Hidden gems you’ve found

[Sloppy Krooks]

What are the best pieces of gear that you’ve had that you’d recommend? Hidden jems you’ve found that everyone else should know about?

There’s a lot of subjectivity in board shapes and wheel formulas, but sort from that, what little things has made the experience of skating that much better?

I finally retired some rails I bought from the FESN  shop in Nakano, Tokyo. I got them because they are made a bit shorter than standard rails, so good for boards with shorter wheelbases.

https://shop.fareastskatenetwork.com/?pid=172018200

But holy fuck, best rails I’ve ever had period. The plastic they use is a harder compound, and it feels and sounds like you’re grinding, but slides perfectly. Can’t recommend them enough.

[Fifty8mm]

Honestly, supercush bushings, the greens for cooler weather and purps for warmer weather. On venture lows.

Don't tear and rebound well. Been using them and venture stocks.

Toy machine wax, im sure its generic wax but wherever it is made they use some good stuff. It last for a good while too. Doesn't look greasy when it melts.

[Pastasash]

Honestly, supercush bushings, the greens for cooler weather and purps for warmer weather. On venture lows.

Don't tear and rebound well. Been using them and venture stocks.

Toy machine wax, im sure its generic wax but wherever it is made they use some good stuff. It last for a good while too. Doesn't look greasy when it melts.

must be a Tum Yeto thing, my Pig Wheels wax has lasted super long too.

[Gray Imp Sausage Metal]

My local still has 1x Chico big boy shape chocolate board left which is kinda crazy since I’m actually riding one right now and though it would probably be the last one I ever saw… the other crazy thing is that probably no one will buy it except me.

(Yes I’m aware Chico Stix exists)

[TheCrimsonShroud]

I really love the DSC wax I have. Has lasted forever and the diamond shape is easy to grip. Maybe not a hidden gem but I use Loophole wheels almost exclusively for parks and while they aren’t flashy, great for transition, and they have just always been incredibly solid. And it’s nice to support a smaller biz.

[TheCrimsonShroud]

My local still has 1x Chico big boy shape chocolate board left which is kinda crazy since I’m actually riding one right now and though it would probably be the last one I ever saw… the other crazy thing is that probably no one will buy it except me.

(Yes I’m aware Chico Stix exists)

Chocolate and girl have the best shapes imo. Obviously a taste thing on my part, but you can’t argue they not only have something for everyone, but they have all their sizes and dim info readily available so you can get hold of what you like.

[5DollarHotNReady]

Mini Logo hardware is great, the bearings are as good as Reds and if you're a shield popper are some of the best to use because the broader tolerances seem to let them eat the dust better.

Quantum Bearings lube is great and lasts forever. Works in any bearings we have ever used it in.

The Ace AF1 tool is the best one I've come across.

Vans pants are actually made in the same factory as many more expensive brands and the same exact cuts. Unlike other footwear apparel they are minimally branded with easily removable tags.

Doh Dohs are actually great bushings and far better than Bones.

[TheCrimsonShroud]

Doh Dohs are actually great bushings and far better than Bones.

I hate the way Doh Dohs feel when I touch them, but I can’t argue against them as bushings. I’ve blown out tons of bones and had DDs that survived multiple trucks

[Ozu50]

Expand Quote

Doh Dohs are actually great bushings and far better than Bones.

[close]

I hate the way Doh Dohs feel when I touch them, but I can’t argue against them as bushings. I’ve blown out tons of bones and had DDs that survived multiple trucks

Switched from Thunder to Indy about a year ago because I kept crushing both the Bones bushings and Thunder replacement kit ones and was totally over it. The Independents are bound to be axled soon, so I've preemptively set up this old pair of team hollows with Independent washers because it looked like the original Thunder ones don't really fit Doh Dohs.

Looks ok even though I'm yet to actually skate it. Do you guys reckon it'll work? Do you have any other sort of weird setups you recommend to get Doh Dohs to work well on Thunders?

[5DollarHotNReady]

Unless you are cash-limited I would suggest getting another pair of the trucks that are working rather than trying to preserve a set of bushings in trucks they won't work in and are different than what you've been using.

[Ozu50]

Unless you are cash-limited I would suggest getting another pair of the trucks that are working rather than trying to preserve a set of bushings in trucks they won't work in and are different than what you've been using.

I'm trying to get Thunders to work without having to go through the hassle of changing bushings every couple of months. I've also tried both Thunder and Bones hards but could never get used to them, hence why I've thought about giving the Doh Dohs a go

[Scab Picker]

Diamond allen hardware is perfect for setting up Venture trucks. You still need a skate tool or larger wrench for the kingpin nut, but you won't scratch up your skate tool or trucks while putting them on a deck.

