landyachtz drop hammer vs drop cat

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The Best Beginner Boards 2019

Now, I’m going to make a few assumptions here. 1) This is your first of potentially many longboards, so it’s okay to focus on single purpose boards. 2) You want a longboard for learning, something easy to start with. 3) You don’t currently have any longboarding or skating skills.

Why am I making those assumptions? You’re reading this article, so you’re likely new, and it’s impossible to find one longboard that will do everything you ever will want to do on four wheels.

So, let’s first discuss what makes a good beginner board, why I’m not recommending cheap ones from Amazon, and a few examples of excellent first boards.

Table of Contents

No Amazon Boards

Amazon, Walmart, Target, <insert big box store here> boards are all off the list. I don’t care if they’re cheap. The reason I’m not recommending these is because they’re typically low quality. They’re made with terrible wood that could snap under your feet at speed, causing injury. They often have cheaply made trucks that could break from riding, won’t give you smooth turns, and will make controlling your board difficult. The wheels are going to be garbage, they’re going to chunk, and you, again could get hurt. And, finally, the reason I didn’t get into skating earlier, because the bearings are going to be awful.

A little history of Danielle. I got my first skateboard with my brother when I was about 11. We skated for a bit. I never got good at anything. I couldn’t ollie, I barely learned a pop shuvit, and going anywhere was a hassle. That’s because they had terrible bearings, hard, garbage wheels, and you had to push constantly to keep it moving. My brother and I gave up. Our boards were Mongoose skateboards from a big box store. They were cheap, and we got what we paid for.

The other reason is that an investment in good equipment will push you to go out and ride. You’ll feel an obligation because you spent good money on something. In the beginning, learning is going to be very tough. Getting up to speed is going to take perseverance. My tips will make learning easier, but you’ll still need some financial motivation.

What to Look For

There’s a decent design for a super stable skateboard. You don’t have to completely match it, but this should be the easiest thing to ride. You’ll likely want a double drop longboard with reverse kingpin trucks, about 30-40″ in length, with at least 70mm soft wheels. They’re also going to need good bearings, like those from Bones, Oust, or even Zealous (the cheapest option). Here’s the “why” of each item.

Deck : Double Drop: A “double drop” deck drops down from where the trucks are mounted, and also allows the trucks to be mounted through the deck. This puts you as low to the ground as you can get. It’ll make learning to push and stop much easier, and also provide a stable base to learn on.

Trucks : Reverse Kingpin. Reverse kingpin trucks turn less for your lean than traditional kingpin trucks. Without explaining the geometry too much, they essentially have less rake, meaning they rotate less for your lean. This makes them less “twitchy” and easier for a beginner to learn to balance on. They’re also more stable at speed. Wide trucks are great for stability, but you might kick your wheels until you get used to them. In that case, thinner, 150mm trucks will work best.

Wheels : ~70mm and soft, 75a-80a. Soft wheels will grip more and absorb the shock from cracks in the pavement or rocks better. A softer ride means you’ll be bucked off less frequently. Depending on the deck, you could load up with 80mm to 85mm soft wheels for a really smooth ride, like I did for my Pantheon Ember.

Good Examples

I’ll include my references from reputable brands that make some great longboards. I haven’t ridden all of these, but I’ll mention what I can about each one.

Landyachtz Switch 35″ or 40″

This isn’t technically a double drop. However, the drop is so massive, it’ll bring you lower to the ground and give you great places for your feet. I like boards in the 35″ range, but if you’re tall, you may want to go with a 40″. I’m tall, 5’10”, but I still like the 35″ area. Many people my height do not.However, I recommended the Switch over the Switchblade for one reason: you can get it in that 35″ size. Beginners often feel a bit out of place carrying around a large board, and I want you out there and skating every day until it feels natural!

The “Tiger” design comes with some nice 70mm XL Fatty Hawgs, which I really love. They also come with the 181mm Bear 52º trucks. I recommend flipping them as soon as you get them, just to make them more stable and less lean-based to learn on. That’s the hangar of the truck, not the whole thing. The kingpin nut should still face outward. Then flip them around when you’re more comfortable.

• Switch Skull 35 (pictured above)
• Switch Skull 40
• Switch Tiger 35
• Switchblade 38
• Switchblade 40
• Evo 36 Falcon
• Evo 40 Falcon

To flip trucks, remove the nut on the kingpin, pull off the washer, bushing, and then the truck hangar. Flip it, without removing the truck or the bushing, and put it back together. Not all trucks work like this, but on the Bear trucks, you can flip them to ride them with a bit more stability.

A former coworker of mine got started with the Switch. He was a surfer, so taking to balance wasn’t difficult, but he was able to get used to skating very quickly, at least in part due to how easy this board is to skate on.

Worth Comparing: Landyachtz Switchblade and Evo

The Landyachtz Switchblade is, like the Switch, a drop pusher. It comes in 38″ and 40″ sizes. These are going to feel more stable than the Switch, so if you don’t mind the larger size, definitely go with these. How are they more stable? Top-mount drop decks like the Switch make your standing platform kind of like a pendulum. The standing area is low, but the pivot point is higher. I’m currently testing a Rain Board 2.0 that makes use of a deck design very similar to the Switch, and I found it surprisingly carvy and nimble, but worried it could be too much for a beginner.

That’s why, if you don’t mind the extra size, the Switchblade, with its lower mounting point, will feel a little more balanced. It’s just a feel, really, but you’ll feel more locked in.

You can also check out the Landyachtz Evo. The Evo is a bit different, made for downhill stability and distance pushing. The front truck offers more nimble turns, while the back truck is made for a stable platform. The end result is something that will turn and slide with ease. However, it also is a very stable setup. You might actually really like it as a beginner. During the Broadway Bomb this year, I saw a young kid skating one of these with his father. It was incredibly wholesome.

