Got some new bushings and Krux inverted kingpins to try with some Stage VIII 146s (like 149s, but 3 less I guess?) I had lying around. Folks, it pleases me to report that they are in fact quite good. The infamously bad Stage VIII clearance is a non issue with the new kingpin, and I did the Ace thing and put a softer bottom bushing and a harder top bushing and it seems to knock down on a little on wobbles out of transitions and things like that. They turn and recenter very nicely, like Indies should, but honestly they're just like a Stage XI that cuts a little deeper and still wheelbites like mad. Pop feels exactly right, almost the same height as a forged hollow (53mm, pretty sure) and I think they shrink the wheelbase a tiny bit more than Stage XIs.
The best thing about them is how they grind. Stage XIs definitely are faster, but also feel harder than Aces, which feel soft but extremely smooth. The Stage VIIIs must have used a different formula for the hangers because they feel like ice. Just fast as hell, smooth, sound real loud on ledges when you lock in going fast. I might honestly keep them on one setup all the time because they're just so fun to ride and nothing else I've tried recently feels quite like them.