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Skateboarding => Shoes & Gear => Topic started by: abgrooms on December 21, 2020, 12:30:54 PM
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I have a series of questions related to the 8.5" - 9.2" Football / egg shape era right before they became a true popsicle and dropped in width below 8.0". How are skaters experiencing that setup today? To a level more detailed than just... "get small wheels and an oval board".
I've always found those specific years interesting for a number of reasons. The shape, wheels, graphics, the type of skating. I want to get a close to possible to something authentic, short of sourcing vintage parts from eBay and hope it doesn't turn to dust.
What are skaters doing to recreate a set up from that era without having to utilize new old stock or vintage parts?
Decks:
Reissue decks seem to be easy to come by... but, are people actually skating the reissue decks? Or are they just wall art?
Trucks:
Truck geometry must have come a long way since then and no company is offering reissue trucks of past generations. I've tried to find some '92 Venture 6 bolt Feather lights. That seems to be a shot in the dark, especially if your looking for a specific size. How much different is the geometry (feel) of a modern set of trucks vs. 1992?
Wheels:
There is a good bit of modern options in 44, 42, 40, 38mm, but the stock comes and goes, and the shapes appear to be very limited when compared to the massive options they had back in the 90's. I've found a few collectors that hoard these wheels like gold, only for display.
1st setup: *update*
Primitive Franky Villani (football) 9.125", with some thunder 161's (9.1" axle) and 52mm Spitfire classics.
This as been an experimental setup. I've tried a few sets of wheels from 48, 50, 52. I even through on some rails and its now living life as my slappy board. I'll post pictures if anyone requests.
2nd setup: POST #23 (new). Post #25 (first sessions) & #47 *update* (new wheels)
Heroin Soft Boiled Egg 8.7" after reading about it in some other threads, and its relative shape to the Villani, but smaller.
Paired it with some Venture Titanium 5.8 (8.5" axle) and 42mm Boardy Cakes wheels. (Now on 40mm SML. "Really Small wheels"
3rd setup: POST #48 (Getting somewhere now)
Real, 1992 James Kelch "Flyer" Slick, 2018 reissue. Venture V-Lights 5.8 (8.5 axle). SML. 40mm "Really Small Wheels"
Diamond Phillip, Bones Swiss, Mob.
I've picked up a few other reissue decks, some to skate, and some for the wall. I'll post updates on those when they end up in the rotation.
Also, I'm constantly on a small wheel lookout. NOS, or new. 38mm - 48mm always searching for a set I haven't tried. Send me links.
I'm interested to read what others have to say. Hopefully get some advice and insight into what it is I'm trying to do.
Any 1991-1993 relevant gear, articles, stories, pictures, videos, ect... are welcome and appreciated.
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I’ll be watching this thread.
I skated before this era, quit, and then started again in ‘94, so missed I missed this. The boards looks too sick tho.
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So I set up a Kelch flyer reissue, on some 149 stage 7 Indy's that I got off ebay for a good price. I set it up with 44mm Boardycakes reissue wheels. It's not my daily rider, but it's fun for flatground and curbs near me.
The stage 7's (which came out in 1993 and are basically the same as the stage 6's from 1991, but with 6 hole baseplate) skate a little different than the Stage 11's that I have on another setup, they seem similar enough. The response is a little better on the 11's, maybe that's better modern bushings, but they have a similar feel overall. The look is different because of the hanger design. Theeve trucks are based off the early-mid 90's Indy geometry, and have a similar hanger design lines, so that might be an option for your "close to 1992 with modern parts" build? Can't comment on any Venture comparisons though.
Wheels-wise, I'd suggest checking out Boardycakes. They are a recent niche brand that makes a 38mm, 42mm, 44mm, 48.5mm, and 49mm wheel. I have their 44mm wheel and it's great. I like that they are wide compared to the 42mm or 40mm wheels made by other brands as novelties.
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I was very much part of this era and your second setup is pretty close. For me it was a critical time for progression of my fliptricks. I actually set up something similar a few months ago thinking I would love it, but I did not.
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So I set up a Kelch flyer reissue, on some 149 stage 7 Indy's that I got off ebay for a good price.
Is it common to skate the reissues? I might sound naive, but are the industries intentions to get people to appreciate the art and time? or are these being produced to skate?
There is a James Kelch - Twister deck available... It would feel crazy setting that up, that graphic is iconic.
I wish someone would issue blanks in heritage shapes.
The stage 7's (which came out in 1993 and are basically the same as the stage 6's from 1991, but with 6 hole baseplate)
I will have to look into this. Thank you!
Wheels-wise, I'd suggest checking out Boardycakes.
Last week, I was about to place an order for the 44mm and 42mm, but the 44's were sold out, so I'm putting that on hold.
I reached out to Sml. Wheels to see when they would re stock their 40mm wheels, they said January.
There is a German company called Penus skateboards that makes a 44mm and a 39mm, but that might take a while to get here with the pandemic and how its effected international shipping.
If OJ wheels could just do another run of the 42mm Toasted Tiny wheel.. I really missed the boat when all these wheels were available.
I find it hard to believe that if Spitfire made a 48mm classic in formula 4, that they would have a hard time selling.
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IMO the reissues are meant to be skated. Of course you can always save one if it has a special meaning to you or you want some wall art but other than that buy it and rip it. Hoard a few if you are afraid they wont ever make it again.
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I was very much part of this era and your second setup is pretty close. For me it was a critical time for progression of my fliptricks. I actually set up something similar a few months ago thinking I would love it, but I did not.
Totally and yes, recreating the same boards from NOS or even trying to skate existing complete boards from that era now feel so weird and strange to me, whereas new / current setups of modern parts set up to resemble those that we skated back then are much more comfortable.
Not sure if we just skated rubbish back then, but most likely the evolution of concave in particular and geometry of trucks are the two main factors in modern boards feeling so much better now, even in the egg or football shapes, which are definitely fun to ride.
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IMO the reissues are meant to be skated. Of course you can always save one if it has a special meaning to you or you want some wall art but other than that buy it and rip it. Hoard a few if you are afraid they wont ever make it again.
A fair percentage of these boards would be going straight into collections never to be set up, but they are the regular boards at regular prices, so a lot of people do skate them, many buy two straight away, one to skate and one to keep.
Everything is limited really, but the companies that put out the "limited edition, specially numbered to X total quantity" are often the more sought after ones for collecting, and prices reflect that in normal shops too.
There is definitely more of a market for shaped boards, especially the football and egg, so I don't see these being stopped any time soon, more likely becoming more available in more sizes too if the trend is really pushing forward as much as it appears to be.
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I was very much part of this era and your second setup is pretty close. For me it was a critical time for progression of my fliptricks. I actually set up something similar a few months ago thinking I would love it, but I did not.
Totally and yes, recreating the same boards from NOS or even trying to skate existing complete boards from that era now feel so weird and strange to me, whereas new / current setups of modern parts set up to resemble those that we skated back then are much more comfortable.
This is the kind information I'm looking for. It makes sense that a retro setup with today innovations could make a setup more functional and enjoyable.
Graphics aside... How true to shape are the reissue decks?
The 101 Koston I held did not seem flat, if anything the concave seemed modern, much like the Villani and Heroin egg. I could be mistaken.
Perhaps not all reissues are true to the original concave?
As for graphics, I do know that there are heat transfer and screen printed alternatives. I would imagine the screen printed boards must be true to shape. Maybe not?
Has the bearing or hardware technology changed at all?Ceramics balls, and allen heads aside.
What about grip tape?
*rabbithole.jpg*
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What about grip tape?
Flypaper was the sh*t. Googled it, turns out it still exists :o
https://flypapergrip.com/pages/history-of-the-fly (https://flypapergrip.com/pages/history-of-the-fly)
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Graphics aside... How true to shape are the reissue decks?
The 101 Koston I held did not seem flat, if anything the concave seemed modern, much like the Villani and Heroin egg. I could be mistaken.
Perhaps not all reissues are true to the original concave?
As for graphics, I do know that there are heat transfer and screen printed alternatives. I would imagine the screen printed boards must be true to shape. Maybe not?
Has the bearing or hardware technology changed at all?Ceramics balls, and allen heads aside.
What about grip tape?
I do recall some saying the boards are pressed on the same mold as the originals, one maybe even by the same guy that pressed them back in the day, but more often than not, they are modern concave pressed on the modern molds in the same way that all the current decks are, vs completely flat as they were back then.
I have had a few come through my hands, some were interesting, others were terrible, it would seem to me, for how they felt and skated, but again it is personal preference. How much do you recall from that time and what have you been skating since?
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This might be a bit much, so sorry for posting a heap, but these might be of interest:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhIgysaFyL9/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhIwlSvFIzn/
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I was very much part of this era and your second setup is pretty close. For me it was a critical time for progression of my fliptricks. I actually set up something similar a few months ago thinking I would love it, but I did not.
Totally and yes, recreating the same boards from NOS or even trying to skate existing complete boards from that era now feel so weird and strange to me, whereas new / current setups of modern parts set up to resemble those that we skated back then are much more comfortable.
Not sure if we just skated rubbish back then, but most likely the evolution of concave in particular and geometry of trucks are the two main factors in modern boards feeling so much better now, even in the egg or football shapes, which are definitely fun to ride.
Oh we definitely skated rubbish back then man, world indusrtries..blind..girl.. had to have them but they were complete crap. I had been on Ventures since that era until recently, and there is no doubt that even though they still don't turn they are a better feeling truck nowadays.
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The two eggs that I have had both had modern concave.
(Villani and girl g048)
I started in 94, so after the eggs, but decks were so mellow. I just got a mini logo that has a mellow mid 90s concave, and I am going to grab the next south central e concave that I see.
Also, when I started, everyone had the venture lows with the green bushings, have you considered low trucks to go with your egg?
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How much do you recall from that time and what have you been skating since?
Well thats just it. I was born in '88, didn't pick up skating until 1999 at 11 years old. Had great shop nearby with locals full of knowledge. First board was a World Industries Battle 2000.
Fast forward all the younger years... I never really paid attention to sizes, shapes, brands. Went to college, got an engineering degree, work in an office, but I still skate every day. I remember in school reflecting on skateboard technology and trying to understand why we skate - what we skate - I've had the setup madness ever since.
Today I bounce between a 8.25 and 8.125 deck on 8.25" trucks, wheels never larger than 52mm.
I've boxed myself into this setup space where I never branch out and experience anything new. This got me thinking... How I even got to this setup in the first place, personal preference aside.
