Gear madness support thread

[JM]

Very exciting.

[Sedition]

Well pals, getting them ready for spray paint. (I wasn’t able to find a gun psycho… oh well next time)

Mine are painted, too.

[LebowskisRug]

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

Okay. This feels like really dumb kind of madness, but I guess this is what this support group is for.

I.

HATE. This shiny metal baseplate on my brand new hollow trucks. I want my black baseplate back from my frankenIndy….

But if I put the black baseplate back, I lose that weight reduction of the hollow kingpin.

And if I go back to standard kingpin, I’ll never be able to switch ollie a picnic table.

[close]

Spray Paint.

[close]

Expand Quote

a local powdercoat shop can also powder the baseplates or if you find a gun weirdo that has Cerakote that would work as well.

[close]

I like these very much. Thank you

I will search out a gun weirdo on Craigslist. (Or go get some matte textured spray paint… whichever comes first)

I specifically mentioned weirdo because the only people that actually cerakote guns are the ones that want to paint their firearms so they're pretend armed forces. Super common among the AR-15 crowd. But, it's a very durable coating that sticks to tons of surfaces.

[JM]

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

Okay. This feels like really dumb kind of madness, but I guess this is what this support group is for.

I.

HATE. This shiny metal baseplate on my brand new hollow trucks. I want my black baseplate back from my frankenIndy….

But if I put the black baseplate back, I lose that weight reduction of the hollow kingpin.

And if I go back to standard kingpin, I’ll never be able to switch ollie a picnic table.

[close]

Spray Paint.

[close]

Expand Quote

a local powdercoat shop can also powder the baseplates or if you find a gun weirdo that has Cerakote that would work as well.

[close]

I like these very much. Thank you

I will search out a gun weirdo on Craigslist. (Or go get some matte textured spray paint… whichever comes first)

[close]

I specifically mentioned weirdo because the only people that actually cerakote guns are the ones that want to paint their firearms so they're pretend armed forces. Super common among the AR-15 crowd. But, it's a very durable coating that sticks to tons of surfaces.

I gotchu. No worries.

Though now I’m getting several hundred emails an hour. I must have mispelled ceratoke or something in the Craigslist community post, because they’re all really excited to meet me.

All I said is that I wanted a good time finding someone who loved guns and could share their ceratoke with me.

Wait… oh no…. I definitely mispelled ceratoke on the post :C

[JM]

Not bad

I saw a hot pink matte at the store and almost got it. Next time…. Or spray over this black when I’m bored of it.  Or white matte with this white board.

[munchbox]

Not bad

I saw a hot pink matte at the store and almost got it. Next time…. Or spray over this black when I’m bored of it.  Or white matte with this white board.

about to do the same to my red baseplates
black to red fade is like a childhood dream

[mstuntbless]

Stepped on my buddies 8.5 antihero truefit today and I’m not sure how to interpret it. My ollie felt the best it ever has…I could bone it out and pop super high. But it felt so damn short and unstable

[JM]

about to do the same to my red baseplates
black to red fade is like a childhood dream

You could totally get it to do red to black fade with spray painting only from one side 

Post pics when you do

[munchbox]

Expand Quote

about to do the same to my red baseplates
black to red fade is like a childhood dream

[close]

You could totally get it to do red to black fade with spray painting only from one side 

Post pics when you do

had already started before i saw this post
but will definitely save that for my next set of trucks
still have two cans of spray paint left, matte and gloss

not nearly as interesting but this is the end result:

[JM]

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

about to do the same to my red baseplates
black to red fade is like a childhood dream

[close]

You could totally get it to do red to black fade with spray painting only from one side 

Post pics when you do

[close]

had already started before i saw this post
but will definitely save that for my next set of trucks
still have two cans of spray paint left, matte and gloss

not nearly as interesting but this is the end result:

Noice. Is that matte or gloss? Looks gloss.

I got the bug now…. Maybe go back and get the white matte spray now.

[munchbox]

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

about to do the same to my red baseplates
black to red fade is like a childhood dream

[close]

You could totally get it to do red to black fade with spray painting only from one side 

Post pics when you do

[close]

had already started before i saw this post
but will definitely save that for my next set of trucks
still have two cans of spray paint left, matte and gloss

not nearly as interesting but this is the end result:

[close]

Noice. Is that matte or gloss? Looks gloss.

I got the bug now…. Maybe go back and get the white matte spray now.

behr premium black gloss spray paint and primer
know had all the options in the world
but red and black are my favorite colors

pretty much completes my setup
all i need now are white or red bushings

[JM]

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

about to do the same to my red baseplates
black to red fade is like a childhood dream

[close]

You could totally get it to do red to black fade with spray painting only from one side 

Post pics when you do

[close]

had already started before i saw this post
but will definitely save that for my next set of trucks
still have two cans of spray paint left, matte and gloss

not nearly as interesting but this is the end result:

[close]

Noice. Is that matte or gloss? Looks gloss.

I got the bug now…. Maybe go back and get the white matte spray now.

[close]

behr premium black gloss spray paint and primer
know had all the options in the world
but red and black are my favorite colors

pretty much completes my setup
all i need now are white or red bushings

Clear Red Venture bushings??? 

