look into some landyachtz , sayshun, earthwing, bustin etc etc. basically any other company lol, maybe besides rayne and loaded as they are rather expensive (rayne have super awesome boards though!) you’ll find you’ll have more foot space on a 40” speed deck style longboard then a pintail style as the taper takes away from the footspace. I know a lot of people who started out on landyachz 9two5’s or switch 42’s for their first big upgrade, they look kinda weird but they are lower to the ground making it easy to push and slow down and also easier to slide if you ever wanted to get into that. if you like the turny feel of a topmount maybe look into Jet longboards, i think they sell for $70 each? super cheap but strong boards, they lack concave but so does original. There’s a lot available dude all a lot cheaper and better than your alternative. Look around and find something you think looks good, then go on silverfish longboarding and check up a review. If you have any other questions I’m here :)

original breaks the bank for what you get. for cruising maybe try out a drop through style board with some 50 degree trucks. original trucks are as i stated. they require frequent lubrication with “white lithium grease” to stop their “wavecams” from breaking. they offer no stability at speed. they turn crazily, if you’ve ridden a normal board you’ll most likely have trouble adapting unless you use 78a duro bushings and dont tighten your trucks or something crazy. If your set on original, then give it a go, just thought i’d give you my input and my bad experience with their boards, i regret my apex 37 in that it was a terrible board to try progress on but it was my first longboard so i guess it worked out for the best in way lol, also otangs are a waste of money if your just crusing, they are kinda more useful for DH and sliding. but if your willing to fork out the extra money then you can also make a decision later down the track on whether it was a good one or not :). Otherwise enjoy!

fun for getting around on and freeride, get some lower angle trucks such as caliber 44’s or bear 840’s as the wedging can really mess around with the turning.

havent ridden snowballs but i hear they are given that name for a reason. Ice, Ice and more Ice. I use 80a zombies personally and they are smooth sliding, controllable and easy to initiate slides with but of course it’s all personal preference :) if you want snowballs give them a go and if it turns out they aren’t what your after, sell em on silverfish or something and get something else :)

yeah you can commute and cuise on anything! if you like it buy it! you’ll have fun regardless!

well one thing you’ll find is that most wheels don’t flat spot easily (general priced ones, obviously if your spending $10 on wheels don’t expect much out of them) they only tend to flat spot if you continually hold slides at 90 Degrees. Good wheels for learning are smaller wheels with small contact patches. small = less holding you onto the ground. 70mm wheels are a good starting point with a round lip (round lip wheels are freeride wheels as square lipped wheels dig in and flex to stop your wheels going sideways). Some suggestions: Mini zombie hawgs (go the full landyachtz build) bigger zombie hawgs (just as good maybe a tad bit harder to slide as they are bigger but super easy to slide regardless), Metro motions (great sliding wheel), Rainskates megatsunami’s (really good). Theres heaps to choose from, all are great, all get the job done. Just remember smaller sized, small contact patch, round lip and when it comes to duro a lot of people say it makes a difference but i personally only find it affects the controllability and how comfortable the slide is. Softer duro wheels are supposed to be harder to slide but i personally go softer as you get great control and a very smooth slide. harder wheels last longer but i find they are icey and some can chatter when they slide. It does of course depends on the wheel as there are many different styles of wheel and the chemicals and make up of the wheels can vary and offer different feels. Best way to go is to try something, if it isnt working for you maybe change it up next time but you cant go wrong with a 70mm wheel with a small contact patch and round lipped. Maybe also look for something that is “pre broken in” or “stone ground surface”. Makes it easier to slide right out of the packaging. Hope that helps :)

better for downhill would be the wolfshark and freeride would be the tomahawk as is symmetrical but for doing both I’d personally go the wolfshark. It’s a really good board from what I’ve heard and the tomahawk doesnt have as good concave as the Wolfy has a lot locking you in

nah, just been really busy. i’mm still around if people want questions answered :)

absolutely brilliant! if your in the area next year, make sure your there. If your not in the area, make an effort to get in the area. It’s not something to miss! Great racing, gets you stoked!