My Gecko

[Zack Levitt]

Is on the way. Got an email yesterday. Pictures to come soon.

[Gary Saenz]

Is on the way. Got an email yesterday. Pictures to come soon.

Dang Zack, bring it to the Dixie Cup if you come this year. I really want to see one of these in the flesh.

[Zack Levitt]

Ok so my heavy model #004 arrived today. I have not set it up yet, so therefore have not ridden it. After work that should happen. The craftsmanship is amazing. Well more to come soon.

[GARY GLASSER]

..sweet! Nice Job Zack.

[Stephen Lavin]

#005 arrived tonight (raining). Beautifully crafted. Of course I leave for a business trip at 4AM Tuesday and will be riding this for the first time next Sunday in St. Louis - cannot wait. Route 66...

LAVIN

[Zack Levitt]

[Stephen Lavin]

Got 005 out today in St. Louis; first time in competition. We had to stop after qualifying due to rain. I think I qualified 6th but we'll have to wait for JBH's post. 66 cones at 6'6", good speed great course.

Observations:

I'm totally stoked about the board. I used max wheelbase holes as drilled. If you go Radikal Tail (swing arm lowest setting - closest to deck) or wing in the rear with no pad then 66mm is about as tall as you'll get if you like a loose rear. 70mm out of the question if you expect some motion in the back without riser. Wheels will come in contact with the deck. I rode zigs and pinks. Even with the 66mm's I got some bite but it was manageable during the race once you're done heavy pumping. You need like an 1/8" back there with 66's (especially if you like loose) and 1/4"+ to 6mms rise for 70mm.

Radikal front with 10Deg Kiro or 10Deg Radikal riser 70mm (zigs) no problem - could take a bigger wheel. I ran 70mm up front and 66mm rear and the board sings. I am feeling like I have finally found a suitable replacement to fit my "old school" style.


Adding Pics of 005 after Dagger race St. Louis 5/25:

<img src="http://www.lovemythong.com/images/SD530813.JPG"><p>
<img src="http://www.lovemythong.com/images/SD530814.JPG"><p>
<img src="http://www.lovemythong.com/images/SD530815.JPG"><p>
<img src="http://www.lovemythong.com/images/SD530816.JPG"><p>
<img src="http://www.lovemythong.com/images/SD530817.JPG"><p>

[Martin Drayton]

Zack, looks really cool with the Texas Outlaws sticker on there...wicked! I'm gonna have to come out to the land of the Longhorn and get one!

Steven, great result! Let me know if you have any pics for the Lizard Lounge site!

Here is Rick Floyd's input after riding the Demo board, and Jeff's and my responses.



From: Rick F.
Sent: 22 May 2008 18:03
To: Pat Chewning
Cc: martin drayton; info@geckodecks.com;

Hey guys - the demo deck arrived two days ago.

Thanks for sending it out Pat.

Put my rads and 66 zigs on it on the 18" WB and ran a super tight training course last night.

First impressions:

1) Torsional stiffness rocks. It's like having it in a racing snowboard...you have to be RIDING at all times, no slacking off. If you aren't completely aggressive it can get squirrelly.

2) Responsiveness - see #1...instant response to rider input, minimal lost energy.

3) Acceleration - amazing. There is a point when you begin to pump, reached very quickly, where the board just accelerates exponentially...especially with the Rads!

4) Wish there were three things - slight concave on the kicktail, no cutaway on nose (I have size 11 feet) - more wheelbase options (18.5").

Look forward to getting mine and passing this one off to the next tester!

Best Regards,
-Rick Floyd



From:
"Jeff Sacree (Gecko Decks)" <info@geckodecks.com>
View contact details
To:
"'Rick F.'"
Cc:
martindrayton@yahoo.co.uk

Hi Rick,

Glad the deck turned up ok yours is here waiting for dispatch as soon as you are ready but at least you have something to go on in between.
Thanks for the comments and they are all encouraging and that always helps the development stage.
On your wish list we have introduced a slight concave on the tail but may not be enough for you
The cutaway was part of the overall design outline and seems you are not the only one with large feet!!!
Re the wheel base you have the option to drill out more positions but there will be no inserts corresponding so we would suggest some sort of insert (carbon Fibre rod) to prevent excess pressure on the deck.
Glad of any similar input on the wish list for the Hybrid as the more people who tell me what they want the more people we can accommodate.

