The world of longboarding is incredibly diverse, with various sub-disciplines catering to different styles and preferences. Among these, long-distance pushing (LDP) or long-distance pumping stands out as a niche yet dedicated community. While the term LDP might seem outdated, it encompasses everything from serious distance skating to comfortable commutes. This diversity creates a wide range of opinions on the ideal longboard setup. However, one board consistently receives high praise within the LDP community: the Pantheon Trip. This double-drop longboard is frequently cited as the benchmark against which all other distance-focused boards are measured.
Why the Pantheon Trip Stands Out
The Pantheon Trip isn’t just another longboard; it’s meticulously designed for optimal performance and comfort. Its drop-through design lowers the ride height, which makes it incredibly stable and easy to push, crucial for covering long distances. The deck’s construction, featuring a maple core, triaxial fiberglass, and a rosewood veneer, ensures stiffness, durability, and a sleek look.
More Than a Beginner Board
Although often recommended for beginners due to its stability and ease of use, the Pantheon Trip is far from just a beginner board. Its design is optimized for experienced riders seeking maximum efficiency and comfort for long-distance rides. The unique crescent drops not only enhance comfort but also provide a deceptively large standing platform. It truly feels like this board was designed by a distance skater, for distance skaters.
Design Features for Distance
The thoughtfully designed features of the Pantheon Trip are ideal for long-distance skating. The deck’s shape prevents wheel bite and minimizes the chances of kicking the wheels when fatigued. The stock setup, typically including 85mm wheels and 150mm trucks, is designed to maximize the rider’s energy, even when fatigue sets in. These aspects all add up to make the Trip the ideal choice for long distance pushing.
Pantheon Trip vs. Pranayama
The Pantheon Pranayama is another popular longboard from the same brand, but the primary difference lies in the truck type. The Trip uses reverse kingpin (RKP) trucks, while the Pranayama uses traditional kingpin (TKP) trucks. Both decks share similar designs with minor adjustments for accommodating different truck types. While many double drop decks are built to use both truck types, Pantheon designed each deck with a specific purpose in mind.
The choice between RKP and TKP trucks often depends on personal preference. RKP trucks typically provide more stability at higher speeds, while TKP trucks have a more responsive and lively feel. The Pantheon Trip is known for its stability, making it perfect for distance skating and commuting, while the Pranayama offers a more agile feel that many riders prefer.
When To Choose the Pantheon Trip
If you’re a beginner looking for a stable and smooth board for cruising, the Trip is an excellent choice. For those interested in distance skating, this board is the ideal pusher. Commuters who face mild hills will appreciate the stability of the Trip’s RKP trucks, with an option for a 43-degree rear truck for enhanced performance.
When the Trip May Not Be the Best Choice
If you specifically prefer the feel of TKP trucks on a double drop longboard, the Pantheon Pranayama would be a better fit. If you have a wider stance or need more standing space, consider the Pantheon Quest or Nexus, particularly if you prefer a double drop for heavier riders or faster hills.
Specifications
Here are the specifications of the Pantheon Trip:
- Deck: 33” long, 9.25” wide, 27.25” wheelbase
- Bushings: Cone/Barrel 90a
- Trucks: Paris 150mm RKP Trucks
- Wheels: 85mm Seismic Speed Vents or Orangatang Caguamas
- Concave: Mild radial with 1.3” Crescent drop
- Profile: Rocker
- Construction: 6 ply Maple core, fiberglass top and bottom, rosewood veneer
Pros
- Low ride height: Makes pushing easier and more efficient.
- Deceptively large foot space: The standing platform feels more spacious than the specs suggest.
- Protection from wheel bite: The deck is designed to prevent wheel bite under normal riding conditions.
- Stability: Even new riders will find it easy to balance and ride.
Cons
- Risk of scraping the deck: Due to its low ride height, it may scrape when going over speed bumps.
Final Verdict
The Pantheon Trip is undoubtedly one of the best long-distance pushing longboards on the market. Its thoughtfully designed complete setup is durable, efficient, and exceptionally fun to ride. It earns a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars. Keep an eye out for presales as Pantheon tends to have supply shortages, and signing up for their newsletter is a great way to stay informed on stock availability.
