Loaded boards are recognized as being among the most high-end longboards out there. Each Loaded model focuses on specific areas of the riding style spectrum.
The Vanguard is an essential piece of Loaded’s impressive lineup. It’s positioned as a snowboard-style flexy topmount primarily designed for exceptional carving and pumping.
The Vanguard is a full-sized longboard (38″ or 42″) characterized by a lightweight snowboard-like construction, a cambered profile with sidecuts (we’ll see why this matters) and high-energy flex.
Loaded Vanguard owners swear by this board like there’s no other, and it’s quite common for them to ride it daily for 6 to 10 years!
While most rave about the carving experience, some also use it for distance commuting (despite the ride height) while a few use it for freeride.
See rider reviews for the Vanguard here on Loaded’s website
Riding experience
The Vanguard impresses you by its responsiveness the moment you step on it. The flex is so bouncy you almost feel like you’re on a trampoline – especially the flexier versions.
This allows for very deep carves and slashy pumps you don’t get with most longboards.
Riders generally agree the Vanguard is the ultimate carving board – it’s the original “Loaded carving system”.
The bounce in the deck is extremely energetic yet forgiving. The camber gives you release/pop out of your turns.
Riders who have owned many different boards often describe their Vanguard as the best longboard they’ve ever ridden.
The precise carving feel you get depends on the amount of flex you choose. The Vanguard comes in 5 different flex options.
Although some riders start with a stiffer option, many end up swapping it for a flexier version as they get hooked on the flexy carving feel.
The deck flex combines with the Paris trucks to offer one of the smoothest and most responsive carving feel. Because of the topmount design, the Vanguard has a tight turning radius. Riders often evoke a snowboard-like experience.
The flex and ability to run large wheels results in a very smooth and dampened feel when rolling on cracks or rough pavement.
The “trampoline” feel on the Vanguard can take a bit of getting used to initially, but it typically ends up being addictive. Your weight counteracts the flex which locks you in position, resulting in a special smooth riding feel.
The bouncy flex of the Vanguard results in very deep pumps that are hard to achieve on other boards. This makes it a fantastic longboard for distance pumping.
Riders also love the Vanguard’s light weight which makes it easy to carry around when cruising or commuting.
Some Vanguard fans use it for dancing and freestyle – particularly the 42″ version. With the right skills, and say a set of Otang Stimulus, the Vanguard’s flex and carving ability makes it suitable for cross-stepping, ghost riding, and even doing kickflips and tech slides.
The Vanguard, meanwhile, isn’t the best longboard for high-speed freeriding and downhill. Most riders feel it has too much flex for speeds over 25 mph, and sliding can feel a bit sketchy due to the camber and low concave.
Shape & construction
The Loaded Vanguard is a symmetrical topmount shape. It comes in either 38″ or 42″ length by 8.5″ width. This is quite narrow compared to most other symmetrical cutouts.
Wheelbase of is 31.5″ for the 38″ and 35″ for the 42″.
The deck has a hybrid construction with vertically laminated bamboo core and triaxial, snowboard-like fiberglass top and bottom.
It features beautiful bamboo veneer graphics on the bottom.
The Vanguard has a cambered platform (higher in the center than at the mount points) which, combined with the composite material, gives the deck that high-energy springy feel it’s famous for.
The shape is tapered at both ends with big wheel cutouts for maximum wheel clearance, allowing for super big wheels, super deep carves, and super tight turns.
The Vanguard also features sidecuts (narrow “waist”) which reduces torsional stiffness between the feet when riding. This results in better control in tight turns, and contributes to that special carving feel.
The deck’s light concave is designed for an optimal carving and pumping experience, as it allows you to shift you feet without interference for deeper turns.
The snowboard-style bamboo + fiberglass construction results in a lightweight board for it’s size. The deck alone comes in at between 2.7 lb and 3.8 lb (depending on length).
The 38″ complete with Kegels weighs around 7+ lbs vs 8+ lbs for the 42″.
The Vanguard really stands the test of time and can handle A LOT of abuse. Many riders praise the boards’ exceptional reliability and durability. Many have ridden it for 6 to 10 years without any failure, and then chose to buy it again!
See the great reviews and pricing for the Loaded Vanguard here on Loaded’s website
Size & flex
The Vanguard comes in two different lengths and 5 different flex ratings, so you may need some help in choosing the right deck for you.