Thanks for minding the board for us and enjoy it over the weekend.

Cheers

Jeff Gecko


RE: Thanks Rick...
Monday, 26 May, 2008 12:09 PM
From:
"martin drayton" <martindrayton@yahoo.co.uk>
View contact details
To:
"'Rick F.'"
Hi guys,

Sorry about the delay in replying, I was away with no internet...
Great feedback on the deck Rick, make sure you share that with the World!
As regards the nose cutaway, that was a deliberate design feature on my part to make sure that when the board was mounted on 18', that the deck didn't "overhang" the track width and cause it to be too tippy. You should see more 'meat' there on the Hybrid as it is designed for a wider truck/wheel combo and higher speeds.
A tail concave is also on the cards....You will love it!

Enjoy!

Martin.

[Pelle Gustafsson]

............

[Martin Drayton]

Hi Pelle,

You know thats not the case, but its not really the done thing to go plugging another company's decks on someone else's forum....dig?
See you in Gothenburg, can't wait to see what outfit you concoct for that one!

Take care,

Martin.

[Pelle Gustafsson]

okay! sorry if i step on some "gecko toe".... sorry martin

[Tod Oles]

I was given a gracious go on Lavin's setup this past weekend and although I have my own
design, I too was very impressed with the overall execution of this stunning deck!

Also, I observed Ol' Topsider wearing proper skate shoes this weekend....
Maybe to extract every once of performance he could outta that beautiful lizard...??


Nice work Gecko crew!!


Oh, You too Steve!!

[Steve Rhodes]

Thought i'd get in in this one, its fun to see how everyone is setting these decks up and mabie alow some of the process that make these decks so good be seen from Pre-production to now?

I am the proud owner of #001 'pre production', for that reason i am pretty chuffed alone, but it has its good and bad points, being pre production means i hope i might have given some input (however small) to what are now the decks you all are getting in the post!



That new insert block for the front truck looks great and must have done away with all the little things i know were waking Jeff up in the middle of the night. Mine sadly does not have it, which in turn made the drilling harder, the holes are a bit at an angle, but are true to centre, so the truck is placed right.



I use a front GOG, with 2x thin shock pads and a 15* pair from a Khiro kit.

As some of you have said, height is a preference and i like it, i can push any 70mm wheels without a worry of bite.



Rear is a Splitfire, with just a pair of 5*

This is with some promting from Martin lower than the front, i had a fall where i brought my back end round because of leaning forward too much, this does not happen anymore and the lower rear is alot to do with it for me.

Both are 192mm from outside wheel to outside wheel, i just measured what the width was on the hotspots i had been running and got it as close as poss with the Grippins....loads of spacers, but i love those Grippins, although the Black opps are on their way!



All i can say is knowing Jeff these production models are now as good as they can be, or he would not be sending them out, i only got mine cause i nagged him so much!



For me, getting my Gecko was a turning point, i had gone as far as i could with the decks i make, this was not just the next thing but leaps and bounds ahead.

It gave me great confidence once i had dialed it in, as it was the 1st out the mould, to my advantage is had a little too much compression on the top side of the tail which gives it a pocket that the ball of my foot fits straight into as i get on it, 'Tail concave' nearly, i know its been mentioned on other threads.

All in all i'm not going to be winning trophies, but thats because i ride for me and not glory, but i can get through 4.75' centre cones on the 19" WB on 70mm's, something i never thought possible on any deck longer than 24", so what these decks can do for a racer i can only imagine?

Good to see some English import other than the Bee-Gees doin the buisness in the States.

Comon the Gecko's!

[Martin Drayton]

-----Original Message-----
From: Fox, Douglas J. [mailto:dfox1@ou.edu]
Sent: 31 May 2008 03:55
To: info@geckodecks.com
Subject: New Gecko SLS

Dean & Jeff -

Got #12 in the mail today and I just want to pass along that the boards are
phenomenal. Beautiful, light, and the acceleration these things create is
amazing. I looing forward to sharing the ride with others and am stoked on
what you guys are doing. Lots of great slalom gear is coming from you guys
in the UK. Keep it up. . . .