You could also try to learn on a large pintail. Pintails have a large standing platform and are a ton of fun. They sit high though, so pushing is more difficult. I’m currently testing Landyachtz’s Pinner 44 for a review, and, I’m spoiling that review a little bit, but, I love it so much. It’s so much fun.

Also: Landyachtz Drop Cat

Finally, there’s the Drop Cat. I’ve reviewed this myself and have some new advice. For beginners, I highly recommend it, as it sits low for pushing and, if you get the stock Bear trucks, you can flip them for stability. I now recommend the Drop Cat 33 or Drop Cat 38 for beginners, and I think you’d have a lot of fun on them. They cradle you, keep you low, and can be configured to be more stable than I realized in my initial review. You can also, as I suggest in my review, go for 43º trucks if you’re worried about stability.

Pantheon Trip

I got a friend into longboarding using one of Pantheon’s boards, the Ember. Now, I’m going to be upfront with you: all of Pantheon’s boards are amazing for beginners. The Ember is flexible and forgiving, while also being more nimble than the Trip. It’s better for cities, where you may have to dodge obstacles more often. The Pranayama is super low, but it’s stiff. It’s nimble like the Ember, but won’t absorb shocks as much. Then there’s the Trip. This is a stable platform, it’s forgiving, and it’s built around reverse kingpin trucks, which mean it’ll feel the most stable. I believe any of these boards would be excellent for a beginner, but recommend the Trip or Ember the most.

I bought an Ember when I broke my wrist and needed a super stable platform for skating (against doctor’s orders) in the city. I don’t recommend skating with an injury, but… well, I didn’t fall a second time while I was healing….

Loaded Icarus

The Icarus is a flexible and stable drop through deck. Loaded uses it for their electric boards, so you know it’ll be stable at speed. It can accommodate large wheels, has a large standing platform, is flexible and forgiving, and with your weight on it, comes close to the ground. It seems to be a fun board that would be forgiving for beginners. Just make sure you select the right flex level. I recommend more flex for lighter riders, so you can get closer to the ground. I’d say if you’re 170lbs or lower, go with their “Flex 2.”

If you prefer a longer board, you could go with the Dervish Sama. It’s an incredibly flexible board. Flexible boards will be more forgiving, bring you closer to the ground, and give you a springiness that you’re definitely going to appreciate as you start carving more.

Sector 9: “Platinum Series”

It comes with Sector 9’s Gullwing trucks, which I’ve found to be decently carvy. The ones that come with this seem to have double barrel bushings, which means it should be more stable than my setup from Sector 9 was. The wheels will be soft, but they’re too small and you’re going to want to replace them with something large. Furthermore, they come with ABEC 5 bearings, which are utter trash. If you go the Sector 9 route, I almost recommend just replacing the trucks, which aren’t too bad, with Bear or Paris, which I enjoy more, and large wheels, either from Hawgs, Powell Peralta, Orangatang, or even Sector 9’s own Butterballs. When you’re ready to learn to slide, you’ll have some fun on them.

This is a wide board, giving you a lot of forgiving space for your feet. I think that’s its strongsuit. This is a large board, but you won’t feel like you’re floating over the deck, you’ll have lots of room to find a sweet spot.

Bustin Boards Sportster

The Sportster uses the same (E)Core base as my Bonsai. It’s lightweight and surprisingly stiff. The top and bottom layers are still wood. There’s a double drop, and an aggressive concave to help you lock in. It’ll help you find your balance in the center of the board simple, and keep you in place as you carve or learn to slide. The Sportster isn’t too long, but, like the Pantheon Trip, the trucks begin and end the board. That gives you a long platform to work with.

I’m not a huge fan of their wheels, and, because mine came with Ace trucks, I haven’t tried Bustin’s trucks. However, their wheels are large enough to absorb some of the rough pavement on New York streets. They’ve got a sharp lip and lose a lot of speed while carving, so they’re beginner friendly, but you might find that they fray as you get better and start sliding them.

Arbor Axis Bamboo and Dropcruiser Flagship

Axis 40 Bamboo

This is a 40″ drop-through deck with reverse kingpin trucks. It’ll be stable, won’t turn super fast, and will be best for cruising, relaxed riding, and, of course, learning! Bamboo is excellent because it’s strong, incredibly flexible, and sustainable. A flexible board is going to be a bit surprising when you step on, but Arbor has set this up with a slight convex shape, so it’ll bend under your weight into something that’s a bit flatter. You’re not going to feel where to put your feet as easily with this, but I think the flexibility and shock absorption bamboo offers will be worth it.

Dropcruiser Flagship

This is a weird board. It’s actually wider in the back than the front, something you don’t usually see. It’s better for beginners to learn foot placement for their back foot though, so you might love it. The shape is a double drop for stability and to keep it low to the ground. It’s made out of 9-ply maple though, so it’s likely going to be very stiff. You might want some shock pads. Still, it’s a large platform with a double drop for stability and ease in pushing.

My Top Pick

Honestly? I love Landyachtz. They’re a great company. Every board from them has been a favorite. You’d do well going for the Switch, Switchblade, Evo Falcon, or Drop Cat. Plus, they plant a tree for every board sold!

However, for the absolute beginner, I think the Pantheon Trip might have them beat. The board is a bit more narrow, but this will make it more portable. You’ll be more likely to carry it around if it’s light. I’d say go for that unless you want a wider or stiffer board. If you have a local shop or even a Zumiez, you can shop around and try to find something that feels right under your feet.

