The Pantheon Pranayama has garnered significant attention in the longboarding community, particularly among those seeking the ideal commuter board. This review delves into what makes the Pranayama stand out, examining its design, ride quality, and how it compares to other options on the market. We’ll explore why it’s considered a top contender for the best commuter longboard available today.
The demand for longboards designed specifically for commuting has surged in recent years. These boards prioritize getting riders from one point to another efficiently, comfortably, and safely. The Pantheon Pranayama aims to fulfill these needs, offering a design that caters to both beginners and experienced riders.
Pantheon Pranayama review
Exceptional Riding Experience
The Pantheon Pranayama is designed with commuting and long-distance pushing (LDP) in mind, making it a premier choice for those seeking a reliable and comfortable mode of transportation. This double-drop longboard is meticulously crafted to provide a flawless ride, capable of handling large wheels that minimize vibrations and maximize comfort. Its low profile, compact size, and surprisingly spacious feel set it apart from other commuter boards. Notably, it’s also designed explicitly for street trucks, which contributes to its unique ride.
Upon unboxing, three immediate impressions often arise: the board’s aesthetic appeal, its remarkably low stance, and a question about how much space it offers. Let’s address each of these. The aesthetic is subjective, but the design and craftsmanship of the Pranayama are hard to deny. The attention to detail and thoughtful engineering are immediately apparent to any skater.
Specs:
- Deck: 31.375” long, 9.25” wide, 26” wheelbase
- Bushings: Cone/Barrel 93a
- Trucks: Paris 149mm Street Trucks
- Wheels: 85mm Seismic Speed Vents or Orangatang Caguamas
- Concave: Mild radial with 1.3” Crescent drop
- Profile: Slight mustache (camber/rocker)
- Construction: 6-ply Maple, fiberglass top and bottom, walnut veneer
Pantheon-Pranayama-top-view
How the Pantheon Pranayama Rides
When comparing double-drop longboards, the Pantheon Pranayama stands out with its exceptionally low ride height, approximately 2.75” with Seismic Speed Vent wheels. This low stance significantly eases the effort required for pushing. While the advantage of a lower ride might not be immediately noticeable on shorter cruises, the difference becomes increasingly apparent over longer distances. The Pranayama’s design allows it to handle larger wheels, enabling riders to cover ground faster and more comfortably. It gives the sensation of almost hovering above the ground, offering an effortless and smooth riding experience.
Pantheon Pranayama longboard
Size and Maneuverability
The Pranayama’s size is deceptive. At just over 31 inches, it is shorter than many skateboards. The standing platform is listed at 22.5 inches, but the board feels much larger when riding. Pantheon’s crescent drops provide ample foot space at the toe and heel while keeping the rider close to the trucks, enhancing maneuverability. Comparing it to longer double-drop boards like the Zenit AB 2.0, the Pranayama surprisingly feels less cramped despite its shorter length. This is largely due to the well-considered deck design.
Pantheon Pranayama bottom view
Precision Engineering and Wheel Protection
The precision and thoughtfulness put into the Pranayama’s design are evident. Small details, like the protection at the nose and tail, make this board stand out. When using larger wheels (80-85mm), the wheels protrude beyond the deck, preventing damage from impacts with curbs or other obstacles. This thoughtful design ensures that the board’s edges remain intact, even during accidental collisions.
Moreover, the Pranayama is designed to eliminate wheelbite. The width of the board and the wheel placement make it nearly impossible to kick the wheel while riding, which is a common issue with many other longboards. This feature enhances safety and allows for a more relaxed and comfortable ride, reducing the risk of falls due to wheel contact. This level of attention to detail is rare and contributes significantly to the board’s overall performance and rider experience.
Pantheon Pranayama wheels
Street Trucks and Ride Feel
The Pranayama is specifically designed to be used with street trucks, a departure from the reverse-kingpin (RKP) trucks more commonly found on longboards. This design choice leads to a more responsive ride with quicker dives and less turn when leaning. While some riders might prefer the stability of RKP trucks, the low profile of the Pranayama mitigates any stability issues, making it suitable even for beginners. The combination of the street trucks, the low deck, and the stiff 6-ply maple construction creates a lively and enjoyable ride.
Pantheon Pranayama trucks close up
Pros
The Pantheon Pranayama offers numerous advantages that make it a top choice for commuters and long-distance riders:
- Protected Deck: Large wheels extend beyond the deck, preventing damage to the nose and tail.
- Low Ride Height: The low profile makes pushing significantly easier and more efficient.
- Deceptively Large Foot Space: The crescent drops provide a spacious platform for comfortable riding.
- Portable Size: Its compact size makes it easy to carry on buses, planes, and in stores.
- Wheelbite Protection: The design virtually eliminates the risk of kicking the wheels.
- Lively Ride: The board is responsive, maneuverable, and fast, making it fun to ride.
Pantheon Pranayama wheels against a curb
Cons (or Limitations)
Despite its many advantages, the Pantheon Pranayama has a few limitations:
- Foot Bite: Riders with large feet might experience foot bite, where the wheel rubs against the foot during deep carves.
- Risk of Deck Scraping: The low ride height can lead to scraping the bottom of the deck on speed bumps or curbs. However, this is a common issue with most double-drop boards.
Pantheon Pranayama riding
How Does it Compare to its Peers?
The market offers several high-quality double-drop commuter longboards, but the Pranayama’s design and overall quality make it a standout. While companies like Zenit, Bustin, Rayne, and Landyachtz produce excellent boards, the Pranayama has addressed many of the limitations found in these alternatives.
For example, the Zenit AB 2.0 has a flexible deck and an asymmetrical design that can feel cramped. The Zenit Maze is too small for long-distance pushing. The Bustin Maestro struggles with larger wheels and has a risk of stress cracks. The Bustin Sportster is heavy and less maneuverable. Landyachtz boards often don’t eliminate wheelbite, while Rayne’s Demonseed is more of a freeride board. The Pranayama has improved on these designs, addressing issues such as wheelbite, deck damage, and stability.
When To Buy
If you are looking for the best commuter longboard on the market, the Pantheon Pranayama is an excellent choice. It offers a blend of function, fun, and efficiency. If you prefer RKP trucks, consider the Pranayama’s twin, the Pantheon Trip.
When Not To Buy
If you are primarily interested in dancing or doing tricks that involve lifting the board off the ground, other types of boards may be more suitable. Also, if you prefer RKP trucks or require a larger standing platform, the Pranayama might not be the best fit. Pantheon offers solutions for those needing more space with models like the Quest and Nexus.
Verdict
The Pantheon Pranayama is a highly praised and widely loved longboard, and for good reason. It offers a combination of stability, safety, and enjoyable cruising experience, making it suitable for riders of all ages. It is a top-tier commuter board that allows riders to cover long distances comfortably and efficiently.
For anyone looking to get into longboarding or upgrade to a superior commuter board, the Pranayama is a worthwhile investment. While there might be cheaper options available, they often require upgrades and adjustments to match the performance of the Pranayama. With its superior design, the Pranayama provides a complete package, making it the best double-drop commuter on the market. This is why the Pantheon Pranayama earns a 5 out of 5 stars rating. Due to material shortages, the Pranayama isn’t always available, so it’s recommended to sign up for Pantheon’s newsletter to stay informed on presale opportunities.
