Australian skateboard maker has introduced a new type of grip tape alternative for its boards. Instead of the traditional tape, the company is utilizing hemp. The FGT Series woven hemp requires a special application process and takes at least two days to get it done, but it could be the last grip material you’ll ever need to apply. The results aren’t pretty – in our opinion – but it looks like it will do the trick and then some.
Tag: deck
Electrify Your Deck
Riding a skateboard can be fun, unless you’re riding it to commute somewhere, in which case one foot will probably feel might tired by the time you get to your destination. We’ve seen a lot of efforts to bring some power to the decks, but most require purchasing a brand new board.
Florida-based RedRock Boardshop is looking at this from a different angle and is looking to produce a powered LaGrange L1 truck, which basically can transform any board into a motorized and electric skateboard. Users can replace one of their existing trucks with the L1 or even build a deck up from scratch. The truck has a built-in 3,200 (4.3horsepower) brushless motor along with a speed controller, both of which are powered by a 10 amp-hour rechargeable battery. Video after the jump
Taking the Board Off-Road
Over the years there have been attempts to take skateboarding off road, with bigger tires, more tires but now Bryson Lovett has taken the board in a new direction. With his unique Vertrax Electric Skateboard he’s essentially ditched the traditional wheels, and in place utilizes a tread system – much like you find on a tank or tractor.
Thus instead of needing the typical flat and smooth skating surface, the Vertrax can tackle sand, snow, dirt, worn concrete or even grass quite well. There have been suggestions that it could be used in military operations, such as for transporting soldiers across rough terrain, and because the tracked skateboard is electric it runs quietly without the traditional exhaust of similarly small vehicles.
Given that a rider still has limited options for holding on the Vertrax is probably best on flat terrain as well, but it should be able to tackle conditions that would riders carrying their traditional skate deck.