DLX Shapes

[rikki]

Thanks for your effort. 85 grams in a deck is nothing short of just marginal in my book.

But in principal, you're of course correct.

As you said, the feel of the deck is the most important thing. I can understand that with regards to the DLX China decks. Guess I'm not that picky in this case, as I like snappy decks that are on the stiffy side.

However, give me an average HLC Euro deck (e.g. Sour) and I will hate it, as it is usually noticeably thicker and heavier than a BBS/China DLX deck with similar dims. I mean, there's a real difference, not just something that can be barely measured.

[back smith]

I hope they make something with a 14.25 wb that is between 9 and 10 inches with the new DBX construction.

Have been on a carbon fiber board recently and I like the way it rides but I feel like it makes flip tricks and such more difficult. I have a theory it's because you can't "pre-load" the board because it's so solid. Who knows, could be nonsense. But whatever the reason.. maybe basalt is better.

Best width of all would be 9.125 or 161/169 axle width. 

[Too Frank To Fred]

Wider and longer boards might have the most to gain from these alternative constructions as they can mush out quicker.

In other words,  there better be a

HUFFER DBX.

[Mbrimson88]

As you said, the feel of the deck is the most important thing. I can understand that with regards to the DLX China decks. Guess I'm not that picky in this case, as I like snappy decks that are on the stiffy side.

However, give me an average HLC Euro deck (e.g. Sour) and I will hate it, as it is usually noticeably thicker and heavier than a BBS/China DLX deck with similar dims. I mean, there's a real difference, not just something that can be barely measured.

For sure!

The way I see it, the main draw for people who like epoxy construction is the deck stays stiff from day one through til it is done, so they will usually last until they break.

BBS and other woodshop decks with water based glue might be crisp at first, then slowly start to flex and then go so soggy that the thing would barely hold you off the ground but still not break, but that in between stage is my sweet spot.

I have had so many other woodshop decks come through my hands, it is interesting to see how they feel, how they hold up and all the rest of it, but I always go back to BBS for how well they work for me and DLX does make a good product.  Some others are definitely thicker, weird concave, too much of this or too little of that, but I guess that is also what makes some of those boards better for some people.

At least too, the DLX China boards are a better end retail price, or should be, compared to the rising costs of a board made in Mexico that has to go through the USA and then comes here to Australia.  The China boards come straight from China to here, so they avoid the extra trip and associated costs.  Here the most recent BBS boards can be up to $180 retail, with the China boards maxing out around $130 to $140 so that alone is a crazy difference.

All up that is a big plus as well, even if I probably sound like I am going in circles right now.

[rikki]

Pals who ride the 8.25 True Fit shape (8.25 x 14 x 31.5), what trucks do you prefer with them?

Friend of mine raved about Ventures (5.6 Hi forged) being great with that shape. I stepped on his board and shit felt really nice, fun and light. Yes the deck feels short at first, but I could see the appeal.

Also, what would be a similar-feeling shape outside the DLX pantheon, if any?

[back smith]

Pals who ride the 8.25 True Fit shape (8.25 x 14 x 31.5), what trucks do you prefer with them?

Friend of mine raved about Ventures (5.6 Hi forged) being great with that shape. I stepped on his board and shit felt really nice, fun and light. Yes the deck feels short at first, but I could see the appeal.

Also, what would be a similar-feeling shape outside the DLX pantheon, if any?

April has some 8.25" / 14" wb but they're a bit longer.

[nurkdurk]

Pals who ride the 8.25 True Fit shape (8.25 x 14 x 31.5), what trucks do you prefer with them?

Friend of mine raved about Ventures (5.6 Hi forged) being great with that shape. I stepped on his board and shit felt really nice, fun and light. Yes the deck feels short at first, but I could see the appeal.

Also, what would be a similar-feeling shape outside the DLX pantheon, if any?

I had standard Indy 144s on it and felt ok. Passed it down to a kid that was on venture hi, pop felt better with the axle further back for sure.

[rikki]

Oh, and the 8.28 Eagle (baby blue with 31.7" length / 14.12 wb) –- haven't tried it, guess that would feel a bit similar to the True Fit shape? The 8.28 is a tad longer, which actually would be a good thing. Pros/cons on that shape?

[Sedition]

Oh, and the 8.28 Eagle (baby blue with 31.7" length / 14.12 wb) –- haven't tried it, guess that would feel a bit similar to the True Fit shape? The 8.28 is a tad longer, which actually would be a good thing. Pros/cons on that shape?

I’ve had a few of those over the years, but not sure why. Never liked them. They always felt too “dainty” to me, but this is not surprising b/c I dont like short wb decks (always feel cramped and hobbled on them). Don’t remember the actual width. Nose tail felt very short to me, esp. b/c they are more rounded.