[munchbox]

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

about to do the same to my red baseplates
black to red fade is like a childhood dream

[close]

You could totally get it to do red to black fade with spray painting only from one side 

Post pics when you do

[close]

had already started before i saw this post
but will definitely save that for my next set of trucks
still have two cans of spray paint left, matte and gloss

not nearly as interesting but this is the end result:

[close]

Noice. Is that matte or gloss? Looks gloss.

I got the bug now…. Maybe go back and get the white matte spray now.

[close]

behr premium black gloss spray paint and primer
know had all the options in the world
but red and black are my favorite colors

pretty much completes my setup
all i need now are white or red bushings

[close]

Clear Red Venture bushings??? 

was thinking mini logo red in 100a
or white doh dohs in 98a, whatever i can find locally
im heavy and have strong ankles. 90a is a no go for me

[JM]

I done got bored…

[LebowskisRug]

Stepped on my buddies 8.5 antihero truefit today and I’m not sure how to interpret it. My ollie felt the best it ever has…I could bone it out and pop super high. But it felt so damn short and unstable

I have the same experience on short boards when I'm moving at slow to moderate speeds but it vanishes when I skate as normal. It's like it's super easy to get up, but so light and nimble it's hard to not overdo things.

[OhioGuy]

Even though it's winter and my knees hurt, my skating is better than ever. Think it's mostly cause my setup hasn't changed since August. Gonna stick with it in 2024.

I didn't want to get attached to one shape out of fear it'd be discontinued. Don't think that's an issue with Crailtap. But in case, I'll stock up on G053s. It's not the "perfect" shape, but it's good enough. 

That might be the trick. Is to make a decision to stick with one shape.

[mstuntbless]

Expand Quote

Stepped on my buddies 8.5 antihero truefit today and I’m not sure how to interpret it. My ollie felt the best it ever has…I could bone it out and pop super high. But it felt so damn short and unstable

[close]

I have the same experience on short boards when I'm moving at slow to moderate speeds but it vanishes when I skate as normal. It's like it's super easy to get up, but so light and nimble it's hard to not overdo things.
 
Glad it’s not just me!! Some people can hop on boards with a drastic difference in wheelbase and can make it work. But I am not one of those skaters. 14.3-14.5 with some Indy’s and that seems to be good. Even 14.25 on Indy’s is pushing it in terms of the board feeling too short.

[Sedition]

Even though it's winter and my knees hurt, my skating is better than ever. Think it's mostly cause my setup hasn't changed since August. Gonna stick with it in 2024.

I didn't want to get attached to one shape out of fear it'd be discontinued. Don't think that's an issue with Crailtap. But in case, I'll stock up on G053s. It's not the "perfect" shape, but it's good enough. 

That might be the trick. Is to make a decision to stick with one shape.

To be a consistent skater, consistently use the same gear.

I'll make a bold statement: Anyone/everyone in this thread, who has gone deep enough into the Madness, actually knows exactly what their "Goldilocks" set-up is. The "madness problem" is that we like to tinker, we like the idea of possibility, we self-doubt, and some like retail therapy. Those are the Four Fans to the Furnaces of Madness Hell. YES, Smith grinds on my 8.75/159s feel better than on my 8.25/144s, but the 8.25 is unquestionably a better all-around set-up for me. Everyone has their own versions of that/this equation:

(TrickX on Set-UpX) > (TrickX on SetUpY)

So, the real question then becomes, are you actually trying to rid yourself of the Madness? If not, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Skateboarding is supposed to be something you enjoy. if you enjoy the Madness, more power to you. If, on the other hand, you are trying to rid yourself of it...take what you know (your Goldilocks), and your answer is above, "That might be the trick. Is to make a decision to stick with one shape (wheel/truck/etc.).

It's like AA. You have to make a conscious decision to not take a drink. With the Madness, you have to make a conscious decision to not try something new. To be a consistent skater, consistently use the same gear.

And I freely admit, easier said than done.

[Xen]

I'll make a bold statement: Anyone/everyone in this thread, who has gone deep enough into the Madness, actually knows exactly what their "Goldilocks" set-up is.

I literally have no idea what my goldielocks setup is...

[Sedition]

Expand Quote

I'll make a bold statement: Anyone/everyone in this thread, who has gone deep enough into the Madness, actually knows exactly what their "Goldilocks" set-up is.

[close]

I literally have no idea what my goldielocks setup is...

My deepest condolences.

[Ok]

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

I'll make a bold statement: Anyone/everyone in this thread, who has gone deep enough into the Madness, actually knows exactly what their "Goldilocks" set-up is.

[close]

I literally have no idea what my goldielocks setup is...

[close]

My deepest condolences.

as maybe the most mad….i have thought, at several
different times, that i knew what my goldilocks setup was.
i don’t know.
at this point i may have broken the route home.

[Xen]

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

I'll make a bold statement: Anyone/everyone in this thread, who has gone deep enough into the Madness, actually knows exactly what their "Goldilocks" set-up is.

[close]

I literally have no idea what my goldielocks setup is...