I want to go back, learn a bit about the history that lead me to my first setup in 1999. I believe that trend started in the early 90's, the explosion of street skating and the shape change that defined the type of skating that carried over into the early 2000's. I figure no better way to learn then to build one and rip it, a proper one.
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Flypaper was the sh*t. Googled it, turns out it still exists :o
https://flypapergrip.com/pages/history-of-the-fly (https://flypapergrip.com/pages/history-of-the-fly)
Fly paper was my go to back in the day
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How much do you recall from that time and what have you been skating since?
Well thats just it. I was born in '88, didn't pick up skating until 1999 at 11 years old. Had great shop nearby with locals full of knowledge. First board was a World Industries Battle 2000.
Fast forward all the younger years... I never really paid attention to sizes, shapes, brands. Went to college, got an engineering degree, work in an office, but I still skate every day. I remember in school reflecting on skateboard technology and trying to understand why we skate - what we skate - I've had the setup madness ever since.
Today I bounce between a 8.25 and 8.125 deck on 8.25" trucks, wheels never larger than 52mm.
I've boxed myself into this setup space where I never branch out and experience anything new. This got me thinking... How I even got to this setup in the first place, personal preference aside.
I want to go back, learn a bit about the history that lead me to my first setup in 1999. I believe that trend started in the early 90's, the explosion of street skating and the shape change that defined the type of skating that carried over into the early 2000's. I figure no better way to learn then to build one and rip it, a proper one.
Sweet!
I have made a number of weird setups over the years with old product mainly just because I could, but I guess too it depends on how much you want to spend and how much time you have to look for things you want.
At least now that things are spreading out a bit more, to allow mainstream markets to get shaped boards, some brands are doing much smaller wheels, etc, it is really helping things along.
Bones swiss bearings have been around for a long time, but it has only been as an adult I bought some for myself.
Deck bolts have remained much the same, Shortys and others being one of the most visible companies well past that era, but that is what I use now, phillips only as allen heads changed and if you didn't have the right exact size allen key you were stuck.
Old worn down wheels make for really good go to for the small wheels era boards too.
There are so many things you can do to mix things up or make setups that still work for how you are used to skating too, eg same truck bushings as your other rides.
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Ben DeGros talks a bit about that stuff in these two videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnSYX7fYMe4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvZkzgOpOQ4
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Deck bolts have remained much the same,
Forgot about Bridgebolts, bro? ;D
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/fDEAAOSwl~BdfqeP/s-l500.jpg)
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Deck bolts have remained much the same,
Forgot about Bridgebolts, bro? ;D
I think by 1993 we were done with all those, but I actually have a set hanging up beside my old Firm deck, along with one old Indy hanger and a few other bits and pieces.
There is a pic of an older board they were on, maybe a Powell deck I had in 1990 or 1991, but when going to a board I was doing nose slides on, I think we were using much smaller deck bolts, cutting down a lot of the bigger heavier things, or maybe I just couldn't afford them, as there are no imprints from them on any of the other boards after that time.
They were an interesting addition, but one that got in the way more than anything.
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I went looking for bridgebolt history but found this article instead.
http://www.jenkemmag.com/home/2013/10/03/signs-you-were-an-early-90s-skater/
Worth a read, even just for a laugh.
This too:
http://www.jenkemmag.com/home/2014/01/02/signs-you-were-a-late-90s-skater/
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I went looking for bridgebolt history but found this article instead.
http://www.jenkemmag.com/home/2013/10/03/signs-you-were-an-early-90s-skater/
Worth a read, even just for a laugh.
This too:
http://www.jenkemmag.com/home/2014/01/02/signs-you-were-a-late-90s-skater/
Got a good laugh from those. I forgot about those bridge bolts. There was a brief period in the late 80's early 90's when it was cool to put your 2 front bolts upside down so the nuts were on top. It was thought your shoe would catch on the nuts and help boost ollies.
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I went looking for bridgebolt history but found this article instead.
http://www.jenkemmag.com/home/2013/10/03/signs-you-were-an-early-90s-skater/
Worth a read, even just for a laugh.
This too:
http://www.jenkemmag.com/home/2014/01/02/signs-you-were-a-late-90s-skater/
Got a good laugh from those. I forgot about those bridge bolts. There was a brief period in the late 80's early 90's when it was cool to put your 2 front bolts upside down so the nuts were on top. It was thought your shoe would catch on the nuts and help boost ollies.
Yep, the coolest guy we skated with did that and could ollie tennis court nets, so we all thought that was how it was done. Reason prevailed though and most of us never actually did it or left them like that for long though. On a two to three inch nose, it wasn't that weird looking, the way it would be on a longer nose board.
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8.75" Soft Boiled Egg, Heroin Skateboards (Razor top)
5.8 Venture Titanium Trucks (8.5" axle)
42mm Boardy Cakes OG Wheels (101a)
(https://i.ibb.co/0h2pLkt/20201230-193843.jpg) (https://ibb.co/0h2pLkt)
(https://i.ibb.co/gg9P5fX/20201230-190312.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gg9P5fX)
(https://i.ibb.co/YjsxPX7/20201230-185116.jpg) (https://ibb.co/YjsxPX7)
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I’ve tried this before, but didn’t stick with it due to how rough the ground in my local spots are
Quasi 9.0 football
Venture titanium 5.8
Sml 40mm 99a
Definitely fun here and there, but it’s hard to find football shapes and small wheels consistently which also makes me not want to get too used to the setup
(Also sorry not sure how to post pics)
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First two days on the egg is everything I could have wanted.
Honestly a real treat. Light and easily manageable. Learned some new things and didn't get stuck on any pebbles. Really don't notice the wheel size much, other then its a kind of a slow roller and round bars are sketchy, I stuck to the curbs.
The Boardy Cakes wheels wear down quick, I mean very quick. Already down a couple mm, and flat spots are easy to come by. They are at least priced, accordingly.
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Looking good!
I wonder how it would ride with some of your other bigger wheels, compared to those now 40s, eg your 50mm Spitfire classics.
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https://www.instagram.com/p/CJxzNO9FUt8/?igshid=10iduo1rz6trw
Check out all those dimensions; not a wheelbase over 14.25!!!
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Check out all those dimensions; not a wheelbase over 14.25!!!
Ha yes, I saw that too and thought that would be a good post for all the people who like wide boards with short wheelbases.
I never had any of those growing up and the one I stood on a few years ago just felt so weird to my modern concave tastes - completely flat almost.
The T Tommy G board was reissued a while back too but because of the shorter wheelbase, I didn't get it and got the flaming logo one instead (almost the Dane1 shape) but it had 14.38 wb or something. I still haven't set it up though.
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I'm probably in the minority on this but I love 14" wb
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I'm probably in the minority on this but I love 14" wb
No I think a lot more people are finding that a shorter wheelbase is easier to flip and move.
A couple of my friends who always just rode normal boards of the 8.25 to 8.75 blanks, which are 14.38 to 14.5 wb, but are running short of new wood (shipping delays and no fresh wood), so they drilled down some old boards just to see what they were like, going in from the tail to get a second life out of them. They loved them much more than the standard wheelbase that came on them.
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I actually had both those Real decks, the swap meet in san diego had a place that sold em cheap. I remember them being super flimsy and didnt last long. We didnt know they were Real decks...they werent marked besides the graphics and we were too dumb to realize who the pros were. I think they were slicks but I could be wrong.
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Perhaps the shorter wheel base of the early 90's had a lot to do with keeping those flat boards as stiff as possible.
Skateboards function in fractions... that relatively shorter wheel base on flat decks was probably necessary to keep some rigidity between the trucks.
As concave increased, so did board stiffness. Maybe the increased wheel base was a result of that?
With modern concave, longer wheel bases can be explored without compromise? I'm just spit balling...
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I actually had both those Real decks, the swap meet in san diego had a place that sold em cheap. I remember them being super flimsy and didnt last long. We didnt know they were Real decks...they werent marked besides the graphics and we were too dumb to realize who the pros were. I think they were slicks but I could be wrong.
Yes they were slicks in those four dress up graphics - you can scroll right (arrow in the middle) to see the other ones from that time too.
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I'm probably in the minority on this but I love 14" wb
no I love it too, I think I feel most comfortable in and around that size because I probably learnt the majority of my tricks on boards shaped like this.
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I’ve been watching the egg/football revival for a while now and just not really seeing the appeal...
Then I saw a friend post some clips from a little indoor flat bar/bank/box course he set up for Covid winter, and it clicked. I had visions of OG World Park footage and how much sense it makes to fling tiny wheels around in that kind of context. Still not sure how anyone rides this stuff out in the wild, but that’s just me. The curiosity is growing...
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I’ve been watching the egg/football revival for a while now and just not really seeing the appeal...
Then I saw a friend post some clips from a little indoor flat bar/bank/box course he set up for Covid winter, and it clicked. I had visions of OG World Park footage and how much sense it makes to fling tiny wheels around in that kind of context. Still not sure how anyone rides this stuff out in the wild, but that’s just me. The curiosity is growing...
I imagine that back leg twice the size of the front leg from pushing ten times as much to get from one end of a spot to the other, but even on normal setups, the smaller wheels make tech tricks so much easier than bigger wheels, and that is my worn down Spitfires to around 50mm compared to 56mm when new, so on 40mm or less, there is some serious pumping on ramp or lots of extra pushes on flat.
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A good part of my setup fuckery comes from needing to skate at least 54 mm wheels, do to rough terrain. Live in a crusty area. Bigger wheels means no more lo trucks, and then the board needs to be wider if the wheels are bigger, and then....I can’t flip this motherfucker and that’s all I have left soooooo. Yeah.
On topic, I skated before this era, and then started again in 93-94, but just missed the cool shaped boards. Everything was kinda small and boring. It’s cool to see companies and skaters bring this type of thing back.
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https://www.instagram.com/p/CJxzNO9FUt8/?igshid=10iduo1rz6trw
Check out all those dimensions; not a wheelbase over 14.25!!!
I really like this thread.. I remember that Real series anyway
2 things that Sluggo cone Board has a wb of 13.625 thats nuts..
The last board I assume that's a typo in the catalogue and n meant to say Salman Stripes in the description ?
If real reissued the Thiebaud bunny graphic I'd get in a heart beat :)
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Inspiration...
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/dc07af207bcd7e48bf3168d403c9fb80/tumblr_nv4rlgw2CO1tj07qxo1_1280.jpg)
8.75 x 32.25
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I wasn't skating during this era (started in 1996) but I've always had a fascination with these setups. While I'm not quite skating anything as drastic, lately I keep coming back to a 9" egg/football, 8.75" Trucks, and like 50mm wheels (have always skated 50s). I mostly skate curbs and flat and this sort of thing feels super functional and for whatever makes me take things a little less seriously. Can't get down with the sub-50 wheels though. Even in a 50/51mm, F4s feel nice and functional.
