How to get the Special Boarders

Metal Boarder

Win the expert mode with the Crystal boarder. Now on the character selection screen highlight Kensuke. Press C-Up, and then A (you should be on the sceen that shows character technique, speed, balance, power and jump). If you've done it correctly you will see Kensuke's picture replaced with the Metal boarder at the track selection screen.

Crystal Boarder

With any character clear the expert mode. Now on the character selection screen select Akari. Press C-Left and then A (you should be on the sceen that shows character technique, speed, balance, power and jump). If you've done it correctly you will see Akari's picture replaced with the Crystal Boarder at the track selection screen.

Panda Boarder

First, you need to beat the Extra Mode. Next, get rid of all EAD scores in the Trick, Time, and Contest Modes (come in first, second and third. It doesn't matter what initials you use -- but in the end, there should be no EAD records left). Now on the character selection screen highlight Rob. Press C-right and then A (you should be on the sceen that shows character technique, speed, balance, power and jump). If you've done it correctly you will see Rob's picture replaced with the Panda Boarder at the track selection screen.

Kensuke Kimachi

Kensuke is a good all around character. You should pick him if you are a beginner at 1080. He has good sharp steering and a good consistent speed. His top speed is 116 kph. He works the best with his default board.

Akari Hayami

Akari Hayami is an okay boarder but I wouldn't take her as my top pick. She doesn't have the fastest top speed which is 113 kph but she is great at stunts. This character could appeal to the female 1080 players. She has good turning. A good choice for the trick attack and half pipe.

Dion Blaster

Dion is the fastest normal character in the game. He has the highest normal top speed clocking in at 121 kph. His turning isn't that great so you will have to time the turns and really steer. He is a great character for time attack but leave him at the lodge for the trick attacks and half pipes. Use this guy when trying to beat the game or use Kensuke to beat the game.

Ricky Winterborn

Ricky Winterborn is the best person at stunts in the game. He has the perfect combination of turning, technique, and jump to make him a star at the trick attack and halfpipes. Don't take this guy out to go for times though, his top speed is only 111 kph. Ricky is your man for moves.

Rob Haywood

Rob Haywood is a good character to use in 1080. He has faster than average speed and good turning. He isn't anything out of the ordinary in the tricks modes but use him once you need faster speed than what you can get with Kensuke. A good choice.

Best Boarders

The best boarders (aside from the special Metal, Gold and Panda ones) are as follows:

Fastest Boarder: Dion Blaster with his default board.

Best Freestyle Boarder: This was a tough one, but Ricky Winterborn was voted the best. Even though Akari pulled out the better tricks, Ricky got more air, more points, and better landings. He is best with his default board.

Best All-Around: This one is either Akari Hyami, or Kensuke Kimachi. They're both great boarder. Kensuke can pull a little faster, but Akari can pull out the better tricks. It was a tie.

Best Learner: If you are just starting to race in the Match Races, it is good to start out with Rob Haywood. He's the second fastest boarder, but he is easier to control on the jumps and in the turns than Dion Blaster.

NOTE: It is best to use boarders with their default boards because it gives you an idea of what they're good at. For example, since Ricky Winterborn has a short board, he's a trickster, and since Dion Blaster has a long board, he is a racer.