I always skated 7,75 since I started skating, then probably 5 years ago, some 8 inch boards came to our shop, I remember it being an ATM minilogo, I wanted to tried. Best change of my life. Im kind of a big guy, almost Chris Cole big I would say, but I still like 8inches, max 8,25, 147 high Thunders and 50-51mm wheels, and Im good to go. I tried 8,4 Real, but it was too big for me, Im just super used to 8-8,25. And also, Im not really into boards longer than 32 inches, even 32 is kinda long... Best shape I ever rode was 8/31,5 Antihero board, the silver one with red Eagle, It was so good.