⚡ Loaded Fathom – Longboard ultra-technical commuter, compact, and incredibly efficient
The Loaded Fathom is a unique longboard. Specifically designed for commuting, urban travel, and long-distance pushing, it combines an extremely low platform, a compact deck, very large wheels, and the ingenious Loaded Zee Brackets. The goal is not just to offer a comfortable longboard: the Fathom is designed as a true means of transportation, capable of going fast, far, and efficiently while remaining compact enough to be carried on a train, stored under a desk, or used daily in the city.
Its architecture is the main feature of the model. The deck alone measures only 23″, but adding the Zee Brackets brings the total length to about 33″ and the wheelbase to 26.5″. These brackets significantly lower the platform compared to the truck axes and allow for a true double-drop setup. The center of gravity is thus placed very close to the ground, which completely transforms the efficiency of pushing: the foot on the board descends less with each push, the supporting leg works less, and muscle fatigue decreases significantly over long distances.
This reduced height also provides a lot of confidence. The Fathom remains very stable during fast rolling phases, and the footbrake becomes particularly natural since the foot only has a few centimeters to reach the ground. For urban journeys punctuated by accelerations, braking, and restarts, this feature is far from insignificant: it makes the Fathom much less tiring than a typical top-mount longboard.
A compact platform designed for efficiency
Loaded intentionally chose a short deck of 23″ x 9.25″. This length may seem surprising on a longboard intended for long distances, but it helps to limit bulkiness and weight while maintaining enough space for a natural stance. The slightly raised ends and the more aggressive grip at the four corners immediately allow you to feel the position of your feet without looking at the board.
The deck also features a slight camber and subtle flex. This flex is not like that of a very flexible carving longboard: it is contained enough to maintain precision and efficiency, but provides just enough suspension to filter out vibrations from the pavement. Over several kilometers, this slight flex directly contributes to comfort.
The Zee Brackets: the centerpiece of the Fathom
The Loaded Zee Brackets not only lower the board but also allow for mounting very large wheels without the risk of wheelbite and move the mechanical constraints of the double-drop setup off the deck. The result is a very low platform that remains compact and robust.
Thanks to these brackets, the Fathom can accommodate wheels that would be difficult to install on a conventional longboard. This is precisely what allows Loaded to offer the spectacular setup with Orangatang Dad Bod 105 mm.
105 mm Orangatang Dad Bod: when wheels completely change the game
The iconic configuration of the Fathom uses the huge Orangatang Dad Bod 105 mm. Their diameter radically transforms the behavior of the board. Once rolling, they have a lot of inertia and retain their speed remarkably well. They also handle cracks, road joints, plates, small gravel, and deteriorated surfaces that would significantly slow down a classic longboard wheel of 65 to 75 mm.
This is an essential feature for commuting: on a real journey, average speed depends as much on the ability to maintain momentum as on maximum speed. With the Dad Bods, the Fathom loses very little speed when the surface deteriorates. It then becomes possible to cover several kilometers at a sustained pace with much fewer restarts.
The logical reverse of 105mm wheels results in slightly less quick acceleration than with smaller wheels. A Dad Bod requires more energy to get moving, but once in motion, it maintains its speed for much longer thanks to its inertia. Therefore, it is a particularly suitable choice for long-distance rides, fast trips, and long rolling sections.
Paris V3 150mm: A more technical choice than it seems
With Dad Bods, Loaded pairs the Fathom with Paris V3 150mm / 50° trucks. The deliberate choice of relatively narrow trucks is intentional. Dad Bods have a lot of offset, naturally increasing the track width. A 150mm hanger allows for a compact and maneuverable setup despite the impressive size of the wheels.
The 50° geometry provides enough turning ability for the Fathom to carve and navigate through urban environments. This is a significant difference compared to some very long and directional LDP longboards: despite its high efficiency, the Fathom maintains a lively behavior and can easily maneuver around pedestrians, urban furniture, and changes in trajectory.
