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Loaded Icarus Review: Everything You Need to Know!

Loaded Icarus Review

Do you love the idea of surfing the streets in style? How about riding on a longboard that’s loaded with outstanding features? Whether you’re a newbie or an advanced boarder, you need to look for a longboard that best suits your skill level and riding preferences.

Gliding around town using your board is such a relaxing idea. But, isn’t it also a boring way to use your board? Why not look for something that allows you to do more than just cruise? That’s exactly what the Loaded Icarus is for. It’s not just loaded with features; it’s also overflowing with excitement that awaits every longboard enthusiast.

Loaded Boards Icarus Bamboo Longboard Skateboard
  • VERSATILE CARVING MACHINE – The Loaded Icarus is a performance longboard created for snowboard-style carving, pumping, freeride, freestyle, and urban commuting / alternative transportation.
  • UTILITARIAN DESIGN – Drop-through truck mounting for stability and easier pushing. Cambered profile and variable edge concave create a lively and precise riding experience. Cutouts combine with flared wheel wells to maximize clearance for big wheels and allow deep carves and tight turns. Minimal nose and tail kicks help navigate city streets and open the door for freestyle trickery.

Loaded Boards is a company that became popular for producing high-quality street surfing machines since 2000. After the release of their first longboard called the Vanguard, Loaded Board’s popularity in the board sports industry didn’t stop since then. Loaded’s crew are not just ordinary makers of skateboards and longboards; they are also advocates of environmental sustainability.

Loaded has earned lots of accolades not only from the skateboarding community; the company is also just as famous among longboarding junkies. This comes as no surprise knowing that Loaded is a premiere producer of street skateboards. What makes the Icarus among the best? Read further to find out.

A Quick Overview of Loaded Icarus

A Quick Overview of Loaded Icarus

Have you ever wondered why this board was named Icarus? Well, in case you are not familiar with Greek mythology, Icarus is or was the child of the master craftsman named Daedalus. Icarus’ father created wings out of feathers and wax. This explains the feather shade prints that you can see on its deck painting.

So, if you have been yearning to own a longboard that gives you the feeling of flying while riding, the Loaded Icarus would be your best option. Why? Read the following Icarus review.

Features of the Loaded Icarus

Features of the Loaded Icarus

Top-Notch Components

Loaded’s aim to make longboards capable of making each ride an excitement-filled activity is made possible with the inclusion of top-notch components. The Icarus is equipped with 180mm Paris trucks and a matte black Reverse Kingpin.

These are mounted low and coupled with an excellent turning radius which make friction-less turning such a breeze. Not to mention tackling through bends and bumps are also just as convenient.

Highly Functional and Stable

The Icarus is built with a drop-through truck mounted for guaranteed stability. The importance of stability cannot be overemphasized especially in choosing longboards. Even the best-looking equipment would be useless if they’re not stable enough to get you through curves, bumps and cracks. Luckily, the Loaded Boards crew take this one important factor seriously.

Offers Two Flex Options

The Loaded Icarus is available in two flex options. These variations allow people to choose the amount of flex that’s best suited to their riding style. Which is a good option for riders who are overweight? Those who want a stiffer board must opt for Flex 1 which is also ideal for heavier riders (weighing at least 170lbs). The Flex 1 option is good for individuals looking to show off their tricks.

The Loaded Icarus Flex 2 boards are perfect for riders who weigh between 75lbs to 200lbs. Note that whatever option you choose, rest assured that you will have an extremely responsive board that you can rely on to do aggressive pumping and carving.

Attractive 3-D Paint Graphics

Would you like to own a lightweight board with gorgeous 3D graphics? The Loaded Icarus will not let you down. Another good thing about Icarus is the fact that it’s not just beautiful on the outside. What the eyes cannot see, but can only be felt as soon as your feet land on its deck, is the stability and smooth riding experience that it provides.

