Gear madness support thread

[LebowskisRug]

Not unless it is significantly slower/locking up. Do you think all 4 wheels on a car have the same drag coefficient?

[Mbrimson88]

Do y’all think it matters when one wheel is slower than the other? Sure it’s just a bearing, but shouldn’t the other wheels make up for it?

I always put the smallest wheel on the front heel, as well as the slowest spinning bearings.

Given some people skate a board both ways a lot more than me which could change things, but that is the easiest way I get around any bearing wearing issues, which usually means that wheel and bearing get the least wear and has the least amount of pressure on it, less weight, etc.  Sure I do pop shovits and similar things, but for the most part, that front heel position stays the same for the majority of my skating.

Sometimes I have also put the more crusty bearings or any that make more noise on the front wheels, with the better bearings on the back, or if they are about half and half, sometimes even the not so good ones paired with a good one so every wheel feels about the same.

Of course some people just leave that whole set or what is left of it in the spares box, as I did with six Bones Swiss Ceramic bearings, after someone lost a wheel and two bearings, but they are a different story and I didn't want to mix and match those with anything else.

[MyUserName]

I admittedly haven’t read all 54 pages of this thread, but I’m curious if anyone else has my obsessive tendency of ultra clean grip? When I apply a new sheet it has to be perfect, and I use grip gum at least every other session. I hate that I’m this way. I know after using a deck for a while, grip will eventually get dinged and torn but it instantly annoys me when it happens.

No other part of my board bothers me when it’s impacted by use. Just grip. Annoying.

[Sedition]

I admittedly haven’t read all 54 pages of this thread, but I’m curious if anyone else has my obsessive tendency of ultra clean grip? When I apply a new sheet it has to be perfect, and I use grip gum at least every other session. I hate that I’m this way. I know after using a deck for a while, grip will eventually get dinged and torn but it instantly annoys me when it happens.

No other part of my board bothers me when it’s impacted by use. Just grip. Annoying.

We have a few DIY & parking garages spots* here that are INSANELY dusty. Like, your grip tape comes out brown, and you need to clean your bearings after a few long sessions (all of which really makes think me/others should wear some kind of respiratory mask while skating there). After skating those places, or others like it, I absolutely use grip gum.

*My b/s disaster in my sig file is at one of those garages.

[j....soy.....]

I commend anyone dedicated to the passion of perfect grip....it's an uphill battle.  The grip gum in your car or at the door is a good idea.  Also re-gripping can be cleansing.....

[moonordie]

I admittedly haven’t read all 54 pages of this thread, but I’m curious if anyone else has my obsessive tendency of ultra clean grip? When I apply a new sheet it has to be perfect, and I use grip gum at least every other session. I hate that I’m this way. I know after using a deck for a while, grip will eventually get dinged and torn but it instantly annoys me when it happens.

No other part of my board bothers me when it’s impacted by use. Just grip. Annoying.

And now in autumn there is no way grip stats without leaves

[Idk]

I get too sweaty when I skate so it drips onto my grip. First few sessions I get upset but by the end of my decks life it is covered in light brown sweat drops.

[manysnakes]

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I admittedly haven’t read all 54 pages of this thread, but I’m curious if anyone else has my obsessive tendency of ultra clean grip? When I apply a new sheet it has to be perfect, and I use grip gum at least every other session. I hate that I’m this way. I know after using a deck for a while, grip will eventually get dinged and torn but it instantly annoys me when it happens.

No other part of my board bothers me when it’s impacted by use. Just grip. Annoying.

[close]

We have a few DIY & parking garages spots* here that are INSANELY dusty. Like, your grip tape comes out brown, and you need to clean your bearings after a few long sessions (all of which really makes think me/others should wear some kind of respiratory mask while skating there). After skating those places, or others like it, I absolutely use grip gum.

*My b/s disaster in my sig file is at one of those garages.

Yeah there’s a nasty garage where everyone here skates and it’s actually kind of crazy that we all go exercise five floors below ground in a pit of automobile exhaust and bum piss/shit. Fortunately I’ve got a secret curb near to the water which is well above ground and is wide open to the breeze.

[OhioGuy]

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Do y’all think it matters when one wheel is slower than the other? Sure it’s just a bearing, but shouldn’t the other wheels make up for it?

[close]

I always put the smallest wheel on the front heel, as well as the slowest spinning bearings.