Cheers,

Doug Fox

[Stephen Lavin]

005 is now lovingly known as "Satan's Little Sister". Long for SLS. Her maiden voyage in St. Louis sparked much controversy and drew many stares upon her sleek lines and carefully sculpted curves. I'm going straight to hell as fast as I can... watch your back ladies - immortality adorned upon your bomber of choice.

<img src="http://www.lovemythong.com/images/satanslilsisterGECKO copy.jpg">

LAVIN

[Tod Oles]

Stephen,

This is America..... You're in hell already, so... save the gas money...

Luv Satan, errr I mean Tod

[Doug Fox]

Here is #12 just got it put together, finally.



[/img]

[Martin Drayton]

My race board for the season arrived yesterday, I set it up and went out and rode on of my pre-marked 'Benchmark' courses. It flew!


Compared to my last pre-production model, this one is thinner, lighter, stiffer and even better finished!
On the left is pre-prod 003, on the right Production deck 006.It is truer in outline to my original blueprint, with a more waisted look. In addition you cannot even see where the carbon Wrap has been done as opposed to the protos - it will NEVER delam!


Here is the nose area.


Tail area.


Like the "SLE"?


Shiny, shiny.


Underside.


The business end.


I feel like a proud Dad!

Martin.

[Pelle Gustafsson]

nothing can beat that finish! well done!

[Martin Drayton]

[Stephen Lavin]

Woohoo!! 005 and LAVIN took 3rd place in the Sun Prairie TS. JBH 1st, Tod Oles 2nd. Still lovin' the deck's performance.
<center><img src="http://a779.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/im ... "></center>

[Martin Drayton]

Well done Steven! Great result.Nice pic too!


Yesterday one of our young guns Louis Selby, took some big scalps and finished ahead of some of our top Pros finishing 2nd to Paul Price (UK no.1) at the Finsbury Park Open! He was also 2nd in the Hybrid.

Photo by Bish.

Just as we had hoped, the Geckos are starting to help riders hit podiums worldwide! Cool!

Martin.

[Spike Taylor]

From what I've heard, seems like good riders are becoming better, quicker! Its been called the Improver in my neck of the woods. Its the damned sexiest thing I've seen that you can ride without having to buy dinner for.

Spike

[Jason Bishop]

The deck is unbelievable ! I have 009 . Its faaaaaast!

[Martin Drayton]

This was Bish's post on NCDSA;

On 6/30/2008 Jason Bishop wrote in from United Kingdom (79.72.nnn.nnn)

Just test drove it tonight after setting it up with my GOGS, Seismic "Old" Oranges on the front and Purple Seismic Black Ops on the rear. This deck is insane! It is so stiff every ounce of energy you put into it pays you back with precise power delivery to both trucks, not a newton is wasted. It accelerates unbelievably, there is no lag at all. The fat tail is reassuring underfoot and pitched at just the right angle forcing you to bend your knees thus lowering your centre of gravity and upping your traction. The nose narrows at just the right place and gives a more precise turn without the feeling of stalling. I was dubious at first about the nose but it makes perfect sense. I now understand why my peers who own this deck have improved markedly. You only have to see Louis Selby who is making everyone look like they are going backwards...I felt the shame as he accelerated away from me at a few recent races/practices. Just for the record I am over 16 stone (225lbs) and the deck does not complain in any way, it seems suited for any weight of rider. You have to try one!Seriously! Thanks MD but especially Jeff from Gecko who has produced a deck with a soul of a formula one racing car!Roll on the hybrid.
Can I have my fiver now?

Jeff has my blueprint for the Hybrid/GS, so I'll keep you posted. If it has anything like the performance of the Slalom deck, we are in for some fun! His construction definately works, but then I don't need to tell those of you that already have one...do I?

Martin.

[Rick Floyd]

Woohoo!! 005 and LAVIN took 3rd place in the Sun Prairie TS. JBH 1st, Tod Oles 2nd. Still lovin' the deck's performance.
<center><img src="http://a779.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/im ... "></center>

Hey - I have #005...how do you have #005?

