The Set-up Thread

[Big Baby Jesus]

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Polar 8.625
Ace 55
F4 Conical full 56mm
Reds

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Sorry to dredge up an old post but I'm on the fence about buying new Ace 55s for a Polar 8.625 I just picked up from the winter drop. I had one a few months ago that I liked with Ventures but found I preferred skating it off the nose. Curious how you liked this setup or if anyone else has experience with a similar one. I ride 56 conical fulls too. How's the wheel bite without risers?

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No worries, glad you liked my old setup haha. I think you'd absolutely love it, but it depends what you are in to. Honestly this was probably the best feeling setup I have ever had. Ace 55s are the best trucks ive ever had (though im skating ventures now at the moment... wanted to switch it up) and the Polar 8.625 is the best shape ever. I definitely got wheel bite but I'm used to wheel bite ive always gotten a lot of wheel bite so it doesnt phase me much

Measurements on the 8.625 Polar's look amazing. Did you get a top side shot of this?

[Falcorn]

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Polar 8.625
Ace 55
F4 Conical full 56mm
Reds

[close]

Sorry to dredge up an old post but I'm on the fence about buying new Ace 55s for a Polar 8.625 I just picked up from the winter drop. I had one a few months ago that I liked with Ventures but found I preferred skating it off the nose. Curious how you liked this setup or if anyone else has experience with a similar one. I ride 56 conical fulls too. How's the wheel bite without risers?

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No worries, glad you liked my old setup haha. I think you'd absolutely love it, but it depends what you are in to. Honestly this was probably the best feeling setup I have ever had. Ace 55s are the best trucks ive ever had (though im skating ventures now at the moment... wanted to switch it up) and the Polar 8.625 is the best shape ever. I definitely got wheel bite but I'm used to wheel bite ive always gotten a lot of wheel bite so it doesnt phase me much

Thanks for the feedback. Couldn’t agree more on that shape. I’m going to give Aces a try. Just ordered the 55s with red baseplates. Now I get to stare at a bunch of new gear with a foot of snow on the ground.

[Gray Imp Sausage Metal]

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Does anyone have experience with he newer 8.75 Polar surf shape?  Mostly curious about how wide it is on the back bolts.  I've got some Venture 6.1's, Indy 149's, or Ace 44's I could use.  Just want to get a big ass cruiser. 

Any other takes on their P shapes would be appreciated.

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P9 rules with thunder 149

Light, snappy, pops even and flips easy

The shape skates great regular and switch.

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Cheers!

Anyone have any knowledge of that 8.75 Surf Shape?

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I will preface this as I’ve never ridden the surf shape personally, but I know that Shin rides for ace and I believe he runs 44s on the surf shape because of taper. I’ve run ace on other polar shapes before and it was great. Definitely would recommend

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Couple people on here have ran it with 44s as well.

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I think the original Surf Shape was an 8.25, though.  The new one is listed at 8.75.  I should just pull the trigger and trust that between a set of 8.35, 8.5, and 8.75, something will work...

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Surf has always been 8.75; 8.5 front 8.25 rear.

https://www.slapmagazine.com/index.php?topic=112584.180 for more Polar talk.

thought it was closer to 8.38 at the back, either way it's always been 8.75 and works great with ace 44s (and loophole v-cuts)

[DarkPools]

I’m not BFRD, but I love Indy on Quasi and some FA. Venture often feel the same to me, but I run forged hollow Indys. I don’t think it’s flatness, but the fingers of flat thing. I find my current 8.25 FA and Quasi have the same there, FA has a tiny bit more concave. In the past I hated decks with minimal fingers and Indy.

I have yet to try a Quasi or FA. Quasi, I definitely want to and I run Indy only so your experience sounds good to me. I have a Frankenstein of a standard baseplate with hollow kingpin on a standard hangar; I also have a new Forged Hollow set, so I can choose the height and swap hangars if I needed to make the Quasi ideal.
Interesting about the fingers of flat. It's always thrown around but I never look into it (I fear the Madness). That probably largely contributes to it, too.

@Fifty8mm, I am 200lbs right now. Am usually around 190 but Covid and winter holidays have other plans haha. My boards will flex a little here and there. I always run Indys and I tend to pop closer to the tip but not completely on the tip. I only pocket pop for certain tricks. I don't know how Ventures feel as I've never skated a pair myself. Interesting point there. I think Indys on flat mellow boards where you pop closer to the bolts will yield better results, just like Ventures on flat boards where you pop closer to the tip. Does that sound right?


