Yow has released its new surfskate truck: the Meraki system, of which we have already anticipated the first indiscretions some days ago.
Now that we have it in our hands and especially under our feet for a few days it is time for a complete review and above all to reveal all the secrets of this system of which Yow is particularly proud and which on paper promises really well.
The new Meraki is, according to what Yow has declared, a more solid and light system. Yow has worked hard on reducing the number of components to reduce the risk of unnecessary loosening or movement. The weight has been reduced considerably, but not only that, it is also balanced more on the central pivot so as to reduce vibrations and improve strength and stability.
But let's take a closer look at the differences and contrast the two systems
V4 S5 vs Meraki
Yow V4
The Yow V4 system was available in two versions: S4 and S5. The only difference was in the stiffness of the internal spring which in the S5 provided for a stiffer spring and suitable for people over 50kg. Here we will only consider the S5 version.
The Yow V4 system consisted of a tilting plate with a spring inside on which the actual truck is mounted. In practice, an adapter with a normal truck mounted on it that can also be changed and replaced if desired.
The V4 truck has a hole to screw the plate so that only the truck works.
The plate has 2 pairs of holes that allow you to move the position of the truck in 2 positions (P1 and P2) by changing the whellbase (the wheelbase). Normally Yow skates come with the system mounted on the outermost P1 holes, i.e. with the widest wheelbase.
Yow Meraki
The new Meraki system integrates the truck on the tilting system which become a single unit that can no longer be separated. So we no longer have a sort of adapter with a truck on top but a single system, always characterized by two movements: the tilting one plus the movement of the truck.
The spring inside is the S5 spring, identical to that of the previous system.
To reduce the weight and the number of components, the possibility of blocking the tilting movement has been eliminated, a possibility that in fact had never been used much on previous trucks, also because even if blocked a V4 truck is still different from a cruiser and in every case it made little sense to buy a surfskate truck and then use it locked.
Another difference is that the meraki truck has only 4 holes and is more compact so it is no longer possible to modify the whellbase by mounting it in different positions, and this we are very sorry, but it is also true that most owners of a yow I think they never moved the position of their truck, as long as they knew it could be done !.
Weight: the V4 S5 system weighs 2.26lbs (1,025kg), the meraki system weighs is 1.94lb (879gr)
Height: identical. in both systems the height from the center of the Axle to the deck is 8.5cm
Rotation angle: We found no differences
Pivot Bolt and Kingpin nut distance: in the V4 system the distance is 6.5cm. In the meraki 5cm therefore we have a shorter distance and a more compact system.
With the Meraki the frount truck is integrated, there is no longer that sort of adapter base on which the truck was mounted. This causes the truck to be closer to the center of the spring (about 2.5cm) and this is the fundamental difference between the two systems. Difference which is also at the basis of the declared greater stability of the new meraki.
Meraki vs V4 on the same deck
To better compare the two systems we have chosen Lakey Peak. One of Yow's best-selling models, revived in 2021 with different graphics but identical measurements.
The Lakey Peak is a 32-inch long board and 18.5 inch deck wheelbase.
Comparing the Lakey Peak mounted with V4 truck in standard position P1 (wider wheelbase) to Lakey Peak mounted with Meraki truck we have a different final position of the Pivot Bolt, of the kingpin and consequently of the wheels. With the Meraki system the distance between the kingpin of the front truck and that of the rear truck (and consequently between the front and rear wheels) will be less than about 1 inch, therefore about 2,5cm !.
The difference tapers off with the V4 mounted with a tight pitch in the P2 position. This time with the Meraki the distance between the front and rear kingpin is slightly greater (we are talking about just 1 cm of difference).
Our impressions
Let's now come to what matters most, the differences that can be perceived under your feet using the two different trucks, both in terms of pace and in maneuvers.
To compare the two systems we used the Kontiki with V4 S5 truck and the new La Santa 33 with Meraki system. We also swapped decks and tried kontiki with meraki to make sure the differences weren't due to the deck.
Underfoot the new meraki is immediately recognized as a 100% Yow. Most of all, the first impact is one of familiarity. If you are used to or if you have already tried a Yow surfkate, with this meraki you will not struggle to find the same feeling. A bit like finding an old friend, only a little changed in appearance but not in soul. Especially in gait, in pumping, the sensation that is perceived is very very similar.
Comparing them directly, going up from one to the other, we must confess that we had difficulty finding diversity, so much so that to better understand the difference we tried to alternate the two systems on the same deck.
The Meraki under the feet gives in all respects the same feeling of the V4 system, and is therefore a very soft and fluid system, with the usual super light feeling under the feet (after all, the spring inside is the same). The new Meraki gave us the feeling of moving a little less, but not so much while we were going around in the flat, rather when we tried to push a little more and on small descents, ramps, in short in situations where skateboarding. accelerates. However, if you ask us to quantify this difference we must confess that it is really minimal, and you probably feel it more during reverse gaits, and very pushed maneuvers.
Features that have remained unchanged:
- same very soft and fluid feeling
- same rebound
- same angle of rotation
PRO of the Meraki system:
- greater stability at high speeds
- greater lightness
- more control in reverse gaits
CONS of the Meraki system
- the whellbase can no longer be changed
- the truck can no longer be locked
At this point you will therefore want to know if indeed the new Meraki is, as stated by Yow and as you read around, more stable and ultimately if it deserves to buy it compared to the V4 system.
Our answer is that all in all it is really difficult to realize the differences, and this is true not only for a beginner but also for those at an intermediate level. On the other hand we believe that kids who are able to shoot aerial maneuvers with fakie landings will appreciate the greater lightness of the new system (although we are not talking about a huge weight difference) and even more will appreciate the fact that the truck tends to wobble. less, and therefore remains more stable, in situations such as fakie or when the speed increases.
Another topic of comparison concerns the constructive solidity. From this point of view we have to say that both trucks are solid and based on our experience both as users and dealers, they don't give too many problems. In Yow systems the spring is housed inside and well fixed, which helps to keep it clean, well greased and requires little maintenance. Of course this does not mean that they cannot be broken ... accidents can never be excluded. From this point of view the Meraki system seems more solid and compact and being composed of a number of smaller pieces, it could probably cause less trouble in the long run, but obviously this is too early to tell.
So if you are a beginner or intermediate we advise you to simply buy what you find, focusing above all on choosing the right model for you in terms of measurements, and we are sure that in any case you will not regret it. If, on the other hand, you are at a more advanced level then the advantages of the new Meraki will be more evident for you
Pubblicato il 31 gennaio 2021 | Blog > Equipments: SURFSKATE