# RLTH Technologies — Knowledge Base
**Store:** www.reallifetruehearts.store  
**Brand:** Real Life, True Hearts (RLTH)  
**Headquarters:** Zürich, Switzerland  
**Founded by:** Joel, 16-year-old founder  
**Tagline:** Maple is history.

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## 1. BRAND OVERVIEW

**What is RLTH?**  
RLTH (Real Life, True Hearts) is a Swiss skateboard brand founded in Zürich. We engineer composite skateboard decks using aerospace-grade materials — carbon fiber, bamboo, fiberglass, and maple — built to outperform traditional 7-ply maple in every measurable way. We are not a graphics brand. We are an engineering brand that skates.

**What makes RLTH different from other skateboard brands?**  
Most skateboard brands sell 7-ply Canadian maple pressed with graphics. RLTH builds composite decks using the same material science principles used in aerospace and high-performance sports equipment. Our HybridCore V2 lineup uses a 10-layer carbon-composite construction that delivers higher stiffness, better pop retention, and greater torsional control than maple — at a similar or lower weight. We are the only Swiss-engineered composite skateboard brand currently on the market.

**Where is RLTH based?**  
Zürich, Switzerland. Engineered in Switzerland, sold worldwide.

**Who is RLTH for?**  
RLTH is for skaters who care about what their board is made of — not just how it looks. Technical street skaters, park skaters, freestyle skaters, and anyone who has broken a maple deck mid-session and is done accepting that as normal. Also for skaters who are curious about material science and want a deck that performs differently.

**Does RLTH have a skate team?**  
Yes. RLTH runs the Beta Squad — a global team of riders who test, ride, and provide feedback on our products. Beta Squad is currently in Wave 2, with riders across Europe, the USA, and beyond. Beta Squad riders get decks at cost, direct access to the founder, and input into product development.

**How can I join Beta Squad?**  
Beta Squad applications are open periodically. Follow RLTH on social media or check the website for when Wave applications open. Being an active skater who documents their skating is the main requirement — sponsorship level or follower count is not.

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## 2. PRODUCTS

### 2.1 HybridCore V2 Series (Composite Decks)

**What is the HybridCore V2?**  
The HybridCore V2 is RLTH's flagship composite skateboard deck lineup. It uses a 10-layer carbon-composite construction engineered for performance that standard maple cannot match. Available in three variants: Standard, Apex, and Flow.

**What are the three HybridCore V2 variants?**

- **HybridCore V2 Standard (8.25")** — All-around performance. Medium Radial concave, standard symmetric kick. For street and park skaters who want a versatile composite deck.
- **HybridCore V2 Apex (8.375")** — Maximum pop. Steeper tail, combined Radial + W concave, slightly wider platform. For technical street skaters and park skaters who rely on aggressive pop.
- **HybridCore V2 Flow (7.25" × 27.5")** — Freestyle format. Flat-to-mellow concave, shallow kick angles (~13–15° tail, ~11–13° nose), ~13" wheelbase. For freestyle skaters, manual lines, and flat ground technical skating.

**What is the layup (construction) of the HybridCore V2?**  
All three V2 variants share the same 10-layer construction:

1. Carbon T300 ±45° (outer top) — torsional lock
2. Maple — structural
3. Carbon T300 0° — longitudinal stiffness
4. Maple — structural
5. Bamboo — rebound core, pop energy retention
6. Glass Fiber — aerospace-grade bonding layer
7. Maple — structural
8. Carbon T300 0° — longitudinal stiffness
9. Maple — structural
10. Carbon T300 ±45° (outer bottom) — torsional lock

Total thickness: 8.6mm — the professional standard.

**What materials are in the HybridCore V2?**  
Carbon Fiber T300, Canadian Maple, Bamboo, Fiberglass (Glass Fiber). No unnecessary fillers. Every layer has a specific engineering function.

**What does Carbon T300 mean?**  
T300 is a designation for a specific grade of carbon fiber (Toray T300 standard). It is a high-strength, intermediate-modulus carbon fiber widely used in aerospace and sports equipment. In the V2, it forms the outer ±45° torsional shells and the inner 0° longitudinal stiffness layers.

**Why bamboo in the core?**  
Bamboo has a unique combination of natural stiffness and elasticity. In a composite layup, it acts as a rebound core — it stores impact energy and releases it as pop. Unlike maple, bamboo does not fatigue as quickly under repeated stress, which means the board's pop lasts longer.

**Why fiberglass?**  
The glass fiber bonding layer sits between the bamboo and the maple structural layers. It provides aerospace-grade adhesion between dissimilar materials (bamboo and maple bond differently than maple-to-maple), preventing delamination under impact and extending the deck's structural lifespan.

