Shell of a Ride
David A. Dodson

When you walk up to your parents and tell them that you're taking your college money and using it to start up a skateboard company, you'd better either have a damn good plan or really quick reflexes. It takes cojones of cast iron to roll those dice. What big idea did Brad and Scott Imbrie have to back up such a gamble? Only one of the most responsive longboard trucks on the market today. Their revolutionary S-Series carving trucks use single spring resistance to give their boards insane turning radii. The secret is their unique snap back to center that lets you rip with confidence some of the most soulful curves you've ever skated. Using their revolutionary trucks as a foundation, their company, Original Skateboards, has been putting out some of the most thoughtfully designed and versatile rides since 2002.

Looks good on paper, but do their trucks really deliver? Like FedEx. We tested their new Terrapin 34 Complete Longboard with a set of S6 150mm trucks and Original Flame 60mm longboard wheels and were simply stunned by the effortless agility of this system. Though designed more for flatter land, the Terrapin isn't afraid of a little geometry. The unique fish nose and close tail guarantee bite free turns, while the relatively narrow S6s give you amazingly quick action with no noticeable energy loss.

Original's Flame wheels are the perfect compliment to the Terrapin. Designed for street or park riding, the Flame holds the ground well enough, but will slide due to the hardness of the wheel. We noticed they had a tendency to drift when we got heavy handed.

The 34" Terrapin deck is ideal for cruising. With its wide stance platform and slight flex, comfortable, intuitive carving flows naturally. I would highly recommend this board for novice or moderate skaters, but the Terrapin's charms would definitely not be lost on more experienced riders.

As impressive as the experience is, the quality of the construction of the Terrapin needs to be addressed. Everything about the board feels solid and tight. The bearings on the S6s are easy to get to and replacing them doesn't take much of a learning curve. Original Skateboards are so confident in their rides that they offer a six-month warranty on all boards and components. Like I said… cast iron cojones.

Bottom line is if you are looking for an ideal commuter board that won't disappoint on the curves, then the Terrapin 34 from Original Skateboards is the way to go. Perfect for rookies or ringers, the Terrapin is a sweet ride no matter who steps over the wheels. For about one hundred and fifty dollars, you can grab a complete setup from a dealer near you or online at www.OriginalSkateboards.com.