Air Deck: Revolutionizing the Longboard Industry

An Innovative and Lightweight Longboard Design

The Air Deck is a groundbreaking longboard design that introduces several unique features to the world of boarding. Made from rectangular bars of carbon fiber, this innovative board is not only extremely lightweight but also remarkably strong. Despite weighing only about two pounds, it can support a rider weighing up to 250 pounds. The use of carbon fiber ensures both durability and enhanced performance, giving the Air Deck an edge over traditional longboards.

The construction of the Air Deck involves rectangular bars of carbon fiber with a core of hard polyethylene foam. The carbon fiber bars are impregnated with epoxy resin, providing strength and rigidity. The board also includes standard longboard trucks, bearings, bolts, and wheels. Through extensive material research, CADing, and their own expertise, Krueger and Randall were able to develop this innovative design.

The Air Deck measures 1.016 meters in width, 0.2773 meters in depth, and 0.1052 meters in height when fully assembled with trucks. Without the trucks, the deck alone measures 1.016 meters in width, 0.2259 meters in depth, and 0.01778 meters in height. These specifications ensure a comfortable and stable ride for riders of all sizes.

When riding the Air Deck, the lightweight design allows for better acceleration and smoother maneuverability. The rigid structure of the carbon fiber prevents flexing and bucking, providing a more enjoyable riding experience. In the event of a crash, the durable carbon fiber maintains its structure, minimizing damage to both the rider and the board. Additionally, the Air Deck features convenient handholds for easy transportation.

The Air Deck project was initiated in March 2015 and completed in September 2015 in West Lafayette, Indiana. Throughout the design process, extensive research was conducted, particularly in the area of materials. The goal was to find a material that was lightweight, strong, and long-lasting. After comparing various options, carbon fiber emerged as the ideal choice due to its ease of use and moldability.

Creating a new design in the well-established skateboard and longboard industry presented its challenges. However, Krueger and Randall's determination and creativity allowed them to overcome these obstacles. The result is the Air Deck, a custom-designed longboard that offers a smoother ride and the flexibility to accommodate various trucks, wheels, and bolts.

The Air Deck has received recognition for its innovative design. In 2016, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Sporting Goods, Fitness, and Recreation Equipment Design category. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and technical excellence, contributing to improvements in quality of life.

The Air Deck, with its unique combination of lightweight design, durability, and enhanced performance, is set to revolutionize the longboard industry. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a beginner, this innovative longboard promises an exhilarating and enjoyable boarding experience.