The 3D paint graphics of this board represents the wings created by Icarus’ father. Though the name has its roots in Greek mythology, it still continues to capture the hearts of many, especially among the longboarding community.

Amazing Orangatang Wheels

The Icarus is also built with orange Orangatang Wheels. In addition to its flex 1 and flex 2 options, you can also have two kinds of wheels to choose from. The first option is the 80mm wheels, with 80a Kegels that satisfy every rider’s hunger for speed, smoothness and sufficient grip. Advanced skateboarders are more likely to benefit from this 80mm wheel setup.

The second option would be the 75mm Orangatang wheels with 83a durometer. This setup is ideal for those looking for a skating machine that possesses just the right amount of grip and balance. If you are a newbie in the world of longboarding, this second wheel option will prove to be the better one for you.

Outstanding Deck Construction

Loaded Icarus has a deck size of 38.4 inch in length and 8.6 inches in width. This longboard is built using 5 part vertically laminated bamboo core. This core was placed in between Triaxial fiberglass layers and Epoxy and such composition helps ensure the durability, as well as flexibility of the deck. These materials are all pressed together thus forming a convex and concave camber.

Add in its cork bottom layer construction and users can truly expect a totally vibration dampening ride. With its vertically laminated bamboo core, along with a variable concave and camber profile, the user will be assured of a more precise carving and pumping experience.

This may feel a bit weird for some riders who will use it for the first time. But, the more that the longboard fanatic uses it, the more comfortable and flexible his ride will turn out to be. The camber build of the board paves the way for highly responsive vertical flex.

Its variable concave that are apparent on its edges enables the board to really dig into its horizontal movement. The wheel well cutouts also provide the user an easy way to do some twisting and flexing.

Top-of-the Line Bearings

The Icarus is also equipped with top-of-the line Jehu V2 Bearings. These bearings are specially designed for longboarding equipment. Are these better than the V1 Jehu bearings? These V2 bearings have gained significant improvements from its first version. The Jehu V2 bearings have extended inner raceways which means it does not need any speed rings and spacers – because these parts have already been made as a built-in feature.

With the way that these bearings are now designed, it can now provide a tighter setup. But, are these easy to install? The answer is a definite yes. Its ability to produce high speed can be attributed to its Japanese grease and high-quality chromium steel. These bearings are also made durable with its rubberized steel shield construction.

Pros and Cons of the Loaded Icarus

Pros and Cons of the Loaded Icarus

Pros

  • Powerful Flex

Its 5-part vertically laminated bamboo coupled with fiberglass construction allow it to have awesome flex balance. This makes it excellent for pumping and carving.

  • Comfortable to Use

The Icarus longboard has a drop-through truck mounting system and this allows the deck to be positioned lower to the ground. It also has large wheels that significantly prevent wheel bite. The result is easier pushing and greater stability. The board is also very light and constructed intuitively which makes it the favorite among commuters.

  • Lightweight Deck

The Icarus longboard is so lightweight, you can easily pop it up or flip it around. Since the board is so compact, with a length of 97.5 cm. you can just conveniently put it inside your car or in your locker.

Of course, this Loaded Icarus review would not be complete without mentioning the ease of carrying the board.

  • Dampens Vibration

The cork bottom layer construction makes the board so much capable of dampening out vibrations, without the need to compromise the smoothness of the entire ride. This cork bottom layer is a unique concept created by the design experts of Loaded Boards. This is another factor that makes Loaded products unparalleled up to this day.

Cons

  • Difficult for newbies to use

Reviews from beginners suggest that the variable concave may not be that easy to get accustomed with especially for newbie riders.

  • Too narrow for dancing

With a width of 8.6 inches, the Loaded Icarus longboard is too narrow for longboard dancing. You may be able to perform a few cross steps, but you can only do so much with this board when it comes to dancing.

How Does Loaded Icarus Compare with Other Boards in the Market?

How Does Loaded Icarus Compare with Other Boards in the Market?