I am in the same boat! I feel like they help you manual better.

Fingers of flat is something that I don’t understand, but like boards with more of it.

[Dinglenuts]

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I’m not BFRD, but I love Indy on Quasi and some FA. Venture often feel the same to me, but I run forged hollow Indys. I don’t think it’s flatness, but the fingers of flat thing. I find my current 8.25 FA and Quasi have the same there, FA has a tiny bit more concave. In the past I hated decks with minimal fingers and Indy.

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I have yet to try a Quasi or FA. Quasi, I definitely want to and I run Indy only so your experience sounds good to me. I have a Frankenstein of a standard baseplate with hollow kingpin on a standard hangar; I also have a new Forged Hollow set, so I can choose the height and swap hangars if I needed to make the Quasi ideal.
Interesting about the fingers of flat. It's always thrown around but I never look into it (I fear the Madness). That probably largely contributes to it, too.

@Fifty8mm, I am 200lbs right now. Am usually around 190 but Covid and winter holidays have other plans haha. My boards will flex a little here and there. I always run Indys and I tend to pop closer to the tip but not completely on the tip. I only pocket pop for certain tricks. I don't know how Ventures feel as I've never skated a pair myself. Interesting point there. I think Indys on flat mellow boards where you pop closer to the bolts will yield better results, just like Ventures on flat boards where you pop closer to the tip. Does that sound right?


I am in the same boat! I feel like they help you manual better.

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Fingers of flat is something that I don’t understand, but like boards with more of it.

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I have the same stats going right now bud...and Winter is just beginning 

[Fifty8mm]

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I’m not BFRD, but I love Indy on Quasi and some FA. Venture often feel the same to me, but I run forged hollow Indys. I don’t think it’s flatness, but the fingers of flat thing. I find my current 8.25 FA and Quasi have the same there, FA has a tiny bit more concave. In the past I hated decks with minimal fingers and Indy.

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I have yet to try a Quasi or FA. Quasi, I definitely want to and I run Indy only so your experience sounds good to me. I have a Frankenstein of a standard baseplate with hollow kingpin on a standard hangar; I also have a new Forged Hollow set, so I can choose the height and swap hangars if I needed to make the Quasi ideal.
Interesting about the fingers of flat. It's always thrown around but I never look into it (I fear the Madness). That probably largely contributes to it, too.

@Fifty8mm, I am 200lbs right now. Am usually around 190 but Covid and winter holidays have other plans haha. My boards will flex a little here and there. I always run Indys and I tend to pop closer to the tip but not completely on the tip. I only pocket pop for certain tricks. I don't know how Ventures feel as I've never skated a pair myself. Interesting point there. I think Indys on flat mellow boards where you pop closer to the bolts will yield better results, just like Ventures on flat boards where you pop closer to the tip. Does that sound right?


I am in the same boat! I feel like they help you manual better.

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Fingers of flat is something that I don’t understand, but like boards with more of it.

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I have the same stats going right now bud...and Winter is just beginning 

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I ride venture lows. So that might be a whole different game. I tip pop on 99 percent of my tricks. Except hardflips. If i feel confident i tip pop them lol
And as for flex well the closer the wheels to the tip the less flex i feel. Indys give me stupid pop but more unpredictable and have to pocket it more

[Sundaynuggets]

One of my own decks I got made by Pennswood. Deep concave 8.0 x 31.5, 14’ wb
Mob grip
Ace 33
54mm Bones stf 103a
Mini logo bearings

[DeepSpace9mm]

I’ve been enjoying this setup.

8.375 Polar Aaron Herrington
Ace 44 w/RipTide pivot cups
54mm NFG Vee
Bones







I was bored and decided to have some fun with the grip on this one. I haven’t had a chance to try it out yet.

8.5 Polar Paul Grund
Indy 149 ti w/RipTide Pivot Cups and bushings
55mm F4 OG Classics
Bones

[pointandclick]

One of my own decks I got made by Pennswood. Deep concave 8.0 x 31.5, 14’ wb
Mob grip
Ace 33
54mm Bones stf 103a
Mini logo bearings

looks good. how easy was it to get decks ordered through them?

