It’s a good idea and works well once you are inside it. Quality wise, it’s a winner all round. The inner lining is super soft and the outside feels as though it could take a slam or two. The in-built hood is perfect if you don’t like the weight of a huge hood floating over your head as you hardflip a 7 set.

Functionality wise there’s no zipper on the front allowing freedom if you are skating and want to get some fresh air and pockets can be found inside for your music player and one either side of your chest up front. The only gripe i have with this jacket, (and i mean the only gripe) is that there are no pockets on the front to stick your hands in. I guess if you are in the UK and you have cold hands then you gotta warm them up in your jeans, oh did i mention how comfy those Altamont jeans are yet?

The bottom line is that Reynolds and Co have come up with seriously quality gear here, this jacket is dope – go get it.

www.altamontapparel.com

Zac Slack

(Read a recent Crossfire interview with Andrew Reynolds here).

Let’s face it, the Magnum 1’s are probably one of the most praised shoes of 2006 so to follow up such an achievement, Globe have come back with a shoe that is even better, the Magnum Puzzle Series.

These Puzzle series Magnum’s have more padding in the sole and heel and have a bigger tongue making them a desirable and comfortable vehicle for your feet to ride in whilst you ride your skateboard.

The grip underneath is second to none, the flexibility is much the same, leaving you with a skate shoe that will generally make most skaters appreciate what has gone into the production of this model with it’s vulcanised sole and a simple, but cool appearance.

There’s seven skaters involved in this ltd edition Puzzle project – Globe giving each of them the chance to pull out their own colours on the Magnum skate shoe but the preferred burgundy red colourway picked by myself to review is sported by Darkstar rider and all out destroyer, Paul Machnau.

These Globes are probably the best the Australian based company has come up with yet, go check these shoes and their staunch skate team out at www.globe.tv and look out for more collaborations with Magnum 2’s in the not too distant future.

Visit www.globe.tv for more.

Chuck Bangers
13.09.07

The relationship between Vans Shoes and Danny Wainwright has blossomed over the years so it was not a surprise to see a special limited edition collaboration between the shoe brand and Bristol’s most efficient skater owned shop hit the shelves this month.

Ten years have passed since the 50:50 Store took it’s place in skateboardings underground elite and to this day Danny and Syd are still there defying the odds of running a credible store for skateboarders, attending and supporting underground events and seeing off the chain stores that have sucked the UK scene dry when the financial rewards and timing suited them.

Wainwright himself is currently and always will be one of the ambassadors of our countries skateboard heritage, after all, Danny was the first UK pro to have a Vans signature shoe out back in the 90’s as well as holding the worlds highest ollie record to this very day.

The release of this half cab defines Vans’ support to their biggest UK pro rider and celebrates such a wonderful relationship between the rider and the shop that has paved the precedent for future Skater Owned Shops to deliver goods to our local community in the shop and online.

The shoe itself sees Wainwright and Co deliver a colourway never seen before on Steve Caballero’s legendary signature model. The electric blue, black and grey appearance will not only be appreciated by the skateboard community but also the sneakerfreaks out there who collect the rarest footwear, as this limited edition pair of historic shoes will be sought after across the globe.

Get them now before they to take their place in UK skateboard history and be proudly part of it yourself. Visit www.vans.co.uk for the full flavour and pick them up from www.5050store.com online.

Zac

I’m not really sure why I’d never picked up a pair of Duffs before. Perhaps it was the negative connotations that emerge from the name ‘Duff’, that caused me to simply not acknowledge their existence as a skateshoe.

Which is slightly bizarre considering I’d always take notice of their adverts, which boast a sense of humour similar to the unstoppable Enjoi co. and there’s tons of sick skate rats rocking those creptillians:Louie Barletta, Adam Alfaro, Ben Reamers, and of course The Kid back in the day. My complete dismissal of the shoes just doesn’t make much sense at all. Of course, this all changed once the Zac shoved a box into my hand and told me to shred them to pieces.

The shoe itself, in all its brown colourway glory, is tastefully refined, offering a simple design that doesn’t demand any uncouth sneers from passers by in the direction of your feet. These shoes certainly are not for any ‘check me out and chill’ conch bags. These low-key beauties slip on in an almost seductively comfortable fashion, and results in a good firm grip around your foot, leaving you with a good supply of ankle movement and vast amounts of board feel.

The inconspicuous mesh tongue keeps your feet cool, while the well-concealed heel safe gel that boasts great arch support acts as a barrier to any nasty heel bruises. The sole is solid, giving you a good amount of grip, but enough give to make those quick feet changeovers no hassle. And no bad words can be said about suede uppers, I just won’t have it.

All in all, a very consistent, durable and delicious looking shoe. I love it. It certainly has made Duffs a much more substantial blip on the shoe-dar. Now stop fucking reading about it and get some on and go skate before the winter comes a crashing in.

9/10.

Joe Moynihan

The first time I saw this board, like most of Krooked’s back catalogue of graphics, it had a pleasing effect on my eyes. The second time I saw this board it twas under my feet having me considering if I had really messed with my 7.76″ equilibrium! I’ve never ridden a rig this wide, boy she’s a big’un!