[franc]

How wide is the 8.28 Eagle? Does it have straight rails?
Not trying to be funny but we all know how surprising DLX dimensions can be.
I skated loads of DLX 8.5s (the 31.85 x 14.25 ones) and they're definitely not 8.5s, more like 8.4 near the front truck then they taper down to 8.3ish near the back truck... Lovely boards but they're pretty different from what I read on the tags that are on the shrink wrap.
Thanks for you help.

[Sedition]

How wide is the 8.28 Eagle? Does it have straight rails?
Not trying to be funny but we all know how surprising DLX dimensions can be.
I skated loads of DLX 8.5s (the 31.85 x 14.25 ones) and they're definitely not 8.5s, more like 8.4 near the front truck then they taper down to 8.3ish near the back truck... Lovely boards but they're pretty different from what I read on the tags that are on the shrink wrap.
Thanks for you help.

I remember it having a slight taper, but nothing like the so-called "8.5" deck you mention. I am sure @Mbrimson88 will chime-in with all the specs.

[nurkdurk]

Oh, and the 8.28 Eagle (baby blue with 31.7" length / 14.12 wb) –- haven't tried it, guess that would feel a bit similar to the True Fit shape? The 8.28 is a tad longer, which actually would be a good thing. Pros/cons on that shape?

I have only compared the 8.28 eagle to an 8.25 true fit in the shop, but laying them on top of each other the kicks are a lot closer together on the true fit, it felt more cramped than the wb made me expect. 8.28 seemed like it would have more fingers of flat.

The 8.25x31.5 with a 14” wb (not true fit) seems like a great shape if you want short wb truck, without feeling cramped. Grewer grimple from the summer or fall drop was on that shape

[Mbrimson88]

Expand Quote

How wide is the 8.28 Eagle? Does it have straight rails?
Not trying to be funny but we all know how surprising DLX dimensions can be.
I skated loads of DLX 8.5s (the 31.85 x 14.25 ones) and they're definitely not 8.5s, more like 8.4 near the front truck then they taper down to 8.3ish near the back truck... Lovely boards but they're pretty different from what I read on the tags that are on the shrink wrap.
Thanks for you help.

[close]

I remember it having a slight taper, but nothing like the so-called "8.5" deck you mention. I am sure @Mbrimson88 will chime-in with all the specs.

Yeah from a couple of pages back, this was the info when comparing a couple of the boards in question:

https://www.slapmagazine.com/index.php?topic=85076.msg4310231#msg4310231


I was looking for other info I had posted too, but right this minute I can't find it...

[Mbrimson88]

.

I also put the 8.28 over the regular 8.25 just before, so it is the same from kick to kick down the rail, with the nose almost the same, the tail definitely shorter on the 8.28 compared to the 8.25 and of course the overall length, along with the wheelbase, so the 8.28 is a shorter version, with similar but not quite the same everything else.

Can see if people like longer tails, the 8.25 is going to feel more comfortable, than the 8.28 but then like the blue eagle 8.5 board, it is a mini version of the blue eagle overall, just no taper like the blue eagle, or the most minimal taper.  I would usually put two of any of the same shape down the same way, one on top of the other, then turn the top one round so the nose is sitting on the tail, which shows me how much taper there is.  I only have the one 8.28 right here right now, so couldn't do that with it.

[franc]

Thank you guys! I really appreciate this.

Would you skate the 8.28 on 144s or 149s?

[Sedition]

Thank you guys! I really appreciate this.

Would you skate the 8.28 on 144s or 149s?

Either (same as with 8.25 or the “8.5”) 149s will put edge of wheel closer to flush with deck, with axle nuts sticking out a tad. 144s will put edge of wheel a tad inside, with axle nuts being closer to flush with deck…so just a matter of preference.

[Mbrimson88]

Expand Quote

Thank you guys! I really appreciate this.

Would you skate the 8.28 on 144s or 149s?

[close]

Either (same as with 8.25 or the “8.5”) 149s will put edge of wheel closer to flush with deck, with axle nuts sticking out a tad. 144s will put edge of wheel a tad inside, with axle nuts being closer to flush with deck…so just a matter of preference.

Yeah it is definitely a personal preference.

The old "Once upon a time we never had 144s" so 139s which sit in a long way or more often 149s with one or even no washers on the inside was common for some people, but then since 2017 using 144s for a more tech type setup is very common now.

Others I know ride 144s with three washers on the inside to make 146 ish type of hangers, which I have done on a few of the DLX 8.25 options, but if you are more used to or only have 149s, try them with one washer on the inside and see.

