Surf-Skate Conversion
Looking deceptively like something that might transport astronauts from one station to the next, the Dervish is a longboarder’s longboard. With equal parts flex and maneuverability, this board performs equally well as a raging downhill rocket as it does a neighborhood cruising gem. A low center of gravity gives it a taut “grounded” sensation along with a torsional stiffness that holds true on tight turns (taking the "Gee!" out of G-Force). For me, I am always looking for the surf-to-skate conversion factor that carries surfing sensation beyond the ocean when it’s flat, not some little street trick monkey. The Dervish flows like a longboard along the swelling concrete and peeling street-scape.The Dervish is doubtless designed for speed, but the same flex that makes this nugget so much fun on the turn and slide also detracts from its high speed stability. I like the softer flex of the model I tried since I didn’t plan to push its speeds upward towards the posted 30 MPH maximum. Stiffer flex means more high speed stability while softer flex affords more flow and energy at lower velocity. I found the softer flex was decidedly more surf-like.
Built for Speed
Now, I didn't dare throw heinous drop knee and switch-stance lunacy like the Loaded videos illustrate(The videos are quite sick though). Instead, I opted for speed runs and slides for which the Dervish shredded as promised. Further, the drop-thru carver designed with reverse kingpin geometry trucks and 70mm+ wheels present as visually stunning, and Dervish sports a small flat nose and tail for manual and shovit tricks.To be honest, the technology behind this board is impressive yet beyond my layman skate construction comprehension. Coming in at 41.5 inches long and 8.5 inches wide, the Dervish weighs about 7 pounds(complete) and is available in multiple flexes and plenty appropriate for downhill, sliding, carving, slalom, and cross-training for surfing and snowboarding.