My “Perfect” Beginner’s Board:

• Pantheon Trip Deck $120-$130
• Paris 150mm 50º RKP Trucks : $53
• 75A Speed Vent Wheels : $76
• MuirSkate Beasto 0.13″ risers with 1.25″ bolts : $8.95
• Bones Reds with Extended Races : $35.95

Total cost, if purchased separately: $277.90-$287.90, though you can get most of this through MuirSkate or a local skate shop for less. Pantheon is working on getting those trucks in again, and will be able to sell a similar setup for under $250. I believe I got my Ember for $230. Though MuirSkate doesn’t have the 150mm Paris Trucks and is out of stock on the Trip deck currently, this setup would get you going quickly.

Update: You can get this as a complte from Pantheon for just $247. You can also upgrade the bushings with those from Orangatang for extra rebound and springiness.

Heavier Rider? No Problem!

The Pantheon Trip is a great board, but it’s really only recommended for riders up to 230lbs. Jeff, the founder of Pantheon, has had videos of more than one person on a Trip at a time, definitely over 230lbs, but this could risk damage. Once you carve hard, you could find yourself bottoming out of breaking your board. So perhaps you’re heavier rider, want to ride it hard eventually, and therefore don’t want it to be too flexible. What then?

You’re going to want something that’s already quite stiff. For that, I recommend the Landyachtz Evo Falcon 40. Complete from Landyachtz, it’s $250 . However, you may want to add thin soft risers ( or thicker ones ) and better bearings , to smooth out your ride. This build I made on MuirSkate is only a little more, and would save you money on bearings upgrades. You could also flip the hangars of those Bear Trucks to give them more stability. You may only have to do the front one, but get a feel for it! The Evo will provide a super stiff ride, but it’ll handle whatever you throw at it. I think the Trip is better for riders under 230lbs, but anyone could be happy with the Evo.

For a cheaper ride? There’s the Landyachtz Switchblade, a fantastic and stable beginner board. There’s also the Drop Cat, Drop Hammer, and Switch, all great choices.

But I want to have FUN!

You’re going to have fun on all of them, honest! But I won’t lie, I tailored these suggestions for someone looking for the most stable and easy to ride board they could get. If you want a low, easy to push, and fun for skaters of all levels, check out the Drop Cat 33 or 38 . I will recommend flipping the Bear trucks right away if you want an easier learning experience, but it’s low, it’s fun, and it’s my everyday board for commuting and freeriding. It really is a blast. It will be more difficult to start with, but it’s a whole lot of fun.

What About Cruisers?

I love cruisers. I have too many but I’m definitely buying more. I started on a Landyachtz Dinghy , but it’s a short and tall setup that can be a little tricky to learn on. I’ve heard others express interest in the Landyachtz Tugboat for its larger size. I also liked the larger wheel sizes on the Bustin Bonsai , but, again, it’s going to be a tall setup. The Bonsai does have an interesting surface which can help with foot placement though.

You could also check out the new Loaded Coyote . It’s a versatile board that can have TKP or RKP trucks and a longer wheelbase. It has wheel wells and a kick tail. However, it’s going to sit tall. All cruisers will. That’s going to make pushing and balance more difficult. Once you get it though, cruisers are an absolute blast.

To Sum it Up…

You could buy any board. Really, anything. If you want, you could learn on a 22″ Penny Board. The only thing that will change is how long it takes you to learn. I learned on a Dinghy with 0.5″ hard risers. It had small wheels, a small deck, nimble trucks, and sat high. It was nearly everything I just recommended against, and I love it . But it took me longer to learn than I would have if I had followed my advice here.

No matter what longboard you get, you’re eventually going to love the sport. So what are you waiting for? Start loving your commute, trips to your friends places, and your weekends just a little bit more. Get a longboard.

About the author

Related posts.

What Makes a Good Commuter?

Surfskate from Scratch: Setting up a Waterborne Surfskate

Getting Back Up Again

No beginner here, but looking for a low pushing board for next spring. Definitely considering the Pantheon boards, mostly the Ember. The Trip seems nice too but without a tail it seems impossible to kick it up in your hands (in city traffic, I think that is a must-have).

You can drop another 20 bucks off the price of the Pantheon Trip by going with Zealous bearings. They take a little to break in but perform just as well as the reds and will probably even last a bit longer due to the nano-ceramic grease they use.

The Arbor Axis is an excellent starter board, good addition to your article. I started on one (the 37 inch maple version) earlier this year and really like it so far. It is stable and has a little bit of flex for that nice surfy feeling. Another beginner tip would be the LY Drop Hammer, which is even more stable and – at least feels – lower to the ground because of the rocker. It is really stiff though. My skate buddy owns one and he pointed out that it felt easier to skate as an absolute beginner than my Axis.

(By the way, sorry for the profile pic. Way too formal and it really kills the casual skate vibe here – but it is up there and I don’t know how to change it…)

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Landyachtz Drop Hammer Review: Comfortable, Pushable, Stable

Posted on Last updated: April 22, 2021

Categories Gear & reviews

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The Drop Hammer from Landyachtz is a classic mid-sized drop-through longboard ideal for smooth and comfortable cruising and responsive carving. It offers a very wide deck with exceptional foot space for cruising.

Yet, the Drop Hammer is relatively compact and lightweight for a symmetrical drop-through board, making it a good option for everyday commutes. It’s also very suitable for carving down small hills and pushing longer distances.

Check out the Landyachtz Drop Hammer on Stoked Ride Shop or here on Amazon

Table of Contents

Whom/what is the Drop Hammer good for?

Commuting and pushing

A few things make the Drop Hammer a fine commuter boar:

• Comfortable for pushing: the drop-through design makes the board ride lower to the ground compared to a topmount, making it very suitable for push commuting distance.
• Wide foot platform: the Drop Hammer deck is 10″ in width – which is quite wide. This also makes it comfortable to ride for long periods of time including with a bigger shoe size.
• Decently portable: the midsize shape of the Drop Hammer makes it OK to carry around on a train or into a store – although its width still gives it some bulk.
• The large (72mm) soft (78A) Hawgs wheels allow for fast riding on diverse terrain. You get a lot of roll for your kicks.