-RF

[Martin Drayton]

Woohoo!! 005 and LAVIN took 3rd place in the Sun Prairie TS. JBH 1st, Tod Oles 2nd. Still lovin' the deck's performance.
<center><img src="http://a779.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/im ... "></center>

Hey - I have #005...how do you have #005?

-RF

I believe the 'Light' and the 'Heavies' are numbered seperately.

Martin.

[Stephen Lavin]

Rick, mine came with an SN designation of "Standard #005". Below that labeled "GDMDTS08-005". It's Satan's Little Sister for sure

LAVIN

[Rick Floyd]

Rick, mine came with an SN designation of "Standard #005". Below that labeled "GDMDTS08-005". It's Satan's Little Sister for sure

LAVIN

That's strange...so did mine. And mine had some construction issues. Maybe mine was a #005 reject that got shipped to me by mistake? At any rate - Jeff and Martin are working with me to figure it out. It really is the "sports car" of skateboards!

[Stephen Lavin]

That bites Rick. We can both be 005; who knows maybe this will add value to the decks!? Ofd course you and I will be like 80 by then...

Can you share what issues you have with the forum? Disclosure will likely help us all if you experienced a failure critical defect or similar.

Skate hard my friend...

LAVIN

[Martin Drayton]

That bites Rick. We can both be 005; who knows maybe this will add value to the decks!? Ofd course you and I will be like 80 by then...

Can you share what issues you have with the forum? Disclosure will likely help us all if you experienced a failure critical defect or similar.

Skate hard my friend...

LAVIN

Here is the "Official" word from Jeff...

Hi Rick,

As martin pointed out the heavy and light decks are numbered sequentially so
there is a pair of decks for each number. You found your buddy so will
everyone else find theirs?

Twins unite

Cheers for all the understanding and I'll make it good to you some how

Jeff Gecko

As far as the issues with Ricks deck are concerned, they were regarding
a) the finish on the top sheet,
b) a crooked graphic and
c) two 'filled' holes ahead of the front truck holes.
d) He was also rightly concerned about what looked like cracks near some of the bolt holes.

Jeff's responses:
a) The deck was sent out while Jeff was at an Exhibition and would have failed HIS stringent standards as far as the finish went, there were slight gaps in the finish on the top sheet.
b) The graphic was offset and shouldn't have been.
c) The two holes are actually 'inserted' holes that are designed to be drilled out if needed (without the risk of water ingress) for the mounting of toe blocks or left undrilled for those who don't use them and don't want any more holes in their pride and joy.
d) The “cracking around the bolt holes" is the action of the pegs in situ and the resin flow around as we do not drill the holes but set them when the deck is made and will not affect the strength of the deck.
Here you can see on mine the two extra drilling points if you want to mount toe blocks.


He has offered Rick a full refund or a replacement deck, but Rick has gripped it, ridden it and is happy that the deck is structurally perfect. Rick had the Demo deck before it went to Camp Woodward, so has a point of comparison.
He's happy, so we are happy!

Just so everyone knows, the decks have the following features:
-Carbon Wrap around the rail (now imperceptible to the naked eye on the production models) so that any chance of delamination is a thing of the past.This also makes them VERY resistant to impact damage, unusual for a foam core.
-All truck holes are nylon inserts, so water ingress is impossible and you can tighten them without fear of a pull-through. Drilled at 18" and 19" there should be no need to drill more holes.
-The boards are built for 2 weight bands, under 200lbs and over 200lbs. As long as you follow this guide there should be NO change of the decks flex pattern over time. We have several clients closer to 250-275 who are charging on their new decks!

Think of the decks like Wonder Woman...all beautiful curves on the outside, but hard as steel underneath!

HALF THE RUN OF THESE LIMITED EDITION DECKS ARE NOW SOLD, IF YOU WANT ONE, DON'T LEAVE IT TOO LONG...YOU DON'T WANT TO PAY SILLY MONEY ON EBAY IN A FEW YEARS, DO YOU?

Martin

ps.They also pump like a Sailor on Shore Leave

[Martin Drayton]

Rick, mine came with an SN designation of "Standard #005". Below that labeled "GDMDTS08-005". It's Satan's Little Sister for sure

LAVIN

That's strange...so did mine. And mine had some construction issues. Maybe mine was a #005 reject that got shipped to me by mistake? At any rate - Jeff and Martin are working with me to figure it out. It really is the "sports car" of skateboards!

