When comparing MBS Pro 97 vs San Diego Speed 32", 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 San Diego Speed 32" is ranked 5th. 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 Deck is flexible enough to handle impact and floor irregularities
Despite being a short board, you will find it’s flexible enough to absorb shock (from jumps, for example) and vibrations caused by riding in rough terrains.
Pro Conveniently carriable and transformable
The SDS 32'' is quite light and compact, when compared to other mountainboards, and can therefore be carried around easily. Like on skateboards, the grip tape covers the top of the board, so if you get tired of mountainboarding, you can take the bindings off and use it as an all-terrain longboard or a board for daily commutes.
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 Standard bearing aren't the best option
This board uses ABEC 5 bearings, which aren’t the best, so you may want to change them for better speed. The price of better replacements isn't high, but they may be hard to find, since the needed size is larger than standard mountainboard bearings.
Con Limited upgrade and customisation options
Straight out of the box, this board has very little customization options: you can change the board’s tires and little else. Theoretically, this can be fixed by drilling new holes for bindings and trucks, but considering the cost of doing that, you’ll be better off upgrading to a new, superior board.
Con Not suitable for tall or heavy adults
This board's deck is only 32 inches long and its weight limit is only 180 pounds, making it a good option only for children or small adults.