Caster boarding continues to be a favored activity for conventional skateboarders who wish to challenge themselves. The RipStik and Wave companies both manufacture their own design of the caster board. Having a background in skateboarding or snowboarding often helps a novice caster boarder to quickly master the proper riding technique. The components of the RipStik and Wave caster boards have significant similarities.
The Deck
The deck of the caster board refers to the actual area where the rider places his feet. The RipStik and Wake caster boards do not have a wooden deck like that of the conventional skateboard. The deck of the RipStik and Wave has a lightweight plastic construction. The two independently moving platforms of the RipStik and Wave, located at the front and back, can move forward and backward. The newest model from Wave caster boards, named the Light Xtreme, features a web-like design that allows the rider to see through the deck.
Wheels
The RipStik and Wave caster board models feature one wheel under the front platform and one under the back. The two-wheeled construction of the RipStik and Wave makes it a challenge to balance on the caster board as it rests in a stationary position. The wheels of the RipStik caster board models have a diameter of 76 mm. The urethane wheels of the Wave board also have a 76 mm diameter. Unlike the standard white wheels of the RipStik board, the Wave caster board has wheels that come in different color options including black, pink, green and red.
Bearings
Each of the wheels located on the bottom of the RipStik and Wave caster boards houses two ball bearings. The bearings featured in the RipStik caster board have an Annular Bearing Engineer's Committee speed rating of 5. The bearings of the Wave street surfing board also have an ABEC rating of 5. The bearings of the RipStik and Wave boards require one wheel spacer between them to ensure they remain in place during the riding process.
Accessories
The Wave company offers a variety of accessories for its caster board model while the RipStik company does not. The Wave company produces interchangeable deck plates for its caster board model. The deck plates allow the rider to switch out the color and design of the caster board deck. Wave also offers a shoulder carrying bag that allows the rider to conveniently transport the caster board. The Wave company also offers a signature model of protective helmet.
Prevention/Solution
Riding the RipStik and Wave caster boards can result in injuries due to slide outs and unsuccessful trick attempts. You can protect against these caster-boarding injuries by wearing the proper safety equipment. Wear a helmet when riding any model of the caster board. Wearing knee pads allows you to slide across your knees during a fall, which helps to avoid road rash.
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