Also, re: the wheelbase thing...I was skating a Girl Couch shape and a similar Deathwish, both with 13.875 WB and it felt fine even though I am well over 6'. Both had a lot of flat on the nose, so they didn't feel short as far as overall surface goes. I also skate pretty slow, so IDK.
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I wasn't skating during this era (started in 1996) but I've always had a fascination with these setups. While I'm not quite skating anything as drastic, lately I keep coming back to a 9" egg/football, 8.75" Trucks, and like 50mm wheels (have always skated 50s). I mostly skate curbs and flat and this sort of thing feels super functional and for whatever makes me take things a little less seriously. Can't get down with the sub-50 wheels though. Even in a 50/51mm, F4s feel nice and functional.
Also, re: the wheelbase thing...I was skating a Girl Couch shape and a similar Deathwish, both with 13.875 WB and it felt fine even though I am well over 6'. Both had a lot of flat on the nose, so they didn't feel short as far as overall surface goes. I also skate pretty slow, so IDK.
Duuuuuuuude. You gotta try 42 mm wheels. You are almost there. 50 mm wheels were huuuge in 92’. You would have been laughed off the school yard. We were debating 38 mm vs 42 mm.
I’m telling you, if you find a nice slick 6 inch high curb there is nothing better than 42 mm wheels on an egg/football shape. It’s like jibbing in snowboarding. I used to spend hours doing noselide to crooked grind to nose slide. The wheels allow you to just shift into k-grind or 180 nose grind so easily. Also, blunts slide more easily due to less wheel contact.
It’s even more rad with airwalk ones and New Deal Big Deal Pants—both of which you can purchase today.
If I had a nice nose slide curb on a smooth ground I’d have a set of Boardy Cakes in the cart right now but I am still in search of that perfect curb.
It’s up to you but I think you know what the right thing to do is.
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I wasn't skating during this era (started in 1996) but I've always had a fascination with these setups. While I'm not quite skating anything as drastic, lately I keep coming back to a 9" egg/football, 8.75" Trucks, and like 50mm wheels (have always skated 50s). I mostly skate curbs and flat and this sort of thing feels super functional and for whatever makes me take things a little less seriously. Can't get down with the sub-50 wheels though. Even in a 50/51mm, F4s feel nice and functional.
Also, re: the wheelbase thing...I was skating a Girl Couch shape and a similar Deathwish, both with 13.875 WB and it felt fine even though I am well over 6'. Both had a lot of flat on the nose, so they didn't feel short as far as overall surface goes. I also skate pretty slow, so IDK.
Duuuuuuuude. You gotta try 42 mm wheels. You are almost there. 50 mm wheels were huuuge in 92’. You would have been laughed off the school yard. We were debating 38 mm vs 42 mm.
I’m telling you, if you find a nice slick 6 inch high curb there is nothing better than 42 mm wheels on an egg/football shape. It’s like jibbing in snowboarding. I used to spend hours doing noselide to crooked grind to nose slide. The wheels allow you to just shift into k-grind or 180 nose grind so easily. Also, blunts slide more easily due to less wheel contact.
It’s even more rad with airwalk ones and New Deal Big Deal Pants—both of which you can purchase today.
If I had a nice nose slide curb on a smooth ground I’d have a set of Boardy Cakes in the cart right now but I am still in search of that perfect curb.
It’s up to you but I think you know what the right thing to do is.
Nah, the ground here sucks. I'll skate some 50mm F4s worn down to 45 but I'm not going to go down that rabbit hole. I once ruptured my right triceps and had to have it grafted back after hitting a stop rock, so while I am down to tempt fate I am not trying to beg it to fuck me.
Tempting as that kind of curb dancing may be.
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I'm setting up an early 90s rig to relearn some flip tricks. (I learned all mine in BPSW era). I have a Creature 8.8 (14" WB) and Stage 8 146s ready to go. I could not decide on wheels but I vowed to myself in the mid 90s, I'd never go below 50mm ever again. In fact I still remember walking into Church of Skatan in Santa Barbara and finding some 55mms and leaping for joy. So I just ordered some 50mm Formula Four Lil Smokies.... not quite period correct but I look forward to some barely rolling parking lot sessions this Spring....
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I'm setting up an early 90s rig to relearn some flip tricks. (I learned all mine in BPSW era). I have a Creature 8.8 (14" WB) and Stage 8 146s ready to go. I could not decide on wheels but I vowed to myself in the mid 90s, I'd never go below 50mm ever again. In fact I still remember walking into Church of Skatan in Santa Barbara and finding some 55mms and leaping for joy. So I just ordered some 50mm Formula Four Lil Smokies.... not quite period correct but I look forward to some barely rolling parking lot sessions this Spring....
I’m in some dumb shit and looking for old stage indys rn. Stage 7-10. What’s the fave and why?
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I usually skate Thunder or Ace but if some Stage 7 or 8s come my way.... I'm down.
Pros: drilled with both hole patterns, still have the pre-stage 9 magic turn, cool sizes, can upgrade with Krux Downlow KP without all the epoxy mes, Metal grinds amazingly well. Long life.
Cons: heavy, potential axle slip.
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I usually skate Thunder or Ace but if some Stage 7 or 8s come my way.... I'm down.
Pros: drilled with both hole patterns, still have the pre-stage 9 magic turn, cool sizes, can upgrade with Krux Downlow KP without all the epoxy mes, Metal grinds amazingly well. Long life.
Cons: heavy, potential axle slip.
Short of spending way too much via eBay, I haven’t figured out a way to get any.
I remember the slip.
I didn’t hate 10s. Can’t remember 9s.
Alternatives would be, as in closest, possibly the mids?
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Got some more updates.
Still skating the soft boiled egg, absolutely in love with the setup.
I've ditched the OG boady cakes 42mm after a handfull of sessions. They were already down to 37mm and horribly flat spotted. They flat spot much to easy IMO, to be a wheel I can rely on.
I switch to a set of SML. 40mm "Really small wheels" They are much harder, and I havent flat spotted them yet, their urethane seems to be on point with what you'd expect.
I even put on some bronson ceramics to keep the modern feel going. All together with the titanium trucks and small wheels... the board is incredibly light, its the first thing anyone mentions when I hand it to them.
(https://i.ibb.co/m0dTNhF/Egg-SB.jpg) (https://ibb.co/m0dTNhF)
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I actually picked up a second set of SML. wheels to go with this new complete. A bit more retro than the soft boiled egg.
Real, James Kelch "Flyer" Slick. 8.7
Venture, V-Light 5.8 trucks (8.5" axle)
SML. wheels 40mm
Diamond Phillips Hardware
Bones Swiss Bearings
Mob Griptape
It's going to get skated, but not until the Soft Boiled egg is cooked.
I do love looking at it... era correct proportions, and something about that slick matte finish flyer graphic.
(https://i.ibb.co/Vg7h4R0/20210131-223027.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Vg7h4R0)
(https://i.ibb.co/sHx3NB0/20210131-203110.jpg) (https://ibb.co/sHx3NB0)
(https://i.ibb.co/860gQKQ/20210131-222200.jpg) (https://ibb.co/860gQKQ)
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blessed to be able to skate during the egg/football deck and small wheel era. the smallest wheels i've ever rode was 39mm wheels that glows in the dark back in 1992. it's great that more board companies are making the egg/football shape again. i hv bout 10 modern egg/football egg board on ice right now. currently riding the Quasi 9" Pool Skater deck.
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Blind put out that 8.1 x 31.6 Tim Gavin reissue. It’s a slick. I have not set it up yet, but I think I am going to put some 40-something mm wheels on it. It may be my wintertime basement session deck.
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How much do you recall from that time and what have you been skating since?
Today I bounce between a 8.25 and 8.125 deck on 8.25" trucks, wheels never larger than 52mm.
I've boxed myself into this setup space where I never branch out and experience anything new. This got me thinking... How I even got to this setup in the first place, personal preference aside.
Pretty much me.
I chalk it up to being ATV. I can skate anything (some things better than others). Ditches, bowls, rails, ramps, ledges, flat, parks curbs, gaps, stairs, etc. and an 8.25 with 8.25" trucks and 52 (or 53) can handle anything you throw at it (obviously bigger wheels would help with ramps and bowls). It's the biggest of the small boards and smallest of the big ones.
I branch out tho, try shit for the fun of it but always come back to the above.
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Wow, that Tommy Guerrero board on the left was my first real skateboard...(no phn intended)
Great to see this!!!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CJxzNO9FUt8/?igshid=10iduo1rz6trw
Check out all those dimensions; not a wheelbase over 14.25!!!
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Inspiration...
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/dc07af207bcd7e48bf3168d403c9fb80/tumblr_nv4rlgw2CO1tj07qxo1_1280.jpg)
8.75 x 32.25
I had that board back in the day - I loved that shape, and would buy that re-issue in a hot second if possible! Also had the Tommy Guerrero Elvis - Real board someone posted earlier in this thread - So rad to see these gems again. :)
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Ed made that era look good. I had that T-Shirt! never really understood what it meant and felt weird wearing it.
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Ed made that era look good. I had that T-Shirt! never really understood what it meant and felt weird wearing it.
His outfit and setup too sick. Funny to me that he always looked like someone’s dad, even when he was younger.
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It wasn’t easy being Ed for at least 5 years too…..
That’s a company that I wish ran more heritage stuff….so many good graphics….
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That’s for sure on the heritage stuff. The new stuff seems like it’s Ed’s AI generated. Free Ed.
Krooked had a bit of this but is a little better imo.
On the positive side, both have amazing artwork in their past
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Closest I've come to a 92-93 set up since those days but 50mm was the smallest wheel I could bring myself to buy.
(https://i.imgur.com/WcbNlw1.jpg)
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Last fall I set up this 8.75 Accidental Gun Death slick reissue with some SML 40mms and some Thunder 149s I had sitting around. (I didn't nerd out on the trucks or really anything. Just tried to get a period specific reissue on some small wheels.)
(https://i.imgur.com/3R7LRip.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/CSSQv8y.jpg)
I started skating in 94' so boards were kind of out of this phase already. The board had basically no concave which made it hard to do get used to but it was fun to skate. Wouldn't want to skate it as my regular board but I'll definitely have a few more sessions with it for fun.