Cruising and carving

• The wide foot platform makes the Drop Hammer very comfortable for cruising. The super smooth Bear Grizzly trucks and the soft and grippy wheels also contribute to the cruising pleasure on this board.
• This board can carve hard for a drop-through. The Bear trucks are known for their responsiveness, and the huge cutouts give the board tons of wheel clearance for tight turns on a hill.

Although it’s not designed to be a high-speed downhill board, the Drop Hammer makes a pretty good beginner to intermediate freeride board due to its twin shape (switch riding), carving ability, but also its stability at higher speed.

The latter results from a relatively long wheelbase (27+”), very stiff flex, and uber-stable Bear trucks. The mild W concave also helps keep your feet in place and give you a secure feel when riding faster.

The concave, high width, and low ride give you confidence for sliding on this board. The drop-through mount makes slides more predictable and stable, even though you need a bit more effort to break traction.

All-around beginner longboard

Riders often command the Drop Hammer for being a great beginner board. The wide and ample platform makes it ideal for learners. It works particular well for smaller riders, and for heavier ones thanks to very stiff, sturdy build and stable ride.

Some smaller riders love the Drop Hammer for throwing it around and doing basic freestyle tricks. The nice walkable platform and decent twin kicks makes it fun to play with.

Of course, the large wheel cutouts aren’t the best for advanced freestyle and dancing tricks as they increase the change of foot rub.

Check out the Landyachtz Drop Hammer on Stoked Ride Shop

What riders say about the Drop Hammer

Here’s a recap of key rider feedback regarding the Landyachtz Drop Hammer:

• The Drop Hammer is a very good carving board with a feeling close to that of snowboarding.
• This board is light and feels responsive, it allows you to try aggressive maneuvers without getting out of control.
• Although turning may not be as tight as on a topmount, this board is very responsive and maneuvers easily.
• The Drop Hammer feels wide, comfortable, and stable. In contrast to other longboards, it rides smoothly even on rugged city streets.
• The Drop Hammer has great carving capabilities while still being stable enough for riding down decent hills with no speed wobbles.
• The Drop Hammer is strong and durable and can take a 250-300lb rider without issues.
• This board is quite lightweight and easy to carry around.
• The artwork on the Pinecone version of the Drop Hammer is stunning.

Drop Hammer shape & construction

As mentioned, the Drop Hammer is a true drop-through twin shape characterized by a very wide standing platform relative to the midsize length.

The Pinecone version of the Drop Hammer has a 7-ply Canadian Maple construction, resulting in a very stiff and sturdy deck capable of handling heavier riders.

The minimal W concave on this board is mellow with a small ridge in the middle and slightly uplifted rails. Although subtle, the concave is sufficient for comfortable foot lock-in when carving and sliding.

The Drop Hammer features ample wheel cutouts for wheelbite-free turns, and small tail and nose kicks that come in handy for simple kick tricks.

Landyachtz Drop Hammer setup

The Landyachtz Drop Hammer comes fitted with the Bear Grizzly Gen 6 RKP trucks, among the top longboard trucks on the market. They have a reputation for being awesome carving trucks.

The Grizzlies can be flipped for a lower baseplate angle well-suited for downhill speed.

The 6th generation of the Bear Grizzlies have bushing seats that are open and free turning. They feature stepped insert bushings which allow for deep carves with no slop through the complete turn. The Gen 6 also look great.

The Drop Hammer ships with highly-rated Hawgs Plough King 72mm 78A wheels.

Privacy Overview

Cruiser review • Deck review • Gear review • Landyachtz reviews • Truck review • Wheel review

Landyachtz Drop Cat review

October 9, 2021

If you’re looking for a cruiser that is compact and super easy to skate, look no further. The Landyachtz Drop Cat 33 is one of the best cruisers I’ve skated to date. It’s low to the ground, easy to skate, and quite turny. I’m quite pleased that I own this board and get to skate it often. However, the turning did feel a bit awkward sometimes … 

Check out my review for more.

Table of Contents

• Width – 9″.
• Length – 33″.
• Wheels -Hawgs 72mm 78a Plow King wheels.
• Trucks – Reverse kingpin Bear Gen 6 trucks. 50*, 180mm.
• Bearings – Space Balls Abec 7 bearings.
• Construction – 7plys of Maple

**Though Landyachtz did send me this to review and ride as part of my sponsorship agreement with them, I will remain unbiased and fair in the review. A big part of me accepting the sponsorship was being able to review products from an unbiased POV.

Expectations

When it comes to cruisers, I like those that are on the smaller side of the spectrum. They’re usually a bit nimbler, easier to carry around and just more fun to cruise with than bigger ones – hitting features, busting out small slides and slaloming between road obstacles is what I crave for and small cruisers have that juice on tap. 

That said, you often can’t fit very big wheels on them and they aren’t suited for skating distances more than a handful of miles. Mini-cruisers do have their limitations.

I really liked the Fireball cruiser as a mini cruiser but I couldn’t push it for too long before getting tired. Pushing uphill and over rougher roads kinda sucked as well – it just wasn’t the type of board suited to that sort of riding … 

I was itching for something that was just as compact as the Fireball but was better for getting around, especially over those longer distances.

I had been eyeing the Drop Cat 33 for a long time (even before my sponsorship) as it seemed like the sort of board I was looking for – it was relatively compact (33inches long), had a standing platform that was low to the ground (easy to push), had bigger wheels (would roll longer and over most things), and seemed to turn on a dime (easy fun slalom). So naturally, I had to pick it.

When I actually got to ride it, my suspicions were confirmed. It was easy to ride but ofcourse, one or two little things that weren’t obvious affected the overall ride.

For more info on the best cruisers on the market, check out this article here.

