Test: USD VII Carlos Pianowski 2012

For now, the USD range is one of largest available on the market ... OLS decided to take a look at one of its entry-level models: The Seven Pianowski is far from being repulsive! In addition, it is a pro model, Let's test it ...

Par alfathor
Publié le 6 février 2012 - Mis à jour le 3 novembre 2020 - 16451 Lectures - 0 commentaire(s)

test: USD VII Carlos Pianowski

Preview…

Design

The black and white skates have always been successful. These colors are always simple and classt. The black prevents the dirt to be too visible on the skate. The design looks like the Grycon with a new soulplate. This is the third edition of these skates and we are glad to discover a new pro model. The spoiler/cuff is decorated with the name of Carlos Pianowski in long letters on a cobweb background. Too bad it does not stick so well on the cuff..

Solidity

This skate is really heavy. The is no opening on the shell or particular cut. The foot is fully protected from shocks. By cons, the wheels are a bit tender for our taste. The Soulplate as the H-block of the frame wear quite fast which is a shame… but we’ll see that later. The micrometric buckle and the laces are fairly well protected.

Comfort

The liner is a USD Phoenix. It is quite thin but with enough foam to support your feet firmly. This liner supports the ankle properly. We regret that the boot is too tight as it leaves the box! This is simply torture during the first sessions. Comfort improves significantly after a few hours: the boot and the liner will finally fit the shape of your foot but you have to be patient. The comfort is the weak point of this skate even if we notice that a lot of effort from USD on that point. The liner may fit the V-cut by removing some foam.

Fastening

The fastening system is quite simple. There is a micrometric buckle on the top of the foot. The lacing of the liner and the lacing of the boot are designed to keep the foot in the shell. We are not a fan of this lacing but, for once, it’s pretty convenient and it secures the foot. For those who really do not like it, you can remove it. The tongue might turn a little but it should be fine thanks to the micrometric buckle. The fastening of the shell is the most important because it extends with the foot. Then again for the first sessions, you can skate with the laces a little loose.

Flexibility

So how can we say … the flexibility of the Carlos Pianowski is not really visible during the first top tricks, but we understood the usefulness of the V-cut after a few tricks. It provokes a good twist of the cuff. The rigidity of the shell does not help. But as we said, the shell softens over time and the cuff too.

Glide

The soulplate of the Pianowksi looks like that of the USD Carbon. So, you can enjoy a good notch for royal tricks. Unfortunately it is wearing fast enough. However, this is very helpful when you learn skating. This allows to be lower on your skates when sliding. The soulplate fits the frame well (the frame does not slow down the slides). The latter is quite good, not surprisingly, it is fast and flexible..

The frame

USD has opted for the new Kizer Type M, with its large H-block that is easy to handle. We quickly found the groove. It prevents the foot to moves too much in grind tricks. For those who fear not to be able to stall, feel free to grind on a sidewalk to prepare the notch as you like. We noticed that the H-block « sinks » a little too much in curbs and rails. Again it’s a little frustrating … but it can help you keep your balance if you learn skating.

Wheels

The USD Pianowski wheels are 57mm 90A. A good hardness even if we felt they were not so dense. This skate is proposed with a freestyle setup, so a larger diameter would have been welcome. The ABEC 5 bearings are not the best, but at that price, we did not except more.

Conclusion

The USD Seven Carlos Pianowski is an entry level pro model. Its new liner and its frame show us that USD wishes to promote its skater. The skate meets all its commitments in terms of comfort and glide, Some points of detail such as fastening and flexibility could be improved. The Pianowski is well adapted for beginners and will respond to their expectations by following their progress.

Strong points and points to be improved

Pluses

+ Liner
+ New soulplate
+ Frame

Minuses

– The fastening when the skate is still new
– The wear of the frame and the soulplate
– Flexibility

Fiche technique

Band: USD
Product: Seven Carlos Pianowski
Year: 2012
Shell : plastic
Liner: USD phoenix
Cuff: V-cut
Fastening system: lacet et boucle
Sizes: 40 au 46 EU
Frame: Kizer Type M
Wheels: USD Pianowski 57mm 90A
Max diameter: 57mm
Bearings: ABEC 5
Price: €199
Usage : park and street