Here's a little video I made of my session:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CUVun99pISZ/
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Last fall I set up this 8.75 Accidental Gun Death slick reissue with some SML 40mms and some Thunder 149s I had sitting around. (I didn't nerd out on the trucks or really anything. Just tried to get a period specific reissue on some small wheels.)
(https://i.imgur.com/3R7LRip.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/CSSQv8y.jpg)
I started skating in 94' so boards were kind of out of this phase already. The board had basically no concave which made it hard to do get used to but it was fun to skate. Wouldn't want to skate it as my regular board but I'll definitely have a few more sessions with it for fun.
Here's a little video I made of my session:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CUVun99pISZ/
That was so dope, real 90s vibes! If you want to get even more 90s wear bigger pants and try mobbing your flips. Otherwise 10/10. 8)
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IMO the reissues are meant to be skated. Of course you can always save one if it has a special meaning to you or you want some wall art but other than that buy it and rip it. Hoard a few if you are afraid they wont ever make it again.
i try to cop 2 for that reason if i really like the graphic, but i buy modern shapes only. ben degros made a video about these reissue setups and in his words there are no redeeming qualities in those setups, they skate worse than normal boards but then again he's pretty serious about progressing and shit and they're probably fun as fuck but harder to skate.
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IMO the reissues are meant to be skated. Of course you can always save one if it has a special meaning to you or you want some wall art but other than that buy it and rip it. Hoard a few if you are afraid they wont ever make it again.
i try to cop 2 for that reason if i really like the graphic, but i buy modern shapes only. ben degros made a video about these reissue setups and in his words there are no redeeming qualities in those setups, they skate worse than normal boards but then again he's pretty serious about progressing and shit and they're probably fun as fuck but harder to skate.
Skateboards are always made to be skated! Agree with them being fun but harder. Would say it's like the conclusion I came with shaped boards: some tricks are gonna feel a lot stronger on them, and some are gonna feel a lot weaker on them. When you go back to a standard popsicle, those weaker tricks feel that much better again.
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I got Jacob Rosenberg's EMB"Epicenter' book set for Xmas and now I really have the urge for another early 90s setup....
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Before I got heavily back into skating, I got a reissue Powell deck and as far as I can tell, it is the same shape and concave as original and built to be skated. But it’s before the time of longer noses so it’s not really great to really try anything on. Shortly after I got that, I fell deep back into the hole and have been getting regular modern setups and that reissue is basically a barely touched wall hanger.
But, I’ve been curious about riding a slightly more modern shaped setup like this thread is discussing. I don’t have to have period correct gear as long as it is similar and I can live with improvements. As for trucks, one of the reasons it might not have mattered as much for me back then is because I used to crank my trucks as tight as I could and I just bought the lightest trucks available. I remember never falling into the tiny wheel syndrome so I could deal with not having sub 50 mm wheels.
For decks, I really want a Black Label and those seem to fit the bill of early 90s shapes but maybe some modern updates. Either the Lucero X2 (non cross shape) or the Peace symbol one with variable wheelbase. Anyone have any feedback on those decks?
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Before I got heavily back into skating, I got a reissue Powell deck and as far as I can tell, it is the same shape and concave as original and built to be skated. But it’s before the time of longer noses so it’s not really great to really try anything on. Shortly after I got that, I fell deep back into the hole and have been getting regular modern setups and that reissue is basically a barely touched wall hanger.
But, I’ve been curious about riding a slightly more modern shaped setup like this thread is discussing. I don’t have to have period correct gear as long as it is similar and I can live with improvements. As for trucks, one of the reasons it might not have mattered as much for me back then is because I used to crank my trucks as tight as I could and I just bought the lightest trucks available. I remember never falling into the tiny wheel syndrome so I could deal with not having sub 50 mm wheels.
For decks, I really want a Black Label and those seem to fit the bill of early 90s shapes but maybe some modern updates. Either the Lucero X2 (non cross shape) or the Peace symbol one with variable wheelbase. Anyone have any feedback on those decks?
Black Label uses BBS wood, with modern concave and almost always with the good mold / press to shape ratios too, so it will feel a whole lot better than some of the other reissues which might be closer to what boards were back then, which I think feel very difficult to skate normally, compared to BL which has modern concave, so is the same as I skate on any other deck now.
That said, some people do prefer any number of other concaves and molds to BBS, so I know this is just an opinion, not the be all and end all of any woodshop or board brand, or deck manufacturer. I did have a number of Powell boards back in the day, but getting on one now, the reissues or the original vintage concave, they just don't feel at all nice under my feet, hence the info here so far.
As to the specific shapes, if you wanted a pre 90s football / egg shape, then yes any of those other ones should do well and I think the 9" big boards thread is a good one to check through for some of those shapes as well - almost everything being over 9" back then.
I think a lot of Black Label graphics can come out on any number of shapes too, so Lucero x2 I just saw was on an 8.88, a 9.5 and another one, so you might need to specify. The "peace logo" is the Van Man or Street Thing shape, 9.88 and yes a good one - I got a few of those a while back and there have been a few of those online here too, usually with a varied number of options in trucks and wheels, but maybe more commonly Indy 169s and 54 to 56 mm wheels, which worked well on one I had.
There are a couple of options for that shape on their site, the Lucero Cross and the Barcode Shredded which you can choose which deck shape you want it on, as the examples.
https://www.blacklabelskates.com/category/decks
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Before I got heavily back into skating, I got a reissue Powell deck and as far as I can tell, it is the same shape and concave as original and built to be skated. But it’s before the time of longer noses so it’s not really great to really try anything on. Shortly after I got that, I fell deep back into the hole and have been getting regular modern setups and that reissue is basically a barely touched wall hanger.
But, I’ve been curious about riding a slightly more modern shaped setup like this thread is discussing. I don’t have to have period correct gear as long as it is similar and I can live with improvements. As for trucks, one of the reasons it might not have mattered as much for me back then is because I used to crank my trucks as tight as I could and I just bought the lightest trucks available. I remember never falling into the tiny wheel syndrome so I could deal with not having sub 50 mm wheels.
For decks, I really want a Black Label and those seem to fit the bill of early 90s shapes but maybe some modern updates. Either the Lucero X2 (non cross shape) or the Peace symbol one with variable wheelbase. Anyone have any feedback on those decks?
Black Label uses BBS wood, with modern concave and almost always with the good mold / press to shape ratios too, so it will feel a whole lot better than some of the other reissues which might be closer to what boards were back then, which I think feel very difficult to skate normally, compared to BL which has modern concave, so is the same as I skate on any other deck now.
That said, some people do prefer any number of other concaves and molds to BBS, so I know this is just an opinion, not the be all and end all of any woodshop or board brand, or deck manufacturer. I did have a number of Powell boards back in the day, but getting on one now, the reissues or the original vintage concave, they just don't feel at all nice under my feet, hence the info here so far.
As to the specific shapes, if you wanted a pre 90s football / egg shape, then yes any of those other ones should do well and I think the 9" big boards thread is a good one to check through for some of those shapes as well - almost everything being over 9" back then.
I think a lot of Black Label graphics can come out on any number of shapes too, so Lucero x2 I just saw was on an 8.88, a 9.5 and another one, so you might need to specify. The "peace logo" is the Van Man or Street Thing shape, 9.88 and yes a good one - I got a few of those a while back and there have been a few of those online here too, usually with a varied number of options in trucks and wheels, but maybe more commonly Indy 169s and 54 to 56 mm wheels, which worked well on one I had.
There are a couple of options for that shape on their site, the Lucero Cross and the Barcode Shredded which you can choose which deck shape you want it on, as the examples.
https://www.blacklabelskates.com/category/decks
Thanks! I wasn’t sure if Black Label shaped decks were also BBS. I actually already own a X1 and X2 from an earlier release wave and those don't have typical BBS indicators. I’m ok with BBS and either way want to try their wood since I thought I had one earlier in a DGK regular popsicles deck but now realize it was likely one of their Chinese made decks (still really good). At some point, I’ll likely pick another Black Label shaped deck up to setup and ride.
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Thanks! I wasn’t sure if Black Label shaped decks were also BBS. I actually already own a X1 and X2 from an earlier release wave and those don't have typical BBS indicators. I’m ok with BBS and either way want to try their wood since I thought I had one earlier in a DGK regular popsicles deck but now realize it was likely one of their Chinese made decks (still really good). At some point, I’ll likely pick another Black Label shaped deck up to setup and ride.
Black Label for a long time were on PS Stix and back in the day when I skated them, they were the best decks out there, no doubt about it, but I think that was around 2000 to 2002 or so anyway. Shapes changed and I wanted a longer tail so I changed things up and have skated DLX boards ever since, even though I have a good number of other brands and decks in the shop too.
I do recall there was a time when things might have been a bit weird for Black Label (John Lucero took it back to bare bones in his garage) and could have easily been on other wood until things settled down and were on BBS and have been solid ever since.
Anyway, there are some good boards, nice shapes and all that in the Label catalogs now, so well worth checking out.
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Thanks! I wasn’t sure if Black Label shaped decks were also BBS. I actually already own a X1 and X2 from an earlier release wave and those don't have typical BBS indicators. I’m ok with BBS and either way want to try their wood since I thought I had one earlier in a DGK regular popsicles deck but now realize it was likely one of their Chinese made decks (still really good). At some point, I’ll likely pick another Black Label shaped deck up to setup and ride.
Black Label for a long time were on PS Stix and back in the day when I skated them, they were the best decks out there, no doubt about it, but I think that was around 2000 to 2002 or so anyway. Shapes changed and I wanted a longer tail so I changed things up and have skated DLX boards ever since, even though I have a good number of other brands and decks in the shop too.
I do recall there was a time when things might have been a bit weird for Black Label (John Lucero took it back to bare bones in his garage) and could have easily been on other wood until things settled down and were on BBS and have been solid ever since.
Anyway, there are some good boards, nice shapes and all that in the Label catalogs now, so well worth checking out.
Not sure how old mine are but I don’t think they are more than a few years. I think they might be from the last batch of the X1 and X2 released before the current ones available now. They are full dipped with a BL sticker I the top truck area. So the current shaped BL decks have the typical BBS made in Mexico and I-IV stamp?
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Thanks! I wasn’t sure if Black Label shaped decks were also BBS. I actually already own a X1 and X2 from an earlier release wave and those don't have typical BBS indicators. I’m ok with BBS and either way want to try their wood since I thought I had one earlier in a DGK regular popsicles deck but now realize it was likely one of their Chinese made decks (still really good). At some point, I’ll likely pick another Black Label shaped deck up to setup and ride.
