The Landyachtz Drop Cat 33 has garnered attention as a compact and user-friendly cruiser. After extensive testing, this longboard has proven to be an exceptional ride, boasting a low profile, smooth handling, and impressive responsiveness. While its turning dynamics might feel unusual at first, the overall experience is a testament to Landyachtz’s design prowess. This review dives into the specifics of the Drop Cat 33, highlighting its strengths and areas for improvement.
Landyachtz Drop Cat 33 Specifications
- Width: 9 inches
- Length: 33 inches
- Wheels: Hawgs 72mm 78a Plow King wheels
- Trucks: Reverse kingpin Bear Gen 6 trucks, 50°, 180mm
- Bearings: Space Balls Abec 7 bearings
- Construction: 7 plies of Maple
Note: This board was provided for review as part of a sponsorship agreement; however, the review remains unbiased.
Riding Expectations for the Drop Cat 33
When selecting a cruiser, a smaller size often translates to agility, portability, and overall enjoyment. The appeal of a compact cruiser lies in its ability to handle quick turns, execute slides, and navigate urban environments with ease. While mini-cruisers may not be ideal for extended distances or rough terrains, they offer a unique experience.
fireball cruiser ollie
The Drop Cat 33 was chosen to address the shortcomings of smaller boards. Its 33-inch length, low-riding platform, larger wheels, and promise of sharp turns made it an attractive option. The initial ride confirmed these suspicions. It was an incredibly easy board to ride, but the turning had some nuances to it.
Compact Size and Maneuverability
At 33 inches, the Landyachtz Drop Cat is notably compact compared to most drop-through cruisers which tend to be 36 inches or more. This smaller size contributes to its nimble handling and ease of carrying. The reduced length translates to sharper turns and a lighter feel, making it more manageable than larger boards.
Landyachtz Drop Cat 33 board
However, this compact design also results in a smaller standing platform. The wheel cutouts, necessary to avoid wheelbite, limit the usable standing area to roughly 20 inches. This may pose a challenge for riders with wider stances or taller individuals.
Standing Platform Dimensions
The standing platform is approximately 20 inches long, 9 inches wide at the front, and 8 inches wide at the back, tapering towards the rear. Riders familiar with small cruisers will find the transition to the Drop Cat seamless, as the platform offers a similar feel with added width and comfort.
Landyachtz Drop Cat standing platform
Despite the comfortable width, some riders may feel the platform is too short, particularly if they prefer their feet over the mounting points. Overall, the board’s size is a perfect blend of portability and rideability.
Flex and Rocker Profile
The Drop Cat has a noticeable flex that lowers the rider closer to the ground. This design enhances pushing and foot braking efficiency. The flex, coupled with a pronounced rocker, creates a super low-riding experience, which adds a dynamic element to the ride.
The flex acts as a shock absorber, smoothing out vibrations from uneven surfaces, and it adds a playful bounce to turns. However, riders should be cautious not to push the flex too far, which can cause the wheels to lose traction.
Turning Dynamics and Truck Angles
The turning characteristics of the Drop Cat stand out. Unlike many drop-through boards that feel sluggish, this board boasts a nimble feel, due to its smaller wheelbase. The rocker profile further enhances turning by wedging the front trucks by 5-7 degrees and the back trucks by 3-5 degrees.
Landyachtz Drop Cat truck angle
This wedging brings the overall truck angles to approximately 57 and 53 degrees, respectively, contributing to a tighter turning radius and a more responsive feel. However, with the stock bushings, the turning action can be abrupt and not entirely intuitive.
The Turning Feel
The turning action can be described as a quick engage followed by a sudden stop. The board does not smoothly lean into turns like a top-mount but rather has a sudden turn followed by a hard stop where additional pressure won’t deepen the turn, requiring the rider to hold the angle.
turning on the landyatchz drop cat
Low Riding Height
The combination of the drop-through design, the rocker, and flex of the board ensures a very low riding height, making it incredibly easy to push and foot brake.
Pushing and Footbraking
The low profile reduces fatigue when pushing and makes foot braking more efficient. Riders won’t have to reach as far to push or footbrake, conserving energy, which is particularly beneficial for longer rides or uphill inclines.
pushing on the landyachtz drop cat
Comfort and Concave
The Drop Cat has minimal concave and is rather mellow, with slight wheel flares that might be an issue for riders with very large feet. The rear of the board, where the wheel flares are more pronounced, can feel uncomfortable if the feet are positioned directly across them.
landyachtz drop cat cross section
The main comfort issue arises from the small standing platform. This might not be a big deal for smaller riders, but bigger riders should consider the larger Drop Cat 38 for better comfort and stability.
