Slot Machine Longboard



So, you've spotted someone cruising by on a board that looks like a giant slot machine reel and thought, "Where do I get one of those?" You aren't alone. The Slot Machine longboard by Bustin Boards is one of those niche pieces of gear that turns heads instantly. It’s not just a skateboard with a sticker; it’s a specific shape designed for a very specific feeling—the feeling of surfing concrete waves without ever leaving the street. But before you drop cash on this deck, you need to know if it’s actually a quality ride or just a gimmick.

Let’s cut through the marketing noise. The Bustin Slot Machine is a top-mount longboard built for carving and commuting. Its defining feature is the massive cutout design that looks like the window of a slot machine, but functionally, it serves to reduce weight and allow for deep turns without wheel bite. If you’re a heavy rider or someone who loves aggressive carving, that wheelbase isn't just for show—it’s geometry that saves your ankles from sudden wipeouts.

The Design and Shape of the Bustin Slot Machine

When you look at the specs, the Slot Machine stands out because of its dimensions. We’re talking about a deck that usually sits around 36 inches, putting it in that sweet spot between a full-sized cruiser and a compact city ripper. The shape is distinctively asymmetrical. The massive 'slot' in the deck isn't a random aesthetic choice; it shifts the standing platform forward, which changes how you distribute your weight during slides and turns.

The platform itself features a mellow 'W' concave and rocker. If you’re new to longboard terminology, this just means the board dips slightly in the middle and has a subtle arch down the center. This locks your feet in place. You aren't sliding off this board because your shoes lost traction. It’s built for confidence. Bustin manufactures these decks in their New York workshop, which gives them a reputation for durable construction. You aren't dealing with a generic 'Made in China' pop-out; this is a board meant to survive city abuse.

Ride Quality: Carving and Sliding Performance

This is where the board earns its keep. The Slot Machine is a carving machine. The wheelbase options allow you to tune how the board turns. If you set it up on the shorter wheelbase, it feels twitchy and responsive—perfect for darting through pedestrians in a busy city. Set it up longer, and you get stability for faster pushes.

For freeride fans, the kicks on this board are functional. You can ollie up curbs and shuv-it out of boredom while waiting at a crosswalk. It runs large wheels comfortably, typically 70mm, which means you aren't getting rattled to death by cracked pavement. It’s a smooth ride, absorbing vibrations that would otherwise travel up your legs.

Comparing the Slot Machine to Other Bustin Models

Bustin has a stacked lineup, so why choose the Slot Machine over something like the Bustin Maestro or the Shredsta? The Maestro is arguably the brand's flagship symmetrical twin. It’s arguably more versatile for tricks, but the Slot Machine feels more specialized. The 'Slot' cutout actually serves a functional purpose in reducing rotational weight, making spins feel snappier compared to the solid block of wood you get with the Maestro.

Model	Length	Primary Use	Key Feature
Slot Machine	36"	Carving / Freeride	Asymmetrical shape with large cutout
Bustin Maestro	39"	Freestyle / Dancing	Symmetrical twin shape
Bustin Shredsta	32"	Technical Street / Park	Double-kick tails

Customization and Setup Options

Buying a deck is only half the battle. To make this board ride the way the designers intended, you need the right components. The Slot Machine thrives with reverse-kingpin trucks (RKP). Brands like Paris Trucks or Bear Trucks are the standard go-to here. Paris 180mm trucks are the gold standard for this width, offering that divey, surfy feeling. If you want something stiffer for stability, look at Caliber Trucks.

Wheel choice depends entirely on where you live. If your local roads look like a war zone, go with a large, soft wheel around 78a durometer. The Orangatang Caguama or Sector 9 Race Forms are excellent choices for smoothing out the ride. If you are into sliding and technical freeride, you might step down to a slightly harder wheel or a round-lip design like the Remember Hoots to break traction easier.

Is the Slot Machine Worth the Price?

Quality longboards are an investment. A complete Bustin setup often lands in the $200 to $300 range depending on the components you choose. Is it worth it compared to a $50 board from a big-box store? Absolutely. The difference lies in the trucks and the wood. Cheap boards use generic cast trucks that don't turn properly and wood that delaminates if it gets wet once. The Bustin Slot Machine uses premium Canadian Maple and pressed wood that holds its shape.

You are paying for a board that doesn't speed wobble the moment you hit a slight decline. It holds resale value, too. If you decide longboarding isn't for you, a used Bustin board moves fast on marketplace listings because the brand has respect in the community.

Maintenance Tips for Your Longboard

Keeping the Slot Machine rolling smoothly doesn't require a mechanic, but it does need attention. The bearings are the first thing to go. If you hear a grinding noise, it’s time to either clean them with isopropyl alcohol or replace them. Brands like Zealous Bearings are cheap and practically indestructible for daily riding.

Check your hardware regularly. The vibrations from city riding loosen bolts. A simple skate tool is your best friend. Lastly, watch the grip tape. If it gets covered in dust and lint, it won't grip your shoes. A quick scrub with a wire brush or grip tape cleaner brings it back to life. Store the board inside or in a cool, dry place—prolonged exposure to moisture warps even the best maple decks.

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