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The Wheelbase Challenge!
by Jason Salfi
Alright, Comet riders. Here’s a pic of the Wheelbase Graphic Challenge board. We have done some of our own graphics treatments to get the brain swelling. Check these mashups by Comet’s own Kaya Keys.
The Wheelbase Graphic Challenge (a.k.a. “The Challenge”) is a variation of what we have done before at Comet, but it’s a definite refinement. The Challenge began with a Loki Flush. Back in 2010, Liam and I cut out a topmount / flush version to see what the geometries would feel like. Byron and Davis were super into that board, and i became apparent from the constant pressure from Shawn that this board must come to life.
Through a series of text messages, I took input from Byron about where to put the “sweet spot” on the board. The deepest part of the rocker and widest of the board is just behind the front truck. Normally that could have a weird effect on the way the front truck reacts, but we were able to run a flush mounting system that keeps the trucks in longitudinal plane with each other. This is very important if you are riding precision trucks like the Aeras that Byron is rocking. At a perfect zero degree the truck mounts will yield the exact degree that you intended when you chose your trucks. Lorren Hammond, Comets’ chief CNC designer and engineer, was able to create gradually deepening wheel wells that interact perfectly with the zero degree flush mounting system. The interaction of the front foot pocket with the flush mounting yields next level control.
We’re sending the first dozen of these board out the Comet team members for some final feedback. Then it is off to the Challenge! Speaking of that, get your graphics in to Wheelbase.
The Challenge is a graphic contest put on by Marcus Bandy at Wheelbase. Wheelbase tells it straight, so go there to read about what is up in skateboarding right now. Anyway, here’s the deal. Marcus put Comet, Caliber, and Divine together to stoke people out and throw some new graphics by the skate community on some Comet decks. With Comet’s rich history in community design, this is a natural fit for us and we thought it would be a great way to launch a new board. Entry time closes on Jan 8, so get your pencil out and paint or photoshop all sorts or colors. The board will launched in late January / early Feb through Comet, Wheelbase, Rip City, and Muir Skate.
January 3rd, 2012 at 2:48 pm
Is this board going to be added to your product line? or am i going to have to find some work so i have spare cash to throw at it when it comes out?
January 5th, 2012 at 5:33 pm
A small doubt, Art talks for itself, and is deeply self expressive to each and every individual in many different ways… but was wondering after i send in my artwork, where could i send some info to clarifying a small idea?? just to state where a transparent section would go… as to incorporate the wood like pattern from underneath the board as one with my artwork, so there is no doubts, as to be imagined as such! Cheers
January 6th, 2012 at 5:48 pm
would it be possible that the wheel wells bend upwards like the loaded dh prototype with ts wheel flares?? id love pockets on a comet topmount, i ride a grease hark, and id love that new board with some type of 3d concave
January 6th, 2012 at 5:58 pm
i want to try one of those right away, i am a big comet fan, any way i can send you guys money for a prototype??…………………also im 230 lbs and im a pretty decent rider, so in case you wanna showcase the strenght of one of your boards id be happy to make a video ………….. im from chile by the way
January 16th, 2012 at 4:39 pm
Hello Chris, J, and Mauricio. The board is going to be available next week. The week of Jan 22. We will be shipping them all over the world and to selected retailers : Rip City, Muir, Switchback, and through Wheelbasemag.com. The wheel well flairs may be something to explore in the future but not on this model… Videos are always cool and we can figure out a way to help share them with the community.