[moonordie]

Honestly, supercush bushings, the greens for cooler weather and purps for warmer weather. On venture lows.

Don't tear and rebound well. Been using them and venture stocks.

Toy machine wax, im sure its generic wax but wherever it is made they use some good stuff. It last for a good while too. Doesn't look greasy when it melts.

+1 on the toy wax. Shit last forever and smells nice too.

[rocklobster]

Toy machine wax, im sure its generic wax but wherever it is made they use some good stuff. It last for a good while too. Doesn't look greasy when it melts.

That's what separates the good stuff from the cheap stuff.

[mynameisnotjeff]

Olympia Bearings.
Got a free set off of SPoT and they sent me a replacement pair because I may have gotten faulty ones.

I’ve bought their medium tier and their top tier bearings.
Not as easy to find but a solid pick up.

Shake Junt triple OG/ABEC 7s are pretty good too.

[Sevendoorsofdeath]

Expand Quote

Unless you are cash-limited I would suggest getting another pair of the trucks that are working rather than trying to preserve a set of bushings in trucks they won't work in and are different than what you've been using.

[close]

I'm trying to get Thunders to work without having to go through the hassle of changing bushings every couple of months. I've also tried both Thunder and Bones hards but could never get used to them, hence why I've thought about giving the Doh Dohs a go

I use Indy conical replacement bushings on my thunders. I just sand the top down on some old grip till it’s the same size, only takes a minute and the last set lasted me a year with no issues.

I’m not sure if there’s a size difference between thunders and doh dohs but it seems like as long as the sizing is close replacements work great. Only mentioning it cause I tried the Indys once before shaving them and with them being too tall it really restricted the turn. Post shaving they’re perfect. 

[moonordie]

I'll say it one more time: Flip HKD 5 bearings are excellent.

[logjammin]

amazon sells the lowest profile inverted kingpin currently available to diyrs and it's pretty cheap

waiting patiently for the new slappy one tho cause it looks really good

link?

[Osage]

Mini Logo hardware is great, the bearings are as good as Reds and if you're a shield popper are some of the best to use because the broader tolerances seem to let them eat the dust better.

  Every single thing Mini Logo sells is great, or at least great for the price.

  Hardware: Great.
  Bearings:  Best cheap bearings ever!
  Grip: Kind of a pain to cut but works great if you don't want maximum grippiness.
  Wheels:  Cheap and fine. Not as good as Spitfire etc... but less than 1/2 the price.
  Bushings:  Great.
  Trucks:  Great if you like low trucks. I'm not kidding.
  Decks:  I guess not great but they're cheap and are totally fine, especially as a first deck or on a budget.

 

[rocklobster]

Expand Quote

Mini Logo hardware is great, the bearings are as good as Reds and if you're a shield popper are some of the best to use because the broader tolerances seem to let them eat the dust better.

[close]

  Every single thing Mini Logo sells is great, or at least great for the price.

  Hardware: Great.
  Bearings:  Best cheap bearings ever!
  Wheels:  Cheap and fine. Not as good as Spitfire etc... but less than 1/2 the price.
  Bushings:  Great.
  Trucks:  Great if you like low trucks. I'm not kidding.

 

The trucks get clowned on but they're really surfy and pinch great, better than any truck from a pre-built complete and I'd be happy to try them again on a slappy setup.

Same goes for the wheels especially their 90 / 95a formula for younger riders who need a softer duro to push over a crusty park.

Same for bearings, I'm convinced that anything that isn't Swiss or Ceramic are going to perform the same, you're paying for packaging.

Other stuff:
- Shoe laces in bulk on Aliexpress / Amazon - great if you're a habitual lace ripper like me
- E6000 - cheaper than Shoe Goo and easier to apply, get a new coat on there every 3 sessions or so

[Reese Bruno]

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

Mini Logo hardware is great, the bearings are as good as Reds and if you're a shield popper are some of the best to use because the broader tolerances seem to let them eat the dust better.

[close]

  Every single thing Mini Logo sells is great, or at least great for the price.

  Hardware: Great.
  Bearings:  Best cheap bearings ever!
  Wheels:  Cheap and fine. Not as good as Spitfire etc... but less than 1/2 the price.
  Bushings:  Great.
  Trucks:  Great if you like low trucks. I'm not kidding.

 

[close]

The trucks get clowned on but they're really surfy and pinch great, better than any truck from a pre-built complete and I'd be happy to try them again on a slappy setup.