One thing that’s not immediately clear about the Vanguard is that size and flex are tied to each other.
Flex1 and Flex2 are associated to the 42″ length (wider stance, bigger riders), while Flex3, 4, and 5 come with the 38″ (average size rider).
It’s worth noting that the longer a deck, the stiffer it needs to be for both strength and ground clearance.
Now your choice of size and flex option is typically based on your weight, height/stance, and riding style.
As a rule of thumb, heavier riders generally choose stiffer decks, and taller riders go for longer decks.
The following chart shows Loaded’s suggestions – I’ve added deck length as well:
| Flex rating | Deck length | Rider weight |
|---|---|---|
| Flex 1 | 42″ | 175 – 230 lbs |
| Flex 2 | 42″ | 150 – 210 lbs |
| Flex 3 | 38″ | 150 – 200 lbs |
| Flex 4 | 38″ | 120 – 170 lbs |
| Flex 5 | 38″ | 80 – 140 lbs |
So if you’re a heavier rider (e.g. 200+ lbs), you might want to opt for the 42″ version with Flex 1 or 2 for a stronger deck.
That said, the above chart is only a general guide, and riders often choose based on their own riding preferences.
For example, you may choose a flexier version than the chart suggests for more responsive carving, or for more control and tighter turns at low speed.
On the other hand, a stiffer board will be more stable at higher speeds. It will also hold up better for hard freestyle tricks such as shuvits, bonelesses etc.
Riders also tend to prefer the longer and stiffer deck versions of the Vanguard for long sweeping carves down small hills.
The 38″ flexier versions, on the other hand, are often preferred for flat terrain or crowded areas (e.g. a college campus), being more responsive and nimble.
Here are a few actual choices from actual Vanguard owners:
- 165 lbs rider very comfortable on the 38″ Flex 4
- 150 lbs rider feels just right with the 38″ Flex 3
- 185 lb rider (6’1) rode Flex 1 / 42″ for a few months then switched to Flex 4 / 38″
- 200 lb (6’1) rider raves about carving on his Vanguard 42″ Flex 2
If in doubt, Vanguard riders recommend erring on the flexier/smaller side (for an average rider weight). In many cases, those who start with a stiff deck end up switching to a flexier one after a while.
It’s worth noting, however, that decks generally become flexier over time as they break in.
Vanguard completes
The Vanguard comes in three recommended setups: “standard” setup, “Monster truck”, and “Grave Digger”. You can also opt for a custom config.
All three setups include Paris V3 trucks 50º. The standard config focuses on fluid, fast, and smooth carving with a set of grippy 75mm 80a Orangatang In Heat wheels.
The Monster truck config runs the huge 85mm Caguamas (also 80a) for a super fast and smooth riding experience. This setup can easily roll over all kinds of obstacles on the pavement.
The setup includes high-rebound Orangatang Nipple Bushings for uber-responsive carves, and a custom washer configuration to ensure a smooth and durable setup. No risers required!
The Grave Digger complete has the infamous elephant Dad Bod 105mm and Orangatang Knuckle Bushings for uber fast and flowy rides with ultra-deep carves. This setup also packs Paris 1/4″ riser pads to ensure good clearance.
Alternative setups riders choose include Randal RII 180mm in the front for super-efficient distance pumping, as well as The Holey, Crail, Bear Grizzly, Tracker Fastrack, and S Original trucks. All of have been shown to also play well with the Vanguard.
Some Vanguard riders run smaller 70mm wheels for agile cruising, dancing and freestyle.
Summary
The Loaded Vanguard is a very durable, high-flex, uber-responsive longboard built specially for carving and pumping. It’s lightweight, playful, and buttery-smooth, built with high-quality materials and construction.
This board is particularly great for hard carving, distance pumping, and even dancing/freestyle. It’s also exceptionally smooth and comfortable for all-around cruising and commuting.
Louis
Thursday 19th of October 2023
Vanguard owner here (Flex 4 with 85mm wheels and Paris trucks, 6'1", 180lbs) coming from a much shorter and stiffer surfskate (C7 trucks)...
