Gear madness support thread

[Texas_Tone]

Royals with ace hard bushings have cured my madness for now, I am no longer looking at truck threads trying to find a unicorn, they tick the boxes I want and nothing more, stability, slightly taller to help with my pop, better material than ace, and they turn

[BeachChicken]

Royals are shorter than Aces. What you described sounds like you want an Indy.

[camel filters]

Is putting on Indy Stage 4's when I'm dialed into Ace AF1's a sound urge in any capacity? Randomly wanting to fuck up my entire set up for no reason.

[mstuntbless]

I would like to add some tips to those struggling with madness as I am patient zero. I write this to all as well as myself. Recently when I feel the urge to switch something, before I do I make a checklist of the things that are going working well with my current setup. This has been helping me put into perspective what is actually missing from my slim arsenal of tricks and if a change could possibly be worth it. When I realize that most of what I need is there, the urge then falls into the “not worth the switch camp”. It’s almost like a way to dismantle my need to change something. I also have been physically writing in a calendar and marking two week increments if I do change something. So if I end up switching my setup I allow myself to change it to something else after two weeks. A way to stop my thought process is “man my “x trick” was so much better on “x setup”, looks like in two weeks if I still feel the same about it I can switch.” It is like a delayed gratification action plan that sometimes never materializes because by the time two weeks is up my feelings might change. Ymmv but I thought it would be cool for us to share actual madness fighting strategies.

[Bongwater Mojito]

I would like to add some tips to those struggling with madness as I am patient zero. I write this to all as well as myself. Recently when I feel the urge to switch something, before I do I make a checklist of the things that are going working well with my current setup. This has been helping me put into perspective what is actually missing from my slim arsenal of tricks and if a change could possibly be worth it. When I realize that most of what I need is there, the urge then falls into the “not worth the switch camp”. It’s almost like a way to dismantle my need to change something. I also have been physically writing in a calendar and marking two week increments if I do change something. So if I end up switching my setup I allow myself to change it to something else after two weeks. A way to stop my thought process is “man my “x trick” was so much better on “x setup”, looks like in two weeks if I still feel the same about it I can switch.” It is like a delayed gratification action plan that sometimes never materializes because by the time two weeks is up my feelings might change. Ymmv but I thought it would be cool for us to share actual madness fighting strategies.

This sounds like a good advice - similar to writing down whatever you get urge to buy, and revisiting it in few days.

I just set up an Ace AF1 complete, as I got them cheap. They feel better than in last round, maybe the alloy has truly changed, and hard bushings eliminate the wheelbite. Been a truck summer, from Venture back to Indy and then Ace AF1s now...

[mstuntbless]

Dude same here…went from venture 5.8 to Indy hollow and there’s maybe 2 tricks I got back from the switch. So that switch wasn’t totally worth it. I mean trick wise sure but the amount of work and mental energy it takes to set up and get used to new shit isn’t.

[BeachChicken]

If the trucks are the difference then you didn't "have" the trick. I've definitely had things be less consistent or nice but I can still do em in a few tries on any day to be counted as something I have.

[Bongwater Mojito]

If the trucks are the difference then you didn't "have" the trick. I've definitely had things be less consistent or nice but I can still do em in a few tries on any day to be counted as something I have.

For me that's not an issue, as I've lost most of my tricks over the years. Frontside slappy seems to work with most of the gear combinations. Maybe I just have to admit my skate hobby is more maintaining the quiver and fucking around with new combos. Can't land shit anyways nowadays.

It's still cheaper than sailing or collecting watches.

[BeachChicken]

There's no shame in having fun trying gear as long as you're not wasteful about it.

And to the person who switched from Venture to Indy above which do you enjoy more? Are the 2 tricks super fun? Shit I'd take 2 new things for sure. My Tre flips are worse on Indy, but anything heelflip or nollie is better and both are fun to ride so it's all good. I don't like the Indy brand image or vibes, but I'm enjoying not caring as much anymore either. I got some cast hollow plates on OfferUp and they have the cross on them so I'm doing as many nose or tail slides as possible to get that shit off there. Once these are done or I'm bored I'll try some 5.8 probably.

