INTRODUCTION: EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KEVIN LITTLE, @KEVINMLITTLE
PHOTOS: JEFF KOLADA, @JEFF.KOLADA, DARCY BACHA
A person’s skate setup says a lot about that particular individual. The little details might go unnoticed by most but for some skaters, it is the smallest elements that might be the most important in terms of comfort and performance. For this particular “Blade Check” we are highlighting the “Hood Panda” from Columbus, Ohio, Mr. Matt Lyon. Because we know when you think of the “hood” and “pandas”, your first thought is of course Columbus, Ohio!
Now, if you have ever been fortunate enough to spend time with Matt, you know how charismatic and entertaining he is. I spent a good amount of time hanging out with ole Matty at the ATL Stomp last year and got to know more about his lifestyle and his personal drive to spread blading to the masses. He took the necessary steps to become certified through the Skate Instructors Association and actively works to expose blading to anyone and everyone he meets. In a culture that is ripe with blading talent and lacking in personality, Matt and his charismatic and outgoing personality are a breathe of fresh air.
We spoke to Matt about his many, many skate setups and which models he prefers to use for varying different conditions and this is what the “Hood Panda” had to say about his setups.
Boots:
Seba SX2 size 8
Wheels:
50/50 60mm 90a Stefan Brandow pro model
Frames:
50/50 core frame prototypes
Flat, anti rocker or freestyle?
Right now I have them setup anti rocker (also 50/50 antis) however most of last year I rode flat then was blading tri rocker for a bit.
Tell us about your setup?
It’s setup for grinder blading mostly with the anti rocker frames and big H block on the new 50/50 core frames, they are my favorite for groove tricks by far! I’ve been riding this Seba SX boot for over a year and its still very comfortable yet durable to my kind of skating, I mean I’ve really put these boots through the most by skating in mostly gritty abandon places, I remember at one point taking my skates off and broken glass came falling out but they still get used on a regular basis.
What parts do you wear through the quickest?
Wheels mostly because i slide a lot and bearings because i never keep up with maintenance.
What spares/tools do you keep in your backpack?
I keep 2 of each in my bag, bearings, frame bolts, frame axels and wax.
Do you skate different setups for different terrains?
Yes, I change up my setup for just about every occasion. If I’m just going around the block to chill out and roll I use my Seba 80mm setup with Seba Street Invader wheels.
If I plan on going out for the evening around the city and racking up 10+ miles I setup my 125mm wheels, I rotate in and out between Seba wheels and luminous light up wheels. If I plan on practicing hockey stops and weird wheely moves I use my wizard frames with 100mm Compass wheels.
What part do you break most often?
I’ve broken bearings big wheeling other than that I don’t break parts like that.
Which parts are you paranoid about breaking?
Well bearings exploding while skating at high speeds is usually my biggest concern. I trust my setup with my life…. ON GAWD!
Where do your parts go once you are done with them?
If it’s my boots I make them into art and horde them on my blade rack but all my little stuff and wheels I make into a spare setup for others to use when they want to try out some blades.
Anything you plan to change on your current setup?
I’m looking to upgrade to a carbon fiber Seba boot and for my big wheels I’m looking to get some FR skates.
PHOTO: DARCY BACHA
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