Loaded Vanguard Complete Longboard

Loaded Vanguard Complete Longboard | 38" & 42"

No lift ticket required. The snowboard-inspired carver that started Loaded.

The Vanguard was Loaded's very first board, released in 2002, and it's still one of the best carving longboards you can buy. Its snowboard-inspired build gives it camber, sidecuts and a springy, high-energy flex, so every turn loads up and fires you out the other side. If you snowboard or surf, it'll feel instantly familiar.

It comes in two lengths and four flexes. The 42" (Flex 1 and 2) is the stable, long-carving version for bigger riders and faster lines. The 38" (Flex 3 and 4) is lighter and bouncier, built for lighter riders and deep, pumpy carves. Both run Paris V3 trucks and Orangatang In Heat wheels, so it's a smooth, grippy setup for carving, pumping and cruising.

Key Features

• Snowboard-inspired camber and sidecuts: springy, high-energy flex that loads up through every turn
• Two lengths, four flexes: 42" Flex 1–2 for stability, 38" Flex 3–4 for a lighter, bouncier ride
• Top mount with mild concave: direct, responsive carving with edge-to-edge control
• Paris V3 180mm 50° trucks: smooth, predictable and made for carving
• Orangatang In Heat 75mm 80a wheels: soft, grippy freeride and carving wheels that roll over rough ground
• Fully assembled and gripped: ready to ride out of the box

Specs

• Length: 42" / 107 cm (Flex 1–2) or 38" / 96.5 cm (Flex 3–4)
• Width: 8.5" / 21.6 cm
• Wheelbase: 35" / 88.9 cm (42") or 31.5" / 80 cm (38")
• Construction: Snowboard-inspired bamboo and fibreglass
• Profile: Camber with sidecuts
• Mount / concave: Top mount, mild concave
• Trucks: Paris V3 180mm 50°
• Wheels: Orangatang In Heat 75mm 80a
• Bearings: Loaded Jehu V2
• Hardware: Loaded button head 1"
• Deck weight: 1.2–1.7 kg
• Riding style: Carving, pumping, cruising, commuting

Flex Guide

Flex is how much the deck bends under your weight, and it changes the whole feel of the ride. Loaded numbers its flexes from stiffest to softest: Flex 1 is the stiffest, and each higher number is softer.

• Stiffer (lower number): more stable and damped at speed, a planted platform for heavier riders, harder landings and faster riding.
• Softer (higher number): more spring and rebound, so pumping and carving feel livelier and more surf-like, especially at lower speeds. Best for lighter riders.

Pick by your weight first, then your style. If you sit where two flexes overlap, go stiffer for speed and stability, or softer for a bouncier, pumpier ride.

About Loaded Boards

Loaded Boards was founded in 2000 by Don Tashman, after years of building snowboard-inspired boards in New York, some of them cut from old snowboards. The first Loaded board, the Vanguard, launched in June 2002. Loaded moved its whole line to bamboo cores in 2006, released the original Dervish, one of the first flexible drop-through carving boards, in 2007, and started its sister wheel brand Orangatang in 2008.

More than two decades on, Loaded still designs out of Culver City, California, and is known for obsessive construction, sustainable materials like bamboo, basalt and bio-based resins, and boards developed with its riders for carving, dancing, freestyle and freeride. If you want a longboard that feels alive under your feet, Loaded is the benchmark.

FAQs

What is the Loaded Vanguard best for?
Carving and pumping. The camber and sidecuts make it feel like riding a snowboard on the street, so it's ideal for long, flowing turns on paths, gentle hills and around town. It's also a comfortable cruiser and commuter. It isn't built for tricks or downhill speed.

Should I get the 38" or 42" Vanguard?
Go by your weight. The 42" comes in Flex 1 and 2 for riders around 68 kg and up, with a longer wheelbase for stability and long carves. The 38" comes in Flex 3 and 4 for riders up to about 90 kg, and is lighter, bouncier and quicker to turn. Taller riders with a wider stance usually prefer the 42".

Is the Vanguard good for beginners?
Yes. It's stable, smooth and very forgiving, and the springy flex makes carving feel natural from day one. Just choose the right flex for your weight so the board feels lively rather than too stiff or too soft.

Which flex should I choose?
Go by your weight first. On the Vanguard, Flex 1 (42") suits roughly 80–105+ kg; Flex 2 (42") suits roughly 68–95+ kg; Flex 3 (38") suits roughly 64–90+ kg; Flex 4 (38") suits roughly 40–77+ kg. Lower numbers are stiffer and more stable at speed; higher numbers are softer and pumpier. If you sit between two, go stiffer for speed and stability or softer for a livelier carve. Not sure? Call or visit us and we'll help you choose.

Can I commute on the Vanguard?
Yes. The big, soft 75mm wheels roll over cracks and rough footpaths, and the flex soaks up bumps. It's a top mount, so it sits a little higher than a drop-through, but it's very comfortable for cruising to work, uni or the beach.

Does it come ready to ride?
Yes. It arrives fully assembled with griptape, trucks, wheels and bearings installed. Just check the truck tightness suits you and go ride.

Why Buy From Twelve Board Store

• ✔️ Free shipping Australia-wide on orders over $90
• ✔️ Expert skate advice from real riders, 7 days a week
• ✔️ Easy returns for a hassle-free experience
• ✔️ Huge range of skate, snow & electric gear
• ✔️ Proudly Australian owned & operated

Carve, pump, dance, flow. Loaded since 2000.