It has been about a month since I got the Ground Control (G.C) Featherlite frames, and I have been skating at least 4 times a week since I have received the frames, so as promised I will now write the full review for Featherlites.
Weight.
As stated in the previous review, these frames are incredibly light, but if you are looking for a miracle frame that will make you jump higher just based off of its weight, then these are not the frames for you. I have been asked a few times if the frames improved my vertical leap, and to be honest, if they have it hasn’t been noticeable to me. What has been noticeable though, was while doing switch ups my foot actually felt like it was moving a little quicker when compared to previous frames I have skated. Also, the decreased weight of the frame did not take away from feeling my grind, every grind felt natural and I knew exactly where my feet were.
Design.
After a month of heavy skating the Featherlites side walls have held up rather well. There are a few gauges, but it hasn’t interfered with how the wheels roll. The durability of the side walls is about average, but I would have liked to see a bit more thickness added to create greater longevity for the frames.
Side walls are holding pretty well.
The lack of deeply recessed bolt holes has once again proven to be a problem for G.C. Just as I suspected, I am already beginning to grind on the bolts of the frame, and although it hasn’t been noticeable yet, like every other G.C frame I have owned, it will soon become a problem that slows down my grinds, especially on topsides. My biggest suggestion for G.C is to make frames with deeply recessed wholes, this will not only create greater durability for the frame, but will also make the frame skate better in the long run, as people won’t be grinding on metal and replacing bolts.
To much wear on my bolts already.
In my initial review I stated that I had a suspicion that I would not like the featherlites raised H-block because I was used to the deep groove of Kizer Fluid frames that locked me into grinds. Well let me tell you that I was completely wrong. The H-block on the skate works great, I found my self holding H-block tricks longer then ever before, and I actually felt more comfortable in H-block grinds. The raised and angled H-block seems to lock you into royals, Savannahs, Unitys and farfs with ease and keeps the grind on an angle so there is less friction. Lastly, when compared to previous G.C models (Dual Injection frames, Bullet 8’s and Hi-Lows) the H-block area is a little less wide, and I found myself not sliding around in my grinds, which I personally like, so that was a nice surprise.
Unskated portion of the frame to show the angled H-block.
The recessed portion of the frame, that was taken out to improve the weight, has actually improved soul grinds as well. You can feel that there is less friction when doing soul tricks because all the plastic, on past frames, that was touching the object you were grinding is now gone. For people who were worried that they lost the UHMW plastic on their frame previous G.C frame, I would say that it is not a problem that should stop people from buying the Featherlite, in fact I felt that these frames slid a bit better then my Dual Injection frames. For people who are switching from another brand of frame, I would say that no other company has tried recessing a large portion of a frame that is mainly used to grind on, and it is a definitely a good idea that people should try out.
A look at the recessed portion of the frame.
Overall Wear.
These frames wear fast. Much faster then my previous Kizer Fluid frames, and I would dare to say faster then previous G.C models. The lack of deeply recessed bolt holes may be a problem, but I thought the plastic of the frame would hold up longer then a month before I saw wear on my bolts. The H-block also wears very quickly, I have deeply grooved H-blocks that I didn’t think would get to this condition until the second month of skating these frames. Having said all that, the frames are symmetrical and can be switched around, giving the frames double the life span that they would have had without this option.
A lot of H-block wear.
Another look at the wear of the side walls and the bolts.
Hardware.
I had to add this category for the single fact that I haven’t had to tighten bolts in a month. This may not sound like a significant point, but coming from Kizer bolts that I had to constantly tighten, I am talking about 3 times a session, and even lost a Richie Eisler pro anti-rocker wheel because of, this is a big factor.
Feel.
These frames feel great. I would go as far as to say that they are the best feeling frames that I have ever owned. They are light, responsive, slide well, great for soul tricks, and amazing for H-block tricks. They are a solid 1 piece design that don’t try to sell you on a bunch of useless junk frames don’t need. This is the best feature of the frame.
Overall.
Overall, I would say that these frames wear really quickly, a little to quickly for my liking, and why is it to quickly for my liking? Because, these are the best feeling frames I have ever owned, hands down. They feel like a solid 1 piece frame that is light, yet is responsive while grinding so you know where your feet are. In terms of performance the design is really well made. Overall, my next frames will be Feathlite frames, and I have a feeling I will be stocking up on these frames in the future. I highly endorse them if your looking for a great feeling frame.
Ground Control Featherlite Score 7.6 / 8 wheels 95%
**Editors Note: Every frame review from now on will be reviewed against the Feathlite score, until a frame can beat it, then the next frames will be judged against that score.**
-Nick. D
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