Most deck designs that you can find in the market these days possess the kind of flex that is focused on one specific area only. However, with Icarus, the flex could come from anywhere and in different directions happening simultaneously.

Is the Icarus deck difficult to manipulate? Nope. As a matter of fact, it only warrants very little effort on the part of the rider when it comes to manipulating the deck. Furthermore, compared to other similar products, the Icarus can be considered narrower which is only 8.6 inches wide. This narrow construction contributes to its being lightweight.

Some people’s Loaded Icarus review reveals that this thing is not a traditional stiff longboard. It is capable of gliding through hills while hanging on tight and such can be attributed to its drop through trucks. Its Paris 180 trucks enable a low center of gravity and if you’re a seasoned longboarder, you would know that this spells ride stability.

Downhill carving with Icarus is much like snowboarding. Getting into several carving succession is such a natural thing to do with this longboard. Moreover, unlike any other premium longboard products out there, the Loaded Icarus features punk-type graphics which makes it totally unique and attractive.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Loaded Icarus Board

Frequently Asked Questions about the Loaded Icarus Board

1. Does the Icarus guarantee improved leverage and control?

Yes, it does. Its wheel well contours enable it to accommodate huge Orangatang wheel. This results in a high performance and responsive ride. Besides, just think about its Paris Trucks, Jehu bearings and the 5 ply vertically laminated bamboo deck and you will realize just how much leverage the rider has with this board.

2. Can it be used for freestyle riding?

Since the Loaded Icarus longboard only has minimal kicks, it can’t be considered quite ideal for serious freestyle riding. However, some reviews from longboard enthusiasts claim that this board can also be used for pulling some kickflips and shuvits. This may not be impossible considering that the board is so light, flexible and durable. You won’t have to worry about scuffing on the bottom.

Moreover, the Icarus is also designed to have the right curves exactly in areas deemed so necessary by many longboard junkies. This ergonomics, along with its variable concave makes the board a useful machine for minimal freestyle riding.

3. Does the wheel well contour only increase the likelihood of the core splitting?

The production crew behind Loaded has already taken this possibility into consideration during the making of the Icarus. This is why they also developed the so-called bamboo biscuits that were inserted into the wheel-well in order to counter the impact of stress.

4. Will the cork layer underneath the deck fall apart easily?

Surprisingly, no. The cork may seem fragile but try it and you will be surprised to find that it is durable enough to withstand after going through a lot of stress and abuse. This Icarus machine flexes well and the cork falling apart will never be an issue.

5. Can I use the Icarus for dancing?

The truth is, the Icarus is not the same with Tan Tien in terms of length. Also, the Icarus is very narrow compared to Tan Tien. This is why the Icarus cannot be recommended for dancing use. However, other people insist that its flexy enough for the rider to be able to perform some cross stepping.

6. What’s the difference between the Tan Tien and the Icarus ?

In terms of specs, they have many differences. For example, the Icarus is shorter than the Tan Tien with regard to length. But they are similar in shape and deck profile. The Icarus is also lighter in weight, weighing only 1.3 kg while the Tan Tien weighs 1.4 to 1.6 kg.

The Icarus also features larger wheel wells compared to Tan Tien, thereby making the former more suitable for bigger wheels.

Verdict - Final Thoughts!

Verdict - Final Thoughts!

The Loaded Icarus longboard is definitely a must have if you are into heavy pumping and carving. The best thing about it is that you can choose the flex level and the softness of Orangatang Wheels. The price cannot be considered too high nor too low. But definitely it would be more than just your money’s worth. So, go ahead take the Icarus for a spin and realize just how lucky you are to have it!

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Lisa Hayden-Matthews

Lisa Hayden-Matthews

An avid Skier, bike rider, triathlon enthusiast, amateurish beach volleyball player and nature lover who has never lost a dare! I manage the overall Editorial section for the magazine here and occasionally chip in with my own nature photographs, when required.

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