Fathom Dad Bod or Bee's Knees: two different characters
The Fathom can also be configured with Orangatang Bee's Knees 90mm / 83A wheels. This setup significantly changes the board's character.
- Dad Bod 105mm: maximum inertia, comfort, and ability to handle rough surfaces. This setup is ideal for fast commuting, long distances, and imperfect road conditions.
- Bee's Knees 90mm: smaller and firmer wheels, quicker acceleration, and more playful behavior. The board becomes more agile and better at carving while remaining much more rollable than a classic longboard.
Loaded also pairs the Bee's Knees with Paris V3 165mm trucks, as their centerset design requires a slightly wider track to maintain a coherent balance between wheels and trucks.
⚙️ Key Features
- Total length: 33″ / 83.8 cm
- Deck length: 23″ / 58.4 cm
- Width: 9.25″ / 23.5 cm
- Full wheelbase: 26.5″ / 67.3 cm
- Deck wheelbase: 17.25″ / 43.8 cm
- Profile: light camber
- Flex: subtle, designed to dampen vibrations without sacrificing efficiency
- Construction: 8-ply maple
- Brackets: Loaded Zee Brackets
- Main wheels: Orangatang Dad Bod 105mm / 77A or 80A depending on version
- Alternative: Orangatang Bee's Knees 90mm / 83A
- Dad Bod Trucks: Paris V3 150mm / 50°
- Bee's Knees Trucks: Paris V3 165mm / 50°
- Bearings: Loaded Jehu V2
- Program: commuting, LDP, fast cruising, daily transportation, and urban exploration
The Strata Construction
The Fathom Strata version takes commuter logic even further with a construction designed for daily use. Loaded combines a maple core with a textured 3D thermoplastic layer that is water-resistant under the deck. This layer reinforces the structure while protecting the maple from debris and moisture. The edges also receive a finish intended to better protect the wood.
This type of construction is particularly relevant for a commuter board that is likely to be regularly used, carried, placed on the ground, and exposed to much less controlled conditions than a longboard used only for leisure sessions.
✅ Why choose the Loaded Fathom?
- An entirely dedicated design for commuting and long-distance riding.
- Very low double-drop platform significantly reduces the effort required for pushing.
- Easy and reassuring footbrake due to the low deck height.
- Dad Bod 105 mm wheels capable of maintaining high speeds and handling rough surfaces.
- Zee Brackets allowing a compact deck to be paired with very large wheels.
- Much more compact and portable format than a traditional LDP longboard.
- Paris V3 150 mm trucks offering enough carving and maneuverability for true urban use.
- Excellent balance between efficiency, comfort, stability, and agility.
- A premium construction and components from Loaded / Orangatang / Paris that are perfectly consistent with each other.
Who is the Fathom really for?
The Loaded Fathom is particularly interesting for riders who genuinely use their longboard as a means of transportation. For covering 2, 5, or 10 kilometers regularly, its low platform and large wheels provide obvious comfort and efficiency gains compared to a traditional cruiser.
It also suits long distance pushers who want a compact and easy-to-transport board. However, it is not designed for freeriding, intense downhill riding, or tricks. Its focus is much more specialized: efficient, comfortable, and long-distance riding.
Outside's Opinion
The Loaded Fathom is, in our opinion, one of the most intelligently designed longboards for daily commuting. Each component addresses a specific issue: the Zee Brackets lower the platform, the Dad Bods maintain speed and absorb surface imperfections, while the Paris 150 mm trucks provide surprisingly good maneuverability for a board with 105 mm wheels.
Therefore, it's not just a longboard equipped with large wheels. The Fathom represents a particularly coherent technical package, where the deck, brackets, trucks, and wheels have been designed to work together. For riders looking to replace some bike, scooter, or walking commutes with a true gliding experience, it's clearly one of the most accomplished offerings on the market.
