Smorgasboarder_16_March-2013

Photo: Elliott Chapman
DOES IT
WORK?
SMORGASBOARDER
TRIED AND TESTED
WORDS: MARK CHAPMAN
SMOOTHSTAR
BARRACUDA
From 30” to 39”, Smoothstar skateys
are built for all sizes, from groms to
grown-ups. When I first got hold of the
Barracuda - the smallest in the range
- I thought: “Oh yes, this is the grom
board - I’ll get the kids onto it.” I can
now report back that there is no chance
in hell I’m giving this one up to the kids.
Bigger obviously doesn’t mean better, as
this little rocket is fast, loose and more
responsive than a startled crack-junkie.
PROS
Compact, sturdy
and extremely
high quality
construction.
Perfect for landsurfi
ng when
the waves aren’t
playing along.
TECHNICALLY
SPEAKING...
LENGTH:....................30”
WIDTH: ...................8 ¾”
DECK:.........Maple/Birch”
WHEELS: .......62 x 46mm
EXTRA: ............ Thruster I
turning mechanism
THE WRAP
CONS
At $299, the Barracuda isn’t
bargain basement buying, but
you get what you pay for, and
this baby is worth every cent!
At the short 30”
the kids will think
it’s theirs, so you
may have to find
a secret hiding
place for it.
WHAT MAKES IT WORK?
IT’S WHAT’S UNDERNEATH THE BOARD THAT DOES THE JOB
No, I don’t mean the graphics,
although the WWII Tomahawk
fighter plane inspired look is
very slick (and comes in a few
different colour combos). What I’m
referring to is the Thruster turning
mechanism, which essentially
allows the front truck to rotate.
Spring-loaded, the Thruster lets
you turn way beyond the range of
a normal skatey, and - here’s the
magic - allows you to be selfpropelling.
You’re pumping the
board like a shortboard surfboard,
rather than putting your foot down
to give it a push along.
MORE INFO
The Smoothstar website has
loads of info, videos, photos and
you can even buy one online.
www.smoothstar.com.au
144
SMORGASBOARDER | MAR/APR 2013