The Landyachtz Freedive Reef has become my go-to deck, experiencing countless combinations of trucks, wheels, and setups. It stands out as a favorite within the Landyachtz lineup and perhaps even among all the boards I’ve ever ridden. However, it’s not without its quirks, making it less than ideal for some riders. Let’s dive into a detailed review to uncover what makes this deck so unique.
Specifications
- Length: 36.8 inches
- Width: 9.6 inches
- Wheelbases: 23-23.5 inches
- Construction: 7 plies of Canadian maple, 2 plies of pre-cured fiberglass
- Shape: Single Kick with Taper
- Concave: Micro-drop with rocker, mellow W, and wheel flares
Landyachtz Freedive Reef
Overview
The Freedive is an exceptionally versatile longboard deck. I’ve pushed it through freeriding, downhill, and casual cruising, and it has performed admirably in each discipline. Its lightweight nature combined with a highly functional kicktail allows for ollies and even some trick attempts. If I were limited to a single board, or traveling with uncertain terrain ahead, this would be my choice. It handles aggressive hands-down riding with large wheels just as well as it does chill freerides, cruising, and big slides. Plus, its eye-catching graphic is both a visual pleasure and surprisingly scratch-resistant.
However, certain aspects of the Freedive Reef may not suit all riders. The 23-inch space between the micro drops is best suited for riders with a shorter stance or smaller frame. At 5’10”, I find it relatively comfortable, but those with a wider stance may find it restrictive. The relatively short wheelbase, while making it nimble, isn’t ideal for high speeds (40+ mph), although it can be optimized for speed with split-angle trucks. While its construction is solid with minimal torsional flex, it’s not the most impact-resistant board. The tail can chip with heavy use, though it remains functional for an extended period. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Freedive Reef is an excellent board, particularly for those who fit its design parameters. I’d even go as far as to say if I was designing my pro model board, it would look similar to the Freedive.
Landyachtz Freedive Reef toeside
Deck Size and Versatility
The Freedive Reef’s deck is compact, contributing to its versatility. The board’s dimensions are not too long or wide, making it adaptable to various riding styles. It can be set up with 155mm (or 165mm) wide trucks and freeride wheels for smooth freeriding, or with narrower trucks (120-140mm) and wide wheels for a more aggressive, grip-focused setup.
The 8.9 to 9.2-inch width at the standing platform and the 23 to 23.5-inch wheelbase hit a sweet spot that makes the board capable in a range of disciplines. This versatility stems from its size, making it an excellent “quiver killer,” but it does come at the cost of a smaller standing platform.
Landyachtz Freedive Reef hands down toeside slide
Standing Platform
The Freedive Reef’s standing platform is compact, with most riding time spent between or on the micro drops. This 23-inch area is a perfect fit for riders with a smaller stance, allowing them to comfortably use both drops. The drops on many micro-drop boards are spaced too far apart for comfortable use, often leading to riders utilizing only the front or back drop. The Freedive’s design makes both drops accessible and functional simultaneously.
Freedive Reef
However, this design makes it unsuitable for riders with a wider stance. Forcing a wide stance into a 23-inch platform can be uncomfortable and can hinder performance.
Freedive Reef stance
Concave Analysis
The Freedive Reef boasts an ergonomic and subtly aggressive concave, which is highly functional. The concave features slightly raised rails, rocker, micro drops, mellow wheel flares, and a mellow W. This combination intuitively guides foot placement, making it feel natural and comfortable. It’s so well-designed that foot positioning becomes second nature.
Landyachtz Freedive Reef concave explained
The micro drops are functional, especially when used with a footstop, with the back drop being particularly useful. The combination of the micro drop, mellow W, and concave effectively locks in your feet without the need for a footstop, though a footstop provides additional support. The drops are not overly aggressive or steep, allowing for comfortable foot placement.
Landyachtz Freedive Reef micro drop
Although the rails can sometimes feel steep under the heels, this issue is manageable and doesn’t significantly hinder the riding experience. The way the micro drop interacts with the wheel flares and rails makes it comfortable for pushing against during toeside slides. The micro-drop is gradual, serving more as a feature to utilize during riding than something fundamentally functional. The rocker, flush mounting, and micro-drop enhance stability and make slide initiation more forgiving.
freedive reef concave
Construction and Durability
The Freedive Reef’s construction is noteworthy for its lightness, which is beneficial for performing tricks like ollies and for easy carrying. The board is also commendably stiff, offering minimal torsional flex for a single-kick maple and composite board.
ollie on the freedive
While the board handles impacts relatively well, its impact resistance could be improved. The tail has a tendency to chip after extensive use, and the nose may split after some impacts. Although these issues do not hinder the board’s functionality, it is worth noting.
busted nose on the freedive reef – durability
The angled rails might compromise the board’s impact absorption. If the rails were more square, it may better distribute the impact across the plies, thereby increasing long-term durability.
freedive reef tail –
freedive trim
The graphic appears to be embedded under a protective layer, making it exceptionally scratch-resistant and long-lasting.
