Gear madness support thread

[fakiefs180]

I ride Spitfire 52mm Conicals for a few years now. Yesterday morning I woke up and want to ride some Classics again. But I mostly skate crusty streets and rough skateparks, that's why I chose the Conicals. But I want the Classics to perform similar on shitty grounds and cracks, but with easier flips.

If I want to skate Classics again, should I get them in 52mm too? It's either 52 or 53 because 54 felt a bit too big the last time I tried those. What do the pals think about the Conicals VS Classics?

[DERBY]

I ride Spitfire 52mm Conicals for a few years now. Yesterday morning I woke up and want to ride some Classics again. But I mostly skate crusty streets and rough skateparks, that's why I chose the Conicals. But I want the Classics to perform similar on shitty grounds and cracks, but with easier flips.

If I want to skate Classics again, should I get them in 52mm too? It's either 52 or 53 because 54 felt a bit too big the last time I tried those. What do the pals think about the Conicals VS Classics?

cant speak on conicals. had 56mm conical fulls and not even a 60mm classic could match that imo

[Sedition]

I ride Spitfire 52mm Conicals for a few years now. Yesterday morning I woke up and want to ride some Classics again. But I mostly skate crusty streets and rough skateparks, that's why I chose the Conicals. But I want the Classics to perform similar on shitty grounds and cracks, but with easier flips.

If I want to skate Classics again, should I get them in 52mm too? It's either 52 or 53 because 54 felt a bit too big the last time I tried those. What do the pals think about the Conicals VS Classics?

52mm Classics cross some kind of "too small" line for me once outside of a pristine skate park. 53mm is my go-to. And yes, 54mm seems to big for me, too. That said, Classics just wont be a smooth as a wider contact patch wheel on Crust. Could also try Radials.

[art hellman]

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I ride Spitfire 52mm Conicals for a few years now. Yesterday morning I woke up and want to ride some Classics again. But I mostly skate crusty streets and rough skateparks, that's why I chose the Conicals. But I want the Classics to perform similar on shitty grounds and cracks, but with easier flips.

If I want to skate Classics again, should I get them in 52mm too? It's either 52 or 53 because 54 felt a bit too big the last time I tried those. What do the pals think about the Conicals VS Classics?

[close]

52mm Classics cross some kind of "too small" line for me once outside of a pristine skate park. 53mm is my go-to. And yes, 54mm seems to big for me, too. That said, Classics just wont be a smooth as a wider contact patch wheel on Crust. Could also try Radials.

i move around between 52-54mm in all F4 shapes… my favorite all-around any scenario wheel (ie. midwest) is the 52mm radial 99am.  it’s like a pre-worn 53-54mm classic. 

[Mbrimson88]

.

Radial is definitely the middle ground, still has rounded edges but has a wider riding surface, so it works well for (almost) everything for most people.  Had to put the almost in there, because some people still find they catch or drag a bit more, especially if they are used to Classics, but the rounded profile is the main thing here.

They also come in 52, 53 and 54 mm sizes, which for the most part are fairly easily available, so a 53 mm size wheel will last longer than 52, but not feel as big or chunky as a 54 mm wheel.  Might be excessive logic, but it is noticeable the steps up from one size to another.

[Sedition]

.

Radial is definitely the middle ground, still has rounded edges but has a wider riding surface, so it works well for (almost) everything for most people.  Had to put the almost in there, because some people still find they catch or drag a bit more, especially if they are used to Classics, but the rounded profile is the main thing here.

They also come in 52, 53 and 54 mm sizes, which for the most part are fairly easily available, so a 53 mm size wheel will last longer than 52, but not feel as big or chunky as a 54 mm wheel.  Might be excessive logic, but it is noticeable the steps up from one size to another.

I am “one of those people.” My biggest beef with Radials, coming from Classics, is how big/clunky/weighty they are (hence the constant wish / pipe dream for the return of Radial Slims). They do “train track” a little (more than Classics), but no where near as bad as Conicals, Tablets, etc. All this said, they are good middle ground between Classics and Full Connies.

[scab]

@fs1/2cab Have you considered trying the 93s? The Reynolds pro model comes in 52, 53, and 54mm. They would give you the classic shape and still eat up crust much better than the 99A equivalent.

