The surfskate scene is booming, and I had to see what all the hype was about. That’s why I bought and thoroughly tested the Landyachtz Surfskate. This review shares my experience, diving deep into what this board offers for both carving and cruising enthusiasts. While Landyachtz labels it a “surfskate,” it’s more accurately a hybrid, blending the best of cruiser and surfskate features. It’s fast, forgiving, and remarkably beginner-friendly, making it a great option for those who love the feeling of carving without the need for tricks.
This detailed review focuses mainly on the Landyachtz Butter, but we’ll also touch upon the Pocket Knife model for comparison. Let’s explore if this board is the right fit for you.
Initial Impressions of the Landyachtz Surfskate
Landyachtz Butter Surfskate Walnut finishThe first thing I noticed was the board’s weight. It’s sturdy, but not overly heavy, making it easy to carry around. The glossy finish and minimalist graphic on the deck and grip tape give it a premium feel. The grip tape itself is quite thick, with a foam layer beneath the surface. This feels comfortable underfoot and might offer some added grip when carving.
The front truck is a high-angle reverse kingpin (RKP) design with tall bushings for enhanced turning. The rear features a standard 155mm Polar Bear truck mounted on a significant riser. This setup creates a unique and noticeable truck height. The board features glossy, soft wheels, similar to those on the Landyachtz Dinghy. The deck has a subtle camber and a low kicktail.
Technical Specifications of the Landyachtz Surfskate
Here’s a quick rundown of the Landyachtz Butter’s technical specs:
- Length: 31.2 inches
- Width: 9 inches
- Wheelbase: 15 or 17.1 inches
- Wheels: 63mm, 78A durometer Fatty Hawgs
- Deck: 7-ply maple, slight camber, low kicktail
- Trucks: Bear Banger SurfSkate truck (front) and standard 155mm Bear truck (rear)
- Bearings: Spaceball bearings with integrated spacers
The Landyachtz Pocket Knife shares almost identical specs, with variations in wheelbase (13″ to 15″), width (9.1″), and length (29.6″).
The Test Ride Experience
As someone new to surfskating, my initial ride was a learning experience. This board feels like a cruiser with a significant boost in carvability. The unique movement takes some getting used to, but I quickly grew to appreciate its turning capabilities compared to my other cruisers.
The foam grip tape, while comfortable, felt different than standard grip tape. I’m still unsure about its long-term durability. The board handles rough surfaces well. Its design enables it to navigate gravel, rocks, cracks, and small debris with ease, as long as you lean back slightly.
While hopping curbs is manageable, the flat kicktail takes some practice. This board is clearly not designed for tricks; it excels at cruising and carving. Trying tricks would be a waste of its potential and might even damage it. A regular skateboard with soft wheels is better suited for those who want to combine tricks with cruising.
I experienced some speed wobbles on mellow slopes. When riding fast, minor corrections can cause the rear truck to wobble. This is definitely not a downhill board. The loose trucks can be adjusted, but heavier riders may consider swapping out the bushings.
Pumping is possible, but it’s challenging to maintain speed. While adjusting the wheelbase improves it slightly, it doesn’t pump as effectively as a long-distance board. I did manage a few slides, but the wet conditions made it easier. I still need to test it further in dry conditions. Surprisingly, I haven’t experienced any wheelbite, even with more aggressive carving.
Breaking Down the Components
Let’s delve into the specific components that make up the Landyachtz Surfskate. Most parts are standard Landyachtz components, but the trucks are the most unique aspect of this setup.
The Trucks: Bear Banger and Standard
Bear Banger reverse kingpin surfskate truckThe front truck, a reverse kingpin Bear Banger, is designed to enhance the board’s surfskate capabilities. This RKP truck allows for more aggressive turning. It angles at 70 degrees (65° truck + 5° wedge riser) and features large, cone-shaped bushings. Most surfskates feature an inverted front truck and a standard rear truck.
Unlike other surfskates with springs or adapters, the Landyachtz uses its unique truck design to achieve extra carviness. However, long-term durability remains to be seen. This setup leans more towards a cruiser/surfskate hybrid, giving you a surfy feel, but perhaps less so than more expensive dedicated surfskates. Personally, I find it perfectly acceptable.
Landyachtz Surfskate Rear Truck with riserThe rear truck is a standard 155mm Bear truck, with a very noticeable high riser. This setup creates a more aggressive angle for the rear.
The Deck
Landyachtz Surfskate Deck with foam grip tapeThe deck features a layer of soft foam with grip tape on top. This is a unique design that might suit those who like to ride barefoot. It may also provide extra stability when carving. However, after riding in wet conditions, I’m not a fan. The foam grip tape is hard to clean and may not be very durable.
