October 8, 1999

Known to testers simply as "number thirteen," Airwalk's top-of-the-line A-1 is full of mystery. Sales and Marketing Coordinator Brian Stephanson describes this board as "very James Bond," but all we know is it's impressive.

Built for, but not limited to, advanced riders, the A-1's list of standard ingredients reads like aftermarket erotica: sintered P-Tex 4000 base, tip-to-tail torsion box, and get this-no wood. The board employs a patented, completely composite core.

"High energy" describes the A-1 and its snappy feel. Kurt complimented the board's flex, saying it had "the right amount in the right place, and always at the right time."

Robyn and Kevin expanded, claiming respectively, "Effortless turns," and, "a light feel for the park and pipe."

Amy and Wendy found the board's stiffness, both torsionally and longitudinally, made it difficult to bend into a carve, but noticed strong edge hold once turning.

The A-1 is the call for technical ninjas or apprentices.