If you’re looking for a compact freestyle cruiser, the
In this
Is it right for you? Let’s find out.
Transparency Disclaimer:
Loaded Poke Setups
The first thing I wanna cover is the setups.
You have two complete options to pick from…
- Carving & Slashing
- Surf Simulation
The main differences between the setups are the trucks, bushings, and wheels.
The Carving & Slashing comes with…
- Paris 150mm 50° trucks
- 70mm 83a Stimulus
The Surf Simulation comes with…
- Carver CX trucks
- Orangatang Nipple bushings
- 70mm 80a 4President
Parts Breakdown
Deck Weight: 3lbs
Length: 34in (86cm)
Width: 9.125in (23.18 cm)
Wheelbase: 20.75in (53cm)
Let’s take an in-depth look at the parts, starting with the…
Deck
The
Throughout the main section, it has concave. If we’re talking specifics, it’s 1/2″ radial concave. You can see what I mean in the below image.
It has wheel wells to prevent wheelbite, but they’re so lowkey it’s hard to notice when riding.
The grip is more aggressive than what you usually find on a cruiser. Often what you’ll find on freestyle boards.
Trucks
As I mentioned, there are two options when it comes to the trucks for the Poke.
- Paris 150mm 50°
- Carver CX
If you want something that’ll handle speed/slides better, the Paris 150mm 50° is for you.
The Paris 50° come equipped with 90a barrel and cone bushings.
If you want a deep carving experience and not too worried about higher speeds, then the Carver CX is for you.
If you’ve never ridden the CX trucks before, riding fakie on them compared to Paris RKPs is more challenging. It’s not impossible, but because the front truck is surfskate focused, it’s joltier.
If you do a lot of shuvits, then the Carving & Slashing setup will be the better choice.
The CX come equipped with Orangatang Nipple bushings. Soft orange in the front and medium purple in the back.
Wheels
Again, depending on the setup you choose, you either get the Orangatang…
- 70mm 83a Stimulus
- 70mm 80a 4Presidents
As far as the urethane formula goes, Orangatang’s happy thane formula is solid. I really enjoy riding all of their wheels.
The 70mm 83a Stimulus are better if you want to do slides. This is because they’re slightly harder and have a rounded edge. They’re way easier to break traction.
And the 70mm 80a 4Presidents are better if you want more grip. You’ll be able to get into deep carves without them losing traction. They felt slightly slower to ride because they’re a softer wheel.
Pros & cons depending on your riding style.
Bearings
Both setups come with
I do wish they came in other color variations, but not a big deal.
Loaded Poke Alternatives
Loaded offers similar setups like the Omakase and Coyote. So if you’re wondering the differences, I’ll explain below.
For easy reference, I’ll put the length, width, and wheelbase of all three.
Poke: L 34” x W 9.1” x WB 20.75”
Omakase: L 33.5” x W 10” x WB 20.75-22”
Coyote: L 30.75” x W 8.375” x WB 17.5”
Loaded Poke vs Omakase
The Omakase is slightly shorter and wider compared to the Poke.
It has no flex, two wheelbase options and steeper concave.
If you’re a bigger person worried about the weight limit, the Omakase is a better choice. Or if you don’t want any flex/ want more concave.
Loaded Poke vs Coyote
The Coyote is shorter and thinner compared to the Poke.
The Poke would make sense for long distances and higher speeds because it offers more deck space. Not to mention, it has a larger wheelbase.
The Coyote doesn’t have flex since it’s 7 ply maple, similar to a traditional skateboard. The Coyote is easier to pop for fliptricks.
Below are the pros & cons.
Quality
I don’t think that’s a surprise to anyone since it’s coming from
Portable
This thing is lightweight and compact, making it small enough to stash away. Although everyone’s definition of “portable” is subjective.
Expensive
Loaded’s setups are expensive. There’s no other way to put it.
Bottom Line
I’d classify the
Get the Carving & Slashing setup if you want more stability at higher speeds and want to throw slides.
Go for the Surf Simulation setup if you want to focus on deeper carves.
Hope this