**How thick is the HybridCore V2?**  
8.6mm total. This is the professional standard for skateboard deck thickness, giving a familiar feel underfoot while housing the full 10-layer composite stack.

**How much does the HybridCore V2 weigh?**  
The composite construction is lighter than or comparable to a standard 7-ply maple deck at equivalent dimensions. Exact weight varies by variant.

**What concave does the HybridCore V2 Standard have?**  
Medium Radial concave. This is the most versatile concave profile — not too deep, not too flat — suitable for street, park, and transition skating.

**What concave does the HybridCore V2 Apex have?**  
Steep concave — a combined Radial + W profile. The W element channels your feet into position automatically, improving flip trick consistency and giving a locked-in feel for technical skating.

**What concave does the HybridCore V2 Flow have?**  
Flat to mellow concave. Essential for freestyle skating where deep concave interferes with rapid foot placement during flatground combinations.

**What is the price of the HybridCore V2?**  
- Standard 8.25": CHF 121.95  
- Apex 8.375": CHF 126.95  
- Flow 7.25": CHF 119.95  

Prices are in Swiss Francs (CHF). International orders are welcome — currency conversion applies at checkout.

**Is the HybridCore V2 more expensive than a normal deck? Why?**  
Yes. A standard 7-ply maple deck costs CHF 80–90. The HybridCore V2 costs CHF 120–127. The difference is material cost and manufacturing complexity: carbon fiber, bamboo, and fiberglass cost significantly more than maple, and a 10-layer composite press requires more precision than a standard 7-ply press. You are paying for a deck that performs differently and lasts longer — not for a graphic.

**Who should buy the HybridCore V2 Standard?**  
Street and park skaters who want an all-around composite deck. If you skate a mix of ledges, stairs, flatground, and transition, the Standard is the right choice. Width 8.25" suits most adult skaters.

**Who should buy the HybridCore V2 Apex?**  
Technical street skaters and park skaters who prioritize maximum pop and a locked-in concave feel. If you skate stair sets, gaps, and technical ledge combos and want the most aggressive feel in the V2 lineup, choose the Apex.

**Who should buy the HybridCore V2 Flow?**  
Freestyle skaters, skaters who focus on manual pads and flat ledges, and anyone who learned on a small deck and wants composite performance in a 7.25" format. Also suitable for younger skaters or those with smaller feet.

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### 2.2 Underdog Deck (Signature Maple)

**What is the Underdog Deck?**  
The Underdog is RLTH's signature maple deck — the entry point into the brand. Built on a Canadian maple construction engineered for responsive pop and durability. Available in the Blood Edition (red graphic), 8.25" and 8.5".

**How is the Underdog different from the HybridCore V2?**  
The Underdog is a premium Canadian maple deck — the best version of what maple can be. The HybridCore V2 is a composite deck that goes beyond what maple is capable of. If you want to try RLTH at a lower price point before committing to composite, start with the Underdog. If you want the full RLTH engineering experience, go straight to the V2.

**What sizes does the Underdog come in?**  
8.25" (CHF 62.95) and 8.5" (CHF 67.95).

**Who is the Underdog for?**  
Skaters who want a premium maple deck with RLTH branding and construction quality. Also for skaters who are curious about the brand but want to start at a lower price point.

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### 2.3 Rider / Signature Decks (Beta Squad)

**What are the Rider Signature Decks?**  
RLTH produces signature decks for Beta Squad riders — each with their own shape, specs, and graphic. Current riders with signature decks include Collega, Haydn, Davios, Roary, Otavio, Yaro, and Derek. Each rider's deck has unique dimensions tailored to their skating style.

**Are the rider decks composite or maple?**  
The rider signature decks are built on premium Canadian maple construction — the same quality base as the Underdog / Competition Series.

**What sizes are available for rider decks?**  
Most rider decks come in 8", 8.25", and 8.5". Some riders have specific sizes based on their preference — check individual product pages for exact options.

**What is the price range for rider decks?**  
CHF 67–84 depending on the rider and model.

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### 2.4 Gift Card

**Does RLTH offer gift cards?**  
Yes. RLTH Gift Cards are available in denominations of CHF 15, 30, 70, 125, and 200. They can be used on any product in the store and make an ideal gift for skaters.

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## 3. SIZING GUIDE

**What size skateboard deck should I buy?**  
Deck width is the most important measurement:

| Deck Width | Best For |
|---|---|
| 7.25" (Flow) | Freestyle skating, younger skaters, small feet |
| 7.75"–8.0" | Technical street skating, smaller build |
| 8.0"–8.25" | All-around skating, most common adult size |
| 8.25"–8.5" | Park, transition, larger build, manual skating |
| 8.5"+ | Vert, cruising, bigger feet, stability preference |

For most adult skaters, 8.0"–8.25" is the sweet spot. If you skate transition and prefer stability, go 8.25"–8.5". If you skate technical street and prefer a lighter, more flippable board, 8.0"–8.25" is better.

