Loaded Fathom: The Ultimate Distance Skating Platform with Brackets

Introduction to the Loaded Fathom

If you’re seeking to elevate your distance skating experience, a dedicated bracket-based platform like the Loaded Fathom is an excellent choice. Designed specifically for serious distance skating, commuting, and endurance training, the Fathom offers a unique combination of stability, agility, and speed. Its innovative design incorporates the renowned Loaded Zee Brackets, which are crafted by G/Bomb, a legendary figure in bracket engineering, resulting in a highly responsive and durable setup.

The Fathom invites skaters to push their limits with confidence, thanks to its low ride height, generous wheel clearance, and ability to accommodate massive wheels without the need for risers. This setup not only enhances speed and stability but also transforms traditional longboarding into a versatile tool for fitness, travel, and daily commuting. With a price point of $389 for the Dad Bods complete and $329 for the Caguamas complete, the Fathom provides exceptional value in the high-performance longboard market.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Loaded Fathom

Pros:

Exceptional low ride height ensures high speed stability and confidence during long-distance pushes
One of the few double-drop bracket configurations optimized for distance and endurance skating
Pre-tuned for riders eager to jump into performance skating without extensive setup trials
Enables running large wheels like 105mm without wheelbite, thanks to its design
Ideal for fitness routines, commuting, and travel skating, offering comfort and efficiency
Compact, lightweight, and modular, making it highly portable for travel and storage

Cons:

Highly specialized setup not suited for city slashing or tricks that require kicks and quick turns
The short 23-inch deck may feel restrictive for riders with larger feet or preferences for more foot space
Fixed truck angles limit customization for pumping or aggressive carving styles
Designed primarily for distance; less optimal for technical or freestyle riding
Potential durability concerns for very heavy riders (over 250 lbs), due to deck flex

Ideal Rider Profile: Who Should Consider the Loaded Fathom?

The Fathom excels as a platform for those interested in endurance, travel, and fitness skating. It is particularly suited for:

Long-distance commuters seeking a stable and fast ride on roads and bike paths
Fitness enthusiasts who want to incorporate skating into their training regime
Travelers and explorers looking for a portable, high-performance skating setup that can be easily packed

While the Zee brackets are engineered to withstand significant loads, riders exceeding approximately 250 lbs may experience increased deck flex over time, making it less ideal for daily heavy-duty use. The compact 23-inch deck may also require some adjustment for larger-footed riders, but overall, the Fathom is designed to make high-performance distance skating accessible and enjoyable for a broad range of enthusiasts.

The Rationale Behind Using a Bracket Setup

For skaters new to brackets, understanding their unique advantages is key. Brackets serve multiple functions, especially in distance and commuter skating:

Enhanced clearance for large wheels, enabling smooth rides over rough terrain and obstacles
Allowing trucks to sit at a lower platform height, resulting in increased responsiveness and stability
Offering a highly responsive steering experience that many riders find preferable over traditional decks
Providing better flex distribution, which enhances strength and dampens vibrations from uneven surfaces
Facilitating modularity for travel, with the ability to remove brackets and pack the setup into compact sizes (as small as 23 inches)
Enabling fine-tuning of truck angles and configurations without complete disassembly, allowing for personalized adjustments and upgrades

Unlike adjustable-angle brackets, the Fathom features fixed angles (0°) for a straightforward, plug-and-play experience optimized for distance pushing. Although future setups may explore adjustable configurations, the current design emphasizes simplicity and reliability.

Bracket Setup vs. Double-Drop Decks for Distance

Compared to traditional double-drop decks, such as the former Loaded Pantheon Trip, the Zee Bracket system offers superior wheel clearance due to its added stiffness at the drop point. The brackets’ design reduces the need for a wider deck outline, allowing for larger wheels like the Dad Bods to be used without wheelbite. The drop-in brackets also enable unique deck geometries, such as the uplifted corners seen in the Fathom, which provide enhanced foot grip and stability during high-speed rides.

