What's the Current State of Bi-Level Decks?

Jake S · Backside 180 Joined: 29 Dec 2010 Posts: 683 City: SLC

I loved the cassette 40" bi level, no other bi level has compared, as electricsnow was saying they are the only ones to really snap, I felt like I could feel the ollie. But they also snapped and broke, and after breaking too many I prefer the single deck. I also liked going back to the single deck because of the feel of the water underneath the board, it was really refreshing after riding a bi level for so long.

Either way I think they were important in progressing wakeskate design with new concave and width standards. The width was one of my favorite features on those bi levels. Now that traditional wakeskates are wider (have been for a long time) there isn't a need to ride a bi level just for the width.

-=AlexXx=- · Posted: Jul 11, 2013 8:20 pm Post subject:

electricsnow, I got goosebumps when i saw that pic! man that was one the most epic pics back in the day.

Im kinda partial to both sides, i think some people just look ridiculous on the double deckers, when i saw this thread i totally thought of Aaron Reed, that guy looked GREAT on a bi-level, i thought all his tricks looks better than on his 4-trac or any other single concave deck.... huge pop, boosty w2w and the way he spun his 3 shuvs in the reentry was magical to me.

And daniel, brought back some really good memories, of those two killing it on double deckers. justin boosted those inside outs and oury was techy as crap and still made most of his tricks look fluid.

I dont think bi-levels should necessarily become extinct.. but it does take a special rider to master it, and i really think some people should get off it!

The Cassette Bi-level is def an iconic part of history, although I think it kinda of caused Cassette to go under.... Sad

brassmonkey · Posted: Jul 12, 2013 3:47 pm Post subject:

The reason I'm not a fan of bi-levels is because of how much storage it would take to have enough top decks on hand.

nick · Posted: Jul 25, 2013 2:57 pm Post subject:

Just to be clear, I wasn't knocking the riding or accomplishments of anyone who rides a bi-level, only that I would've enjoyed every second of each more had they not been on a bi-level at the time...
In my opinion, Aaron Reed's part in Volume 2 would've been even more epic on a Cassette concave.

`

jake .R. · Posted: Jul 31, 2013 9:53 pm Post subject:

nick, Disrespectful. Confused

nick · Posted: Jul 31, 2013 10:17 pm Post subject:

jake .R., I disagree.

You are included in the list of wakeskater's whose riding I enjoy & admire, but would very much prefer to see on a concave. I've expressed my opinion with a bit of audacity, but at no point would I consider it disrespectful...

Instead of being offended, you could offer a counter-point to either balance the discussion or even try to change my mind?

`

And Drew · Posted: Jul 31, 2013 11:38 pm Post subject:

Live2Ride · Ollie Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 62 City: San Jose

Nick,you should know by now bi-levels have way more of a "true skate feel" than concave decks by now. J/K! J/K! But in all honesty I have personally seen Reed Hansen ride behind the boat once and watching him ride his board was so sick but he may be the exception to the rule. But for the most part I'd highly prefer to watch riders on concave decks over bi-levels. And to be even more completely honest I like to watch riders in this particular order of wakeskate decks:

Integrity> all wood decks > 2x4's > bi-Levels

Nothing is better than watching someone shred on an Integ. It just looks so damn clean compared to everything else

russ · Posted: Aug 01, 2013 3:23 am Post subject:

time for a highest olllie comp!

88skisupreme · Backside 180 Joined: 11 Nov 2004 Posts: 1342 City: ATX

senza wake · Backside 180 Joined: 07 Jun 2011 Posts: 600 City: SLC

electricsnow · cassette Joined: 14 Sep 2003 Posts: 10753 City: Jefferton

I think you also mentioned increased concave/kicktails. Today's wood decks have so much more concave it's incredible.

wakemitch · Posted: Aug 01, 2013 9:27 pm Post subject:

I agree that the cassette bi-levels helped get people to think differently about wakeskate shapes and helped inspire the modern skates. But I dont think bi-levels will last much longer. They had their place and wakeskate history, but now they are circling the drain.

jake .R. · Posted: Aug 13, 2013 5:08 pm Post subject:

nick, When the bi level first came out it was the best looking thing on the planet to me. When matt manzari had his new pollution on the bi level it blew my mind. reeds part in in itstravels, and every other part of that era was beautiful. In my opinon aaron reed needs to get back on a bi-level. His rding was at its best on it, (and looked the best) and i believe that the exact pressures that people are putting on the industry to get rid of it, prematurely ended his reign on those boards.
I enjoy the bilevel the most, Ive had many single levels but the tricks just arent as good looking to me. My favorite so far is the oak snail rider because the one i have has extra weight to it.
I think that some people look better on single levels also, so there is a flip side

Jake S · Backside 180 Joined: 29 Dec 2010 Posts: 683 City: SLC

wakemitch · Posted: Aug 13, 2013 6:47 pm Post subject:

jake .R. · Posted: Aug 20, 2013 9:13 pm Post subject:

Jake S, You called it! Smash

girlsafteryou · Pop Shuvit Joined: 16 Jun 2009 Posts: 102 City: Seattle

Can someone do all Reed's Tricks on a wood concave so I can see if they look better? Very Happy

cause I am 100% positive that his bi level is doing some things in that edit.

wakemitch · Posted: Aug 27, 2013 1:59 pm Post subject:

Reed killed it!! 3 different 540s Crazy Eyes

and that heelflip was perfect