The Arbor Oso Foundation has garnered attention as a potential go-to cruiser, especially for those new to longboarding. I recently acquired one to put it through its paces and see if it lives up to the hype. My initial impression? This board is fun! This review will delve into the details of the Arbor Oso, analyzing its pros, cons, and overall performance to help you decide if it’s the right longboard for you. I buy all the products I review, ensuring an unbiased perspective.
Pros
- Excellent Stability: The Arbor Oso is exceptionally stable, making it perfect for beginners or those looking for a confidence-inspiring ride.
- Fast Acceleration: This board gets up to speed quickly and maintains it well, making it great for cruising around town.
- Stable at High Speeds: Even when you’re moving fast, the Oso remains stable and predictable, which enhances the riding experience.
- Versatile: With a bushing upgrade, this cruiser is capable of handling pools and bowls, adding to its versatility.
- Suitable for All Skill Levels: Both beginners and more experienced riders will find something to enjoy in this board.
Cons
- Heavy: The board’s weight can make it a bit cumbersome to carry around, though it adds to the stability while riding.
- Sluggish Turning: The stock bushings make turning feel a bit stiff. Loosening the trucks can help but replacement bushings are necessary.
- Poor Bushings: The bushings are excessively hard, a notable oversight by Arbor. Upgrading these is essential for optimal performance.
First Impressions
Arbor Oso Foundation bottom viewThe first thing I noticed when I unboxed the Arbor Oso was its size and weight. It’s definitely larger and heftier than most of my other cruisers. The wooden deck’s patterns and the transparent grip tape also give it an appealing look. The wide trucks suggest a very stable ride, which is ideal for beginners, and it felt sturdy right away. The amber-colored wheels caught my eye with their unique look but I wondered if they would perform as good as they look.
Specifications
Here’s a detailed rundown of the Arbor Oso Foundation’s specifications:
- Length: 31.5 inches
- Width: 10 inches
- Trucks: 169mm Paris Trucks
- Wheelbase: 14.5 inches
- Bearings: Arbor Abec 5 with Spacers
- Riser Pads: 1/8 inch
- Concave: Radial, Medium Depth
- Griptape: Clear, Spray-On
- Flex: Stiff
- Wheels: 78A Durometer, 61mm Diameter
- Construction: 7-Ply Maple with Premium Wood Topsheet
The Arbor Oso comes in two main versions: the Foundation and the Legacy. The Foundation features a more modern design, while the Legacy has a classic look.
Arbor Oso Foundation
Arbor Oso Collective
Deck
Arbor Oso Foundation top viewThe deck is noticeably wide, offering ample room for foot placement and movement. Its size gives it an old-school aesthetic and contributes to its stable nature. The weight does not feel cumbersome when riding and it enhances the overall stability of the longboard. The forgiving nature of the deck allows you to adjust your stance, making it great for beginner longboarders. I found my preferred foot positions to be near the front bolts and close to the tail.
Huge Kicktail
Arbor Oso Foundation KicktailThe kicktail is impressively large, reminiscent of an old-school deck but with a steeper angle. It adds versatility for more aggressive riding styles and offers a point of leverage when encountering obstacles. While it may take some getting used to if you’re used to the rounded shape of popsicle skateboards, it serves its purpose well.
Wheels – Arbor Easy Rider Bogart 61mm/78A
These 61mm wheels with a 78A durometer are a standout feature of the Oso. Their amber color adds a touch of style, and the transparent design reveals the bearings and spacers. These wheels are the same ones used on the Arbor Pilsner, performing well on various terrains, including gravel and cracks. Though they are less grippy compared to some other wheels, they strike a good balance between grip and slide, ideal for cruising and carving. The wheels are not designed for long-distance cruising but excel at fun, short rides and park sessions. The previous version of the Oso had 58mm 80A wheels which I did not like, but the upgrade to the 61mm 78A is a big improvement.
Wide Trucks – Paris 169mm
Arbor Oso foundation trucksThe 169mm Paris trucks are robust and visually appealing with their engraved logos. They provide a stable platform and respond well to minor corrections. The trucks allow for an aggressive lean without compromising stability, which is great for downhill runs (although I have not tested the board to the absolute max downhill).
Bushings
The bushings, unfortunately, are the weak point of the setup. They are too hard and limit the board’s turning ability, this is a significant drawback of this longboard. To fully enjoy the Oso, replacing the stock bushings is essential.
Bearings
Arbor bearingsThe Arbor Abec 5 bearings are surprisingly good for a complete setup. They are quiet and fast, outperforming many other stock bearings. While they’re not quite as good as aftermarket options like Bones Swiss 6, they perform adequately for the standard setup.
Design
Arbor Oso Foundation bottom view designThe Arbor Oso’s graphics have a simple, modern, yet old-school look that I find visually appealing. Though the specific graphics may change, the overall design remains consistent. The Foundation version’s color scheme, while combining blue and green, manages to create a cohesive look. For those who are unable to find the Foundation model, the Oso Artist series is an alternative with different graphics and black griptape.
Arbor Oso Artist cruiser
Arbor Oso Artist bottom view
Taking It for a Test Ride
The Arbor Oso felt great from the first push. Its stability and surprisingly quick turning made a great initial impression. You will need to loosen the trucks to get the best responsiveness out of the board, and doing so will make a noticeable difference. The 61mm/78A wheels roll fast despite their small size, allowing the board to maintain speed. However, the wheels can feel unforgiving on very rough surfaces. The bearings are quiet, and the wheels handle cracks and damaged asphalt without issues.
When Not to Buy
The Arbor Oso is a great all-around longboard but it may not be for everyone. It may not be the best option if you’re after a very flexible board, a lightweight board for trick riding, or a longboard that is designed for skate parks. Its primary purpose is cruising and its weight and size make it unsuitable for tricks.
Consider other options if you:
- Want to do flip tricks or dance
- Are looking for a flexy board
- Plan to use it primarily in skate parks
When to Buy
This board strikes an excellent balance between stability and performance making it great for beginners and experienced riders. The Oso is stable, carves well and can handle rough surfaces with ease. It’s also a great option for older skaters who want to enjoy cruising. The board’s versatility allows it to be used for bowl riding with a bushing upgrade.
Consider buying this board when:
- You want a quality cruiser that can be used in parks and bowls.
- You are looking for a stable longboard.
- You need something portable and versatile.
Upgrading Wheels, Bearings & Bushings
Swapping out the stock wheels and bearings for OJ Super Juice wheels (78A, 60mm) and Zealous bearings, the board’s performance was significantly enhanced. Though the stock wheels and bearings are decent, upgrades can really make this board shine. I strongly suggest swapping the stock bushings as they are very stiff and limit the board’s ability to carve effectively.
Conclusion
The Arbor Oso Foundation is a fantastic choice for both beginner and experienced riders. Its stability, speed, and versatility make it an enjoyable longboard to ride. The board performs well out of the box and can be further improved with a few upgrades, namely the bushings. While it has some minor drawbacks such as its weight and the stock bushings, these do not outweigh its many positive features. The old-school aesthetic of the Oso combined with its modern performance makes it a worthy addition to any quiver.
The Oso has become my favorite cruiser, so much so that my Landyachtz Dinghy is now collecting dust. If you are looking for a smaller alternative, I recommend checking out the Arbor Pilsner.
Ruben vee
