“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller
Life is too short to be lived indoors. Yet for many outdoor enthusiasts, our primary way to connect with the outdoors world is through the standard hike or trail run. It’s time to change your perspective. Change the way you see things. Change the way you experience life outside. It’s time to experience the Drop Carve Series from Landyachtz.
For those asking, ‘why is an outdoor gear site reviewing a longboard?’ The answer is actually simple. We have a passion for life lived in the outdoors. Over the past year, it has become custom and practice for our review team to jump on a longboard and go. Its also become part of our recovery routine, helping to loosen up the legs, body and mind. More importantly, its provided a new way for us to revel in the joy of the outdoors. So when Landyachtz offered to send out a Fiberglass Drop Carve 40 complete to put to the test, we were all in.
On Performance & Design…
Landyachtz designed the Drop Carve series to love carving and speed. The good news for outdoor junkies, is that the board refuses to be limited to just that. At a length of 40.34” and 9.5” wide, the Drop Carve 40 has become our daily commuter, weekend carver, and full time cruiser. Whether you’re pushing down the boardwalk, scouting your next long run route, or looking for the rush on massive waves of asphalt, the Drop Carve is ready, willing and eager.
Featuring fiberglass top and bottom sheets, sandwiching a bamboo core, the deck is not only responsive, but incredibly durable. Durability matters because at the end of the day, a higher quality board (and equipment) results in less broken gear, and less waste. Not only is that good for the planet you’re cruising over, but it means more bang for your buck, and a board that might just outlast your boarding adventures.
When it comes to the wide, concave waist of the board, it was love at first ride. The design helps lock in your feet for a confident, comfortable ride. Before long, you’ll find that perfect secure stance and master the ability to push in and out of long graceful turns. At that point, the ride borders on a zen-like moment that rivals any experience we’ve had shredding powder in Tahoe, or dropping-in on glassy days in Manhattan beach. Yes, it’s that good.
A drop through mounting system with Bear 852 trucks, make the Drop Carve a tremendous cruiser with crisp turning ability. The drop through gets its name because the trucks actually drop through the truck holes of the board. This design brings the deck lower to the ground resulting in greater control and less chance of speed wobbles. Trust us, it’s a feature that will do you a solid, whether you’re cruising through the Santa Cruz Mountains, or find yourself in any situation where you may need to outrun that rent-a-cop in a golf cart.
If you’re just moving into the longboard scene, it might be a little while before your sliding and drifting with the best of them. But, when the time comes, the Drop Carve is ready with a stable 27-inch wheelbase and soft but grippy Mini-Monster wheels. We’ve put a lot of miles on our Drop Carve, and the ride was always buttery smooth and never a disappointment. On the days we felt like pushing the limits, this board handled speed with ease. As a bonus, the wheels gobbled up cracks, pebbles and cobblestone pavers as easy as you tear through a PB&J sandwich on a hot summer day. Even after months of testing, the more we ride this board, the more reasons we find to fall in love with it.
Bottom Line…
Whatever your destination, this is one board made for long rides, deep carves, and good times. Whether you’re new to the longboard scene or you’ve been dropping into hills behind your home for decades, the Drop Carve series is a stellar option for riders and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
The Landyachtz Giveaway…
What’s better than a Landyacthz Drop Carve? How about a free Drop Carve 40? Landyachtz has generously partnered with Gumption Gear Review to provide one of our readers a free Drop Carve 40. So go ahead, enter the contest below, share the love and best of luck!
*Gumption Gear Review received the item featured in this review from Landyachtz at no cost, and receives no monetary compensation for this or any related review. The item featured was provided solely in return for our honest views and opinions.