Expand Quote
Expand Quote
Expand Quote
Expand Quote
I’m currently skating an AH Grant Taylor 8.75 14.62WB (same as the white Classic Eagle). Although I like the full and long nose and tail, I’m considering sizing down a bit to make my board a bit more manageable for flip tricks. I see most AH 8.5 decks have a 14.25WB which I would probably find too cramped, so I’m looking at an 8.38 with 14.5WB that our local shop has in stock (the Daan van der Linde pigeon vision, same shape as the green classic eagle). It does have a bit shorter and pointier nose and tail though.
Has anyone skated both and noticed any noteworthy differences? I’m currently skating the 8.75 with Indy Titanium 159s, which I’m planning on using on the 8.38 as well.
strength.
I usually also measure the “effective tail” of decks (bottom of deck, edge of baseplate to end of tail, using a tailor’s tape). Others on here will disagree with this statement, but every 8.38 I’ve had has measured a slightly shorter tail than 8.25/14.38 I normally ride. Same on top of deck, too. We are talking like tiny amounts, 1/16th of an inch here. Again, others will disagree with this statement, but I find the 8.38 tail to be fractionally shorter. Combine that with its shape, and I just hate the short feel of the 8.38 (tail).
I might have to give that 8.75/14.38 Polar a look sometime. Love me some 14.38. But, def take a hard look at that 8.75/14.5 Label. It’s a great 8.75 deck.
As much as I have been on the 8.38 shape for a while now, after skating the 8.75 and a few others recently, I really do notice the tail on the 8.38 feeling a bit small now, especially considering the differences as noted to the tails on some of the other boards.
I almost got one of the Black Label 8.75 just to see, but decided it wasn't worth it (paying full retail is something I just can't justify, especially without actually seeing the board) but I have had a few of those Polar 8.75 boards and they do skate well for a wide board that doesn't have a longer wheelbase. The shape is a fair bit different, so I would say see it in person before getting one - might just be my eye, but it was weird to look at, but skated fine.
Still have too many of the DLX 8.38 and 8.75 boards ready to go at any rate, so no need to get other different boards at this point, but I also have a lot of the BBS 8.5 standard shape, which is my current go to for a couple of regular sessions - just a more comfortable tail and not quite as big as the 8.75 for casual skatepark sessions.