Black Label for a long time were on PS Stix and back in the day when I skated them, they were the best decks out there, no doubt about it, but I think that was around 2000 to 2002 or so anyway. Shapes changed and I wanted a longer tail so I changed things up and have skated DLX boards ever since, even though I have a good number of other brands and decks in the shop too.
I do recall there was a time when things might have been a bit weird for Black Label (John Lucero took it back to bare bones in his garage) and could have easily been on other wood until things settled down and were on BBS and have been solid ever since.
Anyway, there are some good boards, nice shapes and all that in the Label catalogs now, so well worth checking out.
DLX is the only BBS pressed decks that have the I-IV stamps.
I've had a lot of LBL decks. I currently have one of the "Street Thing" shaped decks set-up as my cruiser-type deck. It's more of a "modern shaped" deck than something specifically "period correct" from the past, but it def has heavy old-school vibes, too.
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Thanks! I wasn’t sure if Black Label shaped decks were also BBS. I actually already own a X1 and X2 from an earlier release wave and those don't have typical BBS indicators. I’m ok with BBS and either way want to try their wood since I thought I had one earlier in a DGK regular popsicles deck but now realize it was likely one of their Chinese made decks (still really good). At some point, I’ll likely pick another Black Label shaped deck up to setup and ride.
Black Label for a long time were on PS Stix and back in the day when I skated them, they were the best decks out there, no doubt about it, but I think that was around 2000 to 2002 or so anyway. Shapes changed and I wanted a longer tail so I changed things up and have skated DLX boards ever since, even though I have a good number of other brands and decks in the shop too.
I do recall there was a time when things might have been a bit weird for Black Label (John Lucero took it back to bare bones in his garage) and could have easily been on other wood until things settled down and were on BBS and have been solid ever since.
Anyway, there are some good boards, nice shapes and all that in the Label catalogs now, so well worth checking out.
DLX is the only BBS pressed decks that have the I-IV stamps.
I've had a lot of LBL decks. I currently have one of the "Street Thing" shaped decks set-up as my cruiser-type deck. It's more of a "modern shaped" deck than something specifically "period correct" from the past, but it def has heavy old-school vibes, too.
I think this may be the first I heard or maybe registered the stamp thing being DLX only. I feel like I just saw a stamped GX1000 deck in a shop the other day but I looked at several decks including DLX ones so I might have confused them.
As for Black Label, some of them definitely look inspired by the original shapes, like the Street Thing and the Cross shapes but you can also tell the concave and nose are clearly modernized. To me, that’s what a lot of those early 90s decks seemed like, a hybrid of old shaped decks and popsicles.
After thinking about it, I can’t remember ever owning an early 90s deck that wasn’t already a popsicle even though I skated from the 80s to early 2000s. From my memory, I went straight from old school shaped decks to popsicles so that might be why I have less nostalgia for getting an exact period accurate version but I’ve always wanted to try something wider and shaped with a nose and more concave.
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What I do find interesting about this period is in 1990 things were all fairly uniform, in that boards definitely did have nose kicks and decent sized noses, but (almost) all of them still had fairly wide squared off tails from all the catalogs I had looked over.
Then within a short timeframe, so many boards were coming out with rounded off ends, then increasingly smaller tails and increasingly larger noses, but some companies maybe took a lot longer to come to terms with the new shapes, so there were still a lot of old squared off tails mixed in with a lot of the newer tech egg / football shapes too.
Even around skateparks I think there were the cool fresh kids with all the new 90s gear, but a lot of the others, not specifically older crew, who still had those 80s shapes and 80s styles too, so it was the weirdest mix for the next while, seeing such diversity in skateboarding.
By maybe 1994 I think things had really settled down for the most part, but those few in between years were pretty out there - some saying they were the best years in skateboarding, others saying they were the worst, but any which way, it is fun to set up boards from that (or any other era) and see how they skate or what they can do.
This thread has a few catalogs, which were interesting to see, but I know there is a whole lot more out there too.
https://www.slapmagazine.com/index.php?topic=120195.0;topicseen
This catalog had so many well known boards in it too:
https://archive.org/details/ccs-1991-winter/mode/2up
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Man, I never even really skated a skatepark until the 2020s when I got back into skating. Never even seen/rode at all in a skatepark until around 2000s. Back in the 80s throughout the 90s is was 100% street skating with a bit of homemade quarterpipes and launch ramps mixed in. Transition for the most part, was a foreign thing to me.
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Back in those days, i can only get 2 decks to last the whole year..depending on my school grades.. 1994 i was still riding the Vallely New Deal Alien deck and Channel One football shape deck. Only started to ride toothpick 7.5 decks starting from 1995.
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What I do find interesting about this period is in 1990 things were all fairly uniform, in that boards definitely did have nose kicks and decent sized noses, but (almost) all of them still had fairly wide squared off tails from all the catalogs I had looked over.
Then within a short timeframe, so many boards were coming out with rounded off ends, then increasingly smaller tails and increasingly larger noses, but some companies maybe took a lot longer to come to terms with the new shapes, so there were still a lot of old squared off tails mixed in with a lot of the newer tech egg / football shapes too.
Even around skateparks I think there were the cool fresh kids with all the new 90s gear, but a lot of the others, not specifically older crew, who still had those 80s shapes and 80s styles too, so it was the weirdest mix for the next while, seeing such diversity in skateboarding.
By maybe 1994 I think things had really settled down for the most part, but those few in between years were pretty out there - some saying they were the best years in skateboarding, others saying they were the worst, but any which way, it is fun to set up boards from that (or any other era) and see how they skate or what they can do.
This thread has a few catalogs, which were interesting to see, but I know there is a whole lot more out there too.
https://www.slapmagazine.com/index.php?topic=120195.0;topicseen
This catalog had so many well known boards in it too:
https://archive.org/details/ccs-1991-winter/mode/2up
Seems like 91 was the big shape shift. Had a Templeton that was the standard long skinny nose/fat starting at the front truck/taper w slight flare on the tail(foot shape) then a coupling months later had the JBL Blender although I think they were still hovering around 9” then.
(https://i.postimg.cc/k5QSXf0L/IMG-6336.png) (https://postimg.cc/bGvrmHNR)
Both those are 91 shapes.
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Seems like 91 was the big shape shift. Had a Templeton that was the standard long skinny nose/fat starting at the front truck/taper w slight flare on the tail(foot shape) then a coupling months later had the JBL Blender although I think they were still hovering around 9” then.
(https://i.postimg.cc/k5QSXf0L/IMG-6336.png) (https://postimg.cc/bGvrmHNR)
Both those are 91 shapes.
Yeah it is fascinating seeing all those boards, some brands concurrently running a square tail, a tapered tail, or a mixed shape combining both elements, all definitely still up in the 9+ for a while though, as per a few I have seen over the years.
Even my deck from 1992-3 The Firm was 9 x 32 and so very flat with the old school hole pattern, which probably had Indy Stage 5 trucks and some worn down to nothing wheels on it, from video I dug up recently, although I was still skating in a Powell Hawk medallion shirt from 1990 too and what looked like Airwalk Disasters (not cut down yet).
I think that is also why I like the modern concave equivalent type boards, because they feel like boards I am used to now, but they are in all the various shapes, from complete square tails, some tapered or other shape options and some even in the almost single kick shapes, which are way more fun to actually ride than the exact boards from back in the day.
* This just came up from an internet search, which was such a good board (although different graphic):
https://www.instagram.com/p/DD2SzGOPyPs/?img_index=1
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88 to 93 was such a great time to be a young skateboarder. Loved all the changing board/ wheel sizes and trick development.
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by 93/94 7.5" pop sickles were the norm right?
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88 to 93 was such a great time to be a young skateboarder. Loved all the changing board/ wheel sizes and trick development.
It was expensive as shit. All of a sudden you needed new wheels and trucks like every second deck.
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88 to 93 was such a great time to be a young skateboarder. Loved all the changing board/ wheel sizes and trick development.
It was expensive as shit. All of a sudden you needed new wheels and trucks like every second deck.
It was always expensive. Beg, borrow, steal. Sold CDs and other personal belongings for new deck money, job in a skate shop for discount.... made it happen....
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by 93/94 7.5" pop sickles were the norm right?
For some maybe.
I think we were not quite that far ahead here, but things were slowly going down in size from my 9" football shape from 1992, as some catalogs had a mix of boards, maybe more 1994 onwards, as some catalogs I seem to recall from 1993 still had a lot of the leftover small wheels and wider boards.
Here's a snapshot of some catalogs I just brought up again.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lakeeriemonster/albums/72157614664734677/
Fall 1992 - everything 8.75 and wider, lots of "shapes" and interesting options.
https://archive.org/details/ccs-1993/mode/2up
Half a dozen 8" boards, half a dozen 8.25" boards, 100+ under 8" boards.
https://archive.org/details/ccs-1994-fall
Only a few boards over 8, more just a random board here or there, everything else well under 8" in this one.
https://archive.org/details/ccs-1995-summer/mode/2up
Similar very few 8+ boards, but way more uniform too.
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Around here (Maryland)in 1993 we were all riding wide eggs. 7.5 started popping up in 1995 but that’s just my personal experience.
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The biggest thing with boards then vs reissues now is the concave and kick. Boards were so
Flat. Which means they broke easier.
That space between late 91 and mid 92 board shapes changed so much. I had friends who didn’t skate a lot and our setups were vastly different. If
You stayed current your board would be obsolete in a few months almost.
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by 93/94 7.5" pop sickles were the norm right?
For some maybe.
I think we were not quite that far ahead here, but things were slowly going down in size from my 9" football shape from 1992, as some catalogs had a mix of boards, maybe more 1994 onwards, as some catalogs I seem to recall from 1993 still had a lot of the leftover small wheels and wider boards.
Here's a snapshot of some catalogs I just brought up again.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lakeeriemonster/albums/72157614664734677/
Fall 1992 - everything 8.75 and wider, lots of "shapes" and interesting options.
https://archive.org/details/ccs-1993/mode/2up
Half a dozen 8" boards, half a dozen 8.25" boards, 100+ under 8" boards.
https://archive.org/details/ccs-1994-fall
Only a few boards over 8, more just a random board here or there, everything else well under 8" in this one.
https://archive.org/details/ccs-1995-summer/mode/2up
Similar very few 8+ boards, but way more uniform too.
Jesus. I can't believe I (anyone) rode those things.
