Today, we’re diving deep into a review of the Seismic slide pucks, specifically the Premium Extra Hard version. I took these pucks for a spin on the diverse roads of Nairobi to see how they hold up. Let’s break down their performance.
Seismic Slide Pucks: A Detailed Look
Specifications
- Outer Diameter: 3.25″ / 82.5mm
- Thickness: 12mm
Performance On The Road
How Slick Are They?
The Seismic slide pucks are exceptionally slick, perhaps the slickest I’ve ever used. They feel like ice gliding across the pavement, allowing your hand to move freely without feeling any resistance. This is a stark contrast to pucks like Ojooms, which offer a more “buttery” slide.
Enhanced Control During Slides
The impressive slickness of these pucks translates to better control, especially when performing hands-down slides. I found it easier to finesse the board, apply weight, and push into slides. This enhanced control is a major selling point for these pucks. They allow for precise movements and encourage aggressive riding styles.
Seismic slide pucks in action
Handling Rough Roads
The beveled edge and slickness of the Seismic pucks enable them to glide over rough surfaces, cracks, and uneven pavement smoothly. They don’t catch, and that provides a reassuring feeling, especially when skating on roads with varying surfaces. This allows you to confidently push your limits without fear of unexpected snags.
Consistent Slide Across Surfaces
The Seismic pucks maintain a consistent slide across most types of pavement, ensuring predictable performance regardless of the road surface. This consistency is crucial for maintaining control and building confidence in your slides.
Hardness and Density
These pucks are incredibly hard and dense, feeling surprisingly heavy for their size. The weight is negligible during use, but they feel robust and well-made. This density contributes to their consistent slide performance and resistance to deformation.
The Downside: Noise
One notable drawback of the Seismic pucks is their noise level. They are the noisiest pucks I have ever used. This can be a problem if you prefer a stealthy approach to skating or have sensitive ears. The noise can become particularly noticeable after prolonged use with long slides. While this can be a minor issue for solo mountain runs, it may be distracting in populated areas.
Durability Concerns
Wear and Tear
Unfortunately, the Seismic pucks are not particularly durable. They wore down surprisingly quickly, even after a relatively short period of use. The beveled edge also disappeared quickly, causing the pucks to catch slightly more on rough surfaces, although not as much as other pucks. This lack of durability is a significant concern, especially considering their price point.
Worn down Seismic slide pucks
Comparison with other pucks
They wore faster than other UHMW pucks, like the Ojooms, that I have used, and the lack of a bevel on both sides is a lost opportunity. This feature would allow users to flip the puck and extend its lifespan.
Cost vs. Value
At $26, the Seismic pucks are a premium-priced option. While I am generally happy to invest in high-quality gear, the lack of durability makes it hard to justify the cost. The performance is undeniable, but the lack of longevity detracts from the overall value.
Drawbacks in Detail
The Noise Factor
As previously mentioned, the noise produced by these pucks is a significant downside. The high-pitched sound can be bothersome to both the skater and those nearby. The noticeable difference between the quieter Ojooms and the very shrill Seismics is something you can hear for yourself.
Rapid Wear
The rate at which these pucks wear down is a major concern. The feeling of your $26 investment disappearing so quickly is not ideal. If they were slightly larger or wider, they might wear more slowly, but as they are, the small size just does not hold up.
Seismic could improve their design by increasing the puck’s height and widening the beveled edge, providing more material to wear through and ultimately improve the puck’s durability.
Seismic slide pucks
Are They Worth the Purchase?
After thorough testing, I’m not entirely convinced that the Seismic pucks are worth the purchase. While their performance is top-notch, the lack of durability makes them a questionable investment. For those prioritizing performance over longevity, they may be worth trying out, but if you are looking for something that will last, these are not for you.
Seismic should revisit their design and create a puck that addresses these issues. A wider and taller design would not only improve durability but also enhance the overall user experience.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Seismic slide pucks are worth trying out at least once to experience their impressive performance. However, if you’re seeking a more durable, longer-lasting option, these are not the ideal choice.