If you're partial to 99s, you might also consider classic fulls in 52 or 53mm. There are still a few sets of those available at various shops here in the EU (iirc you're from Berlin!?). They are a little wider than regular classics but the same general shape.

[Mbrimson88]

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.

Radial is definitely the middle ground, still has rounded edges but has a wider riding surface, so it works well for (almost) everything for most people.  Had to put the almost in there, because some people still find they catch or drag a bit more, especially if they are used to Classics, but the rounded profile is the main thing here.

They also come in 52, 53 and 54 mm sizes, which for the most part are fairly easily available, so a 53 mm size wheel will last longer than 52, but not feel as big or chunky as a 54 mm wheel.  Might be excessive logic, but it is noticeable the steps up from one size to another.

[close]

I am “one of those people.” My biggest beef with Radials, coming from Classics, is how big/clunky/weighty they are (hence the constant wish / pipe dream for the return of Radial Slims). They do “train track” a little (more than Classics), but no where near as bad as Conicals, Tablets, etc. All this said, they are good middle ground between Classics and Full Connies.

And just because we are in the madness thread, here's me over here with a half dozen sets of 55 and 56 mm Classics, taking them down to 52 - 53 mm very much like a fat little Classic Full and thinking why didn't I do this a long time ago?!?

But really I do prefer Classics, just not so much when they are new, but once they have worn down a few mm, so the wider 55 and 56 and even 58 mm once taken down a few mm are way more comfortable for me.


Radials were the middle ground, but really I still like the rounder edge of Classics, so I rounded off some Radials too, which also work better now.  Apart from that, I think some of these older Conical Full wheels I have rounded down would almost be better recycled into Lil Smokies, but if it wasn't such a massive cost to ship them back over to USA, I would happily take down any number of wheels into Radial Slim shapes to send to anyone who wanted them.

That said, anyone super keen could start to practice on some old wheels to make their own from other shapes.  It does work and is pretty easy once people get the hang of it.  Of course, spending that much time on something like that, it is easier to just buy Classics and be done, for a number of people I know and talk to in person, so maybe I am in the minority when I like to modify most things on my setups.

[Sedition]

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.

Radial is definitely the middle ground, still has rounded edges but has a wider riding surface, so it works well for (almost) everything for most people.  Had to put the almost in there, because some people still find they catch or drag a bit more, especially if they are used to Classics, but the rounded profile is the main thing here.

They also come in 52, 53 and 54 mm sizes, which for the most part are fairly easily available, so a 53 mm size wheel will last longer than 52, but not feel as big or chunky as a 54 mm wheel.  Might be excessive logic, but it is noticeable the steps up from one size to another.

[close]

I am “one of those people.” My biggest beef with Radials, coming from Classics, is how big/clunky/weighty they are (hence the constant wish / pipe dream for the return of Radial Slims). They do “train track” a little (more than Classics), but no where near as bad as Conicals, Tablets, etc. All this said, they are good middle ground between Classics and Full Connies.

[close]

And just because we are in the madness thread, here's me over here with a half dozen sets of 55 and 56 mm Classics, taking them down to 52 - 53 mm very much like a fat little Classic Full and thinking why didn't I do this a long time ago?!?

But really I do prefer Classics, just not so much when they are new, but once they have worn down a few mm, so the wider 55 and 56 and even 58 mm once taken down a few mm are way more comfortable for me.


Radials were the middle ground, but really I still like the rounder edge of Classics, so I rounded off some Radials too, which also work better now.  Apart from that, I think some of these older Conical Full wheels I have rounded down would almost be better recycled into Lil Smokies, but if it wasn't such a massive cost to ship them back over to USA, I would happily take down any number of wheels into Radial Slim shapes to send to anyone who wanted them.

That said, anyone super keen could start to practice on some old wheels to make their own from other shapes.  It does work and is pretty easy once people get the hang of it.  Of course, spending that much time on something like that, it is easier to just buy Classics and be done, for a number of people I know and talk to in person, so maybe I am in the minority when I like to modify most things on my setups.

Classic Fulls should make a come back. Kind of shocks me they haven't with the current "full" trend. Last set of Classic Fulls I had....I broke my leg on, so not sure I'd get them again, though.

[Too Frank To Fred]

There's some Bighead F4s coming. Not quite Classic Fulls but getting closer.

[Sedition]

There's some Bighead F4s coming. Not quite Classic Fulls but getting closer.

