To fill this void, I recently tried out the RT Classic 29 from Flexdex . Looking for a board that was fast and responsive but still offering some surf-like carving action, I was impressed by its fusion of form and function. Billed as “the ultimate in an all-around skateboard”, Flexdex's RT Classic 29 offers an interesting blend of spicy new school technology and some old school classic style.
The Stats
Wheels: 65mm ABEC 11 No Skool wheels with a high rebound urethane, medium sized contact patch and rounded outer edge, powered by RocknRon Ballistech Rocket bearings.
The wheels are fast and extremely smooth. On a downhill, these babies are insane, offering all the speed a semi-serious surfing cross-trainer like me wants (and then some). They grip hard and worked well at the skate park as well.
Trucks: Tracker 149mm RT-S/RT-X trucks.
According to Flexdex, both trucks work together and independently, operating as a rear traction truck and front steering truck.
Deck: 29” fully grip taped and made from a fiberglass composite.
It is(according to Flexdex) almost unbreakable.
The Real deal for a Surfer
The wheel/truck combination creates a fun blend of speed and traction. I never spun out or lost control after hitting the skate park and riding a few downhills. The wheels never leave the ground, but they still pump razor-sharp turns. For me, I really like the short flexing deck and how it cooperates with the rest of the components. It lets the rider take that surfing carve into some really interesting places, especially at the park, but still allows a smooth cruise through the neighborhood in full soul arch mode. In terms of a trick board, this didn’t work for me, but I don’t think that is the point of the Classic 29. The lack of kick in the tail coupled with the flex in the deck doesn’t afford many radical street tricks, but it still radiates more fun and speed than most of the carving boards I have ridden.
Bottom Line
The Flexdex RT Classic 29 is perfect for the modern surfer who is looking for more than just cruising and carving in the off-season. Its short, flexing deck coupled with state of the art trucks and wheels designed for speed and traction make for a ride that is fluid and radical. Riding a board like the Flexdex RT Classic 29 allows a surfer time to work on standard surfing issues of turning, balance, and commitment even when the surf is flat.
Note: Flexdex also offers a mini version of the Classic 29 that looks cool...the 23" Grenade.
