It Turns Out That The Wheel, Re-Invented, Is Square

shark-wheel-1

Shark Wheels are a “new” kind of wheel for your skateboards. They’re still sort of round, but they’re made from a complex shape that sort of forms a cube. Kind of. We’re not too clear on the geometry, and clearly there’s still some roundness here or there wouldn’t be much rolling. But the point is that Shark Wheels are supposed to be better than traditional wheels.

It has less surface area touching the ground on hard surfaces, allowing for low rolling resistance. The alternating path can bite into soft terrain, meaning it can roll seamlessly in soft surfaces. The alternating center of gravity allows for superior high-speed stability, eliminating speed-wobble that occurs from the geometry of normal wheels.

When used on hard surfaces, the Shark Wheel produces a low friction profile similar to a high performance, low rolling resistance tire. This allows for less energy to be used as the contact patch is very small.

We’re not entirely convinced we aren’t just looking at regular wheels with wobbly sides and treads, but if this translates into a better ride for anyone, then great. They’re on Kickstarter right now where $50 will get you a set of 4 longboard wheels.

You decide if any of this makes any sense. We’ve included a video after the jump, so feel free to check that out.

[ Project Page ] VIA [ TheAwesomer ]

BBQ Dining Boat Seems Perfect For Summer, And Breaking The Bank

By David Ponce

What’s better than a BBQ among friends? A BBQ among friends on the water, of course. Seating up to 10 people, this 24 ft. floating creation with a 30 Watt outboard motor can be manoeuvred at up to 2 1/2 mph through calm water and alongside docks for loading/unloading. One charge provides enough power for up to 8 hours of continuous use, so unless you’re venturing in the open sea, you shouldn’t worry about getting stranded. There’s a plastic table with plastic seats for all 10 people, and each seat has “a recessed plate holder, three beverage holders, and silverware tray. Six compartments beneath the ABS seats store food and supplies for all-day cookouts.” The grill itself is charcoal powered and measures 24 in. in diameter.

So this all sounds like fun and games, only as long as you get past the sticker shock: $50,000.

[ Product Page ]