Ever wondered what it takes to master the mesmerizing dervish custom? Whether you’re fascinated by its spiritual depth or curious about its rich history, understanding how this tradition is “loaded”—in meaning and practice—can be both enlightening and inspiring.
This article unpacks the core elements of the dervish custom, explains its significance, and offers practical steps for those interested in its rituals. Discover insights and tips to truly appreciate this remarkable tradition.
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How to Customize a Loaded Dervish Longboard
Loaded Boards’ Dervish longboard is a legend among skaters, renowned for its smooth carving, agile flex, and stylish bamboo design. But what truly sets it apart is the customizability — allowing riders to fine-tune every component of their board to suit riding style, skill, and aesthetics.
If you’re wondering how to customize (or “load”) a Loaded Dervish longboard for your unique needs, you’re in the right place. We’ll break it all down: what to customize, how to do it, useful tips, cost-saving insights, and answers to your top questions.
Understanding the “Loaded Dervish Custom”
When people refer to a “Loaded Dervish Custom,” they’re talking about personalizing each piece of the Dervish — deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, grip tape, and even the hardware or bushings. This process transforms the off-the-shelf longboard into a tailored riding machine.
Customizing isn’t just about appearance. It improves performance, comfort, and even longevity of your board.
Key Components You Can Customize
Before diving into the steps, let’s take a close look at what parts of the Dervish Sama you can tailor:
- Deck Flex and Size: The Dervish comes in different flex ratings, based on weight and riding preference.
- Trucks: The axle system that determines turning and stability.
- Wheels: Affect speed, grip, and the board’s ability to handle various surfaces.
- Bearings: Crucial for smooth, fast spinning.
- Grip Tape: For foot security and extra style.
- Hardware & Bushings: Small details, big difference in ride feel.
Step-By-Step Guide to Customizing Your Loaded Dervish
1. Choose the Right Deck Flex
The deck is the board’s heart. The Dervish offers multiple flexes:
- Flex 1: Stiffest, best for heavier riders or hard carving at speed (recommended for riders over 170 lbs/77 kg).
- Flex 2: Medium flex, offering a balance between comfort and control (ideal for 125-175 lbs/56-79 kg).
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Flex 3: Softest, great for lightweight riders who desire a lively, responsive feel (suits up to 150 lbs/68 kg).
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Tip: Stiffer decks are more stable at high speeds, while softer decks excel at dancing and cruising.*
2. Pick Your Ideal Trucks
Trucks connect your board to the wheels and define your turning radius and stability. For the Dervish:
- Reverse Kingpin Trucks: Offer the best carving and stability. Brands like Paris and Caliber are popular options.
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Width Matters: Most Dervish setups pair well with 180mm trucks for balanced leverage.
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Advice: Try softer bushings for deep carves or harder bushings for downhill and freeride stability.*
3. Select the Perfect Wheels
Wheels decide how your board rides over various terrains and how it feels during slides or carves.
- Diameter: Common sizes are 70-75mm; bigger wheels = smoother ride.
- Durometer (Hardness): Softer wheels (78A-80A) grip better and absorb vibration; harder wheels slide easier.
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Shape: Square-edged for grip, round for smooth slides.
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Popular picks for the Dervish: Orangatang wheels — designed to complement Loaded decks.*
4. Choose High-Quality Bearings
Bearings ensure you roll fast and smooth.
- ABEC Ratings: Higher is generally faster, but actual performance also depends on build quality.
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Material: Steel is standard; ceramic provides ultimate speed and durability (at a premium).
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Tip: Clean and lube your bearings regularly for long-lasting performance.*
5. Add or Upgrade Grip Tape
Grip tape keeps your feet from slipping.
- Standard Black Grip: Reliable and grippy.
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Custom Designs: Clear grip to show off bamboo, or patterns for extra personality.
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Fun fact: You can even add patches for foot placement while dancing.*
6. Don’t Forget Hardware and Bushings
- Hardware: Bolts and nuts need to fit your deck/truck height (usually 1.25″ for drop-through decks).
