DLX Shapes

[JM]

Weird epiphany: After again trying the 8.5/14.38 a few weeks ago (hadn't had one in awhile), I realized that after decades of riding/trying almost every single DLX shape made, there are actually only two DLX boards that I really like: the 8.25/14.38 and the 8.75/14.62. In fact, I kind of hate most of their other shapes/dimensions.

Yah big weirdo. 8.38 dreamer is beautiful and perfect.

But I, too, am now a 8.25x14.38wb aficionado.  (I still prefer the look and feel of actually skating on the dreamer though. 8.25 is for trix.)

[JM]

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Howdy.

Are real ovals still the same wood and glue as pro decks?

(I.e. they’re not reclaimed/price-point decks, right?)

The price is a few dollars less than the pro decks so just confirming.

Thanks

[close]

Yes, the ones here are slightly older stock I think, so even compared to the eagles, which have gone up in price quite a bit and maybe restocked, the Real ovals have stayed the same price.  I have a few and they are same pro wood as everything else, not any price point or cheaper wood.

The only other thing to note, if you are outside of USA, check the top sticker - Made in... or if the sticker is in the middle of the front bolts, rather than above, then it could be a newer alternate woodshop board.  Still the same concave and good solid wood, of all the epoxy construction boards I have had, but they are cheaper RRP as well, so that could also be why they are lower in price.

I am yet to see any of the eagles, ovals or eyes team boards from the other woodshop, not BBS, but I think they are out in some places now, or sooner rather than later, anyway.

That is only for boards outside of USA.

USA = all BBS wood.

Everywhere else, increasing alternate woodshop, but a lot of BBS still (older stock) in eagles, ovals and other boards too.

[close]

In the USA the DLX team boards are the same as the pro boards but they are around $5 less than the pro boards. I am assuming because royalties aren't paid on team boards.

Thanks, you two, for confirming.

Exactly what I was hoping. (And the extra $$ for royalties make sense)

[FrAnKenFrEd]

Anyone skate the Krooked Tino Razo deck? How's the width over the trucks?

[munchbox]

Anyone skate the Krooked Tino Razo deck? How's the width over the trucks?

8.5 front/8.25 rear if i remember correctly

[JM]

More confirmation about the differences in concave between the same Roman numerals:

Both of these are IV’s.

8.25 black ovals

[FrAnKenFrEd]

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8.5 front/8.25 rear if i remember correctly

[close]

Much appreciated. Too small for my tastes.

[Jort250]

Anyone ride an 8.25 Real True Fit (8.25x31.5, 13.88 wheelbase) with Venture Lows?

[rikki]

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Howdy.

Are real ovals still the same wood and glue as pro decks?

(I.e. they’re not reclaimed/price-point decks, right?)

The price is a few dollars less than the pro decks so just confirming.

Thanks

[close]

Yes, the ones here are slightly older stock I think, so even compared to the eagles, which have gone up in price quite a bit and maybe restocked, the Real ovals have stayed the same price.  I have a few and they are same pro wood as everything else, not any price point or cheaper wood.

The only other thing to note, if you are outside of USA, check the top sticker - Made in... or if the sticker is in the middle of the front bolts, rather than above, then it could be a newer alternate woodshop board.  Still the same concave and good solid wood, of all the epoxy construction boards I have had, but they are cheaper RRP as well, so that could also be why they are lower in price.

I am yet to see any of the eagles, ovals or eyes team boards from the other woodshop, not BBS, but I think they are out in some places now, or sooner rather than later, anyway.

That is only for boards outside of USA.

USA = all BBS wood.

Everywhere else, increasing alternate woodshop, but a lot of BBS still (older stock) in eagles, ovals and other boards too.

I was under the impression that the AH Eagles are and will ALL be BBS regardless of geographical location. The reason you haven't seen any China-made ones is because they probably don't exist.

[Mbrimson88]

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Howdy.

Are real ovals still the same wood and glue as pro decks?

(I.e. they’re not reclaimed/price-point decks, right?)

The price is a few dollars less than the pro decks so just confirming.

Thanks

[close]

Yes, the ones here are slightly older stock I think, so even compared to the eagles, which have gone up in price quite a bit and maybe restocked, the Real ovals have stayed the same price.  I have a few and they are same pro wood as everything else, not any price point or cheaper wood.