**I'm a beginner — which deck should I get?**  
Start with the Underdog 8.25" or a rider deck in 8.25". These give you a solid maple foundation to learn on without spending composite-deck money while you're still figuring out your preferred size and style. Once you know what you like, move to the HybridCore V2.

**I skate mostly street — which V2 should I get?**  
HybridCore V2 Standard (8.25") or Apex (8.375") depending on whether you prefer a versatile feel or maximum pop. If you're unsure, go Standard.

**I skate mostly park / transition — which V2 should I get?**  
HybridCore V2 Standard or Apex. The Apex's wider platform and steeper kick feel particularly good on transition.

**I do freestyle / flatground only — which V2 should I get?**  
HybridCore V2 Flow (7.25"). It was designed specifically for this.

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## 4. MATERIALS & ENGINEERING

**Why doesn't RLTH use 7-ply maple like everyone else?**  
Maple is the industry standard because it's cheap, widely available, and good enough. But it fatigues. Pop fades. Decks break. We use composite materials because they outperform maple in stiffness, pop retention, torsional control, and longevity. The HybridCore V2 is not different for the sake of being different — it's different because the engineering data supports it.

**What is torsional stiffness and why does it matter?**  
Torsional stiffness is a deck's resistance to twisting along its longitudinal axis. When you land a trick slightly off-center, a deck with low torsional stiffness twists under load — your wheels wobble, your landing feels unpredictable. The ±45° carbon outer layers in the HybridCore V2 create a torsional lock that keeps the deck tracking straight under off-axis loads. This means more consistent landings and more precise control.

**Does the HybridCore V2 feel different to ride than a maple deck?**  
Yes, noticeably. The pop is snappier and more consistent over time. The deck feels stiffer under your feet without feeling harsh — the bamboo core absorbs some vibration. The torsional lock means the board responds more precisely to foot input. Skaters who try it typically say it feels "alive" compared to maple.

**Will the composite construction affect how I apply griptape?**  
No. The top surface of the HybridCore V2 is a maple veneer layer — griptape adheres exactly as it would on any standard maple deck.

**Can I drill/cut the HybridCore V2 for mounting hardware?**  
Yes. Hardware is mounted at standard bolt positions — the composite layup does not affect truck mounting. Use standard hardware.

**Is the HybridCore V2 more durable than maple?**  
The carbon-composite construction is more resistant to stress fatigue than maple. Pop lasts longer. The deck is less likely to snap under standard skating conditions. However, like all decks, it can be damaged by extreme impacts (e.g., direct impacts on concrete from significant height). It is not indestructible — it is engineered to last significantly longer than maple under normal skating use.

**What is the origin of RLTH's materials?**  
The HybridCore V2 is engineered in Zürich, Switzerland and manufactured by our partner Hengrong Skateboard Team, a specialist composite manufacturer. Carbon T300 is an aerospace-grade carbon fiber. Bamboo is a naturally renewable material. Canadian maple is sourced to professional skateboard industry standards.

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## 5. ORDERING & SHIPPING

**Where does RLTH ship to?**  
RLTH ships internationally. The store operates in CHF (Swiss Francs) — international customers pay in their local currency via Shopify's exchange rate at checkout.

**How long does shipping take?**  
Shipping times vary by destination. Switzerland and Europe typically 4-14 business days. International orders 7–21 business days depending on destination and customs.

**Do you offer free shipping?**  
Check the store for current shipping promotions. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on destination and order weight.

**Can I return or exchange a deck?**  
Contact RLTH at reallifetruehearts@gmail.com for return and exchange inquiries. Unused decks in original condition are eligible for return within a reasonable timeframe.

**How do I contact RLTH?**  
Email: reallifetruehearts@gmail.com  
Website: reallifetruehearts.store  
Social media: @reallifetruehearts on instagram and tiktok

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## 6. BRAND VOICE & POSITIONING

**How does RLTH talk about its products?**  
Direct, technical, no bullshit. We don't use vague marketing language like "premium feel" or "designed for champions." We explain exactly what the materials do and why it matters for skating. We are honest about price differences and what you get for the extra cost.

**What is RLTH's brand positioning?**  
Engineering-first skateboard brand. Swiss precision, global skate culture. We sit between core skate brands (DNA, Baker, Real) and technical performance brands (Lib Tech, Never Summer) — but specifically for street and park skating, not snowboard crossover. We are the only brand in this exact position.

**What is RLTH's target audience?**  
Primary: skaters aged 16–30 who are technically interested in their equipment, skate regularly, and are open to paying more for something that performs better. Secondary: skate shops and distributors interested in a premium composite deck to add to their lineup. Tertiary: engineers, material scientists, and tech-curious people who skate.

