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Carver Ghostnet Surfskate Review

by | Oct 15, 2024 | Reviews

The Carver Ghostnet is intruiging for its innovative material and shape. The deck is made from Nylon 6 using recycled fish nets. It offers a unique riding experience that rivals traditional wooden boards.

In this review, I’ll detail the construction, design, and riding performance of the Carver Ghostnet. I’ll do my best to answer whether the Carver Ghostnet surfskate is for you.

Watch My Carver Ghostnet Surfskate Review on YouTube

Carver Ghostnet Deck Specs & Material

The Carver Ghostnet measures 31” long and 10” wide and has a 16.625” wheelbase.

What makes the Ghostnet stand out is its deck material. It’s made from Nylon 6—a durable, flexible plastic derived from recycled fish nets. It’s actually same material used in gun stocks and Glocks. Not only is it eco-friendly, but it also offers a remarkable blend of strength and flexibility.

Unlike the hard plastic feel of boards like the Penny, the Carver Ghostnet’s deck feels more like wood. It has great flex with high rebound. It also has a dampening quality that absorbs the vibrations from bumps and cracks on the road. This results in a ride that feels smooth and natural, similar to traditional wooden decks.

Unlike wood, the deck material on the Carver Ghostnet is virtually indestructible. It will never warp from heat or water.

However, it is slightly heavier than wood.

How Does the Foot Placement Feel on the Carver Ghostnet?

One of the standout features of the Carver Ghostnet is its thoughtful design. The deck’s shape feels natural, with well-placed contours that create intuitive foot positioning.

The front foot pocket provides excellent control. This allows you to take advantage of the board’s concave for precise toe and heel movements.

The Carver Ghostnet offers ideal foot placement for riders with a stance width between 15 and 17 inches. However, for taller riders like myself, with a stance width over 17 inches, the 16.5″ wheelbase may feel a bit narrow.

What’s the Ideal Setting for the Carver Ghostnet?

With its narrow wheelbase, the Carver Ghostnet excels in park and bowl riding.

The compact wheelbase makes the board nimble and responsive. It’s perfect for sharp turns, snaps, and slides.

However, the narrow wheelbase makes the Ghostnet less suited for long-distance cruising or commuting. It feels like riding a bike in first gear. It’s great for short, sharp movements but not ideal for covering long distances.

For advanced riders looking for a board to use in parks and bowls, the Carver Ghostnet offers a fantastic ride. Its lightweight design and high-performance features make it a joy to carve and pump.

Upgraded Trucks, Softer Bushings, Excellent Wheels

Carver has made some great upgrades to the Ghostnet’s trucks and bushings.

The upgraded trucks on the Carver Ghostnet surfskate come with hollow kingpins and axles. This makes them lighter without sacrificing durability.

The new bushings are also softer, which makes them more lively and responsive. You may want to customize the bushings for your weight. But if they work for your weight, the stock bushings feel great.

The wheels on the Carver Ghostnet are 65mm in diameter and 83a durometer. They also have rounded edges.

carver cx pivot cups

They roll smooth and fast and feel fantastic.

However, although they call them “Slicks,” I actually find them quite grippy. This is not a complaint or a criticism, as I actually really like the wheels. It’s just that I find the name confusing relative to how grippy they are.

These wheels are fantastic for a stock setup. But if you’re looking for wheels that are easier to slide, these may not be ideal for you.

Who Is the Carver Ghostnet Surfskate For?

If you’re buying your first surfskate, the Carver Ghostnet is an excellent choice. That is, assuming your stance width falls between 15 and 17 inches.

If you’re an experienced surfskater looking to add to your collection, you may want to consider the Ghostnet. It’s unique design and versatile performance make it compelling, especially for park and bowl riders.

The bottom line: if you’re looking for a surfskate with a flexible, wood-like feel and a compact, nimble design, the Carver Ghostnet won’t disappoint. It’s a fantastic option for tight, performance-based riding. The recycled materials add an eco-friendly bonus to an already impressive board.

Final Thoughts

The Carver Ghostnet brings something new to the table with its innovative recycled deck and high-performance features.

It may not be ideal for long-distance cruising. But its agility in parks and bowls makes it a standout choice for advanced riders.

Whether you’re new to surfskating or a seasoned pro, the Ghostnet offers a unique and enjoyable ride.

Long-Time Skateboarder David Kemppinen Reviews the Carver Ghostnet

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