The Sector 9 Fractal looks like an ordinary small drop-through. It is not. Bolted underneath are Gullwing Sidewinder trucks, and they change everything about how the board behaves.
Here is the short answer. The Sector 9 Fractal is a compact carving board that turns far more sharply than a normal longboard. It is built for tight, surfy turns at relaxed speeds. It is not built for hills, and it is not the steadiest board for a first-time rider.
The version on Amazon when we checked was the Fractal Flipside, and that is the one covered here. One thing to be clear about. This is a spec-based review. We have not ride-tested the board. Everything here comes from the specifications on its Amazon listing, checked in October 2026, and from what those specifications normally mean on the road. Here is how we review products.
Quick verdict
A compact carver with very sharp turning
Double-kingpin Sidewinder trucks give it a tight, surfy feel on flat ground. Keep it away from fast hills.
- 📏 36 x 9 in
- 🔄 Sidewinder II trucks
- 🛞 69 mm, 78a wheels
- 🌊 Built for carving
Quick verdict: who is the Sector 9 Fractal for?
Most longboards are a compromise between turning and stability. The Fractal makes a clear choice. It goes all in on turning.
| A good fit if… | Look elsewhere if… |
|---|---|
| You love carving and tight turns | You want to ride down hills |
| You ride on flat ground and gentle slopes | You want the steadiest possible first board |
| You want to pump for speed without pushing | You want a calm commuter |
| You want a compact board that is easy to carry | You are tall and want a roomy deck |
| You surf or snowboard and want that feel on land | You need a stated weight limit |
If the left column sounds like you, there are few boards like it. If you mainly want to get from A to B in a straight line, a normal drop-through is a better tool.
Sector 9 Fractal specs at a glance
These figures are from the Amazon listing for the Fractal Flipside.
| Spec | Listed value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 36 in | Compact for a longboard |
| Width | 9 in | A standard width |
| Wheelbase | 26.4 in | Shorter, which helps it turn |
| Deck | Bamboo and maple hybrid, drop-through | Low, with a little flex |
| Trucks | 9 in Gullwing Sidewinder II | Double-kingpin trucks for very sharp turning |
| Wheels | 69 mm, 78a Nineballs | Soft and grippy |
| Bearings | ABEC 5 Greaseball | Standard skate bearings |
| Riding style | Carving | What the maker built it for |
📌 What the listing leaves out
The listing we read does not give a weight limit or a skill level. If you are a heavier rider, check with the seller or the maker.
The Sidewinder trucks: what makes this board different
This is the heart of the review, because it is the heart of the board.
A normal longboard truck has one kingpin. That is the large bolt the truck pivots around when you lean. A Sidewinder has two. In effect, it is two pivots stacked on top of each other. When you lean, both move, and the axle swings much further than it would on a normal truck.
| Factor | Normal reverse kingpin truck | Double-kingpin truck |
|---|---|---|
| Pivot points | One | Two |
| Turning for a given lean | Moderate | Much more |
| Turning circle | Wide | Very tight |
| Stability at speed | Good | Poor |
| Ride height | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | All-round riding | Carving and pumping at low speed |
What does that feel like? The board snaps into turns. A small lean gives a big change of direction. You can weave between closely spaced obstacles, turn round in the width of a path, and link quick S-turns that feel a lot like surfing.
It also makes pumping much easier. Pumping is driving through a series of turns in rhythm to build speed without putting a foot down. Trucks that turn this readily respond well to it.
The trade-off
There is no free lunch. Trucks that turn this easily are also easy to upset. As speed rises, small movements have bigger effects, and a double-kingpin truck can start to wobble where a normal truck would stay calm.
They also stand a little taller than standard trucks. The drop-through deck helps to offset that, which is probably why Sector 9 pairs the two.
⚠️ Not a board for hills
Do not ride double-kingpin trucks down anything steep. They are designed for carving at relaxed speeds on flat ground and gentle slopes.
What the rest of the specs mean
The 36-inch length and short wheelbase
At 36 inches, with a 26.4 inch wheelbase, this is a compact board. A shorter wheelbase turns tighter on its own account, so it adds to what the trucks are already doing. It also makes the board easy to carry and store.