While I really enjoyed the low-speed, crazy-tight turns of surfskating in parking lots, I find longboard carving to be more fun. Obviously, the turns aren't as tight because of the longer wheelbase, but the speed is so much higher. In the end, you get the same feeling of balancing that centrifugal force. But you cover so much more distance! Also, there is something magical about the flexing of the cambered Vanguard - feels just like skiing when it rebounds after you compress it. Also, when combined with 85mm wheels, pebbles and sidewalk cracks just aren't a concern anymore.
However, what none of the reviews prepared me for is that the Vanguard, unlike a surfskate, can't be pumped from a standstill or pumped uphill. It requires *momentum* in order to pump/carve. That means 6 hard kicks to get you up to speed. Then, if you're on flat ground, you can pump and it simply becomes a question of maintaining that momentum with good pumping technique and cardio (just like on a surfskate) and timing the rebound from the deck with the rebound from the bushings (unlike a surfskate). And if you're on a slight downhill, you can either pump to accelerate (seemingly no limit to how fast you can go) or turn the pumps into crazy carving arcs of variable radius. (Again, the flex adds so much to the experience.) It's truly amazing how easy that last part is. It's also amazing how forgiving the board is to little balancing errors, and how tolerant it is to foot placement (again, unlike a surfskate). Last thing: the Paris trucks need to be loose (nut flush with threads) for carving fun. Yet that doesn't affect pushing/kicking stability at all (unlike on Carver trucks).
I've tried a lot of things to make the Vanguard more pumpable at slow speeds (like after two kicks instead of six kicks). In order of effectiveness: Orangatang orange nipples up front; 7 degree wedge up front; 165mm hanger width in the back (down from 180); 7 degree dewedge in the back; 43 deg baseplate in back (down from 50); 165mm hanger width up front; purple Cags up front (orange in back); running the back Cags backwards for shorter track. (Note that I tried Nipples and Knuckles in the back - orange and purple - and can't find anything better than the red Paris V3 stock barrel/cone bushings.)(Note also that I can't tell the difference between Flex 4 and Flex 3!) After all that effort, my conclusion is that I have only very marginally improved the performance as compared to the stock Paris 180mm symmetrical setup! To me, that means 2 things: this board is awesome in stock form; this board truly is a momentum board - for whatever reason.
By the way, this board is way more competent than it has a right to be at my local skatepark going down and up ramps and obstacles, and around waves. Again, it is just incredibly tolerant of rider error.
Bottom line: this is an incredible board that delivers a carving sensation like nothing else short of parabolic skis or a snowboard. It is also super nimble while also efficient enough to cover a couple of fast miles over flat ground - a perfect commuter. But *do* expect to kick as much as you pump. Anyone want to buy my Omakase?
Louis
Jason davis
Tuesday 17th of October 2023
I’m 140 pounds, using flex 4 with 93a Caguama wheels, 180 Paris soft knuckles. Great rollovers a smooth rolling bounce house. If you love snowboarding or surfing, this is that. Watch out for hills though 😅 this thing is FAST. Keep a truck wrench and some slide gloves on you cause this ride can go faster than you want to. Seriously. I will never leave this board, it will have more than one set of wheels and trucks 😂💜 the deck stays forever.
Daniel Michael Sasson
Thursday 29th of April 2021
Hey, so lately I've been doing more surfskating, and I was wondering how the vanguard would pair with a pair of carver cx trucks? Would that be too much with the flex and everything? I've put the CX trucks on an omakase and that actually has been awesome. (I've actually been able to pump some pretty steep hills) Wondering also if I'd be able to pump uphill with the vanguard as I would have less control over the front trucks? Thanks again for this awesome site!
Peter Swan
Tuesday 6th of April 2021
Jesse, thanks for this great review. Two questions please: I weigh 154 lbs, have ordered Vanguard flex 5 (the only one available) – do you think it will be good for pumping? Too flexy? About trucks, I have Paris 180 mm, and Poppys about 110 mm with spacers to extend to about 146 mm (from a GBomb). What do you think – which would you recommend I try?
Nicho
Saturday 6th of March 2021
Hi, how can I choose the flex (And the trucks/wheels set that are proposed) ? Knowing I'm a few months new on longboards, I like carving, riding around for long distance, afraid of too much speed (very smooth hills for me are perfect ), love the sensation of snowboarding and i'm 5ft10, 85 to 90 kg and 54 y.o with a old background of different board sport. Thanks ! 😊