The Drop Cat is quite small …

At 33inches, this is one of the smaller drop-through cruisers around and I really liked this. I’ve always felt like most drop-through cruisers are too big (most are about 36inches in length). This makes them feel a bit slow turning and sluggish, and makes them feel unwieldy when carrying them around – I’ve bumped many a people in a supermarket aisle trying to handle a big board. 

I’ve also always felt like I have to have my feet too far apart to handle those bigger boards (I’m only 5ft10, so taller riders may disagree with this).

Because it is so small and is also a drop-through, you sort of get both the benefits of riding a drop-through and the benefits of a smaller compact board. As a result, the Landyachtz Drop Cat is easy to carry around, lightweight and has a nimble feel when turning – it’s very reactive to your input and.I love this!

However, with this small size comes a rather small standing platform. You only have about 20inches of actually board to stand on as the wheel cutouts to avoid wheelbite are quite big. 

This small standing platform isn’t going to work for everyone – especially those with wider stances. I think tall riders will be affected the most.

The standing platform isn’t too big

The standing platform of this board is only about 20inches long, 9inches wide at the front and 8inches at the back. It tapers to the smaller 8inch width from the front to the back.

It’s about the same as riding most compact cruisers – but you have a wider, more comfortable standing platform. So if you’re used to small cruisers, you’ll be able to transition to this one with no issue. 

Basically, if you can comfortably stand over the mounting points of a small cruiser with a wheelbase between 14-17inches, this board will likely be ok for you.

And whilst it is wide and kinda comfortable, I couldn’t help but sometimes feel that I didn’t have enough room length wise. I think it’s because I unconciously prefer to have my feet over the mounting options that I felt this way. Other than that, I’m quite happy with the overall size of the board.

The Landyachtz Drop Cat has flex

The board has a considerable amount of flex and will flex under your weight. This lowers your to the ground and makes pushing and footbraking abit easier. Paired with the considerable amount of rocker, you actually ride super close to the ground.

The flex also just adds a bit of bounce and “juice” to the overall ride. It makes it a bit more fun as you can bounce in and out of the turns – just watch out you don’t accidentaly force the wheels to break traction as you do. It’s quite easy to do this if you’re over enthusiastic.

Finally, the flex acts as a shock absorber and it helps harsh out the feedback you get from riding over rougher surfaces.

This complete is really turny!

As I mentioned earlier, I usually dislike how to drop throughs turn. They aren’t very nimble, feel sluggish and they take forever to turn. Fortunately, the Drop Cat has a much better feel when turning.

Because of it’s compact size, it has a smaller wheelbase. This allows it to have a smaller turning circle and a sharper turn. It also has a considerable amount of rocker which carries on throughout the board. This rocker wedges the front trucks by about 5-7* and wedges the back trucks by about 3-5*. 

This rocker brings the overall truck angles to about 57 and 53 degrees. Naturally, a higher angle truck turns a lot more and this adds to the nimble feel.

Though it is nimble and it does turn a lot, with the stock bushing setup the board didn’t give me a particularly nice feel when turning. 

It had a tightrope sort of balancing point and it would turn too suddenly for my liking … I talk more about this in the “what I didn’t like about the Drop Cat section below. Messing with the bushings did solve this, and some riders might actually not find issue with it at all.

How does the turning feel?

When it comes to turning, the board doesn’t turn much, then it turns a lot/suddenly, and then it quickly taps out of that turn. You don’t really dig into the turn as you would with a top-mount board, the turn sort of taps out, and you can lean and fall off the board if you keep adding more pressure/leaning expecting the board to lean and turn even more. 

You kinda have to hold the angle and just hold on as the board turns. It’s like a dead end of the lean and you just hold it there.

The board sits super low to the ground

The drop-through nature of the board, the considerable amount of rocker and the flex allows this board to sit super low to the ground. This does a few things.

It’s super easy to push and footbrake

The first thing the low height does is make the Drop Cat really easy to push and footbrake on. 

When skating longer distances and skating uphill even, I could feel myself getting less fatigued as I didn’t have to reach as far to get my foot down to push. I wasn’t bouncing up and down as much to get to teh ground and I was able to conserve a lot of energy.

Footbraking was also a lot easier. I gave the board to a friend who was struggling with footbraking and they were able to do it quite easily on this. They struggled a lot on a top mount as it was higher off the ground but came close to doing it quite well with the Drop Cat.

I found the board to be quite comfortable

When it comes to concave, the board has minimal features and the concave is rather mellow. It does have wheelflare sort of things and kinda rises up where the cut outs are. This might be uncomfortable if you have really big feet, but should be ok for most.

The main place that felt kinda of uncomfortable was the rear of the board. If I put my feet directly across the wheel flare sort of things it wouldn’t feel very nice. 

The only issue I see is the standing platform feeling a bit too small for bigger riders.

The construction is solid

Despite being really flexy, these boards can carry riders up to 250lbs in weight. The construction is solid and I haven’t had an issue with any cracks or anything forming. I only weigh 150lbs, but I make sure to abuse my boards, taking them over all sorts of environments. 

No issue so far construction wise with the Drop Cat.

Is it good for learning to slide?

It’s not a good board for downhill skating. It has flex and a lot of wedging which increases the angles of your trucks considerably, this can make it unstable at faster speeds.

However, because it is so low to the ground and it is a drop-through, it will be a good board for learning to slide. Drop-throughs and boards that sit close to the ground break traction super easy and this is no different.

I gave it to a buddy of mine who was still learning to slide and he had a blast. It broke traction easily for him and he was sliding within minutes of riding it.

It’s not a bad board for doing downhill stuff with under 25mph.

However, because the standing platform is quite small, it’s best for riders with a narrower stance. You might suffer if you like a wider stance for sliding.

The components are quite good

Apart from being a great board all-around the Drop Cat comes with excellent components too. It is paired with Bear trucks and Hawgs wheels – all baby companies of Landyachtz.