Given some people skate a board both ways a lot more than me which could change things, but that is the easiest way I get around any bearing wearing issues, which usually means that wheel and bearing get the least wear and has the least amount of pressure on it, less weight, etc.  Sure I do pop shovits and similar things, but for the most part, that front heel position stays the same for the majority of my skating.

Sometimes I have also put the more crusty bearings or any that make more noise on the front wheels, with the better bearings on the back, or if they are about half and half, sometimes even the not so good ones paired with a good one so every wheel feels about the same.

Of course some people just leave that whole set or what is left of it in the spares box, as I did with six Bones Swiss Ceramic bearings, after someone lost a wheel and two bearings, but they are a different story and I didn't want to mix and match those with anything else.

Sadly I'm one of those people who skate my board both ways. Even when I'm not riding a twintail, I use the nose as a tail when riding switch. I just paired the bad bearings with good ones. Even time the wheels, the "slow" one is only like 3 seconds slower so I doubt it makes a difference.

-------------

I'm weird about griptape. I have ten gently used decks with grip on them. These are decks I skated for a week or so. Nothing's wrong with them. I plan on riding a few this winter. But I have the urge to regrip them even though they're fine?

I switched to Pepper two setups ago.

Most of the decks have Mob/Jessup. Mob I don't mind so much, but I'm afraid Jessup will lead to an injury since I'm used to a grippier deck now.

[OhioGuy]

So I got some 97a Spitfires and lost my No Comply Shuvs for a minute. I was confused at first, then realized that the harder wheels helped me scoop them more (broke traction easier). I eventually adjusted.

It’s funny how something so minor can make a difference. They also made my setup sound a little dead.

[Sedition]

They also made my setup sound a little dead.

Yup. Hate that sound.

[LebowskisRug]

I'll be damned if I've ever noticed a setup issue with 180 no comply. I literally did one on an Enjoi kids board with foam grip today I have madness but that's a new level of ridiculousness and needing to simply practice technique

[rikki]

So I got some 97a Spitfires and lost my No Comply Shuvs for a minute. I was confused at first, then realized that the harder wheels helped me scoop them more (broke traction easier). I eventually adjusted.

It’s funny how something so minor can make a difference. They also made my setup sound a little dead.

Came in to say that no comply front shuv is probably one of my favorite tricks ever.

[Nymphicus hollandicus]

Ok this is a madness related situation that I could do with some advice on. It is a fairly long and rambling rant/description so bear with me!

After trying out many different shapes, sizes and wheelbases over the years the deck that I like the most (Jart/HLC Classic 7.6” wide, 31.6” long, 14.2” wheelbase with low concave) isn’t currently available in the UK. (There are still some complete skateboards available with the same sized deck but after buying one and regripping it, I’m convinced they use less well finished decks for those in comparison to their individually sold decks). I’ve emailed HLC to ask them directly about supply of the individual decks to which they’ve replied they have none in stock and it doesn’t look like they are planning on making any for next year either. They have a Sk8mafia 7.6” option but it is too short at 31.04”.

I’ve recently set up a 7.5” and thought I would love it but in actuality it was just too narrow. 7.75” seems just a touch too wide, 7.6” is perfect for me and I feel like I have progressed much more since staying on this one size this year. As it stands, I have one very well used 7.6” currently set up and one slightly used spare deck on ice that I sourced from eBay, after that, no more.

So the way I see it is I have three options:
1: Try and buy up a few remaining exact replacement decks from mainland Europe and import them at a cost. My concerns with this is that the supply will eventually run out, then what? Part of my madness is hating the thought of using something that isn’t replaceable or is that becoming obsolete!

2: Deal with it, move on and reignite the madness by trying out new deck size/brands and dimensions again. The madness is real, I’m guilty of speeding far too much time wondering about other options as it is. I’m mildly annoyed that I would be changing something that I didn’t want to though and I’ve not wanted to stray since finding this size/shape.

3: Try and recreate the same deck dimensions by trimming down and reshaping a larger deck, say for example a high concave 8” with the same length and wheelbase. Surely with the sides trimmed-down that would make a medium/low concave 7.6”? Also, I’ve never attempted something like this, on paper it could work well but it would need practice.

Retaining the specific 31.6” length seems to be the biggest sticking point with replacing my 7.6”. Most of the current options (of which there are not many) from other brands seem to be around 31” - 31.2” in length these days. I’m not keen on 14” or below wheelbases either, 14.125” - 14.25” is my ideal wheelbase.

Any suggestions? How do you deal with the diminishing stock of a board you love and want to replace?
Thanks!

