| Frequently
Asked Questions |
| |
| Q:
Basically, what are Slow Juan Bearings? |
| A:
In the simplest of terms, Slow Juan Bearings are a custom
polymer rubber bearing designed to replace your real roller
bearing on your deck's trucks to allow you to practice
complex tricks without the board moving uncontrollably. |
| |
| Q:
Do they roll? How fast do they roll? |
| A:
Yes, they roll - just barely. Just enough to enable the
board to slightly move a foot or so when pushed reasonably
hard. If you drop in on a ramp, you will roll to the bottom
at, roughly 1/10th (or less) of the speed of a real bearing.
They have been designed so that on a flat surface, you
can push forward and roll a little bit so you have time
to practice moving your feet into position prior to practicing
your trick. Also, the roll is a adjustable and can be
made to make the board not roll at all for practicing
standing still. |
| |
| Q:
Can I use the deck, trucks and wheels that I am used to
using with Slow Juans? |
| A:
Absolutely! That is one of Slow Juans greatest advantages.
You practice on exactly the same hardware and wood you
are used to using. No weight change by big, heavy plastic
simulated trucks. Your deck tilts and turns and spins
just like you and your feet are used to. This feature
makes moving from practice to real performance FAST! |
| |
| Q:
Does my deck act the same? |
| A:
Absolutely! Your wheels, truck settings combined with
your deck shape is what you will do your tricks on in
competition. Slow Juans enable the exact same feel
of truck movement and deck slap for fast, safer learning
and little or no "relearning" when you go back
to your real bearings. |
| |
| Q:
How long do they last? |
| A:
We're not really sure! We have 10 sets that have been
in hard use for more than a
year now and still work great. Some of our testers believe
they get better as they start to wear, as they will roll
farther. So, the best answer, I guess is, years? |
| |
| Q:
Can I use them both inside and out? Wet conditions? |
| A:
Yes. You can use them anywhere. Inside, outside,
in the rain and mud (why I don't know, but you can.) They
are made for abuse - and they can take it. |
| |
| Q:
Do they help absorb landing shock? |
| A:
Yes. They definitely have a little bounce to them. This
is one of the features, that enables higher vertical practice
jumps, the fact that the Slow Juans have some "spring"
giving you more confidence and added height. Additionally,
they have a side to side "wiggle" that helps
improve your recovery from off balance landings. This
horizontal action also tends to make the deck rotate more
(like when doing a kick or heel flip) giving you a better
"snap" to your foot actions. |
| |
| Q:
How do they differ from "replacement truck"
type practice accessories? |
| A1:
Slow Juans are exact bearing replacements for your board,
so you keep the feel of your trucks, wheels and deck.
The replacement truck types take all your truck adjustments
and wheel combos out and give you a deck with heavy
trucks that do not move or roll or "act naturally."
A2:
Adjustable. Slow Juans can be dramatically changed in
how they work simply by changing the truck axle nut
tension. Details and hints of other ways to adjust them
to you and the trick you are trying are in the instruction
book.
A3: Price. We have seen practice trucks
in the $50 range (as of 6/2006) which rather eats at
the board budget! Slow Juan Bearings give you a more
natural learning experience at the price of a reasonable
set of bearings usually around $15.00 or less (talk
to your dealer!) |
| |
| Q:
I bought 'em and I want them to roll faster than they
do straight out of the box. What should I do? |
A:
You have a couple of options. First let me say that with
use they will "break in" (wear down) and expand
the center of the rubber bearing. So, over time they will
get faster and faster, which can be controlled by tightening
the axle nuts.
H-o-w-e-v-e-r, for those who have advanced more and want
a slightly quicker roll, try some decent oil (motor oil
is fine) and rub it on your axle, then put on the bearing.
For more aggressive adjustment for speed, we recommend
you try drilling the center with a regular handrill and
a 5/16" (7.94mm) bit, or even slightly larger. Remember
- its easier to drill out more rubber, than put it back
(you can't!) so do not get too wild too quick! A little
bit of drilling, makes a huge difference. |
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| Other
Questions? Send them to Jaun! |
| |