[mstuntbless]

So I think I skate better on Indy. The tricks that I got back are front smith on ledges and treflips on flat. I think ventures are so much cooler but to be honest I don’t even think it’s a huge difference. ALSO: if I would have just stayed on venture and kept skating my shit I’m sure those tricks would have come eventually. All I know is that it’s becoming too exhausting changing stuff all the time.

[BeachChicken]

Yah the other day I was skating and it was a rough day. The days when I think about the glory of past setups that are not the one under my feet. I was casually rolling around back towards my stuff and spontaneously did a really nice, high kickflip, landed and did 1 foot adjustment, did an OK Tre flip, then a really nice front shuv (all nice relative to me). I then thought "ya fuck changing cuz the reason that all felt spontaneously natural AND good is because I am really used to this setup".

[mstuntbless]

Was that on your setup with Indy’s?

[BeachChicken]

Yup, done prob the same thing on Ventures at some point in time and my kick flips and Tre flips are slightly better in certain ways on Ventures, but I would have to adjust my timing for kick flips and front shuvs slightly and don't wanna spend any time doing that. Prob takes a session to feel the timing is consistent and I don't have to think about it. What I struggle with more on Ventures is my nollie tricks tend to pop heavy and aren't as crisp and I can air foot the nose more than I would like.

[JimmyFive]

Is putting on Indy Stage 4's when I'm dialed into Ace AF1's a sound urge in any capacity? Randomly wanting to fuck up my entire set up for no reason.

Sure. They will feel like an Indy version of the AF1. A touch taller and less squirelly but with a similar divey turn. I enjoy Stage 4's and AF1's

[Sedition]

Someone talk me off the ledge...

Normally ride DLX 8.25/14.38. It's been feeling a but small recently, and was toying with some other stuff. At the moment I am riding an 8.5/14.5 Black Label with 159s, and oddly LOVING IT (I am totally shocked by this). The kicks are a tad too steep for me, however. Then I remember Hewitt saying he rode the DLX 8.38/14.5 with 159s. I thought he was insane at the time, but now, now I am curious. I've ridden the 8.38 before, and never really liked it. Nose/tail were too round-ish for me, and tail was a tad too short...but curiosity now has me really wanting to try it with 159s (because I could get mellower kicks, with same WB), but I can't imagine wider trucks is suddenly going to transform my thoughts on the deck.

[Too Frank To Fred]

Expand Quote

Is putting on Indy Stage 4's when I'm dialed into Ace AF1's a sound urge in any capacity? Randomly wanting to fuck up my entire set up for no reason.

[close]

Sure. They will feel like an Indy version of the AF1. A touch taller and less squirelly but with a similar divey turn. I enjoy Stage 4's and AF1's

I personally find Stage 4 more unpredictable on center due to height. They work great to liven up a deck with longer wb though. I wouldn't personally bother if you're satisfied with AF1s.

[Too Frank To Fred]

Someone talk me off the ledge...

Normally ride DLX 8.25/14.38. It's been feeling a but small recently, and was toying with some other stuff. At the moment I am riding an 8.5/14.5 Black Label with 159s, and oddly LOVING IT (I am totally shocked by this). The kicks are a tad too steep for me, however. Then I remember Hewitt saying he rode the DLX 8.38/14.5 with 159s. I thought he was insane at the time, but now, now I am curious. I've ridden the 8.38 before, and never really liked it. Nose/tail were too round-ish for me, and tail was a tad too short...but curiosity now has me really wanting to try it with 159s (because I could get mellower kicks, with same WB), but I can't imagine wider trucks is suddenly going to transform my thoughts on the deck.

My advice. Get more Label 8.5s and enjoy what you are currently stoked on a bit longer.

[Sedition]

Expand Quote

Someone talk me off the ledge...

