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Review - Stowboard

About.com Rating four out of Five

By Steve Cave, About.com

Stowboard

The Bottom Line

The Stowboard is a board, about as long as a regular skateboard, that folds up into a little block that you can shove into your backpack, or anywhere. It rides extremely smoothly, steers well, and has what seems to be the perfect balance of flex and strength so that it has some give, but still works. The only drawback is that it's not a skateboard! It's perfect for cruising around town, campus, whatever, but the way you have to stand to ride it sets the Stowboard in it's own category.
Pros
  • It folds down into a stowable, compact nugget, so It's easy to stow. Thus the name...
  • For having so many compact parts, it's extremely durable, and it rides ridiculously smoothly.
  • This thing is more than unique - it'll catch people's eyes.
Cons
  • the Stowboard doesn't ride like a regular skateboard. Some techniques will transfer, but most won't.
  • It's a bit heavy, worth perhaps 3 big textbooks in your backpack.

Description

  • 31" when open, under 11" when folded - small enough to easily fit in a backpack.
  • Built with a tough aluminum frame.
  • Features tail/rear assembly for added steering control.
  • Board can be used to tow backpacks and small bags - a clever way to take your stowboard with you.
  • Replacement parts are easily available.
  • Stowboard also makes a custom backpack with a pefect Stowboard-sized pocket.
  • Featured in the movie "Paycheck".

Guide Review - Review - Stowboard

At first glance the Stowboard looks cool, but awkward. But as it turns out the good people at Stowboard put a lot of thought into this. The front wheels ride better than anything I've ever felt. The back wheels are very weird - more like cones than wheels, but they work well for turning and bearing weight. The board flexes a lot when you place your foot in the metal basket in the center of the board, but not too much - and once you balance yourself with your back foot on the tail, the whole thing rides oh so smoothly...

So what about drawbacks? Well, first off, it's the "basket" that I just referred to that you place you front foot into. Because your foot is in something, you can't turn it to the side, like you might be used to when skating. Second is the lack of grip - the tail has a little bit, but it's weak. It would be better to have a bit more. And finally, as Product Tester Dan pointed out, when folded up the board is the size and weight of three school textbooks. So, while the Stowboard adds to your mobility when riding it, it'll weight you down when you get to your destination.

But these are only minor problems. The board is awesome, and works great for cruising. The site has info on tricks to try - maybe there's a future there. If you are looking for a cool way to truck around town, but don't want a longboard under your arm when you get there, try a Stowboard.

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