In our experience the Johanne Defay 32.5 Surfskate is perhaps the least understood of the various Smoothstar models. It's incredible to see how, with each new load, this is always the model that stays in stock the longest, the one that sells the worst. Is it due to its features? Actually we think not, because instead the Holy Toledo 33, a fairly similar model and suitable for surfers of more or less the same body size, on the contrary sells very well and quickly. The idea that we have now formed, and which unfortunately always finds new confirmation in the responses of the customers to whom we offer it, is that most boys do not want it because they consider it a WOMAN'S skate. Well yes, I hope you'll deny me, but I don't think so... This skate is regularly snubbed by kids, who prefer the Holy Toledo when they have to choose a skate of these sizes.
That's why we decided to present it as it should, above all highlighting the differences with the Holy Toledo... thus hoping that whoever chooses one or the other will do so for example for the concave or the wheelbase, not because conditioned by prejudices die hard!.
The Surfskate Johanne Defay 32.5″ is the Surf Trainer developed by Smoothstar in collaboration with the professional surfer Johanne Defay famous for her powerful surf.
Smoothstar Johanne Defay 32.5 features
JOHANNE DEFAY 32.5 TECH SPECS:
Deck Length: 32.5" (82.55cm)
Deck Width: 10.4" (26.5cm)
Wheelbase: truck hole spacing 18" (45.72cm)
Concave: very deep
Truck: Thruster aluminum
Wheels: M 62mmx48mm 83A
Bearings: Abec7
Riser: front 1 2mm riser; rear 10mm + 1 angled 14mm to 8mm (top towards center of skate, bottom towards tail)
Comparing the Johanne Defay with the other smoothstar surfskates we see that its width is slightly greater, especially at the tail level. In fact, this surfskate has a 10.4-inch wide deck, against the 10.2 of the Holy and Felipe Toledo. Minimal difference which, however, makes itself felt when it comes to exercising the rail to rail and in the support of the rear foot.
Secondly the deck stands out for its deep concave, similar to that of the Felipe #77, designed to help maintain compression during the turn, just like in the surf. The wheelbase is very narrow, which makes this Johanne a really super responsive surfskate, capable of turning very tight.
Finally, a feature of the Johanne deck, which few know, is that it has a different grip, with a slightly finer and more comfortable grain. This is to allow better use even with bare feet, facilitating the water-asphalt transition and giving better continuity to training in and out of the water.
Smoothstar Johanne Defay 32,5 VS Holy Toledo 33
The Holy Toledo 33 is the surfskate with which the Johanne is most often compared, due to the similar measurements. There are actually differences between the two models, which you should know before choosing.
HOLY TOLEDO 33 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Deck Length: 33" (84cm)
Deck Width: 10.2" (26cm)
Wheelbase: truck hole spacing 18.5" (47cm)
Concave: shallow
Truck: Thruster aluminum
Wheels: M 62mmx48mm 83A
Bearings: Abec7
Riser: front 1 2mm riser; rear 10mm + 1 angled 14mm to 8mm (top towards center of skate, bottom towards tail)
So the Johanne has a slightly shorter and wider deck, a narrower wheelbase that results in a livelier surfskate and a deeper concave that further increases the pressure exerted on the rails, as well as keeping your feet in place.
Who is the Johanne Defay 32.5 for
The Johanne 32.5 surfskate is a very responsive, tight turning surfskate, suitable for both flat and park use. Given its measurements, it is a surfskate suitable for not too tall people. Let's say that it overlaps the Holy Toledo enough, being indicated for children or adults tall from 150/155 up to a maximum of 178 cm (according to smoothstar even a little more ... but having tried it, I would say that if you are taller you could be at the limit with both of these surfskates. Let's say it depends on your stance and style).
Who should choose the Johanne over the Holy Toledo?
No, don't tell me girls please! Don't make it a question of gender, but of taste.
Those who prefer decks with more concave and the foot-locked-in feel that a deep concave deck offers should go for the Johanne. Furthermore, if you often use the surfskate barefoot, perhaps to warm up before your surf sessions, then you may find this grip much more pleasant than the other rougher ones... it is still a skate grip, so scratch it if you have in mind the ollie the shoes will serve you in any case, but for the maneuvers of the surf the comfort is more than good.
Pubblicato il 07 febbraio 2023 | Blog > Reviews: SURFSKATE