[fakiefs180]

Ok this is a madness related situation that I could do with some advice on. It is a fairly long and rambling rant/description so bear with me!

After trying out many different shapes, sizes and wheelbases over the years the deck that I like the most (Jart/HLC Classic 7.6” wide, 31.6” long, 14.2” wheelbase with low concave) isn’t currently available in the UK. (There are still some complete skateboards available with the same sized deck but after buying one and regripping it, I’m convinced they use less well finished decks for those in comparison to their individually sold decks). I’ve emailed HLC to ask them directly about supply of the individual decks to which they’ve replied they have none in stock and it doesn’t look like they are planning on making any for next year either. They have a Sk8mafia 7.6” option but it is too short at 31.04”.

I’ve recently set up a 7.5” and thought I would love it but in actuality it was just too narrow. 7.75” seems just a touch too wide, 7.6” is perfect for me and I feel like I have progressed much more since staying on this one size this year. As it stands, I have one very well used 7.6” currently set up and one slightly used spare deck on ice that I sourced from eBay, after that, no more.

So the way I see it is I have three options:
1: Try and buy up a few remaining exact replacement decks from mainland Europe and import them at a cost. My concerns with this is that the supply will eventually run out, then what? Part of my madness is hating the thought of using something that isn’t replaceable or is that becoming obsolete!

2: Deal with it, move on and reignite the madness by trying out new deck size/brands and dimensions again. The madness is real, I’m guilty of speeding far too much time wondering about other options as it is. I’m mildly annoyed that I would be changing something that I didn’t want to though and I’ve not wanted to stray since finding this size/shape.

3: Try and recreate the same deck dimensions by trimming down and reshaping a larger deck, say for example a high concave 8” with the same length and wheelbase. Surely with the sides trimmed-down that would make a medium/low concave 7.6”? Also, I’ve never attempted something like this, on paper it could work well but it would need practice.

Retaining the specific 31.6” length seems to be the biggest sticking point with replacing my 7.6”. Most of the current options (of which there are not many) from other brands seem to be around 31” - 31.2” in length these days. I’m not keen on 14” or below wheelbases either, 14.125” - 14.25” is my ideal wheelbase.

Any suggestions? How do you deal with the diminishing stock of a board you love and want to replace?
Thanks!

Oh man, it's never easy to change. But your case is kinda rare, haven't seen any 7.6 decks in ~15 years.
But if I were you, I would try to find a 8" deck with 31.6 length and a 14.25 wheelbase. I am sure, there are some.
I think DLX decks with that true fit mold could work for you. Best of luck and stay positive.

[LebowskisRug]

Lighter Indy Mids is a perfect way to describe the pop but the turn is something else. They've got a pretty unique geometry. FWIW one of my good friends that has been on Indy for 15 years tried them and found them too squirrely unless he had like 3-4 threads showing. Supposedly Griffin Gass runs Ace hards in his but could be BS.

[OhioGuy]

Thought I was gonna go with this LBC Skate Shop deck, but it sounds like the wood is splintering when I stand on it. Bought it last year, but feel like it was made during COVID in 2020.

So I might setup a new deck. I know it’s silly, but out of the dozen decks I’ve skated over the last year none of them have sounded like they were about to break under my weight lol. I’m a bigger skater, but not that big 😂

This is my first shop deck. Not sure what woodshop they used. The deck also seems a little thicker than my pro ones.

[Nymphicus hollandicus]

Expand Quote

Ok this is a madness related situation that I could do with some advice on. It is a fairly long and rambling rant/description so bear with me!

After trying out many different shapes, sizes and wheelbases over the years the deck that I like the most (Jart/HLC Classic 7.6” wide, 31.6” long, 14.2” wheelbase with low concave) isn’t currently available in the UK. (There are still some complete skateboards available with the same sized deck but after buying one and regripping it, I’m convinced they use less well finished decks for those in comparison to their individually sold decks). I’ve emailed HLC to ask them directly about supply of the individual decks to which they’ve replied they have none in stock and it doesn’t look like they are planning on making any for next year either. They have a Sk8mafia 7.6” option but it is too short at 31.04”.

I’ve recently set up a 7.5” and thought I would love it but in actuality it was just too narrow. 7.75” seems just a touch too wide, 7.6” is perfect for me and I feel like I have progressed much more since staying on this one size this year. As it stands, I have one very well used 7.6” currently set up and one slightly used spare deck on ice that I sourced from eBay, after that, no more.

