Tall Pals (6'+): gear recommendations and reflections

[freidnly guy]

Most 14.25" wb decks always feel too tight like I have to widen my stance, pushing my front foot into the pocket, which feels terrible.

The 8.25"x31.875 Primitive with a 14" WB is totally skateable tho...not sure why but I *think" it's due to the longer nose and (especially) the longer tail; visually it makes it 'feel' like a bigger board...it's really bizarre, and my rear foot is further back.

I think it's also due to the elusive fingers of flat measurement. Shorter boards need more or it feels cramped like your ankles are shackled together.

[LebowskisRug]

Yup, my Crail deck is nice in that it has a 14" WB but feels much longer because it has a lot of fingers. Complete opposite of Polar kicks which are almost negative fingers.

[BartHarleyJarvis]

6’4”, 195lb, size 13 shoes

I was riding mostly 8.5 hockey boards but just switched up to a Polar P2 8.5 and I’m liking it a lot. Feels like the tail is a bit bigger and the board is more balanced. Always 8.5 trucks, usually indys but I have a set up with thunders as well. Lots of bushing madness but I’ve mostly settled on the Indy Conical Blues 92a as the perfect Goldilocks bushing.

Shoes are tough because my feet are long and slim, but I’m in some Last Resorts and liking them a lot.

[toque]

I'm 6'5 235 and wear 11.5

Been on the DLX 8.62 x 14.75 x 32.56 shape for the last year or so and wish they still made the slightly slimmer version of that shape (all I skated for around 5 years)

Would love to be able to casually try out smaller brands and all that but I'm too picky about a longer wheelbase.

[LebowskisRug]

Wanted to bump this and see what other tall pals are doing these days.

My recent setups have all been: 8.38x14.38x32, Thunder 148s, Spitfire F4 that measure 52, Quantum Bearings. This would include DLX decks that are labeled 8.25, but measure almost identical to the BBS generic 8.38.

I've tried 14.5 and it feels comfy as hell, but my flip tricks are a bit more effortful and it can be a lot to throw around on days where I'm not super fresh.

[slippy]

6'4" 240 lbs.  I was on a tear breaking boards on flatground, manuals, little drops for a while and have since switched to NHS VX boards, hopefully creature but when in need a Santa Cruz and it's been a gamechanger.  I've forgotten what it felt like to go for the land even when you know your feet are not over the bolts without fear that it's going to collapse on you, first boards I'm taking of without breaking them first.  Also the drop in weight has allowed me the comfort of skating one of their 8.8 boards and flipping it like it's a standard 8.5, major change to my skating.  Take it for what it's worth but I aint going back

[BartHarleyJarvis]

I've been on 8.5 for years, but recently I've been considering sizing up to 8.75 or 8.8. I know theres some mythical Brian Anderson 8.8 prototype shape he's testing, so I'll maybe wait for that to drop, but I also think he rides a long WB.

[GnarAlarm]

6'4
170lbs
Shoe size 12

I skate 8.0 with Thunder hollow lights 147 and 50mm wheels
I like a lightweight, responsive setup.

[hobochimp]

Wanted to bump this and see what other tall pals are doing these days.

My recent setups have all been: 8.38x14.38x32, Thunder 148s, Spitfire F4 that measure 52, Quantum Bearings. This would include DLX decks that are labeled 8.25, but measure almost identical to the BBS generic 8.38.

I've tried 14.5 and it feels comfy as hell, but my flip tricks are a bit more effortful and it can be a lot to throw around on days where I'm not super fresh.

I’ve been thinking about trying thunders out a lot lately. They are the last of the big four truck brands I haven’t tried. My go to shape is still the dlx 8.5 with 14.25 wb that measures more like an 8.38. Would you say thunders help you pop and flip better? I feel like it’s been so much effort to get most other trucks off of the ground having long legs

[BartHarleyJarvis]

Expand Quote

Wanted to bump this and see what other tall pals are doing these days.