The drop-through deck
The trucks mount through the deck, which lowers the platform. That brings two benefits here. Pushing is easier, and a lower centre of gravity takes the edge off the liveliness of the trucks. The deck is a bamboo and maple hybrid, which usually gives a little flex.
The 69 mm, 78a wheels
Soft 78a wheels are the right choice for a carving board. In a hard turn the wheels are pushed sideways, and soft urethane grips instead of sliding out. At 69 mm they are a normal cruising size.
The bearings
The bearings are listed as ABEC 5. That is a lower number than many budget boards advertise, and it does not matter. ABEC says very little about how a skate bearing performs.
Is it the right size for you?
A carving board is chosen more for feel than for strict fit, but here is how 36 inches lines up with our all-round size chart.
| Your height | Fit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5′0″ | Good | Within your range |
| 5′0″ to 5′4″ | A little short | Workable, but a longer board would feel steadier |
| 5′5″ to 5′9″ | A little short | Workable, but a longer board would feel steadier |
| 5′10″ to 6′1″ | Too short | Look for a longer board |
| Over 6′1″ | Too short | Look for a longer board |
Taller riders can still enjoy a 36 inch carver. It will simply feel compact, with a closer stance than they would have on a 40 inch board. Shorter riders will find it a natural fit.
Width. At 9 inches, the deck suits shoe sizes up to about US men’s 10 well.
Looking for a size for an all-round board instead?
The board
🔎 How we chose these
We picked these boards by the specifications listed on Amazon and by how well they fit the job. We have not ride-tested them, and we do not show prices or star ratings because they change often. Specs were checked in October 2026, so confirm the details on the product page before you buy. LongboardHub earns from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate, at no extra cost to you. Read our affiliate disclosure.
🔎 Reviewed in this guide
Shape illustration, not a product photo
Sector 9 Fractal Flipside Complete (36 in)
Best for: Riders who want tight, surfy carving on flat ground and gentle slopes.
A compact 36-inch drop-through fitted with Gullwing Sidewinder II trucks. Sidewinders have two pivot points instead of one, so the board turns much more sharply than a normal longboard. The listing gives its riding style as carving.
- Length 36 in
- Width 9 in
- Wheelbase 26.4 in
- Deck Bamboo and maple hybrid, drop-through
- Trucks 9 in Gullwing Sidewinder II
- Wheels 69 mm, 78a Nineballs
- Bearings ABEC 5 Greaseball
✅ Why it works
- Double-kingpin Sidewinder II trucks make very tight, surfy turns.
- The drop-through deck is low and easy to push.
- At 36 inches it is easy to carry.
⚠️ Keep in mind
- Trucks that turn this sharply feel unstable at speed, so this is not a board for hills.
- The listing does not give a weight limit.
- Stock was low when we checked, so availability may vary.
Buy from Amazon Price and stock are shown on Amazon. Specs are from the Amazon listing, checked October 2026.
Alternatives worth a look
If the Fractal sounds too lively, or not quite what you had in mind, these two are worth comparing. One is a premium carver on normal trucks. The other is a longer, calmer Sector 9.
🌊 A premium carver on normal trucks
Shape illustration, not a product photo
Loaded Icarus (38.4 in)
Best for: Riders who want energetic carving and pumping with more stability.
Loaded describes the Icarus as a performance longboard for snowboard-style carving, pumping, freeride, freestyle and commuting. Its cambered bamboo and fiberglass deck is built to flex and spring back.
- Length 38.4 in
- Width 8.6 in
- Deck Bamboo and fiberglass with cork, drop-through, cambered
- Trucks Paris 180 mm, 50°
- Wheels 80 mm (as listed)
- Flex Options by rider weight
✅ Why it works
- The cambered, flexible deck gives an energetic feel in turns.
- Drop-through mounting adds stability and easier pushing.
- Cutouts leave room for big wheels.
- Paris trucks and Orangatang bushings are fitted.
⚠️ Keep in mind
- It costs several times more than a budget complete.
- An 8.6-inch deck is narrow for big feet.
- Pick the flex that matches your weight, as the listing explains.
Buy from Amazon Price and stock are shown on Amazon. Specs are from the Amazon listing, checked October 2026.
📏 A longer, calmer Sector 9
Shape illustration, not a product photo
Sector 9 Lookout Talon Complete (41.1 in)
Best for: Riders who would rather have a steady cruiser and commuter.
