Took out tonight for the first time with my new Pohaku Surfer 48 and was stoked. The finish and attention to detail are excellant. Oval shaft is very ergonomic. At 5'9" the 5'6" Stick is perfect. The carbon rubber pucks have great grip and lessen the impact. Stick is great counter balance on drop knee cut backs. (Posted on 6/9/10)

I bought over a year ago...used it to commute, bomb (38 mph), barefoot cruise, parking garages, and to chase off a dog chasing me on a couple rides...
It allows your to pump at speeds faster than you can with a foot, pump as you corner, bleed off speed or stop as needed, and is great on helping beginners learn.
Two tips...
1. Lots of upper body stretching, you most likely are not used to using the needed muscles during skate sessions.
2. Consider some fingerless gloves...I got blisters the first couple of 4 hours sessions. (Posted on 7/3/09)