My recent setups have all been: 8.38x14.38x32, Thunder 148s, Spitfire F4 that measure 52, Quantum Bearings. This would include DLX decks that are labeled 8.25, but measure almost identical to the BBS generic 8.38.

I've tried 14.5 and it feels comfy as hell, but my flip tricks are a bit more effortful and it can be a lot to throw around on days where I'm not super fresh.

[close]

I’ve been thinking about trying thunders out a lot lately. They are the last of the big four truck brands I haven’t tried. My go to shape is still the dlx 8.5 with 14.25 wb that measures more like an 8.38. Would you say thunders help you pop and flip better? I feel like it’s been so much effort to get most other trucks off of the ground having long legs

I recently switched back to thunder from Indy/Ace, and I don't think it helps you pop or flip "better", it's definitely helped my consistency. Pushing the wb a little farther out and having a quicker pop point made me way more comfortable on my tricks. Even after a year of Indy, I'd still ghost pop every once in a while which was super frustrating. It just never felt natural having to hit the tail that hard for every trick.

That being said, there are still some spots where I pull out my Indy set up, especially if it's something that requires popping really high like a tall manual pad or something.

[LebowskisRug]

Expand Quote

Wanted to bump this and see what other tall pals are doing these days.

My recent setups have all been: 8.38x14.38x32, Thunder 148s, Spitfire F4 that measure 52, Quantum Bearings. This would include DLX decks that are labeled 8.25, but measure almost identical to the BBS generic 8.38.

I've tried 14.5 and it feels comfy as hell, but my flip tricks are a bit more effortful and it can be a lot to throw around on days where I'm not super fresh.

[close]

I’ve been thinking about trying thunders out a lot lately. They are the last of the big four truck brands I haven’t tried. My go to shape is still the dlx 8.5 with 14.25 wb that measures more like an 8.38. Would you say thunders help you pop and flip better? I feel like it’s been so much effort to get most other trucks off of the ground having long legs

Id say they have been better for consistency and leveling out stuff. The former comes to just the pop feel working for me the latter from the height helping you bring up the tail more. I've been able to adjust my technique in small increments due to better consistency which has led to better flip tricks.

Prior to Thunder I was on Indy for around 9 months all variations. The Forged Hollow were cool but almost too light of a pop feel. The standards I felt like I had less consistency and more ghost pop but higher yield on my pop.

[overwaxed]

6'1" tall
180 lbs
size 10.5 shoe

Currently riding an Anti Hero BA 8.5x31.8 with a 14.25 wheelbase - not loving the shape, so I'm going to try a Quasi 8.5 and 8.75 and see what sticks
Indy 159's but switching to Ace 55's
Figuring my wheels of choice out, but switching between 53's and 57's depending on the terrain - hyped to try some full conical spits

I just started skating again in earnest after quitting around 2005 (I've at least been on a board a few times a year though), so still finding my footing again - but I typically skated Girl/Chocolate or AWS/Habitat in the late 90's/early 00's, between 7.88-8 with 8" (all my friends made fun of me for riding such big decks lol) Indy's or Thunders and 53-55mm wheels

Switching between Last Resort Suede Lows and Nike Blazer SB Mids

[Ride it to dust]

Expand Quote

Wanted to bump this and see what other tall pals are doing these days.

My recent setups have all been: 8.38x14.38x32, Thunder 148s, Spitfire F4 that measure 52, Quantum Bearings. This would include DLX decks that are labeled 8.25, but measure almost identical to the BBS generic 8.38.

I've tried 14.5 and it feels comfy as hell, but my flip tricks are a bit more effortful and it can be a lot to throw around on days where I'm not super fresh.

