When comparing MBS Pro 97 vs MBS Atom 95x, the Slant community recommends MBS Pro 97 for most people. In the question“What are the best mountainboards?” MBS Pro 97 is ranked 3rd while MBS Atom 95x is ranked 8th. The most important reason people chose MBS Pro 97 is:
This board's deck has a Powerlam+ composite layup, that uses PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), fiberglass and maple. This gives it a durability and stiffness capable of withstanding very extreme use. Plus, the outer layers protect the deck artwork, when doing rail slides.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Durable deck, capable of withstanding harsh treatment
This board's deck has a Powerlam+ composite layup, that uses PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), fiberglass and maple. This gives it a durability and stiffness capable of withstanding very extreme use. Plus, the outer layers protect the deck artwork, when doing rail slides.
Pro Precisely tunable suspension system
The 97 uses the ShockBlock suspension system, which is much lighter than traditional spring shocks. Additionally, it offers a very wide and independent heel and toe resistance adjustment range, so you can fine tune it for high speed carving or freestyle riding.
Pro Nearly indestructible truck system
This MBS board uses the Matrix II Pro channel truck system. These are the most advanced MBS trucks, made for the most demanding riders. They are very strong and light, thanks to their 12mm CroMoly hollow axles and trunk tops made from durable plastic (which may seem fragile, but it’s actually extremely durable and light).
Pro Comfortable and firm riding support
The 97's deck has an asymmetrical concave design that gives great toeside leverage and also eliminates pressure on joints and heels. The result is a comfortable riding experience and a firm “locked in” feel.
Pro Prepared for future upgrades
MBS ships this board with standardized binding and truck mounting holes, facilitating potential future upgrades.
Pro Extremely durable hubs
This board uses aluminum hubs. While they are heavier than plastic hubs, they are very durable and can withstand high pressure rides better than the plastic alternatives.
Pro Supports the installation of a braking system
It’s possible to install a braking system if needed, but you will need to buy brake spacers if you don’t replace the hubs as well.
Pro Easy rail grinding
Thanks to the flat grinding surface on this board's axles, rail grinding is quite easy.
Pro Possible to add and remove heel straps conveniently
The 97 has Integrated heel strap mounts, with a combined ladder and bracket system (eliminating the need for screws), letting you add and remove heel straps quickly and conveniently.
Pro Clever binding with comfortable, durable padding
This longboard uses F5 adjustable ratchet straps with additional second level adjustment. There’s an added cam-lock buckle that lets you adjust the banding size to the rider’s feet. The strap’s padding is dual density, with soft padding near the foot and a stiff inner layer, for durability.
Pro Long enough to be used even by tall adults
This is a long deck board, so it’s suited even for tall adults. The length adds stability even at high speeds. Also, it’s light and has a narrow stance so tricks can be done more easily compared to other long mountainboards.
Pro Mid-section arched chamber, for extra stiffness
The mid-section of the deck has an arched chamber that gives extra stiffness and makes rail slides easier.
Pro Supports both channel trucks and skate trucks
This board has a 30-degree angled tip, which is best suited for channel trucks, but it’s possible to mount skate trucks when needed.
Pro Increased safety with included braking system
The Atom 95x is equipped with a hand brake, by default, that can be used on both axles, making it usable by left and right footed riders. For beginners, the hand brake adds peace of mind and can be important in injury prevention. Nevertheless, some users dislike using a hand brake, since it restricts back arm movement, which is important to keep balance.
Pro Vibration-absorbing and lightweight deck
The Atom 95x's deck is very light and made from laminated maple. While there are stronger decks out there, beginners will benefit from this deck's flexibility and lightness, as it’s easy to carry and is very good at absorbing vibrations.
Pro Beginner friendly trucks
The Atom 95x uses very simple skate-style trucks. The axles are only 9.5mm and very light, so they are perfect for young riders or lightweight adults. The bushings of the truck can be changed to different stiffness levels, effectively changing the riding feel of the board.
Pro Tires have nice traction
The included tires offer very nice traction, even on slippery surfaces.
Pro Brakes are easy to remove and repair
The brakes can be easily removed and repaired, as they use standard bicycle v-brake parts.
Pro Incredibly stable
Since this board's deck is wide and long, with wide skate trucks, it feels very stable when carving downhill, even at moderate speeds. Additionally, the included F1 velcro bindings will keep you firmly attached to the board at all times, even in rough terrain or when performing tricks.
Cons
Con Hubs are quite heavy
Being aluminum, this board's hubs are quite heavy.
Con Only compatible with 8 inch tires
This board's hubs are only compatible with 8 inch tires. If you want to use 9 inch tires, you have no choice but installing compatible hubs too.
Con Deck's unusual shape takes time getting used to
The 97's asymmetrical concave design, while advantageous in some aspects, takes some getting used to.
Con Vulnerable to superficial wear
Since there is no additional composite coating, the board will wear down quickly when doing rail slides.
Con New bindings will require drilling
If the original bindings don’t fit your feet, you will need to drill new holes to accommodate new bindings.