The Loaded Vanguard Flex is the most recent modification to the Flex series by Loaded longboards. Although there are different types of Flex boards available depending on the rider’s weight, they all are constructed from a bamboo core and feature long curves that virtually eliminate wheelbite.
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Below, you can see the sizing chart for the Loaded Flex boards. Review Longboards would recommend the Flex 3 as that’s the one tested in this article but obviously, choose the one that best suits your weight class. Optimally, you want to be in the middle of the range that it states in the table.
The Board
Because there are a lot of different flex models depending on weight, the values shown here represent the maximum specifications, given the heaviest and longest modifications. That said, the total length from front to back is 42 inches and with all of the components, the max weight is 8 lbs.
When ordering from Amazon, Loaded Vanguard boards all come with Paris V2 180 mm raw trucks which are included with no extra cost to the board. Also included are Dano wheels and DBS ABEC 7 bearings which are both mid-range components in terms of price and quality.
Riding the Loaded Vanguard
With the bamboo core and built in flex, this board is primarily for carving and it does so amazingly. Rarely have the crew at Review Longboards seen a board as nimble as the Loaded Vanguard.
To add to the experience of carving down hills, the flex dampens the road debris to a point where riding this board feels more akin to surfing than longboarding. There are downsides to the flex, however.
Loaded itself recommends the board stay under 30 mph with beginner to intermediate riders as a large amount of flex leads to speed wobbles sooner rather than later.
One surprising aspect of the board is it’s sliding capability. Traditionally, longboards with higher decks such as the Loaded Vanguard do poorly with sliding due to the high center of gravity.
This proved not to be the case with this board. Although it was slightly more difficult than lower boards, the Loaded Vanguard 3 produced beautiful and smooth slides once riders adjusted to the board.
Who should buy the Loaded Vanguard?
Overall, this board is perfect as a commuter longboard. If you’re a student who needs to get to class or an adult who’s late to work, this is the perfect longboard for weaving in and out of people and through sharp corners without a problem.
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This is a carving longboard or “dancing” longboard as some will call it due to its great carving capability. If you prefer the feeling of surfing or carving down hills instead of purely seeing the top speed you can attain, this is the best board for you.
