VibeRide’s Brakeboard has been making waves in the longboarding community with its innovative braking system. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s delve into a comprehensive review, examining its features, performance, and whether it’s worth the investment.
Specifications
- Deck:
- Length: 40 inches
- Width: 8.75 inches
- Ply: 7-ply
- Flex: Flexy
- Griptape: Spray-on glass (see-through)
- Mounting: Drop-through
- Concave: Convex
- Trucks:
- Width: 180mm
- Angle: 50 degrees
- Wheels:
- Diameter: 70mm
- Contact Patch: 51mm
- Durometer: 78a
- Bearings:
- Generic Abec 11
- Price:
- Complete: $359
- Brake alone: $269
VibeRide Brakeboard complete setup
Disclaimer: This product was provided for review purposes. The following is an honest and unbiased assessment.
Addressing Marketing Claims
Before diving into the review, it’s important to address some of VibeRide’s marketing claims. While creative marketing is expected, some of their messaging borders on being misleading, and it’s important for potential buyers to be aware of these points.
The Origin of the Brakeboard
VibeRide often presents itself as the originator of the Brakeboard, however this isn’t entirely accurate. The Brakeboard design actually dates back to 1999, created by Australian inventor Ben Newman. VibeRide acquired the patent, made some design tweaks, and heavily marketed the product. While they have made innovations, they weren’t the original inventors of the Brakeboard concept itself.
Original Brakeboard design
The distinction might seem minor, but it’s important for transparency. VibeRide has indeed developed a product based on the original design but it’s important to recognize the original inventor.
Claims about High-Speed Safety
VibeRide also suggests that their board allows riders to go 40 mph and remain safe. While technically feasible with the right equipment and skill, it’s a misleading statement. Reaching high speeds safely depends on a combination of rider skill and proper gear. The VibeRide complete board, while functional, isn’t optimized for the high-speed conditions that would make those claims a reality. Seasoned downhill skaters would be hesitant to use the complete setup at such speeds. It’s important to remember that even with brakes, accidents can happen if you don’t know how to handle speed.
VibeRide Brakeboard Review
Overall Board Quality
As a standalone longboard, the VibeRide complete is actually fairly good. It’s based on the Arbor Axis bamboo board, sharing the same deck shape, flexibility, and see-through spray-on griptape. The flexibility of the board combined with the turny trucks creates a playful and comfortable experience.
Knock-off Paris style trucks on the VibeRide Brakeboard
However, the trucks are knock-off Paris-style and have a unique rear hanger to accommodate the braking system. The 70mm wheels are where the board’s weaknesses lie.
The Wheel Problem
The provided wheels are a major disappointment. At 70mm, without a large core or premium urethane, they are slow to roll and lack momentum retention. They don’t accelerate quickly, requiring constant pushing to maintain speed, and they are not interchangeable due to the unique core designed to connect with the brake system using three bearings each.
VibeRide Brakeboard wheels with unique brake core
A higher quality, larger wheel with a substantial core would have made a significant positive difference to the overall skating experience.
Downhill Performance
Despite VibeRide’s marketing, this isn’t a board recommended for high-speed downhill skating. The flexible deck, high-angle, turny trucks, and cone bushings make it prone to speed wobbles at higher speeds. A proper downhill board requires a stiff deck, lower angle, less turny trucks, and barrel bushings for greater stability. It is crucial to understand the limitations of this board and not push it beyond its capabilities, especially given the inherent dangers of downhill longboarding.
Brakeboard in a high speed situation
The Braking System
Functionality
The Brakeboard’s primary selling point is, of course, its braking system. The system does work, and it will slow you down. The brake is easy to engage, even for inexperienced riders. However, it’s not as powerful or effective as other forms of braking.
Close up of the Brakeboard braking system
Comparison with Foot Braking
When compared to foot braking, the Brakeboard doesn’t perform as well. Foot braking allows for more stopping power and control due to the ability to apply significant body weight. In emergency situations, foot braking is the more reliable method for a quick stop.
Foot braking on the VibeRide board
While the Brakeboard is easier to use, requiring less energy and balancing, it should not be considered a substitute for learning to footbrake.
Performance at Speed and on Hills
At high speeds, the Brakeboard is not as effective as other methods like sliding or foot braking. At faster speeds, the brakes take far too long to stop, requiring the rider to plan well in advance. On steep hills, the Brakeboard may not even be able to stop the rider, merely slowing them to a consistent pace. Gravity often overpowers the brake’s stopping force, making it unsuitable for steep downhill runs. Relying solely on the Brakeboard in these situations is dangerous and not recommended.
Brakeboard on a hill
Brake Fade and Reliability
During casual skating and mild downhill runs, the brakes did not experience noticeable fade. However, any braking system pushed to its limits will fade, therefore prolonged use on steep hills or extended descents is not recommended. While the brakes didn’t fail, it’s essential to have a backup braking method such as foot braking or sliding for safety in emergency situations.
Speed Wobbles and Stability
The leaned-back position required to use the brakes can potentially lead to speed wobbles. Despite this, the reviewer didn’t experience any significant instability issues, possibly due to the wide trucks and tight rear truck configuration. For everyday cruising, stability doesn’t seem to be a major concern.
Leaning back on the longboard
Disadvantages of the Brakeboard
- Noise: The brake system can be quite noisy, rattling during use.
- Catching: The brakes might apply themselves unexpectedly, though this may be due to the intense testing of the board. Loosening the brake force nut may alleviate this issue.
- Rain Performance: The braking performance in the rain is untested, but concerns exist about locking up the brakes and the hassle of cleaning all the intricate parts.
- Griptape: The initial sprayed-on griptape flakes off easily.
Brakeboard parts and components
Spray on griptape on the board
Best Use Cases
The Brakeboard is best suited for casual, everyday riding in relaxed environments where sudden stops aren’t often required. It’s also a good option for people with disabilities who have difficulty with traditional braking methods.
Inclusivity
The Brakeboard’s biggest advantage is its inclusiveness. It allows people with disabilities or older riders who may struggle with footbraking to safely enjoy longboarding.
Conclusion
The VibeRide Brakeboard is innovative and fun to ride. It is inclusive, and allows for more people to enjoy the sport. However, the complete board has some significant limitations, especially the quality of its wheels and the misleading marketing around its high-speed performance. The braking system, while functional, is not as effective as foot braking or sliding and should not be relied upon as the sole method of speed control.
Is It Worth the Price?
For the right person, it can be. The brake kit itself is a better investment than the complete board. If you are simply avoiding foot braking because of laziness, it is not worth it. You can learn to footbrake. If you plan to use it for controlled hill descents, it can be a viable option. If you want to use it for high speed runs, it is not recommended. If you have a disability that prevents traditional braking, it can be a great option.
The Brakeboard is a novel product but doesn’t replace fundamental longboarding skills. It’s best viewed as a tool for relaxed riding and accessibility, not a replacement for proper technique.
Final Thoughts
Have you had experience with the VibeRide Brakeboard? Do you agree with the points made in this review? Share your thoughts below!