You have my attention.

[moonordie]

Those called "Repeaters" aren't indeed classics full?

[Too Frank To Fred]

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There's some Bighead F4s coming. Not quite Classic Fulls but getting closer.

[close]

You have my attention.

Looks like a 54mm and black 57mm, this upcoming drop.

[rikki]

A 56mm Classic worn down to 55mm might be the best all around wheel shape and size ever.

[Too Frank To Fred]

A 56mm Classic worn down to 55mm might be the best all around wheel shape and size ever.

I'm currently on some Classic 58s worn to about 56mm... just getting good.

I've taken classic 58s down to 50 before retiring them in the past. you have to be diligent with rotation to keep them looking even and equal size.

[rikki]

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A 56mm Classic worn down to 55mm might be the best all around wheel shape and size ever.

[close]

I'm currently on some Classic 58s worn to about 56mm... just getting good.

I've taken classic 58s down to 50 before retiring them in the past. you have to be diligent with rotation to keep them looking even and equal size.

I'm lazy as with rotating wheels. I just sometimes take a set off and then put them back in a random order after riding some other wheels for a while. Guess that can count as rotating if I'm lucky.

[scab]

Those called "Repeaters" aren't indeed classics full?

They are. I've got a set, the black ones in 53mm. The contact patch is still too small for me because I'm an ogre, but it's the most visually pleasing wheel I own, color notwithstanding.

[Sedition]

I've been Madness Free for quite awhile, but it's back, and in a form I've grappled with before: 144s or 149s on my 8.25 DLX.

A local shop also has a DLX 8.4 IV stamped (IV is all I ride from DLX). I've always had negative experiences with 14.25 WB, so that alone should be sending up red flags....but for some reason I am really tempted. I hope someone else quickly buys it so I can't.

[nurkdurk]

To piggyback everyone on the classic to radial front, I just measured some 55 classics worn down to 53 even. Contact patch is now 21mm wide. Pretty damn close to a radial, which brand new would be 19.5 for a 53.

I would have rather started out with a smaller wheel than powersliding the crap out of those 55s to get them smaller. If you're not on buttery smooth surfaces I wouldn't do classics starting in a smaller size personally.

[swongolianbbq]

In the same boat too

I only kept my classics and radials after taking a hard look at everything, and I want more large classics and radials to wear down, and I don't use my already-worn-a-bit 54mms as much as my 60's and 58s, and I'm really tryna grip some 56s. Definlike classics more than radials for the way they wear down and still have some round edge

[Bongwater Mojito]

Madness returned, after a long hiatus. Ended up spending most of the day in the garage, mixing setups. Went from 8.25 Easy Rider w/ Ace AF1 44s to BBS 8.5 w/ Ace AF1 60s, visited 8.5 w/ Indy 159 Ti's on the way. Madness seems to be back at bay, for now.

[rikki]

Thought I'd enter Ye Olde Madness Realm upon setting up a Baker b16 with cast Indy 149s after being on a narrower deck with Ventures for a long while (and really enjoying my time), but no. Felt gooood. Been neglecting cast Indys for too long, probably should get back into them more.

Seems like the mellow shape of the b16 pairs well with taller trucks, etc. whatnot, whatever, I don't even wanna think about the nerdy details, just glad there's hope in some kind of consistency of my skating.
 

[moonordie]

I had a weekend relapse, getting those mag lights was a really stupid thing to do.
Bushings suck, felt like I had 0 control due to the lack of weight on my board and the Venture wannabe look didn't help either.

[Schinken]

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Need some advice. For the last 2 years I've been riding creatures 8.6 shape with the 14.6 wheelbase. I've tried some smaller boards and shorter wheelbases here and there and realised, short wheelbase does nothing for me and I don't like flat kicks.

Any advice for similar shapes? Maybe a little bit more tail & concave over the wheels.

[close]

Try the DLX 8.75 with a 14.62 wb. DLX board come with a roman numeral stamped over the front truck holes (I, II. III and IV). "IV" is the flattest, and "I" is the steepest.deepest (with II and III in between).

[close]

Any information about steepness?  Bought an 8.38 anti hero last year and was disappointed how flat it was compared to the nhs kicks (I think it was a Chinese one, Sticker was centered between bolt holes)

[close]

The funniest thing is the 8.38 size does actually seem like the most mellow of all, as I have a lot of them.

