The Loaded Vanguard’s 21st anniversary is a real landmark in the longboarding world. To celebrate, Loaded has rolled out a special limited edition of the Vanguard, with just 250 unique boards up for grabs.
In addition to commemorating the classic Vanguard concrete snowboard, the Anniversary Edition contributes to a good cause, with part of the proceeds going to the Center For Humane Technology.
What’s really exciting about this anniversary edition is the artwork by Travis Parr. More than just a pretty design, it’s a good example of how art can blend with modern printing technology.
The artwork is directly printed onto the bamboo deck, a technique that shows how far we’ve come from the simpler designs of the past.
The board itself is made from a mix of bamboo and fiberglass, similar to what you’d find in a snowboard. This makes the board both flexible and strong.
It also uses an eco-friendly epoxy from Entropy Resins. This special glue uses materials like tree sap instead of traditional, more environmentally harmful substances.
The Vanguard comes with Paris V3 180mm 50° trucks, known for their smooth turning and stability, and super large and soft Orangatang 80mm Kegel wheels for amazing speed, solid grip, and a smooth ride on a variety of surfaces.
The soft Orangatang Knuckles bushings add to the board’s responsive feel, while the Loaded Jehu V2 bearings provide a smooth roll.
The Vanguard has tapered tips and cutouts for maximum wheel clearance in sharp turns and big carves. The sidecuts in the board reduce the stiffness in the middle, providing a more varied turning radius.
The mild concave shape of the board provides nice edge-to-edge control, and the combination of topmount and camber makes for a dynamic and energetic carving experience.
Looking back, the Vanguard has come a long way since its launch in 2002 with an oak deck. The switch to bamboo composites in 2006 highlights Loaded’s dedication to innovation and sustainability.
This 21st-anniversary edition, more than a celebration of the past, is a showcase of how far longboard technology has come, with Loaded leading the way.
This limited edition board is a collector’s item. It illustrates Loaded’s ongoing commitment to the longboarding community.
Check out my full review of the Loaded Vanguard
See also my other Loaded reviews