The only other thing to note, if you are outside of USA, check the top sticker - Made in... or if the sticker is in the middle of the front bolts, rather than above, then it could be a newer alternate woodshop board.  Still the same concave and good solid wood, of all the epoxy construction boards I have had, but they are cheaper RRP as well, so that could also be why they are lower in price.

I am yet to see any of the eagles, ovals or eyes team boards from the other woodshop, not BBS, but I think they are out in some places now, or sooner rather than later, anyway.

That is only for boards outside of USA.

USA = all BBS wood.

Everywhere else, increasing alternate woodshop, but a lot of BBS still (older stock) in eagles, ovals and other boards too.

[close]

I was under the impression that the AH Eagles are and will ALL be BBS regardless of geographical location. The reason you haven't seen any China-made ones is because they probably don't exist.

I was too.

A few people in EU had China made Real ovals not too long ago, maybe from Skate Deluxe site or somewhere else.  I had questioned them on it, but someone else said they were too.

We now have China made AH eagles, just arrived.  Yet to see or compare, but I guess the "success" of the alternate woodshop has meant that they will get almost all the boards from there, rather than some from each.  BBS boards have gone up so much, so it makes sense to keep the prices down and still have good boards, same shapes, good concave, etc.

I will do a comparison when I have one in my hands.

[Sedition]

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Today I picked up Cody Chapman 8.5/14.38 “Intermodal” deck (III stamped). A few comments on it…

Shape-wise, it is very similar to the DLX 8.38/14.5 and DLX 8.5/14.25, which is to say the kicks are a tad more oval-rounded/pointed, and move towards what I call “suppository shapes” (and I’ve never really been a big fan of suppositories). I love the kick-shapes on the 8.25/14.38 and the 8.75/14.62 because they are slightly more “full.”* In terms of ratios…the 8.5/14.25 always felt a bit short and stubby. Meanwhile, the 8.38/14.5 always felt a bit too long and too narrow (e.g. width-to-length ratios). In this regard, the 8.25/14.38 always felt a little more “balanced” (at least to me), and the 8.5/14.38 also, feels more “balanced.” This is obviously a subjective thing.

Compared side-by-side, it’s crazy just how similar this 8.5 and the 8.25 are. Same length tail. Same wheelbase. The 8.5 is only a tad wider, and it has a slightly longer nose (giving it a slightly longer over-all length than the 8.25)…but they feel very different when you stand on them and look down (mostly because of kick shapes). I have a feeling the 8.5/14.38 and the 8.38/14.5 would be mind-blowingly similar if compared side-by-side. I sure @Mbrimson88 could illuminate that one.   

Anyway, we’ll see how it rides, but for that, and the reason I even got it, you’ll have to head over to the Madness thread. This post here is just for comparative DLX specs for anyone who may have interest in the 8.5/14.38 shape. 


*The “standard cut” Black Labels have this exact same basic shape, which is one of these reason I like those decks so much.

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Weird epiphany: After again trying the 8.5/14.38 a few weeks ago (hadn't had one in awhile), I realized that after decades of riding/trying almost every single DLX shape made, there are actually only two DLX boards that I really like: the 8.25/14.38 and the 8.75/14.62. In fact, I kind of hate most of their other shapes/dimensions.

[close]

I had to go back through looking for the earlier post with the stamp number, just to double check, whether it was too steep or just not quite what you liked for other reasons?

Got a few of that shape set up on various boards and they all skate fairly well, but I guess I prefer 8.5 to 8.25 in those similar dimensions, even though I know the shape is quite different too.

Did it feel a little too big, or long, or just the "weird" shape just didn't work for you?  I say "weird" specifically because I know it is different to the usual 8.25 or 8.75 shapes.

Curious any which way, but even now I just set up a steeper 8.38 with some new stuff and I feel like the deck is the main issue, not the T-II trucks, or anything else about it, even though I think the trucks might make any board feel a bit different, if I did put it on a well used one instead.  I just don't know yet, at least not until I really test it out on a few options.  The 8.38 is my most common board I have set up these days, but I modify everything almost too much to ever ride a fresh unaltered setup without something feeling off.

Sorry for the delayed response. Get ready, we are going into the weeds.

Per my original post, it's really amazing just how similar some of the DLX boards are to each other--like stuff that only real madness tech-geeks (e.g. us) would really even notice, let alone adore/hate.

