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Reviews of the rolls rolls Sportster.
Yes, I love the Rolls Rolls, I would like to own one.
I am an old snowsurfer and this is the angle for my Rolls Rolls request. It simulates snowsurfing for me. My experience with the Rolls Rolls here in Phoenix was in 110 degree Fahrenheit temperature and on a slight incline mountain road. Speed builds very quickly, turns are quite natural with the lowered CG and the wheels seem to grip quite well. Rolling resistance is minimized and the inertia held well. I got the feeling of snowsurfing, turns being a bit more fluid than on a conventional skateboard and or a longboard with large, soft durometer wheels.
I am a slalom and downhill skateboard enthusiast too and my style lends itself to "pumping" and I did not feel that the rolls rolls was well suited to this. Although I could propel myself in this fashion, I preferred to use the conventional push, glide and carve turn.
I like the rolls rolls to simulate the fluid turns of water medium board sports. It is not a replacement for skateboarding which is well suited for what skateboards are designed for. It is a "cross training" and or stand alone discipline in itself.
I did take it for a mile spin on the flat and found that I was less tired and got to my destination faster when compared to the longskateboards that I own made for this sort of transportation. It is perfect for those people who want to go from point A to B with ease.
My 10 year old loves the rolls rolls because he can keep up with me on our long distance skateboard adventures. He does not have to work the board hard at all to keep up with his father.
Adam T., Phoenix, AZ, USA
The Rolls Rolls offers a smooth, fast, quiet ride. Exactly the ride you feel like taking on a perfect day at sunset with a light breeze on a quiet street. The board has a very fluid feel. It’s low profile makes you almost forget there is a board under as you glide along. The very large, very thin wheels handle rocks and bumps nicely, making you feel even more relaxed.
The board is very fast. The large, thin wheels reduce friction and increase acceleration. Going straight and fast is great—very stable. Carving is also smooth and fun until you reach a certain speed where the thin wheels begin to slip.
The Rolls Rolls is not made for high speed, aggressive carving.
The construction of the board feels rock solid. The carbon gives the board no flex, and it feels like nothing could break it—according to the Rolls Rolls website, it could withstand 66,000lbs of weight (we didn’t test this). Despite this, the board weighs in at only 43oz.
Very deep carving causes the sides of the wheel wells to scrape the ground lightly. I didn’t notice a difference in speed from the friction when carving deep (it barely touches), but the sound is rather disconcerting. The edges of the board appear to be undamaged from hitting the ground. Once you get going a little faster, tight carves do not cause the board to hit the ground.
The Rolls Rolls is very low profile, very sleek and smooth looking. It’s not flashy, but when people look down and notice it, they will without fail be impressed. It looks almost more like a car than a skateboard. (Remind you of another German designed skateboard?).
The Rolls Rolls website offers a very comprehensive explanation of the technology behind the board, with information ranging from the reasoning behind using carbon and Kevlar to construct the board to why the wheels are so big and thin to why they chose to use Randal’s for trucks rather than designing or using something else. For more technical information on the Rolls Rolls, I highly recommend reading their site. Use the links on the bottom of each section—that’s where you’ll find most of the information. You can also find information on ordering the Rolls Rolls on their website.
Silverfish Longboarding, USA
I have tested the RollsRolls (maybe video to come). Peter, the owner and CEO, will arrange for anyone to test a board for a couple of weeks. Check the website at http://www.rollsrolls.com/ for info. My son is in love with the board, and I am enjoying it myself. I get a little more attached to it every day :-) It lives up to its claim of light-weight strength (as far as I can jump on it and abuse it). The light weight makes for easy extended flat-ground push-and-roll sessions, when desired. In the parking garage it's a very fun carving session. Full carve rolling 360's are easy to do. It's an extremely smooth ride, and the Randall 180's fit well on it for tight carving, and good control. At 185#, I have to tighten down the trucks pretty good, but no problem there. The wheels roll over most small obstacles without a whimper. I like the low-slung deck. Even with the narrowness of it (7.75"), it provides
a stable, comfortable ride. I think it could use faster bearings (ex, Bones Swiss, or other Swiss or ceramic varieties), like I have on my longboard, but I guess I'm spoiled. Other people that ride it comment on how fast it is. My next venture (I hope) is to mount a windsurfing mast base, and do some skate-sailing in the 10 acre parking lot of Alltel stadium... Peter is working with me on this one... He says it's tons of fun... Nope, I didn't get paid to say all this - I really do like the board
Gaylon V., Florida, USA
Eric here from Palermo Longboards!
alas the first test-board has arrived! here are our first visual impressions: It looks even sleeker and more destinctive than the website lets on. the wheels are larger, the wheel wells more pronounced, and the taper from the wells to the standing platform gives it a longer look than we expected. the wheel covers are more voluptous too. Overall its sexier, has more style, and looks even less like a normal skateboard than we expected.