That said, if you are like me in Australia (or anywhere else in the world) where DLX China boards are becoming the norm and BBS is being phased out, there are still a few, such as the AH white eagle, which as mentioned above is maybe the closest to that size, which is still BBS.

Compared to NHS concaves, though, I think a number of board brands might take some getting used to, which is why I hadn't made comment earlier, but for me the NHS concave is way too steep, so it is all relative.  On the other hand, sometimes trying something and then getting used to it over time could work better.  One thing I could never appreciate, as per a number of other people was the NHS boards had such short tails.  The white eagle is a little longer than average in the tail in that regard.

Even checking out the Cardiel 8.62 shape could be an option, which has 14.5 / 14.6 wb and reasonable / normal kicks.

Also Black Label and a few other brands use the BBS / Generator shapes which are sometimes quite steep, which might also be of interest, also good length kicks, but then it really depends on what is around.  There are so few Black Label boards here in AU it seems.


* The DLX China 8.75 (which has the same dimensions) might be good enough over time as it is very stiff, like the NHS boards, so might feel a little more normal in terms of pop, compared to BBS or PS Stix or other woodshops.  There is the Doobie fishing graphic out at the moment, plus a few older graphics still in most shops I have seen.

Got myself another 8.6.  The "new" 8.6 shape with the shorter 14.25 wheelbase. When on top of the 14.6 wb version I can see it's the exact same shape just shorter.

Interesting thing is, I  didn't need much time to adjust or disliked it instantly (happened to many times) so I think sometimes wheelbase doesn't matter. It seems like kicks/concave shouldn't be ignored

[moonordie]

I was very ok madness wise until somebody posted something like "madness free for x days" and from my here it started for me in the most hardcore way.
So...
On this board (great shape btw) I had: Tensor Mag Lights, Indy hollows and now AF1 (all in their 8.5 variant)
Hated the mag lights because I felt I had no control even while pushing so I went back to Indy and it's ok but obvsly the "what if" popped up so why not try again Ace? I'll be able to skate them tomorrow or Wednesday and then I'll decide between Ace Or Indy finally.
Also I've been eating a lot of peebles lately so the "It seems this wheels are too thin" appeared so I have to get my shit together  regarding what trucks I'll stick with and after that on the next board I'll come back (again) to CF.

[Bongwater Mojito]

I was very ok madness wise until somebody posted something like "madness free for x days" and from my here it started for me in the most hardcore way.
So...
On this board (great shape btw) I had: Tensor Mag Lights, Indy hollows and now AF1 (all in their 8.5 variant)
Hated the mag lights because I felt I had no control even while pushing so I went back to Indy and it's ok but obvsly the "what if" popped up so why not try again Ace? I'll be able to skate them tomorrow or Wednesday and then I'll decide between Ace Or Indy finally.

I agree, great shape, I have the variant without wheel wells. To mix it up a bit, why not try AF1 60s? I feel like the 14.38 wb and 8.75 axles provide nice stability without being too hefty for my taste. Obviously then wheels need to be thin unless you like hot rod.

[moonordie]

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I was very ok madness wise until somebody posted something like "madness free for x days" and from my here it started for me in the most hardcore way.
So...
On this board (great shape btw) I had: Tensor Mag Lights, Indy hollows and now AF1 (all in their 8.5 variant)
Hated the mag lights because I felt I had no control even while pushing so I went back to Indy and it's ok but obvsly the "what if" popped up so why not try again Ace? I'll be able to skate them tomorrow or Wednesday and then I'll decide between Ace Or Indy finally.

[close]

I agree, great shape, I have the variant without wheel wells. To mix it up a bit, why not try AF1 60s? I feel like the 14.38 wb and 8.75 axles provide nice stability without being too hefty for my taste. Obviously then wheels need to be thin unless you like hot rod.

This one is 8.25 x 14.125. Not really interested in getting trucks wider than 8.5

[Bongwater Mojito]

This one is 8.25 x 14.125. Not really interesting in getting trucks wider than 8.5

My bad - thought also the board was 8.5.

[Sedition]

I think we should starting using those “days sober” tracking apps…but for gear madness.

[scab]

Then I'm the Dustin Dollin of gear madness. I don't have a problem, I'm just having fun. I could easily stop trying different stuff every other session. I just don't want to.