I was really impressed with the Plow kings

The Plow Kings surprised me! I didn’t think these wheels would be this good. Looking at the product pictures, I took them at face value and discounted them as regular, kinda wack longboard wheels. But they blew me away when I actually tried them 

These roll fast and pick up acceleration quickly. They rolled over most things and absorbed a ton of road vibration. They didn’t have an amazing amount of traction or grip, but were good enough for a cruiser wheel. But I should not understate that they roll really fast and accelerate quite quickly. They’re not a race winning wheel, but they really excel in that 15-30mph range.

They were also quite easy to slide despite having such a wide shape … though I reckon it’s mostly because they were attatched to the Drop Cat that they have been easy to slide, so take that with a grain of salt.

The Bear Spaceball bearings are decent

When I skated them the first few times a lot of lube leaked out of them and on to the shields. This is largely normal though. The lube leaking out was the excess lubricant in the bearing and this happens to most bearings as they break in.

Bearings with thicker lubricants (eg. Lithium Grease) don’t have this happen to them though …

You will have to wipe the wheel down to get it clean once the lube stops coming out.

Otherwise the bearings are still wroking quite well. I’ve skated them over dust, mud, puddles etc. and they’re still going strong. No issues so far.

The Bear Gen 6 trucks are high-quality

The Gen 6 trucks are the update Bear cast trucks. A lot of people didin’t like the 5th gen bear trucks and after trying them myself I can see why. The Gen 6 are considerably better though.

These have a very flowy turn, and feel quite leany and carvy. The turn is usually quite predicatable and smooth. 

What I didn’t like about the Landyachtz Drop Cat

It had a tight-rope feel when skating.

When leaning, the board would turn very suddenly and quickly and would react to my inputs quite drastically and then would suddenly stop turning as much. This gave the board an overall tight-rope feel like I was balancing on a point and it would turn very quickly/suddenly if leaned either left or right.

Honestly, this feel isn’t too bad and some people might like it, but I didn’t find it to be very comfortable and it made the board a bit awkward to skate. It was also not very confidence-inspiring at higher speeds (20-25mph) –  you want a board with a smooth, forgiving turn for going fast.

How did I fix this?

A quick fix to this tight-rope feel would be removing the cupped washer on the bottom of the boardside bushing. This will give the board an overall better feel as the bushings won’t be constricted as much and will allow the trucks to flow better. But for the best feel, you should pick up some aftermarket bushings according to your weight.

 What after market bushings am I using?

I eventually switched over to soft hardcore bushings which gave me the feedback and the smoother lean that I was looking for. I am currently riding the 85a (white) bushings in the front truck and the 87a (green) bushings in the back truck. The board still turns just as much, but the turning isn’t as sudden and it leans in a smoother controllable way. 

These bushings also give me feedback (a tiny bit of bounce) when I’m engaging the truck rather than just mushing over and allowing the truck to flop left or right. This gives me a lot of confidence, both at low speeds and slightly higher speeds as well.

I think higher rebound bushings (like Powell Hardcore bushings, and Venom SHRs) give a better feel in them. I tried some Venom HPF and they felt waay too mushy for my liking. Higher rebound bushings gave me a better feel.

The graphic got dirty quite easily

I got the version of the Drop cat with the white graphic. Being in Kenya, where there is dust, mud and all sorts of things, the board nturally got a bit dirty. Also, grease stains stuck on it and stuck out a bit.

I cleaned it for the review and they more or less came off. Some stubborn stains stayed but it was more or less like new. But if if how the graphic looks is important to you, get the darker versions where the stains won’t show up.

Is the price fair?

Depending on where you pick it up, this board will cost you bout $200. It is a bit on the expensive side, but you are paying a premium for high-quality products with great components.

If you like what I’ve said in the review, you will absolutely love this board and it will be worth it for you.

No kicktail – not the best for all sorts of terrain

Not having a kicktail hasn’t really affected me so far. I’m quite used to navigating urban roads on boards that don’t have tail (most of the DH boards I have don’t have one), so this was quite easy to adjust to. 

However, I can see the lack of a kicktail being an issue for people who have to use one to go up curbs and the like.

Things to watch out for!

It’s easy to kick the wheels.

Because its so short and sort of narrow size, you can sometimes kick the wheels on this board when you’re pushing. This only happened to me the first few times skating the board, or when skating it after a long-period of not skating it. I would quickly adjust and it would’t be an issue any more.

Just something to keep in mind.

Be careful riding over puddles

The cut-outs let water and mud  through. You’ll get sprayed if you roll over any of these.

Unless you have wheel shields to protect against the water spray, this board is best for riding in the dry.

Don’t use trucks under 160mm in width

You’ll get wheelbite quite easily with trucks that are a shorter width than this. And with this board, you’re going to want to avoid wheelbite as much as possible. It is often quite sudden and you’ll find yourself flying forward.

Who is this board right for?

• Looking for a relatively compact cruiser that will be easy to skate around with? This is the one for you.
• Still want a compact board but want something better suited for longer distances? This is a good choice.
• Looking to buy a board for a kid? This one is a good choice. The smaller size and standing platform accomodates a shorter stance. They’ll have better control and a better riding experience with this board.
• Looking for a great beginner board? This is a great choice.

Who shouldn’t buy this board?

• If the board doesn’t fit your budget, it isn’t a good choice for you.
• If you have a very wide stance, this board might be too small for you. You should consider the Drop Cat 38.
• If you want kicktails, this isn’t a good choice.

Where to buy the Drop Cat cruiser?

Buy the Drop Cat here at the Landyachtz website. Use the code – “ AroniSkate&Explore15 ” for 5% off.

You can buy the Drop Cat 33 here at the Stokedride shop.