[Sundaynuggets]

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One of my own decks I got made by Pennswood. Deep concave 8.0 x 31.5, 14’ wb
Mob grip
Ace 33
54mm Bones stf 103a
Mini logo bearings

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looks good. how easy was it to get decks ordered through them?

Thanks! Easy to place the order, ended up with beautiful decks. Process was very problematic. Messed my order up repeatedly, rarely responded to messages (sometimes took months to respond) and took about a full year for my order to get fixed. Owner was a nice guy when I could get in touch with him but I don’t think he was honest with me about my order on numerous occasions. To be fair, I think there were some external factors complicating his ability to get my decks done, but I don’t know how to verify them or how much weight to give those things.

If you get your order, and it’s correct, you will end up with awesome decks though.

[Firebert]

Thanks! Easy to place the order, ended up with beautiful decks. Process was very problematic. Messed my order up repeatedly, rarely responded to messages (sometimes took months to respond) and took about a full year for my order to get fixed. Owner was a nice guy when I could get in touch with him but I don’t think he was honest with me about my order on numerous occasions. To be fair, I think there were some external factors complicating his ability to get my decks done, but I don’t know how to verify them or how much weight to give those things.

If you get your order, and it’s correct, you will end up with awesome decks though.

This was exactly my experience as well. I've dealt with them over the last decade for small runs (50-100). Trust me, there were no external factors, he just BSs you to string you along. He'll offer to throw in extra boards to compensate for the trouble, but it isn't worth it to deal with someone who takes a grand off you and gives you the cold shoulder over a year. If it weren't for PayPal I doubt I would've got either my money or the boards.

[Sundaynuggets]

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Thanks! Easy to place the order, ended up with beautiful decks. Process was very problematic. Messed my order up repeatedly, rarely responded to messages (sometimes took months to respond) and took about a full year for my order to get fixed. Owner was a nice guy when I could get in touch with him but I don’t think he was honest with me about my order on numerous occasions. To be fair, I think there were some external factors complicating his ability to get my decks done, but I don’t know how to verify them or how much weight to give those things.

If you get your order, and it’s correct, you will end up with awesome decks though.

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This was exactly my experience as well. I've dealt with them over the last decade for small runs (50-100). Trust me, there were no external factors, he just BSs you to string you along. He'll offer to throw in extra boards to compensate for the trouble, but it isn't worth it to deal with someone who takes a grand off you and gives you the cold shoulder over a year. If it weren't for PayPal I doubt I would've got either my money or the boards.

Yeah, that was my suspicion but I figured I would give some benefit of the doubt. My extra/replacement boards came in batches of 2/3 over the course of an entire year and only after I messaged him multiple times a week on Instagram for that entire year. And even then some were the wrong size hahaha

Sadly, I see people in the comments on his Instagram begging him to respond to messages and asking about orders placed 6+ months ago. Looks like not much has changed. It’s a shame because I love the boards and the stains/veneers are just beautiful

[pennswood]

@firebert and @sundaynuggets sorry to find these comments here. The sloth report boards took some time.
If I remember correctly this order was happening right around the time our roof blew off..?
the weekend boards we did how many runs, with little to no problems over a good number of years. Then this last one I feel like it was also bad timing, perhaps the same time, or part of the resulting production lags in the few months after. I realize I am terrible at office duties. I tend to immerse myself in woodshop work with the intention of getting shit done rather than spending my days at the office computer. And yes there is currently an upset customer with comments on my monthly IG post. I know where the delete button is. that one really bummed me out as well. I try really hard to make it happen for our customers.

[Sundaynuggets]

@Firebert and @Sundaynuggets sorry to find these comments here. The sloth report boards took some time.
If I remember correctly this order was happening right around the time our roof blew off..?
the weekend boards we did how many runs, with little to no problems over a good number of years. Then this last one I feel like it was also bad timing, perhaps the same time, or part of the resulting production lags in the few months after. I realize I am terrible at office duties. I tend to immerse myself in woodshop work with the intention of getting shit done rather than spending my days at the office computer. And yes there is currently an upset customer with comments on my monthly IG post. I know where the delete button is. that one really bummed me out as well. I try really hard to make it happen for our customers.