The Riding Experience with the Loaded Fathom

Expect a blend of agility, stability, and comfort. The Fathom’s low profile and short deck make it highly nimble, perfect for quick maneuvers and surfs on the pavement. Its stable platform instills confidence during high-speed pushes, with minimal wobbling even at top speeds. The responsive trucks, combined with the massive momentum of large wheels like the Dad Bods, help glide effortlessly over diverse terrains and obstacles, including moderate curbs.

The deck’s low concave design ensures your feet stay comfortably positioned, whether you’re pushing, foot-braking, or just cruising. The upturned corners serve as reliable foot stops, giving precise control and a secure stance. Overall, the Fathom provides an exhilarating ride that feels almost flying, making it ideal for endurance skating and long-distance travel.

Key Specifications and Features

Shape: Symmetrical double-drop bracket setup
Dimensions: 33 inches (including brackets) x 9.25 inches
Wheelbase: 26.5 inches (with brackets)
Weight: 3.1/8.4/9.6 lbs (deck only, Caguamas, Dad Bods)
Profile & Flex: Slight camber with subtle flex
Concave: Gentle, providing comfort and control

Deck Details

The deck is constructed from 8-ply maple, balancing durability and cost-effectiveness. Its compact 23-inch length, combined with the added 10 inches from the Zee brackets, results in a full setup length of 33 inches—compact enough for easy transportation. The subtle camber enhances comfort and adds to the dampening effect from the brackets, smoothing out rough surfaces. The innovative shape includes uplifted corners, acting as foot stops, and the reinforced grip tape ensures secure footing at high speeds.

Loaded Zee Brackets

Designed exclusively for Loaded, these brackets are crafted from lightweight, high-strength fiberglass composite. They feature integrated O-rings, which protect the deck at contact points, eliminating the need for shock pads. The double-drop design lowers the ride height while maintaining responsiveness, making them perfect for distance skating. The brackets are symmetrical, fixed at 0°, and compatible with standard Paris trucks without risers, simplifying setup and maintenance.

Design & Graphics

The aesthetic of the Fathom echoes Loaded’s signature style—sleek, elegant, and adventure-inspired. The top grip tape features subtle, contrasting patterns with the Loaded logo at the center, highlighted by grey wave and cloud motifs. The bottom showcases vivid graphics themed around oceanic exploration and Polynesian sailing ships, emphasizing the spirit of adventure and travel. These artistic touches make the Fathom as visually striking as it is functional.

Tail Nub for Vertical Storage

To facilitate vertical storage, Loaded has created a custom 3D-printed tail nub that attaches to the rear truck, allowing the board to be balanced upright. This feature is especially useful for compact storage or display. The STL file for printing the tail nub is available for free, enabling riders to create their own at home.

Setup Options and Customization

The Fathom is equipped with 150mm Paris V2 trucks, which deliver highly responsive handling. The Zee brackets require a minimum hanger width of 140mm, but the 150mm trucks strike a balance between responsiveness and stability. Both trucks come with a 50° baseplate angle, optimized for effortless pushing and high-speed stability. The setup supports wheels like 105mm Dad Bods (80A) and 85mm Caguamas (77A), both offering excellent momentum and grip. The choice of bushings influences ride feel; the stock Paris bushings suit distance pushing well, while Orangatang bushings may be preferable for carving and pumping at moderate speeds.

Exploring Distance Pumping with the Fathom

While the Fathom is primarily engineered for distance pushing, it can be adapted for other riding styles, including distance pumping. Its symmetrical design and double-drop configuration promote smooth, efficient high-speed pumping. For those interested in split-angle setups, Loaded offers an optional 43° baseplate, enabling experimentation with directional angles to optimize performance for different skating styles. This flexibility allows riders to tailor their setup beyond the standard configuration, exploring new avenues of endurance and propulsion.

Final Reflections

The Loaded Fathom epitomizes innovation in high-performance longboarding, merging the stability of a double-drop with the responsiveness of a bracket system. Its focus on distance, comfort, and portability makes it an ideal choice for dedicated endurance skaters, travelers, and commuters. With industry-leading bracket technology, a sleek aesthetic, and the capacity to run large wheels effortlessly, the Fathom offers a skating experience that is both exhilarating and reliable. For a comprehensive view and to explore customization options, visit Loaded’s official website and discover the possibilities that the Fathom provides for your skating adventures.