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I remember skating girl and chocolate 7.5's that were so flat they felt convex, this was like '99 or later though, but the boards seemed like a dad or older brother/cousin's board situation cause they looked like an older kinda beat up dusty board that got pulled out/interest in it because of the Tony hawk video game, so those super flat 7.5s I remember could've been from like 94
I really want to set up a '92-'93 style board
football shape, 42/43mm wheels
I want to find a reissue board with a 14" wb
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I remember skating girl and chocolate 7.5's that were so flat they felt convex, this was like '99 or later though, but the boards seemed like a dad or older brother/cousin's board situation cause they looked like an older kinda beat up dusty board that got pulled out/interest in it because of the Tony hawk video game, so those super flat 7.5s I remember could've been from like 94
I really want to set up a '92-'93 style board
football shape, 42/43mm wheels
I want to find a reissue board with a 14" wb
I got an Alien workshop Thomas Morgan reissue deck with those specs. Really fun shape. 9.25 X 32.25 WB 14.0/14.375
Looks like sb skates has one on sale too.
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Expand Quote
I remember skating girl and chocolate 7.5's that were so flat they felt convex, this was like '99 or later though, but the boards seemed like a dad or older brother/cousin's board situation cause they looked like an older kinda beat up dusty board that got pulled out/interest in it because of the Tony hawk video game, so those super flat 7.5s I remember could've been from like 94
I really want to set up a '92-'93 style board
football shape, 42/43mm wheels
I want to find a reissue board with a 14" wb
I got an Alien workshop Thomas Morgan reissue deck with those specs. Really fun shape. 9.25 X 32.25 WB 14.0/14.375
Looks like sb skates has one on sale too.
Strong, hell yeah thanks
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I can't find any spitfire wheels catalog screens for '93 or '94
Does anyone have any?
I always kinda wanted to build a couple boards from the early 90s with spitfires and indys specifically, and since stuff changed so fast I was going to choose stuff based on what was available in like, CCS that year. I guess I'm down to use venture lows or boardycakes or something if it gets into the ~7.4" - ~46mm wheel area which I feel the '94 catalogs are gonna look like when I find them.
I'm guessing for '93, but I'm probably gonna use 139s and 42 or 43mm classics for that one.
For a '92 setup I would probably use 149s and 48mm classics, but that's too close to my normal board specs so I'm more interested in building a '93 style one. Stuff was changing so fast in that time, it's hard to choose what to pick to really define it, but ~40mm wheels is the most obvious defining factor for me when I think about those setups. And a 48mm classic worn down to 42, on a ~9" football with 149s sounds right
And if I built a '91 setup, there's more options there as far as wheel and truck sizes go(149 to 169, 53mm to 60mm), but to steer it further away from my normal/main setup, I think I'd have to go with 159s, 58mm OG classics, and the lil jawns 1/4" slop jars risers. There were definitely people in '91 running 53mm wheels on 149s with no risers on like a 9.3 shaped board or whatever, but it's just too close to my normal setup and I like the way 1/4" bed pans look, prolly get some red ones.. tryna make a Jason Lee type board
So I guess I'm most interested in '91 and '93 setups. Seems all the changes with board shapes happened between like 90 and 94.. it's like skateboard's "chrysalis" moment between ~10" Pigs and 7.5" straight popsicle sticks... Starting with double vision/barnyard, then double drilled noses, and onward to footballs, 6-hole baseplates, tiny wheels... Before stabilizing around what, '94? With the relatively straight-railed popsicle situation
I was 3 years old in 1992 so I kinda missed out on all this stuff but I loved the videos from then when I got into skating. My mom's setup was a Santa cruz pig with 60mm rat bones and 159s. My first board was a 7.75 birdhouse with venture lows hahah
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I distinctly remember Fall 1992 decks because I was a Freshman in HS and really into skateboarding.
The standard size that I liked is what is referred to as the football shape.
Under 32”
8.5”-8.75” across the front truck.
We never measured the back truck but at least an inch narrower
Nose length 7”-7.5”
Tail length 6.5”-6.25”
The best modern example I can find in this Opera deck:
https://lbskate.com/products/opera-smear-ex7-9-football-shaped-skateboard-deck?srsltid=AfmBOooiN8YAzqCTCc44rw7TUxcKfhQyk6gXKIp8ik721oZvJQc8f8oj
I think you will have more fun on this and learn all the pressure flips you like, but will also have a modern deck for everything else.
My favorite shape of the era was Gershon Mosley Everslick watermelon board. If I find it I’ll post it.
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https://www.instagram.com/p/C82HhGtt_YY/?igsh=c3Nwbmo1dnV4MnF2 (https://www.instagram.com/p/C82HhGtt_YY/?igsh=c3Nwbmo1dnV4MnF2)
The kelly bird '93 deck is cool, it's 7.43" wide
Were the ventures from '92 the featherlights? Green bushings? They had lows right, or those were all lows? Not sure
Thinking a modern venture low 5.0 standard would be the best bet on a '93 reissue that's only 7.43" wide
Gonna look for an ~8.5" football from like early 93 or something if I can find it
Edit:
Found some Jeremy Wray, Jesse Neuhaus and Jason Lee ones in that range but they're all sold out. Saw a Blind 8.125 and some skinny Girl ones
Maybe a '92 shape on the smaller side is more what I'm after
Back to looking
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The key is the oblong shape with a shift towards the nose. It was a complete reverse from the meaty tail era that ended in late 91’. 92’ was all about curb combos and pressure flips. Slicks were fun, but they broke so easily once the surface was rubbed down. It was like having a 6 ply.
Thanks for finding the Gershon deck.
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The key is the oblong shape with a shift towards the nose. It was a complete reverse from the meaty tail era that ended in late 91’. 92’ was all about curb combos and pressure flips. Slicks were fun, but they broke so easily once the surface was rubbed down. It was like having a 6 ply.
Thanks for finding the Gershon deck.
Thanks for the info! That board is dope too
I think I like the '92 shapes better, I don't imagine 7.4" boards when I picture the big-pants-small-wheels era... that was like the cutting edge in California though and it all seemed to change super quick in that time period. This shit is fun. The 1992 Ron Knigge "deep sea vandals" board is my favorite available so far. 8.6 x 14" wb. I love the graphic on the real kelly bird tho. Might just have to hook it up with the ventures
The more I research the equipment, the more stuff I thought was firmly 94 started in 93... Obviously they weren't like, waiting to the new year to change shit, it just happens with no regard to the calendar haha
I'm gonna try and grip some '93 and '94 CCS catalogs for a better grasp of what was generally available
I've seen the ones from 88, 90, 91, 92, 95, 96
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Expand Quote
The key is the oblong shape with a shift towards the nose. It was a complete reverse from the meaty tail era that ended in late 91’. 92’ was all about curb combos and pressure flips. Slicks were fun, but they broke so easily once the surface was rubbed down. It was like having a 6 ply.
Thanks for finding the Gershon deck.
Thanks for the info! That board is dope too
I think I like the '92 shapes better, I don't imagine 7.4" boards when I picture the big-pants-small-wheels era... that was like the cutting edge in California though and it all seemed to change super quick in that time period. This shit is fun. The 1992 Ron Knigge "deep sea vandals" board is my favorite available so far. 8.6 x 14" wb. I love the graphic on the real kelly bird tho. Might just have to hook it up with the ventures
The more I research the equipment, the more stuff I thought was firmly 94 started in 93... Obviously they weren't like, waiting to the new year to change shit, it just happens with no regard to the calendar haha
I'm gonna try and grip some '93 and '94 CCS catalogs for a better grasp of what was generally available
I've seen the ones from 88, 90, 91, 92, 95, 96
Search CCS 199(x) year and a lot of good info turns up, but it is also interesting to see some commentary on things too, such as this one, which I have come across before, but worth posting again:
https://vertisdead.blogspot.com/2016/09/california-cheap-skates-1990.html
https://vertisdead.blogspot.com/2016/09/california-cheap-skates-1991.html
https://vertisdead.blogspot.com/2016/09/california-cheap-skates-1992.html
https://vertisdead.blogspot.com/2016/09/california-cheap-skates-1993.html
https://vertisdead.blogspot.com/2016/09/california-cheap-skates-1994.html
Might take a bit to go through them all, depending on how much you get into looking at every board but I think it is worth it.
So many interesting things around, I could spend way too much time on some of them.
Also depending on the size and shape of what you want to set up, if you didn't have old worn down wheels to try on some 90s setups, the most recent Lil Beatdowns series from last year or so were the 43 mm Spitfire Classic shape wheel that a lot of people bought to put on period correct setups for that instant look and feel of small wheels.
Not sure if there are many or any still around, but after seeing them, I thought I had plenty of small wheels I could round down, but I did see a few on people's boards I know too.
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There's still some sets of lil beat downs floating around
I better get on that now hahah
Also if the 42mm keychain wheel is potato color it's f4, though I suppose there's no guarantee what duro. Especially when there's a sale you can get 4 of em for under 40 bucks if you're dead set on spitfires when the beatdowns are out
Wish the lil beatdowns were 101a tho
I've spent a lot of time on that blog, it rules. It's a bummer the 93 and 94 ones don't show any wheels
Gonna keep digging!
Edit - found a shot of some wheels from a '93 CCS
For reference, the blank CCS wheels were ONLY offered in 39, 41, and 43mm
Wild
Edit again
Found some '94 spitfires
(https://i.ibb.co/JR5wYHHp/Screenshot-20251231-161614-709.png)
I can't find any pics of the 37mm spitfires I'm pretty sure existed in 93
Were they called cherries or something? I can't find anything. I must've seen them on Instagram quite some time ago
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Wheel size was 38-45 mm
Durometer 97-101
42mm was the most popular size and we rode them until the bearing began to show.
I was looking on Orchard and I found these beauties:
https://orchardshop.com/collections/wheels/products/sml-wheels-grocery-bag-v-cut-45mm-99a
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Wheel size was 38-45 mm
Durometer 97-101
42mm was the most popular size and we rode them until the bearing began to show.
I was looking on Orchard and I found these beauties:
https://orchardshop.com/collections/wheels/products/sml-wheels-grocery-bag-v-cut-45mm-99a
When I had a look at them, these others were in the "suggested" list, which look pretty cool too.
Six packs in an egg carton, with two in stock, which I had bought others in the past when there were six packs of wheels, just so I could get three even sets.
https://orchardshop.com/products/slime-balls-wheels-og-eggs-haf-dozen-mini-chubbies-45mm-99a?variant=45953085407397
I feel like there are quite a few more sets of smaller wheels out now too, maybe more interest in getting period correct setups, or just a resurgence in small wheel setups?