[close]

My deepest condolences.

It's ok to be wrong.

[JM]

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

I'll make a bold statement: Anyone/everyone in this thread, who has gone deep enough into the Madness, actually knows exactly what their "Goldilocks" set-up is.

[close]

I literally have no idea what my goldielocks setup is...

[close]

My deepest condolences.

[close]

It's ok to be wrong.

There is no “right”. There is no “wrong”.

There are only learning opportunities and the endless life search for perfection.

[DarkPools]

Expand Quote

I'll make a bold statement: Anyone/everyone in this thread, who has gone deep enough into the Madness, actually knows exactly what their "Goldilocks" set-up is.

[close]

I literally have no idea what my goldielocks setup is...

I'll wager that the further you head into madness, the more likely you don't actually know your goldilocks setup. If you did, why would you keep tinkering or buying new things to the point of no longer skating anything remotely close to what's ideal?

[moonordie]

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

I'll make a bold statement: Anyone/everyone in this thread, who has gone deep enough into the Madness, actually knows exactly what their "Goldilocks" set-up is.

[close]

I literally have no idea what my goldielocks setup is...

[close]

I'll wager that the further you head into madness, the more likely you don't actually know your goldilocks setup. If you did, why would you keep tinkering or buying new things to the point of no longer skating anything remotely close to what's ideal?

Because is fun.

[LebowskisRug]

There's a lot of reasons why someone might not remember their Goldilocks:

1. They don't actually spend a long period on any setup.
2. Think that this term implies 100% of tricks must feel optimal.
3. Are unrealistic about 2 being possible.
4. We all have bias in our memory recall. People are particularly bad at remembering details even from a few hours back. You might remember something being 100% great when in reality it was only 70%. You try it again and that 30% that isn't perfect seems new and horrible and you wonder how it was so great before and the madness ensues.
5. As you get better and expand your skills you might start having preferences for certain tricks that make certain configurations more or less optimal.

I'm fine with knowing my recent Goldilocks not being perfect. It's just the most well rounded thing I can grab for 90% of my skating and it doesn't actually hold me back. Things that take more effort are things I don't have on lock and likely benefit from focusing on more. Spending more time on it has only helped me actually figure out how to adapt and learn to compensate for things I wasn't immediately 100% at.

[mstuntbless]

I think a good lesson here, and something that has been said in this thread, is the notion that your Goldilocks might not mean that 100% of your tricks/feeling is there. However, is enough of what you need there to make it work? If you can tinker with a setup to get it like 80% “perfect” then you’re golden. From there…you can really learn or perfect what you’re missing through practice. Something that stirs my madness is the idea that “if I had x set up with y trucks, then my crooks/tre flips/whatever will be better.” While that may be true, if I switch my setup…then a handful of other tricks might be affected.

[Ant]

My Goldilocks was a Santa Cruz slick, some time in the mid 90s, Venture super lights and 54 or 56mm wheels. I actually tried to find out specs from that era to see why it might have felt better than any other setup I've had before or since but sadly drew a blank.

And a blank is what those trucks and wheels ended up on

[rocklobster]

There's a lot of reasons why someone might not remember their Goldilocks:

1. They don't actually spend a long period on any setup.
2. Think that this term implies 100% of tricks must feel optimal.
3. Are unrealistic about 2 being possible.
4. We all have bias in our memory recall. People are particularly bad at remembering details even from a few hours back. You might remember something being 100% great when in reality it was only 70%. You try it again and that 30% that isn't perfect seems new and horrible and you wonder how it was so great before and the madness ensues.
5. As you get better and expand your skills you might start having preferences for certain tricks that make certain configurations more or less optimal.

I'm fine with knowing my recent Goldilocks not being perfect. It's just the most well rounded thing I can grab for 90% of my skating and it doesn't actually hold me back. Things that take more effort are things I don't have on lock and likely benefit from focusing on more. Spending more time on it has only helped me actually figure out how to adapt and learn to compensate for things I wasn't immediately 100% at.

Well put, it was Golidlocks or you at that point in your life, 101s things can change in between, especially if your Goldilocks setup was from over 10 years ago and you've grown bigger in every aspect. Grown men skating a 7.5 / 7.75 is the exception, not the norm (all hail Wu-Welsh). Even from just a few years back your technique selection and muscles could have changed substantially especially as you reach your late 30s and 40s.

Fuck around a bit with your gear but don't let it consume your sessions. Adjusting to new gear every session is the killer of fun.

[Sedition]

I think a good lesson here, and something that has been said in this thread, is the notion that your Goldilocks might not mean that 100% of your tricks/feeling is there. However, is enough of what you need there to make it work? If you can tinker with a setup to get it like 80% “perfect” then you’re golden. From there…you can really learn or perfect what you’re missing through practice. Something that stirs my madness is the idea that “if I had x set up with y trucks, then my crooks/tre flips/whatever will be better.” While that may be true, if I switch my setup…then a handful of other tricks might be affected.

This is the reality. Goldilocks does not mean a set-up is perfect for all tricks, in all terrain. It means the set-up you are most comfortable with in the majority of situations.