Hey ho folks, please spread what you have learned below to all of those that ask these questions, THANKS!!!
How to decide when you are on the boarder of flexes:
Choosing the proper flex for your riding style will add an extra comfort to your ride. While we have a recommended flex chart not all people and riding styles call for the same flex. While we will discuss this in terms of the Dervish flex but you can apply the following guidelines to entire Loaded lineup.
Riders that fall into the weight category of (but not limited to) 150-170lbs are on the boarder of a flex 1 or 2 Dervish. A big concern for most riders is getting the proper flex so they do not run into the issue of bottoming out their Dervish during hard carves. Deciding what Dervish flex to get depends on your riding style. Below is a general classification of how a softer and stiffer flex can attribute to a riding style.
Softer Flex (Dervish flex 2 and softer Loaded flexes):
A softer flex will suit a more mellow style of riding and carving. It will feel playful and comfortable. While it will not bottom out while riding or carving, you still can bottom the board out with a forceful downward surge. If you use the board mainly for commuting, a softer flex will be an added comfort. You can still slide aggressively on a softer flex but a stiffer one is more suitable. You can use a softer flex to really carve into some dance moves and you still will be able to perform big spins and old skool kickflips (you run a greater risk of bottoming out). You can take a soft flex up to speed but a stiffer flex will be more stable and the same thing when riding a park.
SUMMARY: For the rider that wants a comfortable flowy ride a softer flex is for you.
Stiffer Flex (Dervish flex 1 and stiffer Loaded Flexes)
A stiffer flex will suite a more aggressive carving, sliding, and pumping style when you are constantly slamming your weight down onto the board. It will be easier to perform shovits and flip tricks along with boneless airs and aggressive sliding. The added stiffness will add stability at speed and in the bowl when you are generating speed off a wall.
SUMMARY: For the more aggressive trick rider that wants a more responsive ride.
NOTE: Loaded Boards break in over time and become slightly more flexy in due time. At first a flex 1 Dervish for a 150lb-170lb rider will feel stiff but will soften a bit after a few weeks of riding. The newer Dervishes with the keyhole cut outs are stiffer than the previous production runs making the boards feel a half flex stiffer then without the cutout.