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I was thinking of a hookups/jk industries setup
Either the 9.5 or 9.75 shape. Both are 31.75 long and 14.25 wb. Venture 6.1s and probably the smallest sml wheels I can find. Maybe those slimeballs. I was not born until after that era so I’m sure it won’t be too historically accurate but I skated a jk dream girl when I was 16 with spitfire sfw’s and i loved that thing so I kinda wanna try and recreate it
Edit: the 9.75 shape is actually 14.5 wb. I can’t remember which dream girl I had now!
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Expand Quote
The key is the oblong shape with a shift towards the nose. It was a complete reverse from the meaty tail era that ended in late 91’. 92’ was all about curb combos and pressure flips. Slicks were fun, but they broke so easily once the surface was rubbed down. It was like having a 6 ply.
Thanks for finding the Gershon deck.
Thanks for the info! That board is dope too
I think I like the '92 shapes better, I don't imagine 7.4" boards when I picture the big-pants-small-wheels era... that was like the cutting edge in California though and it all seemed to change super quick in that time period. This shit is fun. The 1992 Ron Knigge "deep sea vandals" board is my favorite available so far. 8.6 x 14" wb. I love the graphic on the real kelly bird tho. Might just have to hook it up with the ventures
The more I research the equipment, the more stuff I thought was firmly 94 started in 93... Obviously they weren't like, waiting to the new year to change shit, it just happens with no regard to the calendar haha
I'm gonna try and grip some '93 and '94 CCS catalogs for a better grasp of what was generally available
I've seen the ones from 88, 90, 91, 92, 95, 96
Search CCS 199(x) year and a lot of good info turns up, but it is also interesting to see some commentary on things too, such as this one, which I have come across before, but worth posting again:
https://vertisdead.blogspot.com/2016/09/california-cheap-skates-1990.html
https://vertisdead.blogspot.com/2016/09/california-cheap-skates-1991.html
https://vertisdead.blogspot.com/2016/09/california-cheap-skates-1992.html
https://vertisdead.blogspot.com/2016/09/california-cheap-skates-1993.html
https://vertisdead.blogspot.com/2016/09/california-cheap-skates-1994.html
Might take a bit to go through them all, depending on how much you get into looking at every board but I think it is worth it.
So many interesting things around, I could spend way too much time on some of them.
Also depending on the size and shape of what you want to set up, if you didn't have old worn down wheels to try on some 90s setups, the most recent Lil Beatdowns series from last year or so were the 43 mm Spitfire Classic shape wheel that a lot of people bought to put on period correct setups for that instant look and feel of small wheels.
Not sure if there are many or any still around, but after seeing them, I thought I had plenty of small wheels I could round down, but I did see a few on people's boards I know too.
Wow. Looking at some of those old catalogs is really bringing me back, in both good and bad ways. One thing I also remember from the 7.75 days…tails got really short. The average was 6”, and some where even a hair under. In retrospect, this was probably to help with pop / counter-act boards being so low to the ground, but man, did it ever fuck with my blunt slides and tail slides for a while.
I also think looking back, the 1991 D.Way VW deck was one of the first real precursors to the popsicle (that board I first did a nollie kickflip on). I remember people being pretty shocked by that thing when they saw it in person.
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This is a perfect modern interpretation of a Fall 1992 deck.
8.875" Width x 31.50" Length
Wheelbase: 14.00"
Tail Length: 6.75"
Nose Length: 7.00"
Front Axle Width: 8.75"
Back Axle Width: 8.50"
https://orchardshop.com/products/wknd-shortcut-karsten-kleppan-deck-8-875-sd?currency=USD&variant=46018629959845&stkn=e2f76659ba94&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20083117097&gbraid=0AAAAABRw1ZBBpzdNOlqr-cY-KSMxKlpXH
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.
^^^ That is such a good shape, looking at the top view of it.
This is another one I noticed, but I don't think I ever got down that small in size - the Real 7.43 93 Kelly Bird reissue I just happened to see while looking for something else for another thread. Things sure did get pretty crazy at one point.
https://www.skatedeluxe.com/en/p/real-kelly-bird-93-7-43-skateboard-deck-red_p168053
(https://cdn.skatedeluxe.com/thumb/Ue_dPHkpArOFqoIZuJ1RYkOo9iY=/fit-in/600x700/filters:fill(white):brightness(-4)/product/168053-1-Real-KellyBird93743.jpg)
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The kelly bird one is so sick. I might just get one for a wall hanger.
This is a perfect modern interpretation of a Fall 1992 deck.
8.875" Width x 31.50" Length
Wheelbase: 14.00"
Tail Length: 6.75"
Nose Length: 7.00"
Front Axle Width: 8.75"
Back Axle Width: 8.50"
https://orchardshop.com/products/wknd-shortcut-karsten-kleppan-deck-8-875-sd?currency=USD&variant=46018629959845&stkn=e2f76659ba94&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20083117097&gbraid=0AAAAABRw1ZBBpzdNOlqr-cY-KSMxKlpXH
Yo, that one is sick!
14" wb!!
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(https://i.imgur.com/BTgvTUz_d.webp?maxwidth=1520&fidelity=grand)
Don’t know if this qualifies but
Polar 1991 shape
With 45mm Oj black holes
Ace 55s
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This is a perfect modern interpretation of a Fall 1992 deck.
8.875" Width x 31.50" Length
Wheelbase: 14.00"
Tail Length: 6.75"
Nose Length: 7.00"
Front Axle Width: 8.75"
Back Axle Width: 8.50"
https://orchardshop.com/products/wknd-shortcut-karsten-kleppan-deck-8-875-sd?currency=USD&variant=46018629959845&stkn=e2f76659ba94&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20083117097&gbraid=0AAAAABRw1ZBBpzdNOlqr-cY-KSMxKlpXH
I skated that shape and it was probably my favorite/most memorable board. I want to get another one but they are a bit hard to find.
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(https://i.imgur.com/BTgvTUz_d.webp?maxwidth=1520&fidelity=grand)
Don’t know if this qualifies but
Polar 1991 shape
With 45mm Oj black holes
Ace 55s
For sure!
I recall seeing some people riding those squared off tails still on old trucks and very small wheels well into the 90s, so as it was such a weird time and a changing landscape, there were a lot of options around and some skate shops still carried a ton of old stock, so mix and match of whatever product people were riding was not at all uncommon.
The Polar 1990, 1991 and 1992 shapes are pretty fun too.
I even recall people trying to "round off" tails of squared off decks too - we used to hold the complete by the trucks and run them across rough concrete to get rid of sharp corners and still do on some boards that are a bit worn down, to keep them going and prevent razor tail.
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Here is the shape Jeremy Wray probably uses in the Color Video. Imagine ollieing like 15 ft with this board and 45mm wheels…
https://941skateshop.com/products/blockhead-jeremy-wray-rain-girl-reissue-original-1993-shape-numbered-acid-rain-assorted-print-colors-only-20-made-18?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=f26dffd92&pr_rec_pid=8632553373834&pr_ref_pid=8632429445258&pr_seq=uniform
Wray’s Part
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xowjat
Look at the wheels…
(https://assets.skatevideo.site/feature-images/jeremy%20wray%203-26272.jpg)
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Here is the shape Jeremy Wray probably uses in the Color Video. Imagine ollieing like 15 ft with this board and 45mm wheels…
https://941skateshop.com/products/blockhead-jeremy-wray-rain-girl-reissue-original-1993-shape-numbered-acid-rain-assorted-print-colors-only-20-made-18?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=f26dffd92&pr_rec_pid=8632553373834&pr_ref_pid=8632429445258&pr_seq=uniform
Wray’s Part
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xowjat
How good is Jeremy Wray!! Loved his speed and pop during the era of dribble. He is responsible for style being an important factor in modern street skateboarding. Doesn't get enough credit.
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https://thedarkslide.com/collections/the-new-deal/products/new-deal-knigge-skypod-neon-black-8-38-skateboard-deck
(https://thedarkslide.com/cdn/shop/files/20240620-Capture0002-2-grande.jpg?v=1719342548&width=900)
Excellent representation of the first half of 93’.
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Love those new deal reissues
I really want to build up some retro boards. I will eventually if I have the time, space, money
Can't decide if it would be better to do like a ~9" football with 149s or an ~8.5" football with 139s. 42/43mm wheels for sure
Or a 7.3 pinner with venture low 5.0s and low 40s wheels
The era in between those wheels and like, 60mm wheels with 3/8" bed pans is very interesting to me too. Like when Real's "small wheels" came out(52mm iirc), like '91/video days era when Jason Lee was riding 57mm freestyle wheels flipped in
It's cool that spitfire makes some old shapes like Tablets and "OG Classics" which I think used to be called "Hot" but not 100% sure
Would be cool to have a full-nose, shaped board, like 1991 style, ~9.75", with anodized Indy 159s, 1/4" bed pans, and 56mm OG classics
Or even like a 9.5" shaped board, 52mm spitfire tablets, 149s and 1/8" risers
Every time I'm looking for reissue boards, New Deal frequently is what I narrow it down to. But blind and world come up. I gotta have that short wheelbase though.
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You could buy a deck that could go either way. This workshop deck came out in 91 I believe (note the two hole pattern in the front) but was available in 92. You could run wheels from 40mm to 57mm and it’ll work. You could go with like a 159 hollow or forged hollow.
(https://invisibleboardshop.com/cdn/shop/products/AWSMorganFlag9.25_1024x.jpg?v=1679240310)
https://invisibleboardshop.com/products/alien-workshop-skateboard-deck-morgan-flag-9-25?variant=43805397418202&country=US¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&srsltid=AfmBOopD6ACC4FALItJIWFvMszd5zorC2EqUgoO-0n8XotkrKlVXGecEI38
Or the mantis which is a little more pinny.
(https://sbskateboardshop.com/cdn/shop/files/dyrdek_square_1024x1024.webp?v=1701211411)
https://sbskateboardshop.com/products/alien-workshop-dyrdek-mantis-9-0-slick-reissue-skateboard-deck
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You could buy a deck that could go either way. This workshop deck came out in 91 I believe (note the two hole pattern in the front) but was available in 92. You could run wheels from 40mm to 57mm and it’ll work. You could go with like a 159 hollow or forged hollow.
(https://invisibleboardshop.com/cdn/shop/products/AWSMorganFlag9.25_1024x.jpg?v=1679240310)
https://invisibleboardshop.com/products/alien-workshop-skateboard-deck-morgan-flag-9-25?variant=43805397418202&country=US¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&srsltid=AfmBOopD6ACC4FALItJIWFvMszd5zorC2EqUgoO-0n8XotkrKlVXGecEI38
Or the mantis which is a little more pinny.