So the way I see it is I have three options:
1: Try and buy up a few remaining exact replacement decks from mainland Europe and import them at a cost. My concerns with this is that the supply will eventually run out, then what? Part of my madness is hating the thought of using something that isn’t replaceable or is that becoming obsolete!

2: Deal with it, move on and reignite the madness by trying out new deck size/brands and dimensions again. The madness is real, I’m guilty of speeding far too much time wondering about other options as it is. I’m mildly annoyed that I would be changing something that I didn’t want to though and I’ve not wanted to stray since finding this size/shape.

3: Try and recreate the same deck dimensions by trimming down and reshaping a larger deck, say for example a high concave 8” with the same length and wheelbase. Surely with the sides trimmed-down that would make a medium/low concave 7.6”? Also, I’ve never attempted something like this, on paper it could work well but it would need practice.

Retaining the specific 31.6” length seems to be the biggest sticking point with replacing my 7.6”. Most of the current options (of which there are not many) from other brands seem to be around 31” - 31.2” in length these days. I’m not keen on 14” or below wheelbases either, 14.125” - 14.25” is my ideal wheelbase.

Any suggestions? How do you deal with the diminishing stock of a board you love and want to replace?
Thanks!

[close]

Oh man, it's never easy to change. But your case is kinda rare, haven't seen any 7.6 decks in ~15 years.
But if I were you, I would try to find a 8" deck with 31.6 length and a 14.25 wheelbase. I am sure, there are some.
I think DLX decks with that true fit mold could work for you. Best of luck and stay positive.

Thank you for your reply fs1/2cab and nice one for the recommendation, I’m not actually that familiar with a lot of DLX decks so I will definitely do some further research into them and their true fit moulds as they sound interesting.
P.S. I did get quite carried away with my last post offloading there, I just felt like getting it out of my system and this seems like the place to do it!

Shape wise I’m also now looking at a Polar 7.875” as apart from the width they have fairly similar dimensions and are both easily found and often on sale where I am. Also, another reason to try one is that it could be my first BBS made board.

Cheers again

[LebowskisRug]

Thought I was gonna go with this LBC Skate Shop deck, but it sounds like the wood is splintering when I stand on it. Bought it last year, but feel like it was made during COVID in 2020.

So I might setup a new deck. I know it’s silly, but out of the dozen decks I’ve skated over the last year none of them have sounded like they were about to break under my weight lol. I’m a bigger skater, but not that big 😂

This is my first shop deck. Not sure what woodshop they used. The deck also seems a little thicker than my pro ones.

If you're 245 as you previously said that is 100lbs heavier or 160% of the average skater. My friend that is a built 200 breaks decks with high frequency even. Back in the day when I was around 195 when I quit skating I was snapping shit constantly.

[OhioGuy]

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Thought I was gonna go with this LBC Skate Shop deck, but it sounds like the wood is splintering when I stand on it. Bought it last year, but feel like it was made during COVID in 2020.

So I might setup a new deck. I know it’s silly, but out of the dozen decks I’ve skated over the last year none of them have sounded like they were about to break under my weight lol. I’m a bigger skater, but not that big 😂

This is my first shop deck. Not sure what woodshop they used. The deck also seems a little thicker than my pro ones.

[close]

If you're 245 as you previously said that is 100lbs heavier or 160% of the average skater. My friend that is a built 200 breaks decks with high frequency even. Back in the day when I was around 195 when I quit skating I was snapping shit constantly.

It's funny cause I've never snapped a deck. But it's probably cause I only skate flat and ollie infrequently due to my bad knee. Just no complies, cruising, and wheelies. I switched to one of my Girl decks and it's sturdy. No creaking sounds.

[LebowskisRug]

A creaking sound would simply drive me insane.

I had an April last year that was probably a bit old (Guy's first graphic) and it delammed sorta quickly. You could hear the deck creak and I kept riding it simply because it somehow worked and never snapped. It was really annoying and I mostly stuck with it because it performed well but if you're not popping much then I wouldn't put up with it.

The Chinese made decks sound great for bigger people. The epoxy is super stiff and they seem to last forever even for those that really skate hard.

[jsettle]

Been reading and looking up stuff about trucks constantly all day for the past 2 weeks or so lol. About to just pull the trigger on some Ace AF1s and try to stop thinking about trucks for a while. Its actually crazy how much ive been on here reading about trucks recently. Ive rode the ace classics and loved them, but never tried af1s so figure maybe thatll stop the madness for a bit

[manysnakes]

Been reading and looking up stuff about trucks constantly all day for the past 2 weeks or so lol. About to just pull the trigger on some Ace AF1s and try to stop thinking about trucks for a while. Its actually crazy how much ive been on here reading about trucks recently. Ive rode the ace classics and loved them, but never tried af1s so figure maybe thatll stop the madness for a bit

The AF1s are great trucks, but if you think buying a new pair of trucks is going to curb your madness, I've got bad news for you.

