PRODUCT
PATROL
By Jake Phelps
This month we received quite a
variety of products, some new,some
interesting and some experimental.
We'll scrutinize the new G&S trucks
(made from a combination of nylon
and chromolly steel), the Fuji
disposable camera, the new Buffet
66mm wheels, the production Cell
Block Ill's, Santa Cruz Rip Grip and
Wooster grip tape.
Gordon & Smith now makes
trucks that are a combination of
Supertough" nylon and 41/30
chromolly heat-tempered steel. If
their objective was to manufacture
the lightest truck around, it looks like
they may well have succeeded. Most
170mm trucks weigh in at around 15
az while the G&S trucks are trimmed
to 11.6 oz. The axles and the king
pins are hollow for strength (sup-
posedly) and to trim off extra weight.
The theory being: more surface
area-more strength. The ride is
somewhat different than conven-
tional trucks. Even when tightened
down hard, they seemed to have a
mind of their own. Supposedly the
turning radius is even tighter than
comparably sized trucks on the
market. When you're grinding metal
to metal, the tempered steel hangers
really slip and slide 'cause they're
harder than the steel coping on your
ramp. The baseplate is made of
metal and nylon, is unusually thick
and may require longer hardware or
thinner risers when mounted to your
deck. While these trucks may be the
lightest around, lightness is not
always the best thing. They retail for
$19.50 (170mm) and $18.50 (150mm),
per truck mind you. All I know is that
they look like someone made them
in their metal shop but they're
definitely worth a look. Gordon &
Smith, 7081 Consolidated Way, San
Diego, CA 92121-2604.
The Fuji Super H.R. Quick Snap
(film with a lens) is basically a
disposable 35mm camera. It's a
perfect take-along for those once-in-
a-lifetime skate sessions at pools and
secret spots. When you take off the
wrapping you'll find a cardboard box
inside with a viewfinder and a but-
lon. You have to stand at least three
feet away from your subject and push
the button. No focusing necessary
(or possible). Indoor pictures are not
especially good because of the lack
of light. Stop at a 7/11, buy a box, go
skate, take some photos, go to the
Photo-Mat, leave the whole box and
come back later. Presto! No camera,
just glossy color prints, quick, easy
and fun. Try one and you may be sur-
prised at how good a photographer
you are. Available where most other
throw-away items are sold.
BU
SULLER
ULLET
The new Bullets 66's are hot!
They're taller and appear thinner
than the first Bullets which are still
very popular. We rode a set of 92A's
and a set of 97A's; they also come in
95. These wheels come in one color,
white with a multi-colored, war paint
screen on the sidewalls. When riding
they seem to roll forever and the large
diameter is killer for grinding big cop-
ing or curbs. They are excellent for
large transitions. The 97's are a lit-
tle hard to get your bearings into, but
definitely worth the effort. We recom
mend larger risers for taller wheels
to prevent harsh wheel bite.
Also new in the idea department
at Santa Cruz is the production edi-
Z
NEW
Z
BULLE
QULLER
tion of the Cell Block III. It is plastic
and, as reviewed few months ago, is
designed to support the high impact
area around the rear truck where
most boards snap. It is a good idea
that is now available to the masses.
Santa Cruz also sent some new
Rip Grip, which is designed to give
the skater better finger grip in critical
board handling situations. It feels like
the stuff that's in bathroom shower
mats and comes in various die-cut
sizes and colors. Peel-off adhesive,
like a sticker, makes it easy to apply
to the most-grabbed areas-the nose
and rails. Try it, it works. Available
from NHS, 4401 Soquel Dr., Soquel,
CA 95073.
Series decks
Skate Rock
Please rush THRASHER MAGAZINE'S SKATE ROCK.
Here's a check or money order, payable to:
THRASHER MAGAZINE
P.O. Box 884570
S.F., CA 94188-4570.
spoonose 10°
SS spoontol 20°
7-PG 28"x9"
29"x10"
30"x10"
Street Tech 29"x9"
Street Rocket 30"x10"
Mark
Jones
Also in the friction department is
the most overlooked part of the deck:
grip tape. There is a new black tape
with an earth grain texture available
called Wooster and it is among the
best. It wears evenly and chews the
hell out of your shoes, but if you want
your feet to stay put this is the stuff.
It's funny that you hardly ever see
grip tape advertised in the magazine.
I guess 3M and the like make so
much cash on other things they don't
bother. Grip tape shouldn't be over-
looked because some does work bet-
ter than others. What would you do
without it? Wax up and go barefoot?
Available through Smoothill, 1595 F
Francisco, San Rafael, CA 94901.
New stuff:
Supercush 97 bushings
Borgy copers from Concrete Jungle
Mini Gator from Vision
New Vision Proton wheels.
Kryptonic Gamma Reaktor wheels
Manufacturers, we appeal to you
once again to send us a sample of
any new products for test and review.
Don't be shy or afraid. After all, when
the sales figures are added up the
most harsh review always comes
from the kid on the street or ramp.
However, they can't buy it if they don't
know it's out there. Send to:
THRASHER Magazine, c/o Jake,
Product Patrol, PO Box 884570, San
Francisco, CA 94188-4570
GET RAD
with
NEW
LITE
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new geometry
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Check choices:
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T-SHIRT S OM OL
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106
SKATE ROCK-Vol 1-The Big Boys, Black
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BLAZING WHEELS AND BARKING
TRUCKS Vol. 2 McRad, TSOL, Big Boys
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Ancestors: Gods of Sound, JFA, Drunk In-
jura Casette
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SMASH Vol. 4 Bloste Master Tato, Sorve
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5 BORN TO SKATE
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Z-33 33"x10"
oiled GMNs will get you higher faster
Z
Z Products, PO Box 5397, Sonto Monico, CR90405 (213) 476-4857
107