[close]

I’ve been thinking about trying thunders out a lot lately. They are the last of the big four truck brands I haven’t tried. My go to shape is still the dlx 8.5 with 14.25 wb that measures more like an 8.38. Would you say thunders help you pop and flip better? I feel like it’s been so much effort to get most other trucks off of the ground having long legs

Been on Thunders for the last couple years, I’m just over 6’ and have long legs and found Thunders on a 14.25 feel nice. Stable enough but still light ( really prefer lighter setups)I had the same 148 hollows on one of the Krooked eyes decks in 8.38 (14.5 WB) and it felt nose heavy and generally a bit cumbersome. Almost like i had to wind up my upper body a little more on things like fs/bs 180’s etc. just my 2 cents

[thunderskater2805]

6' 0"
205 lbs
Size 12 shoe

Currently on a Hockey 8.5" 14.25 wb with Thunder High 149 Ti's (stock bushings like 2 threads showing and I still wheel bite if i turn too hard...) Krooked 1/8" risers and Spitfire F4 99a 54mm Full Conical.

Ate shit last week and am nursing a sprained wrist so I keep just looking at other peoples setups and descending into gear madness...

Been thinking of switching to 151's or 161's and getting a 9"ish egg shape. maybe I should get regular trucks this time because I definitely notice the need to wind up my 180's, never thought about it being a light truck thing...

Grew up skating Thunders but also had some of every truck brand not in the big 4 (never the big 4 though...) Phantom 2's, Silver, 2 pairs of Threat trucks both of which I cracked, and the ole Krux K4's in both 8.0 and 8.5. Switching back to Thunders feels like home again and I had to take the krux of my cruiser now that I'm used to the Thunders again because the Krux just feel goofy.

[BartHarleyJarvis]

6' 0"
205 lbs
Size 12 shoe

Currently on a Hockey 8.5" 14.25 wb with Thunder High 149 Ti's (stock bushings like 2 threads showing and I still wheel bite if i turn too hard...) Krooked 1/8" risers and Spitfire F4 99a 54mm Full Conical.

Ate shit last week and am nursing a sprained wrist so I keep just looking at other peoples setups and descending into gear madness...

Been thinking of switching to 151's or 161's and getting a 9"ish egg shape. maybe I should get regular trucks this time because I definitely notice the need to wind up my 180's, never thought about it being a light truck thing...

Grew up skating Thunders but also had some of every truck brand not in the big 4 (never the big 4 though...) Phantom 2's, Silver, 2 pairs of Threat trucks both of which I cracked, and the ole Krux K4's in both 8.0 and 8.5. Switching back to Thunders feels like home again and I had to take the krux of my cruiser now that I'm used to the Thunders again because the Krux just feel goofy.

I would try an egg but not size up your trucks. I had the same thought and bought some Ace AF1 66's (9" axle) for an egg, and I hated it. Probably would be good as a cruiser, but as a boar for doing tricks it was pretty unmanageable. I went back down to 8.5" axle trucks and it feels great. Eggs taper down at the trucks so narrower always works a biit better imo

[Paperclip20]

Agree with the post above about not needing to size up trucks on egg shapes.

6'4 190 Size 12 foot

Lately I've been running 8.5 shop decks with Indy hollows(Kingpin and Axle) and the blue conical bushings. I believe those are one step harder than stock. I'm digging them and being conical they still turn excellent.

[BartHarleyJarvis]

Agree with the post above about not needing to size up trucks on egg shapes.

6'4 190 Size 12 foot

Lately I've been running 8.5 shop decks with Indy hollows(Kingpin and Axle) and the blue conical bushings. I believe those are one step harder than stock. I'm digging them and being conical they still turn excellent.

I went through a truck bushing madness phase and those blue conical bushings are the best non-stock bushing you can get. so good.

[MysticalTypeExperience]

6'2" size 12 shoes
Been nearly a year since I got back into skating and tried an embarrassing number of boards since then. 8.5-9.125", popsicles, shapes, an egg, a Flight, now a twin tail.
Numerous conclusions:

Shapes can be skateable if they're not super wacky. Really enjoy this Madness:  https://madnessskateboards.com/products/madness-out-of-mind-r7-9-13-skateboard-deck

I hate eggs; at least the one Quasi PS Stix egg I had. Nose and tail way too skinny and the board had stress cracks after one session.