I was pleasantly surprised to see hints of classic design motifs like old porsche head-lamps mixed in with the contetmporary. It seems (and sounds) to glide effortlessly when moving. That said, the bottom edge is a bit uncomfortable to carry. Maybe the kevlar bottom will help that (it should arrive wednesday).
** heard from peter, the rolls rolls designer in Berlin that the boards now have a rubber strip on one side that makes it more comfortable for carrying.
We like that the board can be held vertically and still on two wheels, and that the wheels absorb any impact with side-walks and walls. At venice beach where people are often seen riding electric skateboards, many people thought the rolls rolls was electric (perhaps because of the covered wheels and perhaps becasue it seemed to glide on its own power).
It has a very solid, smooth, quiet ride. As an experienced longboarder, the board was most appreciated on extremely rough roads, parking lots, and sidewalks, on long, straight courses and when riding while carrying something. The benefit of being low to the ground is enhanced when carrying something heavy, both for kicking off and stepping off. the pendulum effect is subtle and makes it feel like a luxury board. The low stance also enhances ones sense of speed.
Also the low platform seemed to appeal very much to beginners. We were excited to see how nimble the board was and took it to the hills immediatly, as we did not expect it to be so well equiped for downhills. However, we were quick to see the limitations the slender wheels have for down-hill riding and the potential for the sportster model.
Its so close to being a fantastic downhill board it is a shame that the wheels dont hold the road better. while we do understand that the board is geared towards a different style of riding, what a pleasant surprise it would be to find that this board blows other boards away on hills as well. Also found that the shape is conducive to an extremely crouched speed stance with the back foot against the angled face between the wheels.
Eric E., L.A., CA, USA
First of all BIG UP TO PETER FOR THE EXCELLENT SERVICE! You Buy from him: you get service AND the most versatile deck in your quiver! (At least in mine!).
I have had a RollsRolls since the spring time; and have really grown to love it.
The Craftsmanship IS excellent; it's just too sleek riding through Munich (Germany) on a carbon deck. Nothing but the almost silent hum of wheel-asphalt contact.
BUT - It doesn't end here...
I live out in the hilly pre-alps countryside surrounding Munich: which means only one thing: DOWNHILL. hehe...
The big, thin wheels r great for the city & flatland. But my friends say that they're not "sticky" enough for downhill at all... I cannot agree. I've been skating longboards for several years now, and am a certified Snowboard teacher: the wheels give a beautiful, even, controlled slide whilst downhilling 8°, standing up. It took a while to develop the timing, but its just tooooo smooth. You can come down the mountain controlling your speed, dropping from one turn into the next: pure butter. ;-) Just as smooth as colemans on this babe of a board.
BTW check out www.rollsrolls.com and www.ants-longboards.com for some videos from this years summer ispo. The lowered center of gravity provides for a smooth egde to edge carve; stable highspeed rides and relaxed (absolutely no concentration) cruising. The Randals harmonise perfectly with the wheelbase. I've tried Seismics: Trash 'em. The Randal Setup is a beautiful ride.
This is the most versatile and durable deck i Own. It takes me to University; to the Office, the supermarket; even 20 km flatland through munich without dying of"dead-leg".
I'm tellin' you... if you can pick up one of these along the way: DO. 'Nuff Said.
Yours truly, riding hard,
Sebastian , Munich, D
Just got through my two, very enjoyable, weeks riding a RollsRolls that Peter sent over for me to try.
First impressions - Light, strong, low centre of balance. Randal trucks (good) and large thin wheels - couldn't wait to try it... First rides - One of the quickest/easiest boards to get to know and ride I have ridden. Does not have any bad quirks that arise later. A very smooth fast ride.
The thin wheels give easy, controllable slides. And with the low-slung deck is almost impossible not to carve your way along. Obvious downside to the thin wheels, as already stated is loss of traction at downhill speed. But, the upcoming sportster model with wider wheels, will sort this (I guess this means already a bunch of people see it as a great downhill board). And if you wanted the board, soley for downhill use, you may well be putting on your own choice of wheels/bearings etc anyway. The low-slung deck is an obvious design for a downhill board, and due the stiffness of the RollsRolls, if allows it to be lower than a wooden board (without grinding out).
If you want a board that is great from the rack and easy to use, (and will draw constant stares and comments) this is a very strong contender, definitley consider it. It is ideal for beginners, who will be able to learn to carve with power, speed and moothness in no time.
Even with the little flex it has (which is just before trucks at each end) if is possible to pump along with ease, but is not as easily as a good wooden board, and when swapping backwards and forwards between the two, the warmth & life of a wooden board is obvious.