Hi Joe,

The Sloth report boards did take some time and as you will recall I was very understanding about that but most of that time was before your roof blew off and after you were back in action. I don’t want to come off like a dick, but the problem was that it would have been the easiest thing in the world for you to respond to the messages I sent you on Instagram, since you would often post a picture of your work on Instagram on the same days that I would message you on there. That wasn’t a case of you not being on a computer, that was just seeing messages and not responding. (And I was only messaging you on there because calling didn’t work and I saw that you were on Instagram regularly)

Then there were times when you would tell me my order was shipping and it wasn’t. Or times where you said my order was done but instead of receiving the 10 decks promised, I would only receive two of three and then have to go through the whole process of messaging you and begging for a response for weeks all over again.

The order mistakes are fine. I know that stuff happens. I also don’t expect super professional business deals when it comes to skateboard stuff. I know skateboarding generally isn’t the most professionally run industry in any of its aspects. I also like talking to you on Instagram as you seem like a generally nice guy.

The thing is man, I don’t make much money so the $1000 is a big deal to me and from a customers point of view the order errors are understandable but giving someone money, getting super excited about getting decks made and then having that much trouble getting the decks and getting in touch with you was really stressful and a bitter pill to swallow.

As far as making a post about it, I only brought it up because I was asked and I couldn’t in good conscience answer and not mention the communication problems and errors. I think everything I said was fair and accurate but if you think anything is off please let me know and Ill be happy to amend what I wrote.

Edit: (added here so as not to further derail the thread). @pennswood Also, it doesn’t sit well with me that our dms on Instagram have been generally friendly and cool but I’m being critical here. I hope I was fair enough and not unduly harsh.

[pennswood]

Not asking for any edits. Just wanted to say something about it.

[funeral_tuxedo]

One of my own decks I got made by Pennswood. Deep concave 8.0 x 31.5, 14’ wb
Mob grip
Ace 33
54mm Bones stf 103a
Mini logo bearings

@Sundaynuggets that veneer color bleed is beautiful with the line art.

[Sundaynuggets]

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One of my own decks I got made by Pennswood. Deep concave 8.0 x 31.5, 14’ wb
Mob grip
Ace 33
54mm Bones stf 103a
Mini logo bearings

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@Sundaynuggets that veneer color bleed is beautiful with the line art.

Thanks! They definitely do beautiful work

[GoneWithTheSchwinn]

Love Pennswood decks.

[Sativa Lung]

Not asking for any edits. Just wanted to say something about it.

Hey man, its been a minute since we talked but its nice to see you at least pop up and interact with the community here and address some of the concerns. I don't think theres ever been a question about the quality of your work... My preferences have changed and I might not skate them as often as I used to but I still have a box of scumcos and some of the other stuff you sent me around this time last year because quite frankly theyre the best looking decks I've ever seen. Being more comminicative and taking responsibility for things that have happened in the past is definitely a good thing, but as they say actions speak louder than words. You're one of the only US shops still operating (so you're definitely doing something right) and I've always had a soft spot for you because of the yinzer connection, so I'd say to just look at the criticism as an opportunity to improve your process.

Merry Christmas and I hope this year doesn't throw you as many curveballs as the last few have. One of these days ill make it up there to check the shop out and do some fishing. Stay safe bud.

[Sativa Lung]

Guess I'll start the Christmas completes

8.25 DOA Circles (standard mold)
Vintage Venture 5.2
54mm NFG square shape 95a crust formula
Bop Shop ceramic bearings (with Bop Slop™ lubrication)
Bop Shop grip (69 grit)


Totally forgot Fletch owed me a deck. He saw me asking a shop if they had this in 8.25 so he sent me one. Love this graphic. Its inspired by (aka ripped off from) an old Jason Lee graphic so I should probably have put indys on it but I don't have any old indys atm and ive never been able to skate them on south central standard mold decks anyways. Hopefully the "vintures" work out, otherwise I'll probably end up switching to mini logo or ace lows or something.

Really liking the NFG crust formula so far. Theyre smooth on rough shit but not overly soft and they slide better than every other sub 99a wheel ive tried before. Hopefully they don't get too sticky when they break in, the regular ones get a bit more grip once you wear off the smooth top layer.

[moonordie]

[CannerSpaghetti]

Christmas Complete

Zero 8.5
Indy Louie Lopez Hollows 149
Pig Toxics 52mm and I’m pretty sure 99a lol
Bones Super Reds
Mob

And to the guy above me with the same deck, I hope mine looks as good as that when it’s skated

[handsclapanin]

I hate the way a Christmas complete looks.
Especially the new trucks.
But, tis the season.



