Loaded | Tangent Longboard
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Surf the Pavement, Don’t Just Ride It
The Loaded Tangent is a beast – and I mean that in the best, most stable sense of the word. A friend of mine stepped on it and said it was like “hopping on and off’ve a tram,” which made me laugh at the time but has stuck with me ever since. Because honestly? That’s exactly what it’s like. Solid. Predictable. Composed. It’s the kind of board that makes you question why other longboards feel so skittish by comparison.
Whether you’re commuting, cruising, or just out for the joy of rolling, the Tangent delivers something rare: confidence underfoot. It’s big, it’s planted, and it feels like it was designed by people who actually skate – not just people who like to sell to skaters. I’ve logged many miles on this thing now, and I haven’t come off it once. Not even close. That’s not me bragging - it’s just the board doing its thing.
Ride and Handling
From the first push, this board feels dialed. It’s a double-drop design with a rocker profile that wedges the trucks ever so slightly, tightening up the turning radius while keeping your center of gravity low a the same time. That means you get that grounded, locked-in feel – like your feet are cradled, not just standing on top of a plank – while still being able to carve with flow and precision.
And carve it does. The Tangent handles corners like it’s on rails, thanks in part to its Paris 150mm trucks and your choice of wheels. Go with the blue 105mm Orangatang Dad Bod option (like I did) for maximum momentum – these things just roll over everything. Potholes, rough sidewalks, gravel patches – no problem. Or opt for the 85mm Caguama (80a orange) if you want something lower, quicker to accelerate, and more nimble in city traffic or tight paths. Both setups are legit, it just depends on your style …and where you’re gonna ride it. Both are great, so get stuck in and pick your own adventure.
If you’re really chasing that super-stable, directional feel, you can also swap in an optional 43° baseplate to further anchor the ride. Haven’t tried it yet, but knowing Loaded, it probably transforms the board into an absolute missile for long commutes or hills. Fair warning though… the size and weight of the board makes it hard to stop at speed.
Deck Design
Let’s talk about the deck – because it’s doing a lot of quiet work under your feet. It’s made from a maple and basalt composite, which strikes a sweet spot between lightweight strength and a subtle, damp flex that smooths out road vibration without making the board feel mushy. There’s just enough flex to smooth out sketchy pavement, but not so much that it feels sluggish. Think of it like built-in suspension – subtle, reliable, and easy to take for granted until you step on something that doesn’t have it.
Additionally, the concave “tub” shape flattens in the center and slopes gently up at the sides - ending in upturned corners that are more than just a design flourish. They basically act like tactile checkpoints, preventing foot bite and keeping you aware of your stance without constant adjustment. It’s a plus for every level of riding experience, because everyone benefits from good technique. Also, bad foot placement at speed is how you end up face-down in the street. It’s a good, human-focused piece of design that I greatly appreciate. And it just looks great.
Practical Details
At 42 inches long and 9.5 inches wide, the Tangent offers more standing space than most boards in its category. That extra real estate means you can shift your stance on longer rides, and generally just move around without feeling cramped. The low ride height, plus the deck rocker, makes high-speed commutes feel controlled instead of chaotic.
Also – can we just appreciate the design for a second? The predominantly blue-hued colorway is clean, understated, and crisp, with a vibe that feels borrowed from the surf world but refined through an industrial design lens. It looks like a board made by people who care about aesthetics, and as such it feels cohesive. Premium but not flashy. Serious but still fun.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t some stubby little cruiser for the boardwalk. It’s a full-sized, full-send longboard that wants real miles under it. Whether you’re gliding through the neighborhood, cutting through city streets, or taking the long way home just because the pavement looks inviting – the Loaded Tangent delivers.
Stable, responsive, and built to roll forever, this is the board that makes every other setup feel a little... lightweight. And in my humble opinion, that’s exactly how a good distance-focused longboard should feel.
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