Pantheon longboards have garnered a dedicated following, establishing themselves as a prominent name in the downhill skateboarding scene. The question remains, are they deserving of the hype? This review delves into the 2020 Pantheon Gaia, a board that combines an appealing design with a reasonable price tag. Let’s explore whether it lives up to expectations.
A Detailed Look at the Pantheon Gaia
Before diving into the ride experience, it’s crucial to understand the board’s specifications.
Key Specs:
- Length: 37 inches / 94 cm
- Width: 9.6 inches / 24.5 cm
- Wheelbase: Adjustable between 24.5 – 25.5 inches / 62.25 – 64.75 cm
- Drop: 0.2 inches / 0.5 cm
- Construction: 7-ply Maple with Triaxial Fiberglass
- Shape: Wide pintail with significant taper
Riding Impressions of the Gaia
Note: This review is based on a limited time with the board. A more extended trial might lead to slightly different conclusions. Consider this an overview rather than an exhaustive analysis.
Initial Feel and Concave
The first time I stepped onto the Gaia, the concave felt remarkably natural. The front drop had a perfect balance, not too steep nor too subtle. The rails comfortably cradled my feet, and the deck felt surprisingly lightweight. It was immediately apparent why this board is considered a top choice for beginner downhill longboarders.
Concave Comfort and Performance
Despite initial concerns about the concave’s sharpness based on images, it proved to be comfortable and non-restrictive. Shifting weight between heelside and toeside felt easy, and I could use the drop without any issues. I felt confident I could push and skate on it for hours without any discomfort, making the concave a standout feature.
The Functionality of the Drop
The front drop is a useful feature. It isn’t overly steep, making it easy to step on, and also serves as a reliable reference point when applying pressure during hard toeside turns. The ability to use a foot stop adds an extra layer of security and a more locked-in feel.
Aesthetic Appeal
Pantheon is known for their unique and well-crafted graphics. The Gaia’s aesthetic is appealing, even though it might not be the most striking in their lineup. The attention to detail in the design is evident, contributing to the board’s overall attraction.
Drop and Flush Mounting Benefits
The subtle drop and flush mounting enhance the ride. They offer a more stable and comfortable platform for executing slides compared to a traditional top mount. This design choice facilitates smoother slides and an overall more comfortable experience.
Strength and Weight
Constructed with fiberglass and maple, the Gaia is both lightweight and robust. There is some torsional flex, but it’s not significant enough to cause concern, especially for non-competitive riding.
The Kicktail Advantage
Unlike many longboard kicktails, the Gaia’s is functional and provides decent pop. Although getting a board of this size airborne is challenging, it’s useful for navigating obstacles, curbs, or potholes.
Comfortable Pushing Experience
The minimalist concave makes pushing on the Gaia exceptionally comfortable. Unlike boards with aggressive concave features, this board allows for extended pushing without foot fatigue, making it a suitable choice for cruising.
Superior Sound Quality
The combination of fiberglass and wood gives the Gaia a distinct sound when dropped. Instead of a sharp bang, it produces a pleasing, baritone tone. This unique feature adds to the overall enjoyment of the deck.
The Taper
The taper, while not my personal preference, doesn’t negatively impact the performance. Although it doesn’t align perfectly with 165mm trucks over the mounting points, it doesn’t noticeably affect the ride due to the wider deck area between the drops.
Value for Money
The $150 price tag is more than reasonable for the quality of materials and construction. It offers excellent value, surpassing initial expectations given its performance and finish. When available, the complete setup from Pantheon, including Paris trucks, is worth considering for a comprehensive package.
Downsides of the Pantheon Gaia
Grip Tape Issues
The grip tape, while visually appealing with its laser-cut Pantheon logo, wears out quickly and requires replacement within a few weeks of use. It is highly recommended to purchase spare grip tape alongside the deck. A good alternative is MOB coarse grip, available here on Amazon.com. For a sharper and longer-lasting option, Seismic Lokton is an option, although more expensive.
Rail Sharpness
The rails, particularly when doing toeside slides, are a bit too sharp, reducing confidence and potentially leading to foot slippage. Wrapping grip tape around the rails can mitigate this issue.
Backdrop Discomfort
The backdrop design doesn’t feel secure during toesides, as the joining angle with the rails creates a square feeling which doesn’t offer enough foot lock-in.
Missing W Concave
The lack of a W concave, particularly at the back of the deck, is a noticeable drawback. W concave would provide better support for toesides and enhance overall foot security. A concave implant or a different deck like the Chase Hiller pro model might be considered to address this.
Unsecured Back Foot
The combination of the simple concave, rail, and the far backdrop can cause the back foot to feel somewhat lost, especially during fast setups for slides. This can lead to discomfort and lack of confidence. However, this issue is minimized if the foot is positioned on the backdrop and can be easily fixed with a torque block and concave modifications.
Backdrop Position
The backdrop’s distance can make the stance feel longer, which can feel uncomfortable when tucking or setting up for slides, particularly for those with a short stance.
Pantheon Gaia Stance Comparison
Rolling Tree Acedia Stance Comparison
The above images show how the stance on the Gaia can feel wider than on other decks, like the Rolling Tree Acedia.
Who Is This Board For?
The Pantheon Gaia is ideal for riders looking for a solid freeride deck. It performs exceptionally well for taller riders or those with a wider stance.
Who Should Avoid It?
Riders with a shorter stance might find this deck challenging. Also, if you are not willing to wait for production runs, this deck might not be for you due to Pantheon’s production schedule, with boards being available only every few months. It is also not suitable for those planning to use it with 180mm trucks.
Important Considerations Before Purchase
- Grip Tape: Ensure you have replacement grip tape ready due to the fast wear of the original tape.
- Truck Width: The best trucks for this deck are 165mm wide. If using wide downhill wheels like Venom Magnums, 150mm trucks are more suitable.
- Foot Stop: Consider adding a foot stop for extra security and a more locked-in feel.
- Rail Grip: Consider wrapping aftermarket grip tape around the rails for improved toeside grip.
Where to Buy
In the US, you can purchase from the Pantheon website or Muirskate. For EU customers, Sickboards and Sk8bites in Italy are worth checking for availability.
Final Verdict
The Pantheon Gaia is a top-tier freeride deck, especially suitable for taller riders or those with a wider stance. While there are minor drawbacks, mainly regarding the backdrop and grip tape, they don’t diminish the overall value. If you can try the deck before buying, it is highly recommended. Overall, the Gaia provides a great balance of comfort and performance for most freeride applications.