The Lookout is Sector 9’s long-running drop-through shape. This version uses a bamboo and maple hybrid deck with a long 31.5-inch wheelbase, and the listing gives its riding style as carving and commuting.
- Length 41.125 in
- Width 9.625 in
- Wheelbase 31.5 in
- Deck Bamboo and maple hybrid, drop-through
- Trucks 10 in Gullwing Charger
- Wheels 72 mm, 78a Nineballs
- Bearings ABEC 5 Greaseball
✅ Why it works
- A 31.5-inch wheelbase is long and calm.
- Bamboo and maple hybrid construction adds a little flex.
- Large 72 mm, 78a wheels suit rough pavement.
- Branded Gullwing trucks are fitted.
⚠️ Keep in mind
- The listing marks its skill level as intermediate.
- The listing does not give a weight limit.
- Stock was low when we checked, so availability may vary.
Buy from Amazon Price and stock are shown on Amazon. Specs are from the Amazon listing, checked October 2026.
| Product | Length | Trucks | Character | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sector 9 Fractal 36 | 36 in | Gullwing Sidewinder II | Very sharp turning | View on Amazon |
| Loaded Icarus | 38.4 in | Paris 180 mm | Springy, energetic carving | View on Amazon |
| Sector 9 Lookout 41 | 41.1 in | Gullwing Charger | Calm and stable | View on Amazon |
How to ride a board with double-kingpin trucks
A board like this rewards a particular way of riding. These tips will help you get the feel of it.
- Start on flat groundFind a wide, empty space. The board will feel loose at first, and you want room to get used to it.
- Make small movementsIt responds to very little. Gentle pressure on your toes and heels is enough.
- Keep your knees bentA low, relaxed stance absorbs the quick movements.
- Link your turnsLet one turn flow straight into the next. The board comes alive when you keep it moving from edge to edge.
- Try pumpingAs you come through each turn, press down and forward with your front foot. With practice you can keep rolling without pushing.
- Keep your speed downThis is a board for cruising pace. Step off or foot brake before speed builds.
Tuning the trucks
If the board feels too loose, tighten the kingpin nuts a quarter turn at a time. With two kingpins on each truck, there are four nuts in all. Adjust them evenly. If it still feels too lively, firmer bushings will calm it further.
🛡️ Wear a helmet every ride
A helmet is the one piece of gear that is not optional. Wrist guards, knee pads and elbow pads are well worth it while you learn. A board that turns this quickly can catch out even experienced riders. See our safety guides.
Setting it up out of the box
A complete board arrives assembled, but a five-minute check before your first ride is always worth doing.
- Check every boltMake sure the eight truck bolts are snug and nothing rattles when you shake the board.
- Spin each wheelEach wheel should spin freely for several seconds. If one stops quickly, loosen its axle nut a quarter turn.
- Set the truck tightnessStand on the board and lean. If it barely turns, loosen the large nut on each truck a quarter turn. If it feels wobbly, tighten it a quarter turn.
- Start on flat groundFind a smooth, empty space. Practise standing, pushing gently and foot braking before you go anywhere.
- Give it a couple of weeksNew bushings and bearings loosen up with use. The board will turn and roll more freely after a few rides.
If something is clearly wrong, such as a warped deck, a wheel that will not spin or a cracked part, do not ride it. It is much easier to return a board that has not been used.
Real-life examples: is it the right board for them?
The riders below are made-up examples, based on the kind of questions people often ask in longboarding groups and forums. They are not real people or reviews. See which one sounds most like you.
The surfer
Kai, 5′8″, 155 lb
Kai surfs and wants something for flat days that turns like a board on a wave.
Good choice: this board. Tight, pumping turns on flat ground are exactly what it is for.
The commuter
Priya, 5′5″, 130 lb
Priya wants to ride two miles to work as calmly as possible.
Good choice: a normal drop-through of 38 to 40 inches. Trucks this lively make a straight commute harder work.
The hill rider
Tom, 5′11″, 180 lb
Tom lives at the top of a long hill.
Good choice: a stable board on standard trucks. Double-kingpin trucks are the wrong choice for his route.
Common mistakes (and how to fix them)
❌ Riding it down hills
Double-kingpin trucks become unstable as speed rises.
✅ The fix: Keep it on flat ground and gentle slopes.