To sum up - Beginners and some intermediates will love is ease of use, Advanced riders will think of perfect uses for it such as a Downhill board, Kite board etc. Very few people won't like it. If you only had one (longboard style) skateboard to do everything, this could be it, or, if you have a quiver of boards, this could find a place among them. It is worth trying.
Bill FH., Brighton, UK
I tested the board last night!! What fun! It's agreat board although the stance is not quite wide enough for me. I have long legs. Anyway, after I got used to it I carved some great hills! All things considered, this is a first class ride! AAAA++++++. I love the board. I do wish it had a wider stance though. Also if you carve hard the edge rubs on the ground.
Overall I liked the board. I would like to own one for my collection. It handles extremely well and looks very sleek and fast. I like the way it carves very much. I only wish it was a little longer so you could have a wider stance when riding it. Also the corners scrape on the ground during hard carves.
All in all, this is a very fun board and I would recommend it to others especially if you are under 6' tall.
Gary, L.A.,USA
I received your test board Friday, and rode it first Saturday. It performed excellent! I took it down my favorite hill, and carved it up! Like a sharp knife going through a juicy steak. The ride flowed effortlessly, and smoothly. The most natural ride I've had in my 40 years of skating. I would like to buy a board, but first I need to sell some of mine first.
I like you "skate down a different path". Your rolls was like a breath of fresh air.
been corresponding with Peter at rolls...got my test board a few days ago. now listen, all you young flippy riders, this board is the smoothest one I've been on in the last 40, yes 40 years of skating. My passion is carving the hills in southern California, and this board is too cool.
My only addition would be a little grip tape, for those rainy days, but it's a great barefoot board ( what, no $150 shoes) Children, remember your roots! I would agree that the lights would be a good idea. gotta go...rolls rolls is great!
Mike A., CA, USA
I had the opportunity yesterday to try out a demo RollsRolls "batlongboard" (no it's not called that, it just looks like something that Batman would give Robin before he was allowed to use the Batcycle. . .. It is about the size and riding height of a Landyachtz R3/RIV, but with a flat deck. The board is very light and the high tech carbon fiber feels smooth and very slightly springy. The wheels are kind of like k2 kickboard wheels rather than skateboard wheels, but they ride on trucks that appear to be Randalls. The ride is very smooth, turning is easy, despite the wierd "cowls" on top of the wheels. I couldn't make it wheelbite. It pushes on the flats really easily. Because of the "fenders" your feet stay locked in, despite the lack of concave.
It seems lighter and easier to ride and push than my R3, maybe because I like flatter boards.
I'd give this board an A for rideability an A for unique look and another A for weird application of technology.
Your boards arrived at my home today. They are gorgeous! Works of engineering art! Thank you so much for your work and your talent!
David H., Chicago, IL, USA
I've been rolls rolling down every available surface in San Francisco. People ask me about it all the time and I fill them in on your engineering genius and tell tham that it's a proto-type so that they think I'm really cool and have some "pull" with the inner sanctum of the skateboarding design world.
Overall I really like the board. It's very responsive to turns, is extremely well built, and is light. I also like the oversized wheels which cross cracks and potholes well.
Rhodes F., San Francisco, CA, USA
I got one of the testboards and these things are the best board you could ever ask for. It has the smoothest ride I have ever seen. It is the best board I have ridden. Its quiet unlike most boards and extremely light. One problem I did have is goin down a narrow path with a blind spot on a steep hill and people on the path not hearing me come so they were very suprised when I passed them at 20 mph and them not having any idea what just happened. Also, this board is light, and the big wheels make it easy for going over things that normal wheels would get caught up on. Over all I would give this board a 10 out of 10 and would recomend it to anyone.
Brain K., Virginia, USA
Well, after five days of late nite working hours and rain I was finaly able to ride the fiber board. I had intentionally planed two runs, but was supprised by its performance and made ten runs instead.
Randall trucks are a good choice to start with. But what struck me most was the fluidness of the whole board with the grip of the wheels in acid turns and the low C.G. of the deck. The Rolls-Rolls let me get into much deeper carves then I've ever experinced on any skateboard....ever!!!
I love the shape of the wheel wells which helped me brace my feet into the deck. I was able to use this aspect to pump out of turns and gain momentum. This is where the wheels became important. They held onto the pavement at the apex of my turns. Previously I would slide out on wheels that where as fast as these. Plus the stiffness of the carbon fiber responded to every slightest movement I made, but the diameter of the wheels smoothed my ride out. The low profile deck let me drop/slide my foot to slow up. She doesn't look like your average bear, but as soon as you drop in on her you won't care. Simplicity.
I own a quiver of longboards with different sizes, shapes and purposes. But nothing rides like this board. This is the stick I would take over any other one I own for deep (knee scraping) carving. I want one of these honeys.
David D., NYC, USA
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