**What should I say when someone asks why RLTH decks cost more?**  
"You're paying for material science, not marketing. The HybridCore V2 uses 10 layers of carbon fiber, bamboo, fiberglass, and maple — not 7 layers of maple. The carbon outer shell alone costs more than an entire maple deck to produce. The price reflects what's inside the board, not a logo on the bottom."

**What should I say when someone asks if composite decks actually skate better?**  
"Better is relative to what you value. If you want the cheapest deck that does the job, maple is fine. If you want pop that lasts longer, a torsional lock that makes your tricks more consistent, and a deck that doesn't snap in two months — composite is better. Most skaters who try the HybridCore V2 don't go back to maple."

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## 7. COMPARISON CONTENT

**HybridCore V2 vs. Standard 7-Ply Maple**

| Feature | HybridCore V2 | Standard 7-Ply Maple |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | 10-layer carbon composite | 7-ply pressed maple |
| Torsional stiffness | High (±45° carbon outer layers) | Low-medium |
| Pop retention | High (bamboo rebound core) | Fades with use |
| Weight | Comparable or lighter | Standard |
| Durability | Higher — carbon resists stress fatigue | Lower — maple fatigues |
| Price | CHF 120–127 | CHF 50–90 |
| Griptape adhesion | Normal (maple top layer) | Normal |
| Truck mounting | Standard hardware | Standard hardware |
| Feel underfoot | Stiffer, more responsive | Variable by brand |
| Origin | Engineered in Zürich, Switzerland | Varies |

**HybridCore V2 vs. DBX / Dual-Layer Carbon Constructions**

The HybridCore V2 differs from dual-layer carbon constructions (where carbon is added as a single layer beneath the top veneer) in that it uses carbon on both the top AND bottom outer shells in a ±45° orientation specifically for torsional control — not just bending stiffness. Additionally, the bamboo rebound core and fiberglass bonding layer are features not present in standard DBX-style builds. The V2 is a full engineered composite, not a maple deck with a carbon veneer added.

**HybridCore V2 Standard vs. Apex vs. Flow**

| | Standard 8.25" | Apex 8.375" | Flow 7.25" |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 8.25" | 8.375" | 7.25" |
| Length | Standard | Standard | 27.5" |
| Concave | Medium Radial | Steep Radial + W | Flat to mellow |
| Kick | Standard | Aggressive / steep | Shallow |
| Best for | All-around | Technical street / park | Freestyle / flatground |
| Price | CHF 121.95 | CHF 126.95 | CHF 119.95 |
| Layup | Identical | Identical | Identical |

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## 8. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (QUICK REFERENCE)

**Q: Is RLTH a real skate brand or just a drop-ship store?**  
A: RLTH is a real skate brand founded in Zürich, Switzerland. We design our own products, work directly with our manufacturer, run a global rider team (Beta Squad), and are actively building B2B distribution in Europe and the USA. We are not a drop-ship or print-on-demand store.

**Q: Can skate shops stock RLTH products?**  
A: Yes. RLTH has a B2B trade program for skate shops and distributors. Contact us at reallifetruehearts@gmail.com with your shop details.

**Q: Do you have any reviews or rider feedback?**  
A: Yes. RLTH has 100+ reviews from riders across multiple countries. Beta Squad riders provide ongoing feedback that directly influences product development. Review page linked on the website.

**Q: What if I'm not sure which deck to get?**  
A: Email reallifetruehearts@gmail.com or DM us on social media. Tell us your height, shoe size, what you skate (street/park/freestyle), and your experience level — we'll tell you exactly which deck to get.

**Q: Is the HybridCore V2 available in more sizes?**  
A: Currently the V2 lineup covers 7.25" (Flow), 8.25" (Standard), and 8.375" (Apex). More sizes and variants are in development. Sign up to the mailing list or follow on social media for announcements.

**Q: What trucks and wheels work with RLTH decks?**  
A: All standard skateboard hardware fits RLTH decks. For the Standard and Apex (8.25"–8.375"), we recommend 8.25"–8.5" trucks. For the Flow (7.25"), standard 7.25"–7.5" trucks. Any standard 52mm–56mm wheels work for street/park. Freestyle skaters on the Flow typically prefer 50mm–54mm wheels.

**Q: Is RLTH on social media?**  
A: Yes. Links are on the website at reallifetruehearts.store.

**Q: How do I know if the HybridCore V2 is right for me?**  
A: If you skate at least 2–3 times per week, have been skating for at least 1–2 years, care about how your equipment performs, and have broken a maple deck before — the V2 is right for you. If you're just starting out, begin with the Underdog or a rider deck and upgrade to the V2 when you're skating consistently.