Normally ride DLX 8.25/14.38. It's been feeling a but small recently, and was toying with some other stuff. At the moment I am riding an 8.5/14.5 Black Label with 159s, and oddly LOVING IT (I am totally shocked by this). The kicks are a tad too steep for me, however. Then I remember Hewitt saying he rode the DLX 8.38/14.5 with 159s. I thought he was insane at the time, but now, now I am curious. I've ridden the 8.38 before, and never really liked it. Nose/tail were too round-ish for me, and tail was a tad too short...but curiosity now has me really wanting to try it with 159s (because I could get mellower kicks, with same WB), but I can't imagine wider trucks is suddenly going to transform my thoughts on the deck.

[close]

My advice. Get more Label 8.5s and enjoy what you are currently stoked on a bit longer.

^ Hah. Yes. Exactly. I should have clarified that this was not an immediate thing I'm planning on. I am currently really happy with the set-up, and have no plans of messing with it for now.

[BlueLightning437]

I just wanna say thanks to the member who recommended the book Scarcity Brain, its really helped me out big time in terms of dealing with gear madness and appreciating all the shit I have but don't use

[Mbrimson88]

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Someone talk me off the ledge...

Normally ride DLX 8.25/14.38. It's been feeling a but small recently, and was toying with some other stuff. At the moment I am riding an 8.5/14.5 Black Label with 159s, and oddly LOVING IT (I am totally shocked by this). The kicks are a tad too steep for me, however. Then I remember Hewitt saying he rode the DLX 8.38/14.5 with 159s. I thought he was insane at the time, but now, now I am curious. I've ridden the 8.38 before, and never really liked it. Nose/tail were too round-ish for me, and tail was a tad too short...but curiosity now has me really wanting to try it with 159s (because I could get mellower kicks, with same WB), but I can't imagine wider trucks is suddenly going to transform my thoughts on the deck.

[close]

My advice. Get more Label 8.5s and enjoy what you are currently stoked on a bit longer.

[close]

^ Hah. Yes. Exactly. I should have clarified that this was not an immediate thing I'm planning on. I am currently really happy with the set-up, and have no plans of messing with it for now.

Probably just the same from me, but yeah, I ride a lot of 8.38s (with Indy 149 standards usually) and yes the shape is a more nimble version of the BBS 8.5 (same as the Black Label board) of which I also have a lot, but sometimes I do find the tail too short for some things on the 8.38 DLX board.

I did put 159s on both to test and although the 8.5 does work, I really felt like the 8.38 was just a bit weird with 159s in any capacity.  For someone like Peter Hewitt, predominantly vert and big bowl, I can see how 159s would be more stable on the 8.38 with 56 mm wheels, be it Classics, Radials or whatever else he might have on there, as per older posts of his boards, but there haven't been any recent posts of his setups, the last one being an 8.4 x 32 with 14.25 wb on 159 ti trucks and 57 mm Radials.

[Sedition]

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

Someone talk me off the ledge...

Normally ride DLX 8.25/14.38. It's been feeling a but small recently, and was toying with some other stuff. At the moment I am riding an 8.5/14.5 Black Label with 159s, and oddly LOVING IT (I am totally shocked by this). The kicks are a tad too steep for me, however. Then I remember Hewitt saying he rode the DLX 8.38/14.5 with 159s. I thought he was insane at the time, but now, now I am curious. I've ridden the 8.38 before, and never really liked it. Nose/tail were too round-ish for me, and tail was a tad too short...but curiosity now has me really wanting to try it with 159s (because I could get mellower kicks, with same WB), but I can't imagine wider trucks is suddenly going to transform my thoughts on the deck.

[close]

My advice. Get more Label 8.5s and enjoy what you are currently stoked on a bit longer.

[close]

^ Hah. Yes. Exactly. I should have clarified that this was not an immediate thing I'm planning on. I am currently really happy with the set-up, and have no plans of messing with it for now.