$lave Pat Burke 8.3 / 14.3 WB
Indy 149 Standard
FF OG 52mm 99

Shop 8.75 (BBS), 14.25 WB
Indy 159 hollow
FF Lockin 53mm 99

Reds, Mob & 7/8 allen Lawnchair hardware on both.
I think this is setup numbers 17 & 18 in my quiver.
After riding the aftermarket Indy 88a conical bushings for years; I'm going to switch it up and give stock a chance.

[TastyBurrito]

I think this is setup numbers 17 & 18 in my quiver.

17 & 18? Damn. Do you still ride 1-16? I have a hard time balancing three (2 setups; one made while the other was locked in my work office during beginning of COVID lockdown and a cruiser).

[Sativa Lung]

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I think this is setup numbers 17 & 18 in my quiver.

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17 & 18? Damn. Do you still ride 1-16? I have a hard time balancing three (2 setups; one made while the other was locked in my work office during beginning of COVID lockdown and a cruiser).

Can't speak for him but once I got past like a dozen or so what basically happened is I have like 1 or 2 "daily drivers" that are usually either an 8.25 square/full PS (quasi, scumco, snack, strangelove etc) deck with ventures, an 8.12/8.25 DOA flat also with ventures, or an 8.25 bbs that isn't TOO steep (usually passport, topx, or lately birdhouse) with thunders... I skate one of those setups like probably 70% of the time. Then like 20% is days where I kinda specialize..either my legs either feel really good and I'll skate something steep like a hockey on indys or they'll feel like trash and I want something really snappy and easy to pop like an 8.3 enjoi football or plan B on venture/ace lows. Then like 10% of the time I'll skate just weird shit that I was curious about (various random decks on theeves or films) or something bigger like an 8.5 AH or scumco on indys or smaller like a 7.5 girl deck or 8.1 blind football that will be interesting or FUN for a little bit but too far outside my comfort zone for me to skate it regularly.

When those wildcard days roll around I'll sometimes grab 2 or 3 setups and just do some stationary ollies in the basement while I drink my coffee and whatever feels the best or most intriguing is what I skate that day. It's really cool to have a bunch of setups to choose from, but for a while there I was skating a different setup every day just because I could and it really kills your consistency and progression.

[Mbrimson88]

Sometimes there are too many choices, but other times I really feel like getting out a certain board for a specific trick or purpose or something and I usually have one that will fit that need.

Other guys who are only on one complete board at a time often think I am nuts for having so many setups, but there are boards with big wheels, small wheels, harder and softer wheels, looser trucks, tighter trucks, cruisers, almost dead completes I don't mind throwing around (not actually tossing them) and options, as well as a few different places that they live, so there is always a board somewhere when I want to skate.

[handsclapanin]

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I think this is setup numbers 17 & 18 in my quiver.

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17 & 18? Damn. Do you still ride 1-16? I have a hard time balancing three (2 setups; one made while the other was locked in my work office during beginning of COVID lockdown and a cruiser).

Yes! Just 3 short years ago, I was like you. 1 setup and a zipzinger. But once I started playing around with different shapes and sizes, it's hard to stop. There is always something new out there that I haven't tried yet. It's fun and exciting. I've been skating for over 35 years. 18 setups spices up the marriage. If progression and consistency are what you're after, this is not for you. But I'm 44 and just trying to have fun.

[ballintoohard]

Do you really think Hockey are steeper than FA?

[Mbrimson88]

Do you really think Hockey are steeper than FA?

Same wood in the same presses, but as BBS does four in a press, some might feel steeper than others. 

[yourbreakfsat]

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Do you really think Hockey are steeper than FA?

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Same wood in the same presses, but as BBS does four in a press, some might feel steeper than others.

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Do you really think Hockey are steeper than FA?

[close]

Same wood in the same presses, but as BBS does four in a press, some might feel steeper than others.

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Do you really think Hockey are steeper than FA?

[close]

Same wood in the same presses, but as BBS does four in a press, some might feel steeper than others.

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Do you really think Hockey are steeper than FA?

[close]

Same wood in the same presses, but as BBS does four in a press, some might feel steeper than others.

Not sure about you guys, but I think that they're the same wood in the same presses, but as BBS does four in a press, some might feel steeper than others.