Construction Quality
Despite its flex, the board is exceptionally durable. It can support riders up to 250lbs. The construction quality is top-notch, and the board can handle diverse riding conditions without any issues with cracks.
Suitability for Sliding
While the Landyachtz Drop Cat is not designed for downhill racing, its low profile makes it an excellent board for learning to slide. The drop-through design facilitates easier traction breaks, making sliding accessible to beginners.
standing with the landyachtz drop cat
Its agility and low center of gravity make it great for slides at speeds under 25 mph, but riders with wider stances might find the platform too restrictive.
Components: Trucks, Wheels, and Bearings
The Drop Cat comes with high-quality components, including Bear trucks and Hawgs wheels, both subsidiaries of Landyachtz.
Hawgs Plow King Wheels
The Hawgs Plow King wheels are a pleasant surprise, offering impressive performance. They roll quickly, accelerate rapidly, and absorb road vibrations effectively. While not designed for racing, these wheels excel in the 15-30mph range and can slide easily, although this might be influenced by the Drop Cat’s design.
hawgs plow kings
Bear Spaceball Bearings
The Bear Spaceball Abec 7 bearings initially release excess lubricant, which is normal during the break-in period. After a short period, these bearings perform well, even after exposure to dust and moisture.
bear spaceball bearings
Bear Gen 6 Trucks
The Bear Gen 6 trucks are a notable upgrade from their predecessors. They offer a smooth, predictable, and carvy feel, greatly enhancing the overall riding experience.
components of the landyachtz drop cat
Areas for Improvement
Tight-Rope Turning Feel
The most significant drawback of the Drop Cat is its tight-rope feel when turning. The board reacts suddenly and abruptly, which can be unsettling.
To remedy this, the cupped washer on the bottom of the board-side bushing can be removed to allow the trucks to flow more smoothly. However, replacing stock bushings with aftermarket options is recommended for optimal performance. Soft hardcore bushings, for example, provide the smoother lean needed for greater confidence and control.
hardcore bushings
Graphic Stains Easily
The white graphic on the board can show dirt and grease stains quite prominently. While cleaning can remove most stains, riders who prioritize aesthetics may opt for the darker versions of the board.
picture of dirty landyachtz drop cat
Price Point
At around $200, the Drop Cat is a bit pricey. However, the high-quality components justify the cost for those seeking a premium product.
No Kicktail
The lack of a kicktail might be an issue for those accustomed to using one for navigating urban obstacles, like curbs, but this wasn’t a problem for the reviewer, who is experienced with boards lacking a kicktail.
Potential Issues to Be Aware Of
Wheel Kicks
Due to its short size, the board can be prone to accidental wheel kicks, particularly when getting used to the board. However, this is generally a minor issue that can be quickly addressed with better riding habits.
Water Spray
The wheel cutouts can allow water and mud to spray onto the rider. Therefore, it’s best to ride this board in dry conditions or with wheel shields to protect against spray.
Truck Width Limitations
Using trucks narrower than 160mm can lead to wheelbite. Therefore, sticking with the stock setup or ensuring that replacements meet the minimum width requirement is essential.
Who Should Buy the Drop Cat?
- Riders seeking a compact, easy-to-handle cruiser.
- Those wanting a compact board suitable for longer distances.
- Beginners and younger riders who would benefit from the board’s smaller size and low profile.
Who Should Avoid the Drop Cat?
- Those with a limited budget.
- Riders with very wide stances may find the 33-inch version too small and might prefer the Drop Cat 38.
- Riders who rely on a kicktail for navigation.
Where to Buy the Landyachtz Drop Cat
The Landyachtz Drop Cat can be purchased at the following locations:
- Landyachtz Website (Use code “AroniSkate&Explore15” for 5% off)
- Stoked Ride Shop (Drop Cat 33)
- Stoked Ride Shop (Drop Cat 38)
Conclusion
The Landyachtz Drop Cat 33 is an exceptional cruiser with its compact size, low profile, and responsive handling, making it a joy to ride. Despite minor drawbacks, such as the unique turning feel and the potential for graphic stains, its benefits far outweigh any negatives. If you value a board that is agile, easy to push, and fun to ride, the Drop Cat 33 is definitely worth considering. If you are still undecided, check out our best cruiser boards list for more options.
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