The Landyachtz Small Blind has been generating buzz in the downhill skateboarding community. This review provides an in-depth look at this unique board, exploring its design, features, and performance to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your riding style. I’ve spent considerable time riding this board to give you a comprehensive analysis.
Landyachtz Small Blind Specifications
Before diving into the riding experience, let’s examine the Small Blind’s specifications:
- Length: 29.5 inches
- Width: 9.25 inches (at the widest point)
- 8.5 inches over the trailing mounting holes at the front truck
- Approximately 7 inches over the leading mounting holes at the front
- About 8.4 inches over the back truck
- Wheelbase: 20-21 inches
- Construction: 9 plies of maple, sandwiched between two plies of carbon.
These specifications highlight the board’s compact nature, designed for agility and responsiveness in downhill racing.
The Landyachtz Small Blind: Designed for Speed and Precision
The Small Blind is a board crafted for the rigors of high-level downhill skateboarding, specifically racing. It’s optimized for use with slalom downhill trucks and large, robust downhill wheels, aiming to maximize performance on the race track. This board is a common sight on the racing circuit.
While I may not be a top-tier downhill competitor, I’ve done my best to assess this board’s performance and provide insights. I encourage more experienced riders to share their perspectives and help complete the picture.
My Landyachtz Small Blind Setup
To fully evaluate the board, here’s the setup I used:
- Wheelbase: 21 inches
- Trucks: Bear 2020 Smokies 45//17
- Bushings: 74/78, 95/97
- Washers: Small flat RS/ flat BS, cupped RS/flat BS
- Wheels: Primarily Cheetahs – also tested with Biggie Hawgs, Venom Magnums, Seismic Alphas
- Bearings: Bear Spaceball bearings
- Footstop: Netherskate.co Marley knock-off or Riptide Mini i/o. I modified it by drilling a new hole to better support my foot for both heelside and toeside maneuvers while positioned over the front truck.
- Griptape: Lokton at the front, Cuei grip at the back.
landyachtz small blind underside
landyachtz small blind topside abuga aroni
Insights from Dexter Manning: The Mind Behind the Small Blind
Before getting into the review, I contacted Dexter Manning, the designer of the Small Blind, for his insights. Dexter’s experience and perspective were invaluable in understanding this board.
Dexter is a long-time Landyachtz team member known for his fast and aggressive downhill runs. He’s also one of the key people behind the Landyachtz Cheetah Hawgs and Bear 2020 Smokies.
Interview with Dexter Manning
Why create the Small Blind?
Dexter explained that he wanted to focus more on racing. After years of big mountain riding, he recognized the need for a board designed for the demands of competitive racing. This board was part of a bigger project to develop a coherent setup for racing.
What were the design goals?
The design centered around the ideal foot position over the front truck, allowing for optimal leverage on both rails during tucks. The compact shape minimizes foot movement during transitions between tucking, cornering, and sliding. Dexter preferred simple board shapes, leading to the rounded design of the Small Blind.
What makes the Small Blind special?
According to Dexter, the ability to tune the setup for an oversteer balance is a crucial aspect. Traditional downhill boards often lose front grip when entering a corner too fast, causing a washout. The Small Blind is designed to maintain front grip while allowing the rear to slide first, giving you better control over the slip angle.
What’s the ideal way to ride the Small Blind?
Dexter’s advice is simple: “Quickly, they feel bad going slow.” The board shines at higher speeds, emphasizing its racing pedigree.
Any tips for new riders?
Dexter recommends paying close attention to the track width of your front axle, ensuring it roughly matches the board’s width. He also warns that those accustomed to traditional DH boards might need to adjust their technique, focusing on pivoting around the front axle rather than steering from the back.
Dexter Manning’s Small Blind Setup
- Deck: Landyachtz Small Blind
- Wheelbase: 21 inches
- Trucks: Bear Smokies 120mm
- Baseplate angles: 50/20
- Bushings: 73/78a Venom barrels (front), 95/97a Venom barrels (back)
- Wheels: 76/85a or 76/90a Hawgs Cheetahs
- Bearings: Bones Race Red bearings
- Grip: Hardcore grip
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Dexter Manning (@dexmanning)
Dexter’s insights highlight the design nuances and performance capabilities of the Small Blind, providing valuable context for my review.
Riding the Landyachtz Small Blind: My Personal Experience
The “Small” Factor
While the name “Small Blind” suggests a tiny board, it doesn’t feel that way when you stand on it. It’s more accurate to say it’s a minimalist design, where every inch has a purpose. It doesn’t have unnecessary bulk, contributing to its compact appearance.
longboarder diving right
Best for Small to Medium Stances
The board does feel a bit narrow as you approach the rear trucks, especially if you stand with your feet parallel to the trucks. This might feel awkward for some. It works best with stances that are 21 inches or narrower, which is an important consideration for riders.
landyachtz small blind stance and tuck
If you have a wider stance (over 21 inches), the Small Blind might not be the most comfortable option. The board narrows significantly over the rear truck, and the concave in that area isn’t designed for comfortable standing.