Hi Rick,

Just checked the pics you sent and if you look at 4450em.jpg you will see that yours is marked GDMDTH08-005 so it is a heavy not a light so not the same as Steve’s in numbering.

Hope that clears it up and you have found your twin skate buddy.

Cheers

Jeff

[Stephen Lavin]

The "clean-up" discussion on this as well as the "how" and "why" actually enhances the good feelings on owning one. The broad weave carbon and the total wrap is unique compared to other non-homemade decks out there that I have seen. Again I'm no champion but I do have appreciation for well-built boy toys - GECKO added to the stable.

So who is going to nickname their deck "Wonder Woman"? Satan's Little Sister is in in the Bag; and I really want to know who the stunning blonde is in the Gecko poster. Can someone anwser this?

LAVIN

[Rick Floyd]

Ahhhh..."H" 005...that's heavy.

This one's going to Morro next week. something tells me I'm going to need a sign-up sheet for people who wnat to ride it. Any other Geckos going to be there? Does WR still have the demo?

I put my new ceramics on it last week and it felt like there was an electric motor on it as soon as I started pumping.

I have a name for my deck - the "Carbon Credit".

In reality it is my US "2008 economic stimulus check" - which I promptly sent to Britain!

-RF

[Martin Drayton]

Thanks Rick...right now the British economy really needs it!
Feel free to drop WR a line and see if they are done with the Demo...Have fun at Morro, say Hi to my Best Friend of 30 years, Paul Price of Pavel Roadster fame - but DON'T go drinking with him, or you won't be racing!

Hmmm....Steven, I've never named a board, but now may be the time. I won't go for Wonder Woman though, I always thought her "Invisible Jet" was a load of rubbish!

Martin

[Rick Floyd]

I believe Wentzle will be in Morro too - so there will be at least two Geckos there.

I'm torn between racing Open or Masters - good competition in both.

I'm also hoping the Gecko will work well in the "Kahuna Paddle Race" - less weight to push along...$500 is up for grabs!

-RF

[Stephen Lavin]

I had to cancel my Morro entry with Jack; one less Gecko - I'm very unhappy about it. I was able to use the airfare for Dixie though. Bummed I cant' make the Hood race after Morro either. Looks like next race for me is Antrim.

LAVIN

[Rick Floyd]

I know the feeling - it's all I can do just to go to Morro right now.

There should be at least 5 Geckos in Antrim. That contest is going to be one for all time.

-RF

[Martin Drayton]

We just had a race here in the Uk, The Oceansports Turn & Burn, and riders on Geckos were 1st, 3rd and 4th! I think there were 9 SLE's in total being ridden... Awesome!
Gecko Team rider Louis Selby notched up his first big win - WELL DONE!

Pics are here http://www.flickr.com/photos/25201531@N ... 002281346/

Martin.

[Martin Drayton]

This from Ed Brockman...


On 7/7/2008 edwin wrote in from United Kingdom (89.243.nnn.nnn)

Just noticed my deck No.......



Shaken but not stirred!!

edwin (LSD)

Martin.

[Rick Floyd]

Will the hybrid model have machine guns and submarine capability?

[Martin Drayton]

Will the hybrid model have machine guns and submarine capability?

Yup...plus an ejector seat if things get a little too tight for you 'Meeeester Bond' (in fake foreign accent).

"M"

[Martin Drayton]

News just in...

Tight Slalom US Nationals


Open

1 John Stryker

2 Rick Floyd

3 Tim Kienitz

4 Michel Gamache

5 Kevin Delaney

Rick Floyd gets a 2nd place in the Tight on his SLE at the US Nationals! Awesome news Rick, hope you got some pics!
Looking forward to hearing all the details....plus you finished ahead of Alpine legend 'Revvin' Kevin Delaney, one of my heroes!

Martin.

[Rick Floyd]

News just in...