My main issue with the 8.5/14.38 was just the shape of the kicks, and nothing more. I am a real princess when it comes to deck shape/ratios, and I want to like what I see when I look down at my feet/board. Many DLX decks (most?) have that slight pointed shape to the kicks (e.g. 8.5/14.25, 8.38, 8.5/14.38, etc.) or the really rounded-off shape (nose on the 8.4). I just don't like those. Somewhere between those shapes, and a "full" shape is my happy-place (e.g. the 8.25/14.38, 8.75/14.62, LBL "standard cut" shapes, etc.). The tail on the 8.5/14.38 I found particularly interesting. Due to the shape, it felt narrow and longer than the tail on the 8.25/14.38 (and they are actually the exact same length), and I just didn't like the narrow feeling of it (esp. on tail slides)

I am also under no illusions--I know for certain I could absolutely skate the 8.5/14.38, and it would have ZERO impact on my actual skating...but I'd still just not like what I saw when I looked down at my feet. I mean, same wheelbase, same tail length, the 8.5 is only 1/8th of an inch wider than the 8.25 (that is a mere 1/16th or .062 of an inch added to each side...virtually NOTHING), and slightly longer nose--these two are essentially the same deck, with just slightly different shaped kicks.

Two other factors that had the 8.25 winning out for me?

(1) Truck Options. Despite tiny width differences, I think the 8.25 more suited to use 144 or 149 trucks, making it more versatile, whereas the 8.5 is more of a 149-only truck (with 144s being a tad too magic-carpet for me).

(2) Availability and Cost. The 8.25 is widely available across all DLX brands, in both team and pro decks. The 8.5 seems to only come out on pro decks (e.g. more $$$), and is not nearly as pervasive in their production runs. Thus, if I want a 8.25/8.5-ish deck with a 14.38wb, one option is waaaaay easier to track down (in a "IV" stamp) than the other.


Why did I even get the 8.5? That 8.75/14.5 LBL I've mentioned before is unquestionable my main ride these days. However, it is a bit clunky for some things (esp. some flip tricks....but I'm not doing a shit-ton of those anymore). I absolutely want a smaller set-up for some of that stuff, but the 8.25/14.38 is feeling really small to me these days. So, I'm toying around with a few 8.5 decks to see if there is a good middle ground.

[Mbrimson88]

Sorry for the delayed response. Get ready, we are going into the weeds.

Per my original post, it's really amazing just how similar some of the DLX boards are to each other--like stuff that only real madness tech-geeks (e.g. us) would really even notice, let alone adore/hate.

Ha yeah, that all totally makes sense and I can understand that completely.

Sometimes I forget how much of a pain it is to have to go sort through boards just to find the right number concave, in any given shop, or even having to stand on boards just to see if they are in fact steeper or more mellow regardless of the number stamps - got another few IV boards not too long ago and I am sure some of them could be I from other presses, but as long as they are not super steep cross ways, I can mellow out the kicks.


I have a couple of boards I really wanted to try with T-II trucks and ride them without modifying anything, to which I am "dealing with" more than enjoying right now, so I can see anyone's point of having a deck that they actually want to skate and get stoked on, rather than thinking this board is just not quite what I wanted.

So stupid but a well worn in board just feels perfect, so I keep going back to some old favourites, more so than riding the new ones time and time again.

[rikki]

I think I've found a happy place (for now) with the 8.5 x 14.25. Used to frequent the 8.25 x 14.38, but I think the shorter length of the 8.5 has clicked nicely with my skating these days.

Riding it on Indy 149 Standards. Would like to try cast Venture 5.6s with the same shape. No real magic carpet as the deck is closer to an 8.38 in reality. For some reason Venture 5.8s feel too chunky for me.

[Skatebrain]

Wondering if someone can comment on the basalt concave.   Since it is single press, I’m wondering if they end up on steep side?     

[Esmith5488]

Wondering if someone can comment on the basalt concave.   Since it is single press, I’m wondering if they end up on steep side?   

I was pretty happy with mine. honestly felt like a IV in the press. had the 8.5 eagle for reference

[Boog]

I think I've found a happy place (for now) with the 8.5 x 14.25. Used to frequent the 8.25 x 14.38, but I think the shorter length of the 8.5 has clicked nicely with my skating these days.

Riding it on Indy 149 Standards. Would like to try cast Venture 5.6s with the same shape. No real magic carpet as the deck is closer to an 8.38 in reality. For some reason Venture 5.8s feel too chunky for me.

