The Rocket Micro is a collaboration between Rocket Longboards and pro rider Ian Freire, designed as a slalom downhill deck. This review explores whether it lives up to the hype or if it’s simply another board following the popular trend of smaller, more agile decks.
Board Specifications
- Length: 30.5” / 77.5 cm
- Width: 8.75” / 22.3 cm (approx. 8.6” at foot placement)
- Wheelbase: 20.8” – 23” / 53 – 58.5 cm
- Concave: Rocker with aggressive wheel flares
- Construction: SFI-certified bamboo, carbon fiber, natural flax fiber, glass fiber, embossed ABS top sheet
- Weight: 2.8 lbs / 1.3 kg
- Price: CHF 259/ $259
Insights from Rocket Longboards and Ian Freire
This review includes insights from both Rocket (Daniel) and Ian Freire, offering a unique perspective on the board’s design and intent.
Rocket Longboards (Daniel)
Rocket Longboards is recognized for producing high-quality boards. Their boards are known for innovation and are often considered a premium option in the longboarding world.
Rocket longboards logo
1. Design Goals:
The Rocket Micro was inspired by Ian Freire’s experience riding the Werewolf model, which highlighted the advantages of a short, narrow board. The goal was to create a more compact version of Ian’s pro model while ensuring it retained the performance characteristics of its larger counterpart, the Macro. The Micro is designed as a modern racing board with the same features as the big one.
2. Unique Construction:
The Micro features a complex construction combining four different reinforcement fibers: carbon and glass fibers for responsiveness, and natural flax fibers for vibration dampening. The hollow bamboo core contributes to its light weight. This combination makes the Micro one of the lightest series-produced racing boards available.
3. Performance Advantage:
The new construction provides improved damping and smoothness while maintaining agility. It offers a smoother ride and slide, particularly beneficial on rough asphalt.
Ian Freire
Ian Freire is a highly respected freerider and downhill racer, known for his exceptional skill and style.
1. Design Goals:
Ian’s design goal was to create a smaller version of his original pro model, addressing the excessive concave often found in smaller boards. By mirroring the design of his larger pro model, the Micro allows for greater foot movement and stance adjustments.
2. Personal Setup:
Ian uses Cuei wheels, Ronin Katana 144 trucks with Ronin stock bushings, double ice tea in the back and yellow/red in the front. He weighs approximately 70kg and prefers the longest wheelbase option.
3. Setup Recommendations:
Ian recommends using trucks around the 130mm range. He also notes that the best wheelbase option will depend on your height and preference. He emphasizes the Micro’s stability and comfort, making it ideal for those hesitant about trying smaller boards.
Testing the Rocket Micro: My Personal Experience
I tested the Rocket Micro using a variety of setups, ultimately settling on slalom downhill trucks. The shorter wheelbase options are particularly well-suited to split-angle trucks.
My personal setup included:
- Trucks: Slalom Rogues
- Wheels: Various
- Griptape: Dark Matter
- Footstop: Comet
- Wheelbase: 22.5”
Rocket micro review – rocket micro with slalom rogue trucks and venom magnums
Rocket micro top view of footstop
Detailed Review
Summary
Rocket boards are known for their aggressive concaves, which initially made me skeptical. However, the Micro’s concave is surprisingly well-balanced. It features aggressive wheel flares for your toes but a milder concave under your heel. This design provides both comfort and functionality, enhancing the riding experience.
The board’s construction is lightweight and stiff, effectively dampening vibrations. However, its light weight may negatively affect acceleration in racing scenarios.
Overall, the Micro is an excellent board that I highly recommend. My main concern is how it handles impacts, though this should not be a major issue for most riders.
rocket micro setup with rogue slalom trucks and venom magnums
Concave Analysis
The Micro’s concave is its most defining feature. It includes wheel flares, dips before and after the wheel wells, and a raised middle section. These features enhance leverage and control during slides.
rocket micro review – concave explained
Toeside: The concave naturally guides foot placement, with the raised flares providing extra leverage for toeside maneuvers. The dip in the rear allows for a secure feel while tucking or sliding toeside.
toeside slide on rocket board
tucking on the rocket micro
Heelside: The dip under the heel enhances the feeling of being locked in. It allows riders to lean confidently into the board for heelside turns and slides.
heelside slide on rocket board
While the concave is highly functional, it requires a specific foot placement. Feet must be positioned diagonally to effectively engage with the wheel flares and dips. This might feel unnatural or uncomfortable for some riders.
foot position for rocket micro
Riders with a very long stance may find this board uncomfortable. The concave is designed to promote a specific stance.
Rocket micro back foot position
The board also has rocker, a common feature in Rocket boards. While it may slightly reduce grip, rocker enhances comfort and control during slides.
Weight
The Micro is exceptionally lightweight, making it easier to carry and push uphill. However, its lightness can reduce top speed and acceleration when racing. Racers may need to add weight to the board to maximize its performance.
Construction & Durability
The board is lightweight yet stiff with minimal torsional flex. While the construction is impressive, the Micro isn’t the most durable. It is prone to chipping or denting when subjected to hard impacts, particularly in areas not covered by the urethane bumper. The durability is comparable to a 7-ply fiberglass deck.
a dent in my micro
The urethane bumper offers some protection, but a thicker bumper or one that extends further may improve the board’s overall durability.
Despite this, the Micro effectively absorbs road vibrations, providing a smooth and comfortable ride.
Wheel Wells and Mounting
The wheel wells are about ⅛-¼ inch deep, with wheel flares that prevent wheelbite. The flush mounting is designed to counteract the wedging from the deep rocker.
micro wheel wells
micro wheel wells
Wheelbase Options
The multiple wheelbase options are very useful, allowing riders to find a configuration that suits their preference. However, the front-most wheelbase option may not be as effective due to the board’s taper. This taper reduces leverage for toeside maneuvers.
micro wheelbase and wheel wells
Price
The Rocket Micro is competitively priced, considering the materials and quality of its construction.
Minor Drawbacks
The board’s primary drawback is its vulnerability to damage from impacts. While not a major concern for most riders, those who tend to be hard on their gear should be aware of this.
Conclusion
The Rocket Micro is a high-performing longboard deck with a unique design and construction. Its concave enhances control and maneuverability, while its lightweight build makes it easy to handle. While it may not be the most durable board, the benefits it offers far outweigh its minor drawbacks. It is a great option for riders seeking a versatile and responsive board.
Thank you to Rocket for providing the board for review and to Ian Freire for his valuable insights.