Same goes for the wheels especially their 90 / 95a formula for younger riders who need a softer duro to push over a crusty park.

Same for bearings, I'm convinced that anything that isn't Swiss or Ceramic are going to perform the same, you're paying for packaging.

Other stuff:
- Shoe laces in bulk on Aliexpress / Amazon - great if you're a habitual lace ripper like me
- E6000 - cheaper than Shoe Goo and easier to apply, get a new coat on there every 3 sessions or so

idk about e6000 but for shoe maintenance i think theres nothing finer than a glue gun stick and a lighter. get both at the local dollar store

[Ozu50]

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

Unless you are cash-limited I would suggest getting another pair of the trucks that are working rather than trying to preserve a set of bushings in trucks they won't work in and are different than what you've been using.

[close]

I'm trying to get Thunders to work without having to go through the hassle of changing bushings every couple of months. I've also tried both Thunder and Bones hards but could never get used to them, hence why I've thought about giving the Doh Dohs a go

[close]

I use Indy conical replacement bushings on my thunders. I just sand the top down on some old grip till it’s the same size, only takes a minute and the last set lasted me a year with no issues.

I’m not sure if there’s a size difference between thunders and doh dohs but it seems like as long as the sizing is close replacements work great. Only mentioning it cause I tried the Indys once before shaving them and with them being too tall it really restricted the turn. Post shaving they’re perfect.

Thanks!

[skateboarder4life]

I tried e6000 and it worked fine for a few minutes because I put it on kind of lumpy but then it smoothed out from the grip tape and it was super slippery like the grip tape couldn't grab onto it. I prefer shoe glue to hot glue because they are a bit softer and grab better in my opinion. I might have gotten used it to but I'm not sure.

[skatebruh]

Mini Logo bushings. They take a while to break in but then they get perfect, last forever, and don't change at all when it gets super cold.

[swongolianbbq]

I love the independent axle rethreader cause it has a pilot hole to keep everything straight, and the independent bearing saver T-tool is badass too cause I'm the socket doesn't touch your bearings/fuck up your shields and stuff

I think most everybody knows the aftermarket Indy bushings don't need break-in, and are better than the stock ones

I've heard that the aftermarket Indy 6-hole baseplates has a slightly longer kingpin, if you wanna eek that much more turny-ness out of your  stage 11s without sanding bushings and messing with washers. Can't confirm until I get my hands on some though.

I keep the ace rethreader around too to install bearings, I found some washers at the hardware store that are *just* a bit smaller than a 608 bearing, and I put one on either side and tighten down the ace rethreader to press the bearings in without putting any load on the inner race at all. Just a couple washers added to me lil tool kit

Don't pay for skate brand wax, just get boxes of Gulf wax from the grocery store.. I feel most everyone knows this one too

i see Jordan 1s and blazer mids at Burlington all the time for like 40 bucks, just put some different insoles in em and they're p much the same as SB dunks or blazers

If you set up your board with the super small-head bolts like Shorty's or modus initially, if you ever have to re-setup the same deck, use the wider head bolts like ace, Indy, and most generic bolts and they'll fit perfect and won't sink down too much. If you need to re-mount a deck a third time, re-grip it

If you wanna speed run OCD about truck tightness, if you look closely at the nut and spin it around, look for where the thread starts, and mark the outside with a sharpie. Then just tighten the nuts down the same amount till the sharpie mark is in the same spot. Way better than just running them how they come from the factory. Esp. If you skate twin shapes

I'm crazy

[Jort250]

I haven’t bought a new tool for a while but I love the Pig Tool and Sk8ology carabiner

One of my other mates swears by Ace bushings and wax - can confirm the wax is nice and oily

[rikki]

I love the independent axle rethreader cause it has a pilot hole to keep everything straight, and the independent bearing saver T-tool is badass too cause I'm the socket doesn't touch your bearings/fuck up your shields and stuff

The Indy T-tool also works great with Ventures as it's slim and long enough. With many tools it's pretty much impossible to tighten the tail/nose side baseplate nuts without removing the hanger.

[Chris Partlow]

Skf bearings with 97 duro spitfires is the best feeling ride ever. About 6 of my homies have tried my set up and switched over since

[Jackismydogsname]

Zealous bearings to set and forget soft wheels/cruiser board.

[DarkPools]

Found and bought these for $50 at a Nordstrom Rack back in 2015. Super sick colorway and I wore them a lot before retiring them to a "collection" box of a few notable pairs I've kept since I started skateboarding

(Not my photo)