Choosing the right surfskate can be really complicated. There are many brands and many models and the variables to be taken into consideration are so many that they make it difficult for those who do not know this world well. So? The best thing is, as always, to know as much as possible the characteristics of the different surfskates so as to make a choice that is as much in line as possible with your expectations, your tastes and what you want to do with the new surfskate.
In this post we have decided to compare the surfskates of two of the best known and most loved brands: Carver and Yow. Both two reference points for surfskate, with an incredible range of products to choose from ... and in which to get lost !!!
Carver is an American brand . Carver surfskates are developed, built and assembled in California at the factory in LA County.
Yow is a Spanish brand . The surfskates are produced in the HLC distribution Factory (the same as in Long Island, PlanB and many other successful brands), which is located in the Basque Country and which is the largest European skate factory.
As we know Carver has 2 different trucks: CX and C7. For our comparison we will examine the C7 truck which is the most similar to the YOW truck and therefore easier to compare.
TRUCK CARVER C7 VS TRUCK YOW SYSTEM V.4
Carver's C7 system is the pioneer of surfskate, the one from which it all began. The Carver C7 consists of a normal truck mounted on an adjustable spring linkage. We can adjust the softness that is felt under the feet by tightening it or loosening the tension of the spring through the nut.
The YOW system (here we are talking about version 4) is conceptually quite similar to carver's C7. Also in this case we have a truck mounted on two plates that oscillate with a spring inside that regulates the rigidity and guarantees the rebound at the end of the stroke. Unlike the C7 truck carver, it is not possible to adjust the stiffness of the spring and therefore of the surfskate (if not in a very minimal way), but it is possible to replace the spring inside to have a more or less soft system. And it is possible to insert a stop to lock it, obtaining a normal longboard truck.
YOW allows you to choose between two springs: S4 and S5. Generally S5 is recommended for adults and in any case for riders over 50kg. S4 is more suitable for little boys and children or those looking for something really super soft.
It should be noted that the YOW truck , thanks to the different holes present, can be mounted in different positions, so as to be able to vary the wheelbase . This is in our opinion one of the greatest advantages of this system because a few millimeters forward or backward allow you to drastically change the behavior of a skate allowing wider or narrower carves.
Weight: Carver's C7 system weighs 580g while the Yow V.4 S5 system weighs 980g
BEARINGS AND WHEELS
Both Carver and Slide are fitted with Abec 7 bearings
For wheels, on the other hand, the discussion is a bit longer because, especially for both Carver and YOW, there is a wide range of choices. Carver offers a range of 9 types of wheels, even if the most used models are two or three. It starts with the smaller 58mm diameter and hard wheels (98A), suitable for street models, to the new large 75mm diameter wheels in Ecothane and 81A mounted on some models such as the new Super Surfer. Between these two extremes we find the Roundhouse 70mm 78a, which are the most used together with the concave.
Yow mounts two different wheel models on its surfskates. They range from 60mm diameter wheels (x 40mm) in various hardnesses mounted mostly on entry level surfskates to 66 x 51mm wheels, also in various hardnesses, which mount most of the complete yow surfskates.
What changes and how to choose the wheels?
In principle, larger wheels give greater inertia, smoothness and speed, the smaller the diameter the lower the speed. The harder wheels are suitable for smooth surfaces (skateparks for example) while the softer ones tend to go better on the street, reducing vibrations.
DECK
Both Carver and Yow's decks are made from 7 sturdy layers of maple. Many of Yow's designs have a colored layer in the center.
As for the shapes, both Carver and Yow have a really wide range, with decks for all tastes and for all rider characteristics.
Carver has models ranging from 28 inches up to a 36.5-inch long model although most settle on lengths around 31 inches.
Many of the shapes recall surfboard models, some are made in collaboration with All Merrick, others with professional surfers. Some models are distinguished by particular types of concave, very accentuated, which allows you to give greater thrust with the feet.
Yow for its part has a range of surfskates with lengths ranging between 29 and 40 inches and shapes that are inspired by some of the most iconic waves on the planet or developed in collaboration with professional surfers.
SURFSKATE YOW AND CARVER FEELING
The Yow system resembles Carver's C7 system, yet when you have two systems under your feet the differences are felt.
Simplifying we can say that the Yow system tends to be more mobile, softer under the feet and more fluid . This allows Yow to use longer decks on average than Carver. While the Carver range has most models around 31 inches in length, with Yow most are 32 inches and over. A longer Deck undoubtedly offers greater stability while remaining extremely manageable and allows you to widen the stance for more radical maneuvers. And longer decks also mean the position of the front foot before the truck and not above it, favoring a back foot oriented conduction.
The turning radius is great for both systems as well as pumping, which with Yow is even easier if possible, although the C7 is already a very popular system even for beginners. This is because in both cases the great mobility is handled quickly even by those who climb it for the first time and such soft systems allow you to practically turn on yourself with little effort and advance with pumping in a very instinctive way.
Although we personally prefer the yow feeling over the C7, both systems are really fun, fluid and ideal for having fun even in very small spaces and at low speed, as well as in the park and of course on the street.
Why choose Yow V.4
- Possibility to vary the wheelbase
- Softness and fluidity
- Price
Why choose Carver C7
- Ability to adjust the stiffness
- Lightness
