Kicking it Up a Notch -- Original Apex 40 Diamond Drop Review

Oh Hello Adoring Masses,

   I have been rocking a new deck for the past couple of weeks the Apex 40 Diamond Drop. Most people were pretty surprised to hear that Original released another Apex 40 after already dropping two versions not too long ago. However, the new Apex fills some gaps left by the older models.

   The Apex 40 now comes in three models. Each one has the same basic shape but is designed slightly differently to lend itself better to other disciplines of riding. There is the Apex 40 AVRockerConcave which has the flattest platform with the most sharply angles kicktails and is designed for some serious freestyle and flip tricks. Next in line is the Apex 40 DoubleConcave which has a micro drop in the platform and is meant for the intersection of freestyle and freeride. Finally there is the new Apex 40 Diamond Drop which has a full on drop platform and tons of concave to help keep your feet locked in. This board is intended to have a focus on freeride but remain just as comfortable on the flats. 

   I have really been enjoying the Apex 40 Diamond Drop but before I get into all the reasons why, let's go over the technical specifications of the board.

Specs:	Apex 40 Diamond Drop
Length	40.75 in
Wheelbase	28 in
Width	9.75 in
Concave	Tub
Drop	0.925 in
Special Features	Double Kicks, Drop, Carbon, Kinky Tub Concave

   As far as construction goes, the Apex 40 Diamond Drop is something else. My favorite part of the construction is the layer of carbon fiber. While carbon is definitely heavier than wood (making the Apex 40 a little heavier than other boards of the same size) it is also incredibly hard to break. I like that I can take my Apex off big ledges or do a million flip tricks without worrying about the board snapping ever. I have intentionally tried to beat my Apex to hell and it doesn't look any worse for the wear.

   Beyond the construction of the board my Apex 40 Diamond Drop is also outfitted with the new Original Kicksavers. They are thick plastic pieces that fit over the noses of the Apex line (any Apex) and protect your board from an array of damage inflicting sources. Having these on your board keeps it safe and sound from razor tail and the dreaded curbing incidents that are known to kill longboards.

The Apex 40 Diamond Drop can really hold its own in a variety of riding situations and styles.
Commuting
This board is freaking fun to commute on! It really has everything you could look for in a campus crusher or store runner. The drop platfrom makes the Apex 40 Diamond Drop super duper easy to push. It keeps you lower to the ground so that you don't have to squat really low every time you want to push like you do with most topmount boards. Another great feature for a commuter is the presence of at least one kicktail, and the Apex 40 Diamond Drop has two of those bad boys. They make dropping curbs or popping your board up nice easy so that you can zoom around town in style.

Downhill
The Apex 40 Diamond Drop is not the best board in the whole world to downhill on, however, there are a few nice things you notice when going fast. The best downhill aspects for me both have to do with the drop platform. The full drop in this Apex gets you down low and keeps your center of gravity close to the ground which always helps with speed. The other thing I really like is the concave of the Apex 40 Diamond Drop which is very comfortable and keeps you locked in, the angle of the drop in the platform also gives you a nice spot to tuck up against if you're ever trying to your full tuck on.

Freestyle
If there has ever been a board that is ready to freestyle it is the Apex 40 Diamond Drop. I have only ridden mine with the Original Kicksavers on it and they make this board all the more dope for freestyley goodness. The kicksavers give the board a little added pop and a little more width for your feet to grab onto. I was worried they would feel kind of awkward before I actual rode it, however, I actually prefer having them on there. Also when I fall freestyling, which happens sometimes, I don't have to worry about my board because the kicksavers keep it nice and safe. I thought that the drop platform would make flip tricks kind of weird but was pleasantly surprised to find that it didn't at all. I really enjoy this as a rough and tumble freestyle board that I can take through anything.

Freeride
This is the discipline that the Apex 40 Diamond Drop was designed around. I think the other decks in the Apex line fall short in the realm of freeride, however, the Diamond Drop picks up all the slack and then some. This board is freaking great for freeride and I take it out to the steep hills on the regular. All the angles and concave in the board lend themselves to long slides like nothing else. The concave keeps you locked in so that you can slide from the platform but, if you're into it, you can also wrap your heel or toe around the edges of the board. I also really like that the Apex 40 Diamond Drop has kicktails on either side because I really like symmetrical boards and I have been trying to learn how to hold out blunt slides, which has been nice and easy on this board.

Let's get to the bottom line:
Would I recommend this board to a friend?
I absolutely would. Normally I recommend a board to someone looking for particular traits in a board, however, I think that the Apex 40 Diamond Drop would actually make pretty much any longboarder quite happy. Unfortunately, some people seem to have personal vendettas against Original, but I think this board might be enough to change to their minds if they would actually take one out for a ride.

All in all the Original Apex 40 Diamond Drop is one board to rule them all. It is symmetrical with double kicks for people who like spin and freestyle, it is a topmount which is nice for freeride, but it still rides low which is great for commuting and going fast. To top it all off the black dip and the Pink Floyd-esq graphic is quite the head turner when cruising through town.

Any questions, concerns, loveletters, spam, comments?
Send them my way!!!
Stay Awesome,
Wayne

My Current Favorite Setup:
-Original Apex 40 Diamond Drop
-Surf-Rodz 176mm RKPs 50* Plates
-Orangatang Baluts 72.5mm 83a
-Daddies Ceramic Bearings
-Orangatang Nipple Bushings Soft
-As always Holesome Slide Pucks and a Helmet