"Once you get the hang of it, the possibilities are endless." Ah, and there's the catch with XGliders, as the retailer's website makes clear: Actually getting on these foot-sized inline skateboards -- imagine rollerblades that don't actually attach to your feet -- is half the battle. If you can make it that far, odds are good that you'll be cruising around in no time -- or at least doing some interesting faceplants in the driveway.
For my money, the hardest part of the learning curve comes from the combination of the tight turning radius, the lack of foot straps, and the fact that your feet are working independently. (Imagine a Ripstik without the connection between either wheel.) The XGlider's ridged surface acts as a sort of non-abrasive grip tape, but it's also pretty handy when you work your way up to doing tricks, since it's kind of hard to nail kickflips with your feet still attached to a board.
Check out this clip for a perspective that's a bit more realistic than the usual zipping, flashing, professionally shot demo:
And now that we're up and cruising around with old Will, here's something to aspire to, courtesy of the zipping, flashing, professionally shot demo:
$99.99 from SkyMallSports.
