I ended my last post on the subject of boards way back in 2014, with very negative feelings towards RAZOR RipStiks. It was because my ripstick had broken after only a few rides, and Sports Authority was very nasty about it when i tried to return it only a few days after i had bought it. To say the least, SA displayed beyond poor customer service. I was so angry, that i threw the board behind their counter and to everyone’s aghast, swore never to do business with them again.
After that foul exchange and desperately needing a board to ride, I immediately ran across the street to BIG 5 sporting goods, and purchased a new “Blade Board”.
The Blade Board was a different sort of ride tho. The wheel base pivoted 360 degrees, enabling the rider to lead with either foot in either direction.
While i never quite learned how to do this, I enjoyed riding and exploring it, for approx. 6 months, when the plastic deck under the board cracked. This tends to happen to me with Street Surfing Wave boards also. Also, i seem to recall the roll being kinda restricted and slower that other boards.
In need of yet another board, I purchased a RipStik Delux from Target (i believe) and it performed well for a couple of years, withstanding the pressures of a 200+ lb man riding OG Ce Style™.
My son (in his late teens at the time), even took it to his friends’ family reunion, where they rode it like young folks tend to do, grinding curbs and stuff. I only learned about this by the tell tell scratches on the metal skid bar.
Another plus I found with Ripstiks is that you can disassemble and replace wheel base parts down to the bearing.
Unfortunately when you get them apart, replacements parts can be difficult, if not impossible, to find.
While Razors customer service was good, I ultimately could not find the replacement part i needed, even tho it was listed on their parts web site.
Over the years, I have bought several new Razor RipStiks, not only because one occasionally breaks, but also when i travel. You see, I like to skate where ever i travel to (for example, Milwaukee (Marquette University quad) Wisconsin, Phoenix, AZ, etc.).
I typically buy a new board to ride when i get where i am going, instead of carrying it on the plane with me. In fact, I am planning a trip to New York primarily to skate in Central Park and add it to my selection. I am not sure yet if i will buy a board there or take one.
Anyway, now so many years later, in early 2016,
I seems that RipStiks, by Razor appear to be my go to, and obviously favorite boards!
I ride them hard and on rough surfaces. I recommend Razor RipStiks to riders in the 6 ft / 190 lb range. They appear to be well designed to support me comfortably, as an adult rider. Put some Undercover’s 80mm / 94a Powerblade wheels on one and you are ready to flow.
InJoy
Fyi – at the time of this post, i have no affiliation with Razor, other than being a customer that has enjoyed riding their boards OG Ce Style™
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