When will the Generation 5 Freebord be delivered?
[Last Update 20.01.2022]
As we can hear in the latest update from Bob regarding shipping, the Cascade Wheels (reason we were waiting) are finally done and assembled to the boards.
So everything is ready to ship, right? Unfortunately not. After we received the first Boards, we found two opportunities for improvement. For once we realized that the screws to mount the 5X are too long and need to be replaced. And second, after doing our 3rd level testing we encountered that the castor bolt is slowly loosening when riding really hard.
After informing FB MFG, Bob went straight to work. Both are easy fixes, but took time to implement.
So, what has changed in terms of timeline? The rest of the boards will be put on a boat right after Chinese New Year in February. We are already getting quotes for shipping and still expect them to arrive in Europe in Spring.
You can watch further explanation from FB MFG right here!
How does Freebord work?
Freebord’s simulation of snowboarding is the result of years of mechanical development and prototypes. The two center wheels function as the base of a snowboard and allow motion in all directions. The outer four wheels function as a snowboard’s edges and sit slightly off the ground. The result is that you can selectively apply your weight to your edges or your base, determining whether to carve or slide or any combination of those two motions.
How do you stop on a Freebord?
Check out this awesome short video that answers one of the most frequently asked questions we get around here – “How in the hell do you stop that thing?”
Is it difficult to Freebord? Does it take long to learn?
Riding a Freebord looks easy, but it’s not. As a beginner, you have to commit to the idea that you’re snowboarding on pavement (not skateboarding). Just like learning to snowboard, it may take several days or weeks to get the hang of it even if you rip on snow. Prior experience in other boardsports, particularly snowboarding, speeds the learning process. See the Learn to Ride section of our website for more details.
Is Freebord dangerous? Can I “catch an edge”?
Freebording is extremely dangerous. It’s important to remember to always keep your weight on your uphill edge while riding. Dropping the downhill edge will cause you to “catch an edge”, forcing the board to an abrupt stop and making you fall hard. Also, never ride on center wheels only. The board will be unstable and may slide out from under you. Please read this Safety Warning before purchasing or riding a Freebord.
How hard is it to ride?
It varies from person to person but we recommend checking out this article for an in-depth answer.
How much do they cost?
Visit the Freebord Store online to see pricing on complete boards, hardware, accessories and apparel.
Is there a store near me that carries them?
Check out our Dealer Locator for stores in the USA, and our International Distributor list for shops outside the country.
Can I buy a board directly from Freebord Mfg?
You can buy a board directly from us either online at the Freebord Store, or by coming into the warehouse. Here’s how to find us.
Can I push on flat ground? Can I use my Freebord as a conventional longboard?
Freebord is designed for downhill riding and doesn’t ride the same as a conventional longboard. As a result, it’s not great for pushing long distances in the flats. Although the center wheels cannot be removed from the truck baseplate, riders can adjust their center wheel height to decrease the amount of rocker on the board.
That being said… where there is a will there is a way.
Will Freebord improve my snowboarding?
Definitely. Freebord carves and slides exactly like a snowboard so it teaches and reinforces the weighting and edging skills needed on the snow. Freebord is also an excellent tool for learning how to snowboard in advance of ever hitting the slopes-saving you those first few days of brutal falls.
What size board should I get?
Freebord decks come in a variety of lengths and widths; 75, 77, 80, 83, and 85. Appropriate board length is determined by the rider’s height and stance width. Riders with large shoe sizes can opt for our 85 decks.
Do I need bindings?
Yes, every Freebord package comes with S2 Bindings. These bindings are designed for fast and easy exiting. They also provide increased control and leverage in your turns.
What is the warranty policy?
We stand by the boards we build. If you encounter any problems, email or call us and we’ll take care of it. Check out the details of our Warranty Policy here.
What if I need replacement parts?
A good Freeborder knows that taking care of your equipment is essential to riding well. That’s why regular tune-ups for your board are a must. The harder you shred, the more often you may need to replace parts and fine tune your hardware. We sell all kinds of replacement parts and components on the online Freebord Store. See the Assembly and Tuning section of our website for instructions.
How can I find other riders in my area?
The best way to connect with other Freeborders is through the Freebord Forum or the Facebook Group.
Forum
How long do the wheels last?
Freebord has prototyped and tested hundreds of iterations of wheel formulas. One of the most recent examples of this tech in action is our most advanced center wheel, The Boro . The Boro tested off the charts in our durability trials, and gives the rider more longevity than any other wheel on the market.
Next up, is the Da Blues Edge Wheel (78mm | 80a) the best edge wheel we make hands down. Tweaked and tested over the years, this wheel is the result of extensive testing by Freebord’s Pro and R&D team.
Da Blues are the highest performance wheel in our lineup, featuring a custom shape, a proprietary urethane formula, and a 45mm contact patch to give you the maximum grip while still delivering a consistent and predictable slide. While usage may vary with how hard you are riding, many of our pros literally ride these for several months with no problem.
How can I get on the Freebord Pro Team?
We hold open nominations for the Freebord Pro Team every December. Submit a 2 minute highlight reel of yourself by December 31st to [email protected]. Check the Freebord News blog for details and announcements.
What's the difference between maple and bamboo decks?
Maple
Our maple decks are made with traditional 7 ply Canadian rock maple that most skate decks are made with. Maple decks have slightly more pop than bamboo decks, but aren’t as rigid as bamboo; either deck rides great and get the job done, it just depends on your personal preference.
Bamboo
Our bamboo-maple hybrid decks are made with a 5 ply Canadian rock maple core and 2 plys (top and bottom of vertically laminated bamboo). The bamboo plys make this deck stronger, slightly lighter, and more rigid (providing more edge control/responsiveness than the pure maple deck).