Rip and Grip Performance
The Freedive Reef can be set up for aggressive riding, but its micro drop, rocker, and flush mounting can reduce the grip you can get from your wheels. While the board is capable of aggressive lines, it doesn’t feel as consistent as a top-mounted board. It is capable for rip and grip, but it isn’t designed for racing.
freedive reef flush mounting
Pricing
The Freedive Reef is made in Canada with maple and composite materials, placing it on the higher end of the price spectrum. The use of pre-cured fiberglass, known for its high cost and complex application, likely adds to the expense. Despite the cost, it’s a fair price given its quality, performance, and comfort.
hands up toeside slide longboarding
Wheelbase Considerations
The 23-23.5 inch wheelbase makes the board less forgiving during slides, but with practice, you can adapt to it. Proper setup is crucial to optimize the board’s performance. For example, using symmetrical trucks will not work for high speeds, but split-angle trucks will optimize the setup.
heelside corner, longboarding, landyachtz freedive reef
Mounting and Wheel Flares
The flush mounting is about 1/8 inch deep, and the wheel flares measure approximately 1/8 inch or more.
flush mounting on longboard
Cruising and Beginner-Friendliness
The Freedive Reef’s small wheelbase and functional kicktail make it suitable for city cruising. It allows for nimble maneuvering, ollies, and obstacle dodging. However, it’s not for all beginners. The board’s smaller platform and relatively unforgiving wheelbase make it more suitable for shorter riders or those with a smaller stance. Longer wheelbase boards will offer more stability, and a longer platform will provide more comfortable space for beginners.
longboard tuck
Downsides
The board’s main downside is its durability, particularly in the tail and its impact resistance. Additionally, the 23-23.5 inch wheelbase requires careful setup, and the standing platform may be too small for some riders.
busted nose freedive reef
Who is the Freedive Reef For?
The Landyachtz Freedive Reef is perfect for riders of all skill levels who fit within the board’s standing platform. It’s especially suitable for those seeking a versatile board that can perform well in multiple disciplines. Proper setup is crucial to maximize its potential.
stand up heelside slide longboarding
Where to Buy
The Landyachtz Freedive Reef can be purchased at the Landyachtz Website.
My Freedive Reef Setups
Here are a few different setups I’ve used on this deck.
Setup 1
- Deck: Landyachtz Freedive
- WB: 23.5 inches
- Griptape: 60 grit Lokton
- Trucks: Bear Gen 6
- Width: 155mm
- Baseplate Angles: 40/40
- Bushings: 93a/93a plug barrel Venom HPF
- Washers: Cupped washers all around
- Wheels: Yates Hawgs, EZ Hawgs, Tracers Dragonskins, etc.
Setup 2
- Deck: Landyachtz Freedive
- WB: 23.5 inches
- Griptape: 60 grit Lokton
- Trucks: Bear Gen 6
- Width: 155mm
- Baseplate Angles:
- Front: 50°
- Back: 35°
- Bushings
- Front: 85/85a plug barrel Venom HPF
- Back: 93/95a plug barrel Venom HPF
- Washers
- Front: Flat small washer RS/Flat washer BS
- Back: Cupped washer RS/BS
- Wheels: Remember hoots, Green Krimes, Supreme Hawgs, etc.
freedive reef and bear gen 6
Setup 3
- Deck: Landyachtz Freedive Reef
- WB: 23.5 inches
- Griptape: 60 grit Lokton
- Trucks: Bear Gen 6
- Width: 130mm
- Baseplate Angles:
- Front: 50°
- Back: 30°
- Bushings
- Front: 81/85a plug barrel Venom HPF
- Back: 95/95a plug barrel Venom HPF
- Washers
- Front: Flat small washer RS/Flat washer BS
- Back: Cupped washer RS/BS
- Wheels: Blue Biggie Hawgs.
Setup 4
- Deck: Landyachtz Freedive
- WB: 23.5 inches
- Griptape: 60 grit Lokton
- Trucks: Valkyrie MK£ Voxters
- Width: 160-170mm
- Baseplate Angles: 45/45
- Bushings: 87a/87a keg Venom HPF
- Washers: Flat washers all around
- Wheels: Free dumbs, EZ Hawgs, Snakes, etc.
Setup 5
- Deck: Landyachtz Freedive
- WB: 23.5 inches
- Griptape: 60 grit Lokton
- Trucks: Aera P2s
- Width: 130mm
- Baseplate Angles:
- Front: 46°
- Back: 30°
- Bushings
- Front: 78/78 Venom HPF
- Back: 93/93 Venom HPF
- Washers
- Front: No BS/Flat small washer RS
- Back: No BS/Cupper washer RS
- Wheels: Various
freedive reef and aera p2s
Setup 6
- Deck: Landyachtz Freedive
- WB: 23.5 inches
- Griptape: 60 grit Lokton
- Trucks: Caliber III trucks
- Width: 157mm
- Baseplate Angles:
- Front: 50°
- Back: 35°
- Bushings
- Front: 87a/90a plug barrel Venom HPF
- Back: 93a/95a plug barrel Venom HPF
- Washers
- Front: Flat small washer RS/Flat washer BS
- Back: Cupper washer RS/BS
- Wheels: Savannah Slammas
caliber ii trucks on the landyachtz longbaord
Setup 7
- Deck: Landyachtz Freedive Reef
- WB: 23.5 inches
- Griptape: 60 grit Lokton
- Trucks: Paris V3 trucks
- Width: 150mm
- Baseplate Angles:
- Front: 50°
- Back: 35°
- Bushings
- Front: 87a/87a plug barrel Venom HPF
- Back: 95a/95a plug barrel Venom HPF
- Washers
- Front: Flat small washer RS/Flat washer BS
- Back: Cupper washer RS/BS
- Wheels: Savannah Slammas, Green Krimes
landyachtz and paris rkp trucks
Final Thoughts
The Landyachtz Freedive Reef is a versatile and well-designed board that excels in multiple disciplines. It is a natural and comfortable deck to ride with that will work well for most riders. Despite its durability and setup considerations, the Freedive Reef is a board that stands out for its innovative design and broad appeal. I hope this review was insightful. If you have any thoughts about the review, let me know!
