I have been riding for 20 years. I have snapped two Burton Seven boards this season and last. I decided to try another company. My first choice was Unity because they are a local company, but I heard a few good things about Academy. Well, the Recruit 154 is about average for a park board. It's too stiff for shorter riders for extreme butters, but it holds on rails nicely. It isn't too forgiving off tables, but it is extremely stable in the air. The only great aspect of this board is that it's pimp in the halfpipe.
The edges come together on the tip and tail and they already look like it's separating after a few months. Oh well! Don't count of this piece lasting more than one season, but how many board really do when you ride like bat outta hell!