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Bushings: These urethane components in your trucks control lean. Swap to tweak turn response.
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Custom-color hardware adds another personal touch!*
Benefits of Customizing Your Loaded Dervish
Here’s why taking the time to “load” your Dervish to your preferences is totally worth it:
- Personalized Performance: Match flex and components to your weight, style, and favorite terrain.
- Improved Comfort: Achieve the exact feel you desire, whether it’s super smooth for cruising or responsive for tricks.
- Unique Aesthetics: Stand out with unique colors, grip designs, and wheel choices.
- Skill Progression: Proper setup supports progression, e.g., softer flex for learning new dance moves or harder wheels for advanced slides.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Customizing a longboard can seem intimidating. Here are a few hurdles you might face, with solutions:
- Choice Overload: Too many parts? Start with trusted combos — e.g., Paris trucks and Orangatang wheels.
- Compatibility Issues: Not all wheels or trucks fit every deck. Double-check sizing, especially for drop-through mounting.
- Assembly Know-How: Nervous about installation? Many shops offer assembly or can guide you with tutorials.
- Budget Management: Custom setups can add up in price. Mix premium and budget parts or look for package deals.
Practical Tips & Best Practices
- Test Before You Buy: If possible, try friends’ boards or demo setups at your local shop.
- Prioritize Upgrades: If you’re on a budget, choose a quality deck and trucks first; you can upgrade wheels and bearings later.
- Keep It Clean: Maintenance extends the life of all your parts — regular cleaning and checks prevent wear.
- Personalize Over Time: Your ideal setup may change as you progress, so experiment with one part at a time.
- Ask the Community: Online forums and local skaters are invaluable for advice.
Cost Tips (Including Shipping and Savings)
Custom longboards vary in cost based on parts and origin. Here’s how to save money:
- Buy as a Complete, Then Upgrade: Buying a ready-made Dervish Sama complete is often cheaper than sourcing every part separately.
- Local Shop Pickup: Avoid international shipping fees by ordering through regional shops if possible.
- Wait for Bundles or Sales: Many skate retailers offer holiday sales or bundle deals.
- Group Orders: Order with friends to split shipping costs.
- Check Shipping Policies: Some brands offer free shipping over a certain amount, especially within the US/EU.
Bringing It All Together: The Loaded Dervish Custom Experience
Customizing your Loaded Dervish longboard unlocks the full potential of this already iconic board. By tailoring flex, trucks, wheels, and more, you create a ride that’s uniquely yours — supporting your style, skill, and personality.
Whether you’re carving, commuting, or dancing down the street, a custom Dervish transforms not just your board but your skateboarding experience.
The world of longboard customization is as limitless as your imagination. Take your time, research your options, and remember: skateboarding is personal — and your Dervish should reflect you!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I choose the right flex for my Loaded Dervish longboard?
Choose based on your weight and riding style. Heavier riders or those prioritizing stability at speed should pick stiffer decks (Flex 1). Lighter riders, or anyone focused on dancing or smooth carves, should lean toward softer decks (Flex 2 or 3).
Can I install any wheels or trucks on my Dervish Sama?
Most longboard trucks and wheels work, but it’s crucial to check compatibility. Use reverse kingpin trucks in the 180mm range for optimal performance. Be mindful of wheel size to prevent wheel bite (when the wheels touch the deck during tight turns).
Is it better to build my board custom or buy a complete setup?
Buying a complete is simpler and often more affordable, but building custom lets you fine-tune performance and aesthetics. Beginners usually start with a complete, upgrading as they learn.
How can I maintain my custom longboard for longevity?
Regularly clean your bearings, tighten your hardware, and check wheels and bushings for wear. Store your board in a dry place, away from moisture and direct sunlight to avoid warping and rust.
Does customizing my longboard affect resale value?
Kind of! Unique or premium upgrades can increase value to the right buyer, but highly personalized boards may appeal to a smaller market. If resale matters, stick to reputable brands and universally desired colorways or parts.