How did Z-Products ever get derailed into making z-roller trucks, and how on earth were they able to keep them going from the 80’s well into the 90’s? It’s hard to comprehend being able to sell enough of these to remain economically viable in the era of weight obsession and bearing cover-sized wheels. Maybe the plan was to be able to ditch the wheels completely… And just in case you’re wondering, their bearings are “fully rated.”
Oh yes, they made regular trucks too, but you’re all here for the Z-rollers. Believe it or not, they continued to develop these trucks in the 90’s. This is not the first iteration of Z-rollers. They went from something that looked like a tank to something that almost looks light and agile. The original version of Z-Rollers had a thicker black composite roller.
Z-Truck
5″ Lightning 5 1/4″
Hanger 5″ = 127mm
5 1/4″ = 133.5mm
Axle length 7 5/8″ – 7 7/8″
X-tra Lite with Hollow Axle
5″ truck weight = 270 grams or 9.6 ounces.
Or with solid axle = 298 grams or 10.6 ounces.
Right length axles. No extra thread past nut.
Quick Turning.
Smooth transition Design.
Lowest Kingpin Nut.
Z-Roller Truck
Hanger 5″ = 127mm
5 3/8″ = 145mm
5 7/8″ = 149mm
Axle length 7 5/8″
8 3/16″
8 1/2″
Aluminum Roller
Doesn’t wear out.
Hollow Axle
No extra thread past nut.
Quick Turning.
Smooth transition Design.
Lowest Kingpin Nut.
BEYOND THE HYPE Z SPEED BEARING
Fast & Smooth
Removable Shield
Fully Rated
Fast Lube
Replaces GMN German Speed
With Better Precision and Polish
Z-Products P.O. BOX 5397 Santa Monica CA 90409 – (310) 476-4857 – FAX (310) 471-1868
12 comments
Dave Watts
Hi Tony,
I had a couple GT’s from Grentec that were disposed of when I was in the service. I also had and have a Banzai Slip Stream that I’m in the process of refurbishing the best I can. Decals are shot and I removed the grip tape to get the trucks off.
Anyway I’ve found a couple of places to order general replacement parts from. The best page I’ve found is Warehouse Skateboards, link below.
Cheers
warehouseskateboards.com
Tony Liddell
Hi,
I recently bought a second hand Grentec Coyote from EBay.
I had an original back when I was about 9.
I’m now 60
I’m looking to restore it as best I can. Where would I get parts to fix up the trucks.
The board is in good nick as are the red wheels.
Just want to clean up the rest.
Hope someone can help!!
Cheers
Andy
ABEC ratings are not a guarantee of speed or durability; they primarily measure dimensional tolerances so anything over abec 3 makes no difference to skating whatsoever but you try getting skaters to believe that!!!
Kilwag
Rockin’ Ron, is that you?
Michael Britt
I have a set of zrollers… In perfect condition..
Thom
Would you be interested in selling them?
DatNigga
Are you interested in selling your kidney?
Barkarse
Street luge! Safety first! zrollers the way to go!
Roberto Alvaro Lopez
I rode zrollers on curbs, bus benches, quarter pipes, half pipes and boxes and anywhere I could Ollie or grind. I’m looking for another set.
Jeffrey Ramos
I remember the boxes of bearings ………. also back in the day we didn’t care what abec there was we rode them . Now days with ceramic, abec 9 , and on…. with the high price for bearings the old NMB would still work..
Roberto A Lopez
Yeah man howzit. I rode with you, Butch an George W a little at haters alley and aids pool and the little half-pipe, launch ramps, boxes ,railslides we had in N. L B by the railroad tracks right near 49th street. I’m still lookin for some Zrollers bro. Stay up
MATTHEW keife
Greetings !
Back in the early 80’s i used to supply Chris P The GMN 608 speed bearings. I work for another bearing company now we do not specialize in the skate board bearing . NMB is the manufacture that we represent these days and every so often they offer us lot specials on 608 bearings. We bought a lot of 250k. Not asking you to buy 250k , just seeing if there is any interest on your side. The MFG is NMB. They are a good motor quality bearing. I wouldn’t push any crap/ Let me know if there is any intrest and i will send you some samples.