Sheet Wrapped Graphite Shafts

This is a good video on how sheet wrapped graphite shafts are made. In this particular instance, it's Graphite Designs factory. You get to see some of the quality control measures that they use in the manufacturing process. IMO the hand rolling stage has some potential for human error which can lead to shaft inconsistencies, whereas filament wound graphite is more mechanized and automated. There are pros and cons for each process in terms of shaft consistency, feel, resin content etc. The debate of which process is better will likely continue forever.

Weak Boards

Over the past several years, I had a tough time finding time to skate. I had an Alien Pappalardo board that I got off ebay back in 2004 and I rode that until this summer. When I was driving back from Mexico through the States, I picked up a new Habitat deck and set up some new 53mm Guy Mariano soccer wheels that I had laying around since 2001. First session... cracked it. 360 flip on flat. Second session... cracked even more. 360 flip on flat. Definitely not happy. One Alien/Habitat board lasts 4 years. Another barely makes it past 2 sessions. It's gotta be one of my biggest pet peeves. Set up a brand spankin' new deck only to have it crack or break after a day.

Blind Skull and Banana

Blinds classic board series dissing Powell. Another step in the rise of the Rocco skateboard takeover of the early 90's. Another series drawn by Marc McKee.

5 putts

Peter Hanson 5 putted the 10th hole at the Open Championship last weekend. Three of which were within 2 feet. Ouch.

Recycled Golf Balls

On Ebay, there are many resellers of used golf balls. One company in particular, lostgolfballs, has the best quality I have seen. Their 1st quality look brand new. If you live outside of the States, you're out of luck as their international shipping is ridiculous. Another company that I've used in the past is Knetgolf. They do ship to both Canada and the USA but the quality of their highest ball rating is much much less than lostgolfballs. I don't recommend Knet. Just this past week, I ordered from GolfBallPlanet. Their highest rated balls (mint) are great. Definitely much better than Knet. They ship to both Canada and the USA. All of these companies have websites outside of Ebay and you can order from them directly. I've been using reclaimed balls for the past year and I can't notice a difference between them and new ones in terms of performance.

Hail Rocco

When these boards first came out, they were referred to as the Hail Rocco series. I had the 1984 Shiloh board. Unfortunately, I cracked it within the first few sessions. It was a sweet shape for sure. For some reason, I rode a lot of Shiloh boards back in those days. Art by Sean Cliver and Marc McKee.

Maloof Money Cup Footage

I didn't even know this thing was happening until I ran across it on RobBrink.com. Holy crap this 3 minute clip is insane. $100,000 to the winner of the street contest. Jam format. CBS is airing the contest on Sunday July 20th, noon Pacific time. It's about time that pros get some serious dough for a contest win. More footage at Transworld's website.