The board is a bit heavier than my other boards, likely due to its wider design. The glossy finish and graphics are eye-catching. The Butter Walnut version I chose is a bit longer than other variants. The flat, pointy nose and slightly elevated kicktail provide enough leverage for navigating obstacles.
The 7-ply maple deck has a subtle camber, making it suitable for beginners. It’s not very flexible, which may not appeal to deep carving enthusiasts. The wide deck provides stability and ample room for larger feet. It is designed primarily as a stable cruiser, and it excels in that regard. The six mount holes on the front allow you to adjust the wheelbase from 15″ to 17.1″.
The Hardware and Bearings
The hardware features screws that aren’t flat, potentially to prevent tearing of the foam grip tape. The screws on the rear truck are taller due to the larger riser pad.
I’m still not a huge fan of the Spaceball bearings. I typically replace them after testing. While they function well, I prefer higher-performance bearings like Bronson Raws or Bones Swiss 6. The Spaceball bearings, however, do come with integrated spacers, keeping them securely in place.
The Fatty Hawg Wheels
Landyachtz Surfskate Fatty Hawg wheels with glossy finishThe Fatty Hawgs are great wheels, similar to those found on the Landyachtz Dinghy and Tugboat. However, these have a glossy, grippier finish compared to the standard stone-ground versions. The Landyachtz Surfskate features 78A 63mm radial Fatty Hawgs with a 43mm contact patch. They allow for slides with practice.
The wheels are grippy and handle smaller objects well. They ride over gravel, rocks, and rough surfaces without any issues, and even plow through grass when needed. Standard Fatties have less grip in wet conditions, which is a common issue. The glossy finish may improve that, but I still need to test it.
The wheels extend slightly beyond the trucks, especially at the rear, which took some getting used to. It’s something to be mindful of if you’re not used to this type of setup.
Landyachtz Surfskate: Butter vs. Pocket Knife
The main differences between the Landyachtz Butter and Pocket Knife are the dimensions, wheelbase, and responsiveness.
Landyachtz Surfskate Butter
The Landyachtz Butter, the model I tested, was chosen for its design and larger size, which should be a bit easier for new riders. It’s better at navigating cracks and rough surfaces but is less responsive compared to the Pocket Knife. The Butter’s 31.2″ length provides more stability and forgiveness, making it a great choice for beginners, taller, or heavier riders. It weighs 7.09 lbs (3218 grams). If you’re new to riding, this is the one to pick.
Landyachtz Surfskate Pocket Knife
The Pocket Knife is the shorter, snappier option. Its shorter deck and wheelbase makes it more nimble but less stable. The 29.6″ long, 9.1″ wide deck has an adjustable wheelbase of 13″ to 15″. Weighing in at 6.5 lbs (2950 grams), it’s lighter than the Butter. If you’re an experienced rider, this is the model for you.
When to Consider Buying
The Landyachtz Surfskate is an excellent choice for anyone who loves cruising and wants to experience more aggressive carving. Its stability makes it beginner-friendly. However, the unique front RKP truck requires some time to adjust to.
The board offers plenty of space to move around and provides a fun ride. It’s easy to carry around, making it great for commuters. If you’re not into technical skateboarding, this board is an ideal option.
The Pocket Knife is available on Amazon, and the Butter version is also available on Amazon (affiliate link).
When it Might Not Be the Right Choice
Based on feedback from other riders, the Landyachtz Surfskate may not be the best choice for those seeking a dedicated surfskate experience. It’s more of a cruiser/surfskate hybrid.
If you’re used to long-distance boards with lots of flex, this board might not be for you. It’s harder to pump and not the best choice for longer distances. If you’re seeking the ultimate surf experience on land, consider brands like Hamboards or Waterborne.
Conclusion: A Solid Hybrid Surfskate
The Landyachtz Surfskate is a well-performing hybrid, combining the best of cruiser and surfskate designs. It’s a visually appealing board that delivers a fun ride, especially once you adapt to its carvability. The Butter version is beginner-friendly, while the Pocket Knife is a snappier, more responsive option.
This board excels at cruising while allowing for sharp, deep carves. The price is a bit high, and you might find similar or better boards at the same or slightly higher price point. Keep in mind that this is an initial review, and my conclusions may evolve as I continue to test this board and compare it to others.
I’ll also be lending it out to other riders to gain their perspectives. Eventually, I’ll explore upgrading some standard components to further enhance its performance. For more reviews on different board types, check out my list of best cruiser skateboards.
Ruben Vee
Ruben Vee Author Image
A seasoned skateboarder with 25 years of experience. I’m passionate about testing and sharing my findings on skateboard gear.