Flight boards are godlike. The pop never fades. Their graphics suck though. People hate their shapes but I found I really love their 245 shape, and long boards in general.

8.75x33x15" seem to be the goldilocks dims for me. I can probably go a little shorter because it's kinda hard to find 33" boards.

Welcome 8.75" twin tail is sick, I love never having to ever worry about board orientation, and everything should wear more evenly. However even at 32.375" it feels stubby coming from the Powell. I can adjust though.

But give me a Flight twin tail 8.75x33x15" or slightly shorter with a graphic doesn't suck and that would be perfection.

[Thebird]

Any of you guys running a 14" wheelbase?  I'm 6'3", size 12, just set up a Girl g026.  Coming from a g008 with the 14.25 wb, which is what I ride most of the time.  I'm also on a 14" wb on my 8.25, but it is an April, so the long tail and nose kind of compensate for that.  Just curious who else is running a 14" wb.

[tzhangdox]

6ft5 can do 14.2 fine (with ventures) but 14 is a no for me unless I'm trying tech combos on midget ledges at 1mph

[thunderskater2805]

Crosspost with setup thread

Ordered the Crail hot summer box and got a Phawt and Couch shape. The Phawt feels a little long standing on it so I setup the Couch instead (also just preferred the couch graphic). I really thought  I would need bigger trucks for a 9.25 but sure enough slap knows best and my 149's are just the right size. Currently setup my old trucks and wheels but I have my old OJ 87a's that I'm debating putting on and making it more of a cruiser. But also would like to pick up a second set up trucks and just make one of the two a full time cruiser and the other my normal board... is this the start of gear madness?

[Mean salto]

What's easier swapping wheels or swapping trucks? If you set both up you could swap the wheels on each back n forth so both are the cruiser and regular boards

[huggernaut]

6'3
14 size shoes
200 lbs
skated heaps 98-04
back into it 19-now

I like an 8.5" board, 149 trucks. Have had two anti-heros that i've really like the shape of. Even though i have big feet, i dont find an 8.5" too small or anything. Back in the day i was riding 7.75s and 8's, so 8.5' feels big to me.

I find shoes the most annoying. Cant walk into a store and try anything on, its nike/adidas online only. I had janoskis but they were average and look like clown shoes in 14's. Recently got a pair of Tyshawns on sale, and they are so good. Now that they've broken in they are very comfortable, and skate nice.

How’s the width on the tyshawn’s?  I’m also a size 14 shoe and feel your pain with never being able to try stuff. Been doing okay with most Emerica 14s too.

[chris.]

In the past 2 years I’ve gone from as low 14” up to 15” and now I’m skating a 14.75”.  I was able to skate em all, and I still think about this one kickflip while skating a 14” Orchard shop deck, but bigger is better for me.  Im the past I had rolled my ankles numerous times just because I didn’t have enough space to land and my foot would roll off the side.

All that being said, I was thinking yesterday I should regrip and set up this lil 8.25 DOA square shape I have with my 5.8s.

[Lessfillingtastegreat]

6’1” ride 8.25 venture 5.6 ( super loose ) 54 LL F4 bones Swiss bearing. 10.5 shoes ( Crockett ). 

Question, I’ve been on ventures my entire skate life. But have considered thunders. I skate them super loose.  How do thunders compare? What can I expect.  I will step on a board with thunders and it feels more reactive / responsive.  BUT, they always seem to have them tight AF. Anyone rollin thunders and have them super loose?

[LebowskisRug]

It's not super common. Thunders have a quicker, twitchier turn. I've run them super loose and there was no advantage really just wheelbit faster. Tightened them up a full turn and it was like cool I can still turn just as deep but I've got more stability.

Some dudes use a riser and run em loose. I tried that too but it wasn't that great for me. Give it a shot without, then with.