Tight Slalom US Nationals


Open

1 John Stryker

2 Rick Floyd

3 Tim Kienitz

4 Michel Gamache

5 Kevin Delaney

Rick Floyd gets a 2nd place in the Tight on his SLE at the US Nationals! Awesome news Rick, hope you got some pics!
Looking forward to hearing all the details....plus you finished ahead of Alpine legend 'Revvin' Kevin Delaney, one of my heroes!

Martin.

Thanks Martin - and Jeff S. too!!!!

Yeah, Delaney is one heck of an athlete. Had some of my closest races with him last weekend. Great attitude too. I hope he keeps racing with us. I wish more snowboard racers realized how good this is for your on-snow racing and vice versa!

I really got the Gecko tuned in while training the last two weeks before Nationals - and was running almost un-makeable courses (for me) to try to prepare for anything in CA. You could call it the "improver" - but then you'd have to call my Fullbag Red Baron the "improver" too, since I also got silver on that board. But TS WAS my weakest discipline so who knows - hard work, new Gecko, new PT ceramics, the Paul Dunn mojo from staying in his old house and standing in his footprints in the cement in the garage, the Morro Bay air...it all came together. Pics to follow - I've been catching up at work so no time yet.

[Martin Drayton]

This weekend saw a 50 cone dual hybrid held at Hog Hill in the East End of London. The venue was new to us and could possibly become the new favourite spot of the UK's slalomers! It is a training facility built for Road Cyclists to train for the London Olympics in 2010. The surface is among the best I have ridden in my 30 years of skating.


Team rider Louis Selby, fresh off his successes at Finsbury Park and NASS was definately on form...he is destined to become UK no.1 in the not-too-distant future.

Unfortunately due to an admin error we met too early in the event, so Gecko were robbed of a 1st and 2nd (IMHO).I still don't know where Louis finished officially, but I think he was 5th.

Louis-v-MD

After racing "Slipa", I had to beat UK Legend Chris "Clingfilm" Linford to meet Sam Gordon in the final. The first leg went according to plan (mine anyway!), but a timer malfunction meant a re-run. The final run was hit with drizzle and was sketchy to say the least, but when all was said and done, Gecko had a no.1 spot on the podium. It was an awesome day...just wait til we get the Hybrid deck-proper out there!


MD-v-Sam Gordon.

Martin.

[Robert Gaisek]

CONGRATS!

[Sam Gordon]

Just for accuracy as opposed to PR sake, Louis crashed in qualifying, so would have met Martin one round further on in the competition, had he beaten Chris Linford in the top bracket section. All racers were welcome to help with the bracketing and indeed a request was made to help speed up the situation due to time constraints and incoming weather. I put my hand up to say that it was imperfect but made to be as fair as posible given my mathematical 'dolt' status. Louis has made some bracketing templates for the next race.

To get first and second place for the team would rely upon the sudden death of quite a few skaters. I'm sure that's not the Gecko way!

As the saying goes, 'to finish first, first you have to finish.'

No matter what, the event was held in order to establish a good reputation for slalom skating on the new track and to forge links with the site management. Mission achieved with a great vibe over the whole day. Many thanks to manager Ian Cole who allowed us to extend our stay and finish the racing.

Louis will have his chance to shine! (He was, indeed, a very respectable fifth)

Sam

[Robert Gaisek]

Well....congrats anyway! I hope he dosen´t shine in Gothenburg though.

[Sam Gordon]

That's exactly where he'll hit his peak, Robert. Then he's off to downtune in Beijing, replacing Dwayne Chambers in the 100m sprint.

[Martin Drayton]

Just for accuracy as opposed to PR sake, Louis crashed in qualifying, so would have met Martin one round further on in the competition, had he beaten Chris Linford in the top bracket section.

To get first and second place for the team would rely upon the sudden death of quite a few skaters. I'm sure that's not the Gecko way!

Sam

Sorry Sam if it sounded as I was saying it was purely the bracketing that caused the early dual, it was partly Louis's fault for blowing his second qualification run!
What I was alluding to, and should have made clearer, was the fact he was getting some of the fastest times of the day which could have put him in the final...but as you rightly say 'to finish first, first you have to finish.'

And yes Robert, to use another quote when it comes to Mr Selby...'Be afraid...be very afraid'.

See you in Gothenburg!

Martin.