❌ Buying it as a first board without knowing what it is
It is much livelier than a normal longboard.
✅ The fix: Beginners who want stability should choose a standard drop-through.
❌ Tightening the trucks until it rides like a normal board
That defeats the point and can damage the bushings.
✅ The fix: If you want a calmer board, choose one with standard trucks.
❌ Making big, sudden movements
The board over-reacts.
✅ The fix: Use small, smooth inputs.
❌ Assuming a weight limit
The listing we read does not give one.
✅ The fix: Check with the seller if you are a heavier rider.
Looking after your board
A longboard needs very little maintenance, but a few habits make it last much longer and ride much better.
- Keep it dry. Water rusts bearings and damages wooden decks. If the board gets wet, dry it and spin the wheels.
- Check the bolts. Vibration loosens truck bolts and axle nuts over time. A quick check every few weeks is enough.
- Clean the bearings when the wheels sound gritty or stop spinning freely.
- Swap the wheels around now and then, so they wear evenly.
- Replace worn bushings. Cracked or squashed bushings make a board feel sloppy, and new ones cost very little.
- Store it indoors. Heat, cold and damp all shorten the life of a deck.
For step-by-step help, see our maintenance guides.
Key terms in plain English
Longboard listings use a lot of jargon. Here are the terms used in this guide, explained simply.
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Carving | Linking smooth turns from edge to edge, like surfing or snowboarding on pavement. |
| Pumping | Driving through turns in rhythm to build speed without pushing. |
| Drop-through | A deck with holes that the trucks mount through, so the deck sits lower. |
| Wheelbase | The distance between the front and back trucks. Longer feels steadier. Shorter turns tighter. |
| Reverse kingpin (RKP) | The usual truck design on longboards. The main bolt faces outward, which makes the truck turn smoothly and stay stable. |
| Bushings | The rubbery rings inside each truck. Softer ones let the board lean easily. Harder ones resist. |
| Durometer | Wheel hardness, shown as a number and the letter A. Around 78A is soft and grippy. The mid 80s and above are firmer. |
| Flex | How much the deck bends under your weight. Some flex is comfortable. Stiff is steadier at speed. |
| ABEC | An industrial precision scale for bearings. A higher number says little about how a skateboard bearing performs. |
| Foot brake | Slowing down by lowering your back foot and dragging the sole lightly on the ground. |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sector 9 Fractal a good longboard?
On its specifications, it is a well-equipped compact carving board. It has a 36 inch bamboo and maple drop-through deck, Gullwing Sidewinder II double-kingpin trucks and 69 mm 78a wheels. It suits riders who want very sharp, surfy turning at relaxed speeds.
Is the Sector 9 Fractal good for beginners?
It can be ridden by a beginner on flat ground, but it is livelier than a standard longboard. A beginner who wants a calm, stable first board is better served by a normal drop-through.
What are Sidewinder trucks?
Gullwing Sidewinder trucks are double-kingpin trucks. They have two pivot points instead of one, so they turn much more sharply for a given lean. They are designed for carving and pumping at low speed and are not suited to fast downhill riding.
Can you ride the Sector 9 Fractal downhill?
It is not recommended. Double-kingpin trucks become unstable as speed increases. The Fractal is designed for carving on flat ground and gentle slopes.
What size is the Sector 9 Fractal?
The Fractal Flipside listed on Amazon is 36 inches long and 9 inches wide, with a 26.4 inch wheelbase.
Is the Sector 9 Fractal right for you? A checklist
This board is a specialist. Make sure it is the speciality you want.
- I want tight, surfy carving more than straight-line stability.
- I will ride on flat ground and gentle slopes.
- I do not plan to ride down steep hills.
- I am happy with a compact 36 inch deck.
- I understand it is livelier than a normal longboard.
- I have checked the weight limit with the seller if I am a heavier rider.
- I have a helmet.
The Sector 9 Fractal is not trying to be an all-rounder. It is a carving board with trucks that turn like almost nothing else. If that is what you want, it will put a smile on your face on the dullest stretch of flat tarmac.
Still deciding?
Want something calmer? Our free tools can help you find a stable all-round board.
Try the free Size Guide Take the Match Quiz Back to our picks
Product specs and availability were checked in October 2026 and can change. Always confirm the details on the product page before you buy.