You can also pick up the Drop Cat 38 here at Stokedride shop too.

What do you think, is the Landyatchz Drop Cat right for you?

If you’ve liked what you’ve read I highly recommend you pick up the Drop Cat. You will absolutely love it. If you’re still hesitant, I recommend looking at my best cruiser boards list for more options and info on other boards.

Big thanks to my  patrons  Jed, SuperbadJuju, Mowgii, Bryan, Andrew, Jan, Jay, Owen, Samil, Daniel, Alex, and Kasajja for the support. Your continued support of me allows me to keep making things like this. Cheers!

Have any Question or Comment?

4 comments on “ landyachtz drop cat review ”.

Philip Krayna

Hi- thanks for a great and thorough review. I am buying the 38” model— what specific bushings would you put on to improve ride? I couldn’t tell from your review and photos which brand and durometer you recommend.

I am currently riding the 85a (white) bushings in the front truck and the 87a (green) bushings in the back truck. I weight 150lbs/about 70kg. It should work good for you if you’re about the same weight

Looking into getting some Venom SHR standard bushings. Do you know if I have to get separate washers? Sorry, new to this whole thing but really need to make adjustments to improve maneuverability as I am a pretty light rider.

Depends on where you buy them from. If you get them from muirskate you can get them with washers.

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Landyachtz drop hammer longboard: a comprehensive review, brief overview of landyachtz drop hammer longboard.

The Landyachtz Drop Hammer longboard is a versatile and dynamic board that has taken the market by storm. It is an ideal board for cruising around town, commuting to work or school, and even downhill riding.

The 36.5-inch deck offers a low center of gravity which makes it easier to maneuver. One of the main things that sets the Drop Hammer apart from other longboards in the market is its unique design.

The board features a drop-through truck mount, which lowers the center of gravity and provides more stability at higher speeds. The deck’s concave shape ensures better foot placement and control while carving or sliding.

The Landyachtz team has put in a lot of effort to create a durable, high-quality board that can withstand rough terrain and regular use. They have also given attention to detail and aesthetics, making it not only functional but also visually appealing.

Purpose of the Review

In this article, we will delve deeper into what makes this longboard special by providing an overview of its design and build quality, components used, riding experience across different terrains, as well as highlighting pros and cons for potential buyers. Whether you’re an experienced rider looking for your next upgrade or just starting out in the world of longboarding, this review aims to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether this board is right for you. So sit tight as we walk you through everything there is to know about the Landyachtz Drop Hammer longboard!

Design and Build Quality

Description of the deck shape and size.

The Landyachtz Drop Hammer longboard has a unique design that sets it apart from other boards on the market. The board is 36.5 inches long by 10 inches wide, giving riders ample room to move around comfortably.

The deck features a drop-through mounting style, which lowers the center of gravity and makes the board more stable at high speeds. This design also allows for easier pushing, making it a great option for commuting or cruising.

Material used for the deck and trucks

The deck of the Landyachtz Drop Hammer is made from bamboo and fiberglass, which gives it both durability and flex. This combination of materials creates a board that can handle rough terrain while still providing a comfortable ride. The trucks are made from aluminum, which makes them lightweight yet sturdy enough to handle aggressive riding styles.

Durability and sturdiness of the board

One of the most impressive aspects of the Landyachtz Drop Hammer longboard is its durability. The combination of bamboo and fiberglass in the deck creates a strong foundation that can withstand heavy use without cracking or warping over time. Additionally, the aluminum trucks are designed to hold up against wear and tear from sliding or carving maneuvers.

Overall, the Landyachtz Drop Hammer longboard is built to last while still providing riders with an enjoyable ride experience. Its unique design elements contribute to its durability as well as its performance on different terrains.

Riding Experience

Smoothness of ride on different terrains.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Landyachtz Drop Hammer longboard is how smoothly it glides over various terrains. Whether you’re on a flat, smooth surface or cruising over rough pavement, this board provides an incredibly comfortable ride. The drop-through design, combined with the soft bushings and shock-absorbing wheels, make for a buttery-smooth experience that feels like floating on air.

Maneuverability and control while carving or cruising

Thanks to the compact size and low center of gravity, this board is highly maneuverable and easy to control. Whether you’re carving down a winding hill or navigating through tight turns on a busy sidewalk, you’ll feel confident and in control at all times. The responsive trucks are well-suited for quick turns and sharp maneuvers, making it an ideal choice for riders who want to experiment with different styles.

Stability at high speeds

Despite its relatively small size, the Landyachtz Drop Hammer longboard is surprisingly stable at high speeds. This is due in part to its wider deck shape and lowered platform design, which provide excellent stability and balance even when cruising downhill at top speeds. Additionally, the heavy-duty trucks are designed to handle high-speed riding without wobbling or shaking excessively.

Overall, the riding experience offered by this board is exceptional regardless of your skill level or preferred riding style. Whether you’re looking for a casual cruiser or an adrenaline-pumping downhill ride machine, the Landyachtz Drop Hammer longboard delivers in every way possible.

Components: The Heart of the Landyachtz Drop Hammer Longboard

Quality wheels for smooth riding.

One of the key components of any longboard is its wheels. The Landyachtz Drop Hammer comes equipped with high-quality Hawgs wheels that help provide a smooth and comfortable ride.

The 70mm diameter ensures that the board can easily handle rough surfaces like cracks, bumps, and pebbles without any trouble. Additionally, the 78a durometer rating means that these wheels are soft enough to absorb shocks in order to prevent you from feeling every bump in the road.

Bearings Matter Too!

Another crucial component for a longboard are its bearings. The Landyachtz Drop Hammer comes fitted with high-end Bear Spaceballs bearings that allow for a speedy and responsive ride. These bearings are pre-lubricated with enough grease to ensure they will last a long time and maintain their performance even after extensive use.