[close]

Probably just the same from me, but yeah, I ride a lot of 8.38s (with Indy 149 standards usually) and yes the shape is a more nimble version of the BBS 8.5 (same as the Black Label board) of which I also have a lot, but sometimes I do find the tail too short for some things on the 8.38 DLX board.

I did put 159s on both to test and although the 8.5 does work, I really felt like the 8.38 was just a bit weird with 159s in any capacity.  For someone like Peter Hewitt, predominantly vert and big bowl, I can see how 159s would be more stable on the 8.38 with 56 mm wheels, be it Classics, Radials or whatever else he might have on there, as per older posts of his boards, but there haven't been any recent posts of his setups, the last one being an 8.4 x 32 with 14.25 wb on 159 ti trucks and 57 mm Radials.

The more I think about this, the more I realize what an absolute terrible idea it is. If I’m going to fuck around with different size trucks, it ABSOLUTELY has to be couched in a deck I already know and love…doing that with a deck I already have a embattled and acrimonious relationship with, it’s not a good mix.

[Mbrimson88]

The more I think about this, the more I realize what an absolute terrible idea it is. If I’m going to fuck around with different size trucks, it ABSOLUTELY has to be couched in a deck I already know and love…doing that with a deck I already have a embattled and acrimonious relationship with, it’s not a good mix.

I have been setting up more DLX 8.75 boards lately - just works for something I don't have to think about - Indy 159s and often a little wider wheel than what I might have on smaller boards (Radial Full 54 mm or Classic Full 56 mm), so I can just enjoy having fun sessions, but I really do think I could stay with this size if it wasn't for the fact that I have way too many 8.38 and 8.5 boards, plus the fact that if I ever do want to get a little more techy like I used to, smaller boards are way easier to do those things on, so I am happy to have both options.

Whatever happens on any given day, I can grab either board out and still have a good session, or at the very least, a good roll around if I am not feeling it or things just don't quite work out.

Having something I am stoked on is almost better than any other combination of product I could dream up or set up from everything that is available, so finding that mix is the main thing for me now.  Not getting any younger, plus I don't have to impress anyone so just being stoked on these boards, I am already ahead out the gate.

That's how I think about it anyway.

[Bongwater Mojito]

Whatever happens on any given day, I can grab either board out and still have a good session, or at the very least, a good roll around if I am not feeling it or things just don't quite work out.

Having something I am stoked on is almost better than any other combination of product I could dream up or set up from everything that is available, so finding that mix is the main thing for me now.  Not getting any younger, plus I don't have to impress anyone so just being stoked on these boards, I am already ahead out the gate.

That's how I think about it anyway.

Feeling the same way - tried to trim my quiver down to one setup, but having two or three options seems to work better.

[Texas_Tone]

Royals are shorter than Aces. What you described sounds like you want an Indy.

Should have elboarated more, I was on ace lows my bad

[BeachChicken]

Ah damn, you made it to 2024 on lows? Props on staying true to what you've always ridden.

[Xen]

All I know is that it’s becoming too exhausting changing stuff all the time.

[Texas_Tone]

Ah damn, you made it to 2024 on lows? Props on staying true to what you've always ridden.

It’s terribly easy when all you gotta do is change out a hanger, if anyone need AF1 hollow baseplates lemme know

[BeachChicken]

def not a bad thing just surprised because along the years most people eventually went to highs, bigger boards, etc.

[Vintagebody]

Recently got a AH Eagle 8.38 w 14.5" WB. Skate with Thunders. Been mostly on 14.25 wheelbases, but also a 14.38 which I really loved. I actually notice I struggle with 180s or 360s. The true wheelbase is like 17.68", versus 17.43". So not that much difference, but my god is it noticeable. Thinking about swapping to my Indys so its 17,5". What you guys think?

[BeachChicken]

I've ridden that deck with Ace, Indy, Thunder, and Venture. I honestly like it the best on Thunders because it has a short tail and the lower height of the Thunders balances that out. WB isn't the be all and end all of everything. I disliked it on Aces honestly, Indys were a close second, Ventures I didn't skate it very long.