What do you get if you cross the UK and skateboards? Osprey. Today we take a long look at their vision of a longboard skateboard. We took it for a spin and here’s our thorough review.
Last update on 2020-10-27 at 20:53 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Brand
Two decades ago along the Devon and Cornish coastline some guys decided to start their own company with the local surf market in mind. Quickly this expanded to the national UK market and branched out to other surf-related items, which further evolved into the general board niche.
Now you can get what you want and like concerning all the different urban sports at Osprey. They keep exploring and contributing to the surf and skate culture with an impressive variety of board sports material.
Design
Just like their cruiser board this longboard is made out of seven ply Canadian maple with a bamboo layer on it for strength. And this longboard feels and looks very strong. Add to that a clear spray grip tape and you know this board can withstand some abuse. During our aggressive riding and testing we did notice that if you are as brutal with a board as we are, it is better to regrip this model. But if your intentions are less abusive to the board no extra attention needs to be given.
The looks of this longboard are amazing and almost breathtaking. It is actually a shame it will lose a bit from its beauty over the years of use.
The ride this longboard provided us was flexible and smooth. Almost like surfing on silk. However, although the board claims to avoid wheel bite thanks to the nose and tail being almost symmetrical, in our testing the wheel bite was actually a real bite and pain in the –you know what-.
Due to the standard lesser quality wheels a slide was almost impossible to do. Actually we can come to the conclusion that if you don’t want the flexible ride and wheel bite it is better to add some new wheels and bearings and stiffen up the ride more. Also we advise you that this longboard has a big turning circle.
Despite a few issues with the riding, we actually really enjoyed this longboard. You can’t ignore that it looks beautiful and the wood finish is stunning. Also for a beginning rider this is the first step towards greatness.
The Osprey longboard has its downsides but it is still a great board for beginners. It delivers on a flexible smooth ride and it can withstand the abuse from a beginner practicing his mad new stunts. After some improvements to the board and your skill you’ll start to grow on this longboard and maybe you’ll fall in love with it.
Specifications
- Length: 41.25″ x Width: 9.5″
- Trucks: 7 inch aluminium trucks
- Wheels: 80a Osprey Wheels
- Bearings: ABEC-9
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clear spray grip tape | Issues with the wheel slide |
| Strong and sturdy | Issues with the trucks |
| Great for beginners |
Final Rating
3 wheels out of 5
- Distinctive board for beginner and intermediate longboarders
- Twin Tip board - the nose and tail are almost exactly symmetrical which avoids wheel bite and allows for deep carves
- Eight ply Canadian maple - high quality board measuring 40.5 x 9.25 Inches
Last update on 2020-10-27 at 20:53 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API