Grip Tape for Safety and Control

Grip tape is another vital component of any longboard as it provides traction between your feet and the board. Without proper grip tape, riders can experience slippage or lose control while riding. Luckily, The Landyachtz Drop Hammer features an extra-coarse grip tape to give riders maximum traction under their feet at all times.

Each component plays an important role in overall performance of this board. From smoother rides, quick turns, safe riding experience to maintaining speed over longer distances, each aspect needs to work together in perfect harmony to give the rider an unforgettable experience!

Pros and Cons

Advantages of owning a landyachtz drop hammer longboard.

There are a lot of reasons to love the Landyachtz Drop Hammer longboard. For starters, its size and shape make it incredibly versatile.

The deck’s length and concave shape provide stability for cruising, while the dropped platform makes it easy to push around without sacrificing speed on hills or smooth terrain. Additionally, its drop-through design lowers the deck height for better control and makes it easier to push.

Another advantage is its quality components. The board comes equipped with top-notch Bear Grizzly 852 trucks that offer excellent turning ability and stability at high speeds.

The wheels are also high-quality Hawgs Supremes with a 69mm diameter that offers good roll speed without sacrificing grip. This board boasts an attractive design with a variety of graphics to choose from – making it perfect for riders who want both performance and style.

Drawbacks or areas for improvement

Despite all of its advantages, there are a few drawbacks to the Landyachtz Drop Hammer longboard that potential buyers should consider before making a purchase. One common complaint is that the drop-through design can make the board feel unstable at higher speeds due to increased flexibility in the deck. This issue can be remedied by tightening your trucks or selecting stiffer bushings for added stability.

Another drawback is that this board may not be suitable for riders who prefer less flex in their boards. Although some riders appreciate the added bounce in their ride, others find it uncomfortable or difficult to control at high speeds.

Overall, the Landyachtz Drop Hammer longboard is an excellent choice for riders looking for versatility and quality components in their ride. While there are some minor drawbacks to consider, they don’t detract too much from what is overall an excellent board designed with both style and performance in mind.

The Landyachtz Drop Hammer: An Exceptional Longboard Overall

After thorough evaluation of the Landyachtz Drop Hammer longboard , it is safe to say that this board is an exceptional choice for anyone looking for a versatile, high-performance longboard. The design and build quality are top-notch, with a sturdy and durable deck made from high-quality materials.

The riding experience is smooth and stable, with excellent maneuverability and control while cruising or carving. The components also contribute to overall performance, with high-quality wheels, bearings, and grip tape.

Pros and Cons of the Landyachtz Drop Hammer

Like any product on the market today, the Landyachtz Drop Hammer longboard has its pros and cons. The advantages of owning this board far outweigh any drawbacks or areas for improvement. Some of the pros include its versatile design that makes it ideal for different types of riding styles such as commuting or downhill riding.

It’s also worth mentioning that it’s relatively affordable compared to other premium boards in this category. One drawback that may be worth noting is that some riders may find it challenging to ride at very high speeds due to wheel wobble issues; however, adjusting your trucks can alleviate this problem.

The Final Verdict: Should You Buy The Landyachtz Drop Hammer?

If you’re looking for a top-performing longboard with excellent maneuverability and stability at high speeds without breaking the bank, then you should definitely consider buying the Landyachtz Drop Hammer. You’ll get great value for your money with a premium quality board designed specifically to meet all your cruising or commuting needs!

How to Choose a Freestyle Longboard

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Drop Hammer - Lighthouse

Light, stiff and highly carvable. The Drop Hammer is a great for anyone looking to spice up their commute, carve down a mellow hill, get rad on their way to class or just get out for an afternoon ride with friends. Drop mounted, symmetrical and packed full of awesomeness!

To give back to the environment we have decided that for every skateboard we sell, we plant a tree. One tree produces at least 60 boards. So with our program, one tree will turn into at least 60 new trees planted.

100% Canadian Maple

Canadian Maple is a strong and proven material used in the world’s best skateboards. We source only the finest veneers found in Eastern Canada.

DROP THROUGH

Drop through decks are lower to the ground and enjoy increase stability without sacrificing maneuverability.

Mellow concave that barely feels like it’s there, but designed to give you the control you need, when you need it.

Rocker provides a more comfortable foot platform by adjusting the deck angles to a skater’s natural stance. It also adds board control and increases responsiveness under your feet.

SYMMETRICAL

Go both ways with symmetrical board design. Generally found in freeride and downhill decks, these boards allow the rider to skate both regular and switch without changing up their stance.

Length : 36.5 Width : 10 Wheelbase : 27.25 Artist: Pedro Oyarbide

Neighbourhood Mellow Hills Campus Pathway

Watch The Drop Hammer Lighthouse in Action!

The Drop Hammer is a symmetrical drop-through longboard measuring 36.5" long and 10" wide. Its low ride height makes it an ideal city commuter and its medium concave and reasonably stiff construction make it a perfect board for an introduction to freeriding and carving on bigger hills. The Drop Hammer has wheelwells designed to work perfectly with the Grizzly Gen 6 180mm trucks for maximum turning and super deep carves. 70mm 78a Supremes finish the set up off for super smooth slides.

We design our trucks and wheels to fit perfectly with each individual deck. We work tirelessly to ensure these elements come together to provide the best control and performance for your board. No slop, all control. Don't accept anything less than the perfect complete.   Learn More >

Flex Rating

Flex has a big impact on the overall feel of your board and is influenced by a bunch of different factors. The main ones being thickness of the deck, it's wheelbase and rider weight. To put the equation in laymans terms: more flex occurs when you decrease thickness of the deck, increase the wheelbase and increase rider weight. The more flex in your board the more carvy and agile it'll feel, less flex means it's more stable and suited for faster skating. We test every complete with a device we built in house, specifically to standardize flex ratings.

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