The Loaded Tesseract has long been a top contender in the longboarding world, favored by riders of all skill levels for its versatility and performance. This deck has graced countless podiums in race, dance, and freeride competitions, proving its mettle across various disciplines. Loaded was kind enough to send me a Truncated Tesseract to test, and after several months of riding, I’m ready to share a comprehensive review, delving into its strengths and weaknesses to help you determine if it’s the right deck for you.
Loaded Truncated Tesseract: An In-Depth Review
Initial Expectations
Before I started riding the Truncated Tesseract, I had some specific expectations. Having previously tried decks with similar concave designs, I wasn’t completely sold on whether I would enjoy this board. Additionally, this was my first experience with a drop deck, so I was particularly keen to see how this feature would affect performance and stability.
First Impressions
The first thing that stood out was the concave design. The combination of wheel flares, W concave, and rocker made the deck feel incredibly intuitive. It was easy to find my footing, and I never had to look down to make sure my feet were in the correct position for slides or other maneuvers. The deck felt exceptionally stable, and while I had read about drop decks, it wasn’t until I stood on the Truncated Tesseract that the stability became apparent. Even the small drop made a significant difference, making the board feel more planted on the road.
After a few more sessions, I noticed that the board was less reactive to minor road imperfections, and the slides felt smoother compared to my top-mount board. While not a dramatic difference, this enhanced my comfort and confidence, especially at higher speeds. For more details on features, you can check out the Truncated Tesseract here on the Loaded website.
This review is part of a series covering the gear I received from Loaded & Paris. Check out the other reviews:
- Orangatang Kegels Review
- Paris Savant Review
- Loaded Leather Race Gloves Review
- Loaded Jehu V2 Bearings Review
- Orangatang Durian Wheels Review
Concave Features: Performance and Utility
The concave features of the Truncated Tesseract are not just for show—they significantly enhance the riding experience. The wheel flares act as reference points, helping me to position my feet relative to the trucks. The W concave provides feedback on how close or far my feet are from the board’s centerline.
Close-up of the Loaded Truncated Tesseract concave showcasing wheel flares and W concave
The wheel flares also proved helpful during slides, cornering, and tucking, offering extra leverage. The W concave kept my feet locked in during both stand-up and hands-down toeside slides. However, the front W concave also made transitions between heelside and toeside slides more difficult. I found I had to shift my feet to slide, and the W concave would sometimes hinder these movements. If I shifted too quickly, the board would feel twitchy, which reduced my confidence, especially at higher speeds. It took longer to find that ‘sweet spot’ sliding position compared to flatter concave boards. While this wasn’t a problem for casual riding, it did affect performance when I was trying to maximize speed, making it harder to transition smoothly between setup, slides, and tuck. This may not be an issue for riders who don’t adjust foot position when setting up for slides.
The Role of Rocker (Drop)
The rocker design of the Truncated Tesseract lowers the rider’s center of gravity, increasing stability. By bringing the rider closer to the ground, the board feels more stable, particularly at speed. This lowered center of gravity also reduces the direct force exerted on the trucks, which smooths out any wobbles. This translates to a smoother ride and a greater sense of confidence. Similarly, harsh hook-ups during slides feel more forgiving due to the lower ride height. Additionally, the rocker makes the board feel less tippy, reducing the likelihood of high-siding.
A potential downside of the drop is that it may reduce the weight placed directly over the wheels, which might be a concern for racers. However, this is likely negligible for most riders. However, if you learned to slide on a top-mount, you might find toesides a bit awkward at first.
Construction: Lightweight and Durable
The Truncated Tesseract is exceptionally lightweight, weighing just 4lbs (1.8kg). This is thanks to its construction, which features bamboo, fiberglass, and a cork bottom layer for vibration damping. The reduced weight makes it easier to control the board during slides. Additionally, it’s more convenient to carry around, a small bonus when walking back up hills. The high-quality materials mean the deck is durable and resistant to damage, ensuring a long lifespan.
Wedging: Stability and Turn
The 3.5* of wedging on the deck didn’t affect stability at all. I was initially worried that it would make the trucks feel too turny and unstable, especially at higher speeds. However, I found that it only resulted in extra turn, with no loss of stability, which was a welcome surprise. The drop may be negating the instability typically associated with higher-angled trucks, but this is an assumption. It’s worth noting that I use split trucks, so the experience might differ if your trucks are set up symmetrically.
Freeride Performance
The Truncated Tesseract excels in freeriding. The smooth slide initiation, stability during slides, and seamless hook-ups translate into excellent performance. I felt confident in pushing the board to higher speeds, performing both hands-down and stand-up slides. I could initiate slides without using as much force, and the board was forgiving on hook-ups.
Drawbacks of the Truncated Tesseract
Price
At $200, the Truncated Tesseract is a considerable investment. While it may be too expensive for some, the board’s versatility and durability justify the cost. Its high-quality construction and well-designed features make it suitable for a range of riding styles (downhill, freeride) and you won’t need to switch or replace it often. The deck will last a long time, so you can view it as an investment.
Concave and Foot Shape
The concave is functional, but the W concave in the front can be a hindrance at times. I find no need for the front W, especially considering that wheel flares already provide support. It becomes more redundant when a footstop is used. This issue is more apparent when using sharper, stickier grip like Seismic Lokton or grip soles. This is likely more due to my personal preferences and flat feet since steep concave and the W in the front feels uncomfortable.
A group of longboarders discussing W concave
I surveyed other longboarders with flat feet and the majority agreed that the front W is uncomfortable. While some riders may find it comfortable, it can be particularly bothersome after extended riding periods. This is a major factor for people with flat feet and should be taken into account when considering this deck. However, riders with smaller feet or high arches who do not use footstops might find the front W concave to be useful.
Grip Tape
The stock Mob grip tape wears out rather quickly, particularly if you use grip soles. You’ll probably need to replace the grip within a few weeks of regular use. Loaded does sell pre-cut grip tape for this board, but you can replace it with any coarse grip tape of your choice.
Who Should Ride the Truncated Tesseract?
The Truncated Tesseract is ideal for freeriding and downhill. It may not be the best choice for dancing or freestyle, for which Loaded offers the Basalt and Original Tesseract. If you’re an advanced beginner looking to push your limits, this is the perfect deck. Advanced riders who need a versatile board should also consider this deck. However, complete beginners may find this board too much to handle initially and should choose a different deck.
Final Thoughts
Writing this review was challenging due to the nuances of the Truncated Tesseract. There’s a lot to appreciate, but there are a few drawbacks that have a significant impact on my personal experience. While I don’t think it’s the best board for my personal riding style, I can confidently say that it is a good board and I will use it in the foreseeable future.
Remember that my experiences might not mirror your own. The Loaded Tesseract is a well-rounded board that will perform well for most riders. You can’t go wrong with it.