Concave: Subtle, Ergonomic, and Effective
The Small Blind’s concave is subtle yet effective, with wheel flares at the front, a W concave through the middle, and slightly larger wheel flares at the back. The rails are relatively sharp, but the design provides a secure and responsive feel.
landyachtz small blind concave
The rear concave creates a “pocket” for your foot, a useful reference point for tucking and toesides. This “pocket” was confidence-inspiring and I did not feel the need for concave mods at the back for leverage or control. I did have to lengthen my stance to utilize the back pocket effectively. This wasn’t a major concern and I adjusted quickly.
While the “pocket” is great for slides, it is not ideal for standing with your foot flat. The narrowness and wheel flares can make this feel uncomfortable.
Torque Blocks: Not Necessary But Useful
The concave “pocket” and rear wheel flares mean a torque block isn’t necessary. However, a torque block is still a good idea if you prefer more support towards the front or need more leverage. I chose to use one because it made my back foot feel better supported.
Foot Positioning on the Small Blind
My preferred foot position allows me to have the best control of the trucks, with a balanced feel. One major change I made was my front foot position. Dexter recommended that my front toe should be over the front wheels and inline with the kingpin. While I was skeptical, this change provided more control over the front truck and slides.
landyachtz small blind stance
However, moving my foot forward meant I lost some toeside leverage since my toe was now ahead of the front wheel flare. To resolve this, I added a small concave mod to support my toe. This issue is specific to my stiff ankles, and may not be necessary for all riders.
landyachtz small blind riding photo
Construction and Finish: Top-Tier Quality
The Landyachtz Small Blind is made in Canada, not China, by Berley Manufacturing. The board has a sleek, smooth finish with no sharp edges, reflecting a very high quality.
No Torsional Flex
The combination of the compact shape and high-quality construction using 9 plies of maple and two layers of carbon, means the board exhibits minimal torsional flex.
Deep Wheel Wells
The Small Blind has very deep CNC’d wheel wells that are around 1/4 inch deep.
landyachtz small blind wheel wells
Despite using large wheels and soft bushings, I experienced no wheelbite while riding this board.
Wheelbase Options
I primarily used the 21-inch wheelbase, which felt more natural. I did not have as much time with the 20-inch wheelbase and did not get it dialed in enough to give an accurate overview. The 20-inch wheelbase might pair well with a low angle baseplate like 15*.
When choosing your ideal wheelbase, select the one that fits your shoulder-width stance. The 21-inch wheelbase will be best for most riders.
Minor Drawbacks
Sharp Rails
I prefer to “sit on the board” for heelside slides, and the sharp rails weren’t as comfortable as I would have liked. Although, it did not interfere with my ability to ride. A mellower rail would have allowed me to sit more naturally.
landyachtz small blind concave
Slight Taper
I am generally not a fan of board taper, but it did not affect my riding with the Small Blind. This is because I was standing over the correct points of the board. However, this could be an issue for riders with a slightly wider stance, however, it should be negligible.
Is the Price Justified?
The $250 price tag is justified by the high-quality construction, finish, and the fact that it is made in Canada. The board is durable, feels great and will last for years.
However, competing brands like Decent, Rocket, Pantheon, Luca, and Mids offer boards within the same price range that come with more complex features, exotic materials and unique constructions.
Despite the Small Blind’s simpler construction, it matches the performance of the more complex boards. The price ultimately boils down to personal preference and riding style. I personally feel the board is worth the money.
Desirable Features: Flush Mounting
I would have liked to see flush mounting, for the following reasons:
- It would allow me to get closer to my trucks.
- It would allow for a more stable ride and smoother slide due to the lower ride height.
- You could wedge/dewedge trucks without increasing the overall board height too much.
Dexter has teased that the next version will have flush mounting on the front mounting point, which is promising.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Dexter Manning (@dexmanning)
Truck and Wheel Recommendations
The Small Blind is designed for precision Slalom DH trucks, such as:
- Bear 2020 Smokies
- Rogue trucks
- Valkyrie slalom trucks
- Exile
- Ronins (sub 134mm)
- Don’t Trip DH Cybins
Trucks with widths between 106mm and 140mm work best. The overall track width of the truck and wheel combo should be between 8.4 and 8.7 inches.
Wheels between 70 and 80mm are suitable for this deck. While you might get a bit of bite with 80mm wheels, it shouldn’t be an issue during downhill riding.
Who Is the Landyachtz Small Blind For?
The Landyachtz Small Blind may be right for you if:
- You have a smaller stance.
- You want a high-quality, durable board.
- You are looking for a high-performance slalom DH board.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the Small Blind?
You shouldn’t get the Small Blind if:
- You have a very wide stance.
- You don’t think you’ll be comfortable on the 21-inch wheelbase.
- You don’t have trucks designed for slalom DH.
- You prefer completely flat concave.
Where to Buy
You can purchase the Small Blind at the Landyachtz website. Use code “AroniSkate&Explore15” for 5% off.
Final Thoughts
The Landyachtz Small Blind has impressed me as a rider, and it’s been a great introduction to the world of slalom DH boards. The tips from Dexter have helped me make the most of it.
Thank you to my patrons for the support that enables me to keep doing this.