Within minuets of riding this slugger, I knew that variety IS the spice of life. A not too aggressive concave twined with rather mellow nose and tail makes this deck carve like a dream and not shy of any flip-pokery. Initially the 31.2″ length made my eyes water a little, but even this remedied within minutes, in fact anything shorter, with this width would be like riding a plate!

This is the first Krooked board I’ve had the pleasure to ride, and believe me I’m not a man to use the word pleasure often. With a hand full of very sketchy, misplaced footed landings and not a single stress crack or quibble in sight. I will be a repeat customer.

Ultimately, this board is a great all-rounder, particularly good at slashing all them sexy new concrete parks popping up all over, and simultaneously satisfying both the ‘grip it n rip it’ and ‘I think this ones going on the wall, so when guests come round it may just spark off some conversation other than the appalling summer were amidst rant’ camps.

‘Get it straight, ride Krooked’

Robin Hayes

I used to ride a BMX when i was a kid and these slip on Vans were all you could get.

Back then they were made for BMX, in fact if you did not have a pair, you were probably wearing a pair of Dunlop Greenflash and were seen as unscene. Funny that 20 years on you could be wearing either and be seen as ‘fashionable’.

The designs of these classic slip on Vans have not changed that much. The materials have though and they are now very comfortable and are built to skate in. Basically when these were slipped on around my tootsies, I could hear each toe let out a small gush of happiness.

These Tony Trujillo Slip On’s are Thrasher branded and roll with the Skate Rock logo on the back heel. Get hesh with the classics at www.vans.co.uk

Chuck Bangers

Choosing which trucks you’re going to be riding is almost as personal and specific as deciding which deck you want to destroy.

Shape, size, colour, which company your loyalties lie with, will all be forceful factors in which lumps of metal you’ll attach your wheels to. And seeing as trucks are the longest lasing piece of equipment in the skate arsenal, it’s an important choice.

I have to say, I’ve tried a fair few trucks in my years of skating and always stuck with the classics. Once you get into your rut and know what you like, it is very hard to change. And why would you need to change? What you have is good, it is healthy, and you will defend your choice to the bitter end. I don’t see the need for gimmicks on probably the most important bit of your setup.

I have however, experienced some weird things going on with stalwart truck companies changing their designs and ruining them forever. This is what led me onto something I’d never tried before. Like a schoolboy getting cornered by the older kids while they smoke behind the bikesheds, the half-excitement, half-scared feeling as someone nudged me and said, “Here mate, you wanna try some Royals? You might like it”.

Picking them up for the first time felt odd. Very light, very smooth, and this weird pattern on it saying ‘Chocolate’. The bright colours almost hypnotised me and I felt drawn to putting them on my board, all the time hearing that nagging voice telling me that this wasn’t what I was used to. But like that little schoolboy’s first ever drag on a cigarette, the rush was awesome. That giddy feeling of something you know you shouldn’t be doing, but it feels so fucking good that you don’t give a shit.

These Royals are like that. An odd feeling at first, and you really aren’t sure if you like it, but after the first couple they feel amazing. I got over the all-over print look very quickly, but if you are one of those people that has to have the latest fashion trend good-looking setup, you might want to think about your deck choice a bit before. Combined with a Potato Wheels deck for a while, my board looked like the bastard lovechild of Thomas Burberry and Louis Vuitton.

That paint job, might I add, is the fucking scariest thing I have ever experienced whilst riding a skateboard. All this ‘ultra-slick’ gimmick stuff they have on decks and whatnot means fuck all. Just paint the things and they are smoother than a pornstars crotch. Getting into just a bog-standard 5-0 felt like I was riding a rollercoaster at Alton Towers at first, as the paint provides a near frictionless base for grinds. Once the paint comes off a bit, they were much more controllable though.

Another thing that really impressed me was how long it took to wear the bushings in. The stock ones that come on most trucks are usually on the harder end, and these were no different. But they took less than 2 hours to fully soften up and have fantastic control without being looser than an Essex bird on a Saturday night.

One final thing that really surprised me compared to other trucks I’ve had was once I’d done up my truck bolts, they never came loose. I suppose it’s because I’ve never skated anything other than raw trucks, but the painted baseplate gives an extra grip on your nuts. Much like an Essex bird on a Saturday night.

Having always been a bit sceptical of truck companies and not wanting to ever leave the niche I had found in my years of skating, I was pleasantly surprised by these Royals. I don’t know why I was because the build quality is second to none, they don’t have any ridiculous gimmicks, and above all, they do their job exactly how they are meant to. I’m not sure I’m fully converted yet, but I’ve tasted the possibilities and I would definitely consider having a set again. Now all I have to do is find the right deck and shoes to colour co-ordinate myself and I can go out in public…

www.royalskateboardtruck.com

Moose.

If you thought that Duane Peters Dravens were for boys only you’re wrong – girls you can rock those sweet looking shoes too if not better than the boys.

Not only are they the most comfortable shoes ever, they keep your feet nice and warm and make them look small too. They look amazing with the little skull and crossbone on the heel and the 4 stripes on the sides. You have a large range of colour combinations to choose from in a high or lo cut and they are also vegan friendly.

The best way of showing off those beauties would be with a pair of stripey socks and stretch jeans, So go and throw out your Chuck Taylors and go buy a pair of Dravens cuz those babies will get you laid like there’s no tomorrow!

Grab a pair at www.shiner.co.uk

Dani