[moonordie]

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Been reading and looking up stuff about trucks constantly all day for the past 2 weeks or so lol. About to just pull the trigger on some Ace AF1s and try to stop thinking about trucks for a while. Its actually crazy how much ive been on here reading about trucks recently. Ive rode the ace classics and loved them, but never tried af1s so figure maybe thatll stop the madness for a bit

[close]

The AF1s are great trucks, but if you think buying a new pair of trucks is going to curb your madness, I've got bad news for you.

For what's worth I didn't like classics but I love AF1

[manysnakes]

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Been reading and looking up stuff about trucks constantly all day for the past 2 weeks or so lol. About to just pull the trigger on some Ace AF1s and try to stop thinking about trucks for a while. Its actually crazy how much ive been on here reading about trucks recently. Ive rode the ace classics and loved them, but never tried af1s so figure maybe thatll stop the madness for a bit

[close]

The AF1s are great trucks, but if you think buying a new pair of trucks is going to curb your madness, I've got bad news for you.

[close]

For what's worth I didn't like classics but I love AF1

For sure, I think they are a huge improvement over the Classics in every regard, but my point is that gear acquisition under such a circumstance as obsessively reading about a pair of trucks will probably not stop one from continuing to obsess over trucks.

Anyone who likes Ace Classics and wants to try the AF1s should buy them. I'm basically now an Ace Lifer.

[Ok]

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Been reading and looking up stuff about trucks constantly all day for the past 2 weeks or so lol. About to just pull the trigger on some Ace AF1s and try to stop thinking about trucks for a while. Its actually crazy how much ive been on here reading about trucks recently. Ive rode the ace classics and loved them, but never tried af1s so figure maybe thatll stop the madness for a bit

[close]

The AF1s are great trucks, but if you think buying a new pair of trucks is going to curb your madness, I've got bad news for you.

[close]

For what's worth I didn't like classics but I love AF1

[close]

For sure, I think they are a huge improvement over the Classics in every regard, but my point is that gear acquisition under such a circumstance as obsessively reading about a pair of trucks will probably not stop one from continuing to obsess over trucks.

Anyone who likes Ace Classics and wants to try the AF1s should buy them. I'm basically now an Ace Lifer.

you on the 44s? what decks you like? ace became the most goldilocks shit for me: board to board was way different in pop

[manysnakes]

Ace 44s with 8-8.125" decks, mostly Primitive lately because I bought some on one of their super sales and really like them. I have short legs so the tight wheelbase of the decks with the inset distance of the trucks helps my pop, which sucks anyway because I'm old and constantly injured.

[jsettle]

Expand Quote

Been reading and looking up stuff about trucks constantly all day for the past 2 weeks or so lol. About to just pull the trigger on some Ace AF1s and try to stop thinking about trucks for a while. Its actually crazy how much ive been on here reading about trucks recently. Ive rode the ace classics and loved them, but never tried af1s so figure maybe thatll stop the madness for a bit

[close]

The AF1s are great trucks, but if you think buying a new pair of trucks is going to curb your madness, I've got bad news for you.

Hahaha ya i know it wont fully cure the madness. Im sure i will love the af1s then get curious about thunders eventually hahah. But, ya havent tried out af1s yet but loved my classic 44s so figured i would give them a try.

[Ok]

Ace 44s with 8-8.125" decks, mostly Primitive lately because I bought some on one of their super sales and really like them. I have short legs so the tight wheelbase of the decks with the inset distance of the trucks helps my pop, which sucks anyway because I'm old and constantly injured.

this tracks with my experience with aces: one the original run, i had the 33s, whites ones. back when ah and krooked would have 7.8s. the pop was good.
more recently i had them on a girl 14” wb, pop good. also old and injured.
i shouldn’t have bought into the effective wb stuff.

[goodatmeth]

Did anybody figure out a truck setup of thunder hangers in some other longer baseplate that doesn't feel like shit?
The classic would be thunder hanger in venture plates. Which bushings though?

Yes pros can slide just fine on the thunder plate. I'm not pro and it's 1000 times easier to slide loooong on other trucks.
(I'm close to axle on the thunders and want to keep skating the hangers)