[BeachChicken]

I was terrified to try 8.5 trucks for years thinking I'd lose tons of shit. Its actually been really nice as locking into pinched grinds is a slight bit easier and there might be some scoop difference, but its not as big as I expected. Weird thing is I was at the shop the other day and measuring Indy 149 axles end to end they were 8.38.

[TastyBurrito]

Anyone ridden the Easy Rider shapes? If so, how you liking it? I just got the 8.5 and just stepping on the deck, it does seem flatter than my Blue Eagle (IV stamped).

[BeachChicken]

I had the 8.25x14.38. Honestly it just felt a lot longer for the given length due to more flat before the kicks and less nimble than my normal BBS 8.38. I've got another but I'm not rushing to ride it. Lots of people I know like the 8.5 and no one I know likes the 8.25x14. DLX could have not ever produced that and produced one of the many shapes in normal sizes we loved and people wouldn't miss it. Ben D is a better skater than me but that deck is longer than most 14.38/14.5 decks and there aren't many out there that care about optimizing for Ventures enough.

[Lou Strux]

Anyone ridden the Easy Rider shapes? If so, how you liking it? I just got the 8.5 and just stepping on the deck, it does seem flatter than my Blue Eagle (IV stamped).

Really enjoyed my time in the easy rider mold & would def do again if I could get a 14.5” WB.  I don’t know if they have multiple molds though, and adding that extra smidge of wheelbase might/could rob an equivalent amount from the fingers-of-flat dims & mess w/ their secret sauce recipe. 🤷🏻‍♂️
I’ll ride pretty much anything though, but I can’t lie, I for certain liked the easy rider feel.
Too much to ask for that 8.5” X 14.5” twin on the easy rider mold?
I’m probably the only goof out there asking for that though, so it’s not likely a marketable move on their part.
Again… 🤷🏻‍♂️

[Sedition]

Too much to ask for that 8.5” X 14.5” twin on the easy rider mold?

I really wish they would do more (shapes) in the 14.38/14.5 areas.

[scab]

Too much to ask for that 8.5” X 14.5” twin on the easy rider mold?
I’m probably the only goof out there asking for that though, so it’s not likely a marketable move on their part.

Here's at least one other goof who'd instantly throw money at DLX if they did that.

[franc]

Thank gents, I love talking about this.

I skated 8.125s on 144s as my main tech setup for years but always had wider shaped boards on 149s too, then one day 2 years ago I found a BA "8.5" for really cheap and had to get it as I had never had a BA. Loved it and have been skating that DLX/BBS "8.5" shape as my main setup ever since.

I was also worried that I'd lose tons of tricks getting on 149s but it's not that bad, I get more stability skating transitions, ledges and manual pads on these and I don't flip my board that much anymore anyway. I can totally do 360 flips on 149s if the board has a shorter wheelbase, 14.25 being uncomfortable for those at my age.

I think I've basically skated every size in existence between 7.5 and 8.75 but never had a 8.25 or a 8.28. Kinda tempted to try one for the sake of it. Never thought about setting one up on 144s with 3 washers inside, that could solve my 144s-or-149s? dilemma. Thanks!  :-)  :-)

[BeachChicken]

If it's the blue eagle 8.5 that is actually 14.18 and it's shorter than measured and more of an 8.38 that tapers. It's way smaller than it seems. I can't ride it as I find it cramped but I can ride a Baker 8.25 or many other 8.25 fine. It's a great shape nonetheless and popular for good reason.

[Sedition]

If it's the blue eagle 8.5 that is actually 14.18 and it's shorter than measured and more of an 8.38…

You will find widespread agreement on it being more of 8.38, but not 14.18.

[BeachChicken]

I've got digital veneers that go up to 18" and measured it at that but even a standard tape will put it close to 14.2. Could be variation in batches, but most people I know that are gear nerds and addicted to that shape agree it's on or near 14.2 and shorter than measured, even the length is far shorter at 31.75.

In other funny observations I went on IG and saw Ben D has been back on Indy's and normal decks for many months. Funny considering he got DLX to design an obscure shape that isn't well liked to facilitate his Venture prefs haha.

[rikki]

So in a nutshell, the actual true-ass realistic dims of the 8.5 Blue Eagle are:

8.38 x 14.2 x 31.75?

What's the actual tail length?

[Sedition]

So in a nutshell, the actual true-ass realistic dims of the 8.5 Blue Eagle are:

8.38 x 14.2 x 31.75?

What's the actual tail length?

Depends on how you measure. That said, I have always found it to be •slightly• shorter than tail on the 8.25/14.38.

[BeachChicken]

Straight across it is 6.56. Has a slight taper to it from the bolts back same with the nose, but its not pointy. The true GOAT shape is the AH 8.4, but it is always in the absolute shittiest graphics.