[The.Skate.Father]

Just got myself a Christmas setup (which my lady insists must only be setup closer to Christmas....) I was riding a 8.38 hockey on rattly venture 6.1 with tiny 48mm wheels and it was feeling pretty good till I snapped the deck.
New setup will be 149 Thunder Ti lights with a 8.25 FA and 50mm wheels.
I'm 6.2 and 175 to 180lbs and size 10. 5 shoe.
Haven't ridden thunders and I'm a bit nervous about sizing down, I've been riding big boards (8.6+) before the hockey deck.
What do you guys reckon about 149s on a 8.25?
How do the thunder bushings hold up four us bigger guys, Id like to get them nice and loose so I dunno if I need to swap out bushings?

[Slugboi22]

Just got myself a Christmas setup (which my lady insists must only be setup closer to Christmas....) I was riding a 8.38 hockey on rattly venture 6.1 with tiny 48mm wheels and it was feeling pretty good till I snapped the deck.
New setup will be 149 Thunder Ti lights with a 8.25 FA and 50mm wheels.
I'm 6.2 and 175 to 180lbs and size 10. 5 shoe.
Haven't ridden thunders and I'm a bit nervous about sizing down, I've been riding big boards (8.6+) before the hockey deck.
What do you guys reckon about 149s on a 8.25?
How do the thunder bushings hold up four us bigger guys, Id like to get them nice and loose so I dunno if I need to swap out bushings?

i’m a little heavier than you and i’ve split bushings on both sets of thunder 149s i’ve owned. The after market blue ones are pretty good though so i’d recommend those.

[The.Skate.Father]

Expand Quote

Just got myself a Christmas setup (which my lady insists must only be setup closer to Christmas....) I was riding a 8.38 hockey on rattly venture 6.1 with tiny 48mm wheels and it was feeling pretty good till I snapped the deck.
New setup will be 149 Thunder Ti lights with a 8.25 FA and 50mm wheels.
I'm 6.2 and 175 to 180lbs and size 10. 5 shoe.
Haven't ridden thunders and I'm a bit nervous about sizing down, I've been riding big boards (8.6+) before the hockey deck.
What do you guys reckon about 149s on a 8.25?
How do the thunder bushings hold up four us bigger guys, Id like to get them nice and loose so I dunno if I need to swap out bushings?

[close]

i’m a little heavier than you and i’ve split bushings on both sets of thunder 149s i’ve owned. The after market blue ones are pretty good though so i’d recommend those.

Good to know thanks I'll get some of them. I had massive problems with my venture bushings splitting, tried the thunder reds in there and they split after 2 sessions. Ended up settling for bones hardcore but they feel kinda stiffish, and not the hugest fan.

[huggernaut]

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

Just got myself a Christmas setup (which my lady insists must only be setup closer to Christmas....) I was riding a 8.38 hockey on rattly venture 6.1 with tiny 48mm wheels and it was feeling pretty good till I snapped the deck.
New setup will be 149 Thunder Ti lights with a 8.25 FA and 50mm wheels.
I'm 6.2 and 175 to 180lbs and size 10. 5 shoe.
Haven't ridden thunders and I'm a bit nervous about sizing down, I've been riding big boards (8.6+) before the hockey deck.
What do you guys reckon about 149s on a 8.25?
How do the thunder bushings hold up four us bigger guys, Id like to get them nice and loose so I dunno if I need to swap out bushings?

[close]

i’m a little heavier than you and i’ve split bushings on both sets of thunder 149s i’ve owned. The after market blue ones are pretty good though so i’d recommend those.

[close]

Good to know thanks I'll get some of them. I had massive problems with my venture bushings splitting, tried the thunder reds in there and they split after 2 sessions. Ended up settling for bones hardcore but they feel kinda stiffish, and not the hugest fan.

Been through some bushing madness myself as a big boy, (6’1 / 230, though when all this started I was way heavier and splitting all stock bushings / 14 shoes) and I’ve been really happy with the harder thunder aftermarket bushings. How hard to taste.