(https://sbskateboardshop.com/cdn/shop/files/dyrdek_square_1024x1024.webp?v=1701211411)
https://sbskateboardshop.com/products/alien-workshop-dyrdek-mantis-9-0-slick-reissue-skateboard-deck
Those are dope. I knew I could get the maple leaf one but not the mantis! Dope it's a slick too.
No hollows or anything like that, grind em down or use smaller wheels if you want lighter weight (joking)
I don't want to run low 40s wheels on anything bigger than 149s
Shooting for 149s, 139s, or venture low 5.0 or 5.2 for '92-'93 style boards
People been skating 149s since '86 but I think for the '91 board, 159s would be better with the 1/4" risers. I can't bring myself to put 149s on 1/4" risers though I'm sure many 80s pros have done it. Seems tippy. That's part of the allure of the look of building like, a Rubbish Heap board. 3/8 risers and 60mm wheels. Overkill clearance
But yeah I'd prolly do all-black 159s, 1/4" lil jawns bed pan copies, and 56mm OG classics for my Jason Lee style board
And like 139s, 42 or 43 ish wheels and 8.5 ish football...
Just to keep it far enough away from my normal setup
Preferably ~14" wheelbase
If it ends up just being ~54mm classics/tablets/OGs on 149s and a 9 to 9.5 shaped board.. it's just too close to my normal setup to justify
Were the spitfire "classic" shape originally called Compact Discs? I figure they probably weren't called "classics" the day the came out. The early 90s ones I can think of are Hot, Tablets, Compact Discs, and Lil Smokies
It would be nice to have a board I could just swap wheels on.
Those ones you shared, I could just have some 159 hangers with 56mm OG classics, and some 149 hangers with little tiny wheels, and swap the hangers with wheels already attached by only turning two nuts. That's not a bad compromise, thanks for the inspiration. That era fascinates me because things changed so fast. If you lived in like Nebraska you were still in the 80s
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Found some '94 spitfires
(https://i.ibb.co/JR5wYHHp/Screenshot-20251231-161614-709.png)
I can't find any pics of the 37mm spitfires I'm pretty sure existed in 93
Were they called cherries or something? I can't find anything. I must've seen them on Instagram quite some time ago
(https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/1561e105-a821-4ca1-9c12-3f20cb58291a/dlqnd2h-0af21b00-eece-4cd3-b9c8-bfda574f15e0.png/v1/fill/w_973,h_821,q_70,strp/spitfire_93_09_by_sk8prick_dlqnd2h-pre.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9MTA4MSIsInBhdGgiOiIvZi8xNTYxZTEwNS1hODIxLTRjYTEtOWMxMi0zZjIwY2I1ODI5MWEvZGxxbmQyaC0wYWYyMWIwMC1lZWNlLTRjZDMtYjljOC1iZmRhNTc0ZjE1ZTAucG5nIiwid2lkdGgiOiI8PTEyODAifV1dLCJhdWQiOlsidXJuOnNlcnZpY2U6aW1hZ2Uub3BlcmF0aW9ucyJdfQ.I0FipxTngS26hWSSG9PKjlQqD0KgJwE0vurpuNnq2Cg)
Went through my early 90s CCS catalogs and found these spitfires in the back to school '93 issue. The 'fireballs' are offered in 37mm
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Expand Quote
Found some '94 spitfires
(https://i.ibb.co/JR5wYHHp/Screenshot-20251231-161614-709.png)
I can't find any pics of the 37mm spitfires I'm pretty sure existed in 93
Were they called cherries or something? I can't find anything. I must've seen them on Instagram quite some time ago
(https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/1561e105-a821-4ca1-9c12-3f20cb58291a/dlqnd2h-0af21b00-eece-4cd3-b9c8-bfda574f15e0.png/v1/fill/w_973,h_821,q_70,strp/spitfire_93_09_by_sk8prick_dlqnd2h-pre.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9MTA4MSIsInBhdGgiOiIvZi8xNTYxZTEwNS1hODIxLTRjYTEtOWMxMi0zZjIwY2I1ODI5MWEvZGxxbmQyaC0wYWYyMWIwMC1lZWNlLTRjZDMtYjljOC1iZmRhNTc0ZjE1ZTAucG5nIiwid2lkdGgiOiI8PTEyODAifV1dLCJhdWQiOlsidXJuOnNlcnZpY2U6aW1hZ2Uub3BlcmF0aW9ucyJdfQ.I0FipxTngS26hWSSG9PKjlQqD0KgJwE0vurpuNnq2Cg)
Went through my early 90s CCS catalogs and found these spitfires in the back to school '93 issue. The 'fireballs' are offered in 37mm
Awesome, Thanks! Super cool to see
Also lately I kinda realized this
I think the whole deal with reynolds magic carpeting 139s on a pointy, mellow 8.5 with like 50s or 51mm wheels most of his career, it's basically like an early '93 setup. 8" indys came out in February, there were ~8.5 footballs that lined up over the trucks on those, and I've seen catalog scans from like Christmas '92 with a decent selection of ~50mm wheels
It's like some folks when the rails straightened out went to the deck size, and some went to the truck size. Why there's like 8" board 8" trucks, or 8.5" board on 8" trucks or 8.38-8.5" trucks for a lot of those pros that grew up in the 90s and were famous in the early 2000s
This doesn't speak to the venture low dudes riding 7.38 popsicles and shit, but it seemed like for a lot of the late 90s/early 2000s all the kids had 7.5 - 7.8 boards but a lot of pros were actually skating 8 - 8.5 like arto, bastien, rowley, reynolds, Ellington, etc, tho folks like tom penny and rodrigo TX were straight up ripping on 7.5s and shit, muska on 139s, etc
And a lot of them were riding 136s instead of 146s even on 8.5s. except rowley, he was using at least 146s and then 149s and I've seen some photos that look like 159s, and I remember an interview where he didn't really know his truck size and just said "the wide ones". They were probably just 146s and 149s but the looked huge with smaller wheels. I know later on he would scavenge stage 7 and 8s to skate instead of the 9s/10s
Were there really no 126s until stage 8? I feel like Indy would've released a 7.6 truck to compete with the other ones but I don't think I've ever seen a pair of stage 7 126s and all the info I have says they didn't come out till like '98
I feel like ~91 to ~05 was some kind of like golden street epoch. All my favorite videos pretty much. I was a little too young to enjoy most of it but I caught the tail end and shit like photosynthesis, baker 3, bag of suck, sorry, and yeah right are burned into my brain forever
Ramble ramble. Anyways, i think if you don't want to source and skate possibly expensive but accurate reissue shapes, you could just get a baker OG shape and put it on some venture lows or indy 139s, with the smallest wheels you can find, and have something close. Still too much concave though hahah
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Were there really no 126s until stage 8? I feel like Indy would've released a 7.6 truck to compete with the other ones but I don't think I've ever seen a pair of stage 7 126s and all the info I have says they didn't come out till like '98
Re Indy sizes, this is the info I had - so there were more narrow T 101 trucks they had on those small boards, but no they didn't have the 126 / 129 sizes until the late 90s for all the super small popsicle boards, but I seem to recall some people shaving down their 136 trucks to fit smaller boards too, in the same way that some people had been shaving down the 215 trucks to get a smaller version of that Stage 4 reissue shape that they brought out now.
Stage V (anodized) - original release date 10/86
149 (new size)
159 fw
169 mfw
stage I 101's and stage IV 215's still available
stage VI - original release date 11/91
149
159
169
stage I 101's and stage IV 215's still available
Stage VII - original release date 2/93
136 (new size)
146
156
166
stage I 101's and stage IV 215's still available
Stage VIII - original release date 9/98
126 (new size)
136
146
156
166
stage I 101's and stage IV 215's still available
Stage IX - original release date 2/03
129
139
149
159
169
stage I 109's and stage IV 215's still available
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Just got the 43mm spitfire "lil beatdowns"
They're so great. Can't wait to put together this '93 style setup
Prolly gonna use this board
(https://941skateshop.com/cdn/shop/files/AM101_Yellow.jpg?v=1700704405&width=990)
(https://941skateshop.com/cdn/shop/files/AM101_Top.jpg?v=1700704405&width=990)
(https://941skateshop.com/cdn/shop/files/8D62D66F-8D55-49B9-BFCB-54A5DC38F224.png?v=1740436510&width=990)
(https://941skateshop.com/cdn/shop/files/949282AA-5FC6-433B-BEDB-3EE4B0C3BFA0.png?v=1740436510&width=990)
Looks decently flat and pointy
8" x 31.6" x 14.13" wb
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^I've got the exact same setup with 33 lows. Thinking about switching to 5.2 lows to make it a little less squirrely.
Edit: not only the squirreliness, but these 33 lows have almost way too much axle space - I'm using 5 washers to go along with the lil beatdowns so that I have flush axle nuts. It's as if there's not enough hanger meat on the truck or something...
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^I've got the exact same setup with 33 lows. Thinking about switching to 5.2 lows to make it a little less squirrely.
Edit: not only the squirreliness, but these 33 lows have almost way too much axle space - I'm using 5 washers to go along with the lil beatdowns so that I have flush axle nuts. It's as if there's not enough hanger meat on the truck or something...
Wow, that's a lot of axle
I did notice on my AF1 55s that I had to use more washers than on indys but certainly not that much
5.2 venture lows would be killer on this though
I'm thinking of putting stage 7 Indy 136s on it. I won't be jumping down too much stuff, just flat and ledges, but I've cracked a hanger on brand new stage 7s 20 something years ago
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Dang yall 37mm wheels? We really doing this? I give mine away when they get below 50mm because it gets too annoying to push and roll over cracks.
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.
Here is a funny mix and match, with my old deck from 1992, with period appropriate parts put on it, which is up on the wall, along with the latest addition, a Huffer, with changed out wheels to match that era of the Cardiel 1992 special as per the other pic below.
I machined some old wheels down to 38 mm specials a while back and they skate fine, but they are so small.
(https://i.ibb.co/4Z35BjcR/Boards-1992-Huffer-2026.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gMhBsDGZ)
Oh hello,
(https://alchetron.com/cdn/john-cardiel-866fa7ad-145b-49ab-a843-40c2475911b-resize-750.jpeg)
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(https://i.ibb.co/kgXYGj9j/IMG-9953.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kgXYGj9j)(https://i.ibb.co/Rp0W2YFL/IMG-9954.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Rp0W2YFL)
Had this on the wall for a while but scratched it up while moving. Kinda stoked to skate this. Just need some murdered out spits!