I think you will really like it on cast 5.6s. I've ridden the 8.5×14.25 on all the for mentioned trucks and they felt great on 5.6s. I like it most on the 5.8s or 149s but that's just my preference.

[JM]

I think I've found a happy place (for now) with the 8.5 x 14.25. Used to frequent the 8.25 x 14.38, but I think the shorter length of the 8.5 has clicked nicely with my skating these days.

Riding it on Indy 149 Standards. Would like to try cast Venture 5.6s with the same shape. No real magic carpet as the deck is closer to an 8.38 in reality. For some reason Venture 5.8s feel too chunky for me.

Nice timing. If you want a piece of Todd’s art, there’s a lot of decks still left (I’d guess there’s around maybe 10 yesterday on the wall after the art show/demo?)

https://nocomplyatx.com/collections/anti-hero-skateboards-x-no-comply-skateshop-18th-anniversary-capsule/products/anti-hero-skateboards-x-no-comply-grackle-logo-skateboard-deck-8-5

There’s also the yellow bat 8.25 14.38 WB

https://nocomplyatx.com/collections/anti-hero-skateboards-x-no-comply-skateshop-18th-anniversary-capsule/products/anti-hero-skateboards-x-no-comply-classic-bat-logo-skateboard-deck-8-25

[rikki]

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I think I've found a happy place (for now) with the 8.5 x 14.25. Used to frequent the 8.25 x 14.38, but I think the shorter length of the 8.5 has clicked nicely with my skating these days.

Riding it on Indy 149 Standards. Would like to try cast Venture 5.6s with the same shape. No real magic carpet as the deck is closer to an 8.38 in reality. For some reason Venture 5.8s feel too chunky for me.

[close]

I think you will really like it on cast 5.6s. I've ridden the 8.5×14.25 on all the for mentioned trucks and they felt great on 5.6s. I like it most on the 5.8s or 149s but that's just my preference.

Hey thanks. Guess I gotta try 'em both!

[Welsh Rarebit]

New Doobie shape coming in Spring. Might not appeal to many of you on here with a 14.75" WB but might suit me....

Do you know what width it’s going to be? I’m on the 8.62 classic eagle at the moment, happy to hear there’s going to be another 14.75”.

[FrAnKenFrEd]

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New Doobie shape coming in Spring. Might not appeal to many of you on here with a 14.75" WB but might suit me....

[close]

Do you know what width it’s going to be? I’m on the 8.62 classic eagle at the moment, happy to hear there’s going to be another 14.75”.

It's labeled as 8.69"

[Mbrimson88]

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New Doobie shape coming in Spring. Might not appeal to many of you on here with a 14.75" WB but might suit me....

[close]

Do you know what width it’s going to be? I’m on the 8.62 classic eagle at the moment, happy to hear there’s going to be another 14.75”.

[close]

It's labeled as 8.69"

How's the size sticker though?

Eight point sixty nine written round the big number 69...

Classy. 

[Welsh Rarebit]

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New Doobie shape coming in Spring. Might not appeal to many of you on here with a 14.75" WB but might suit me....

[close]

Do you know what width it’s going to be? I’m on the 8.62 classic eagle at the moment, happy to hear there’s going to be another 14.75”.

[close]

It's labeled as 8.69"

Thank you!!

[Bob Loblaw]

Weird epiphany: After again trying the 8.5/14.38 a few weeks ago (hadn't had one in awhile), I realized that after decades of riding/trying almost every single DLX shape made, there are actually only two DLX boards that I really like: the 8.25/14.38 and the 8.75/14.62. In fact, I kind of hate most of their other shapes/dimensions.

If you want to sell any of the 8.5/14.38 that have life left in them, hmu

Riding a DBX krooked in this shape and love it

[Sedition]

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Weird epiphany: After again trying the 8.5/14.38 a few weeks ago (hadn't had one in awhile), I realized that after decades of riding/trying almost every single DLX shape made, there are actually only two DLX boards that I really like: the 8.25/14.38 and the 8.75/14.62. In fact, I kind of hate most of their other shapes/dimensions.

[close]

If you want to sell any of the 8.5/14.38 that have life left in them, hmu

Riding a DBX krooked in this shape and love it

I give all my assorted gear madness stuff away for free to kids at local parks. Spread the Stoke / Light the Fire.

[tzhangdox]

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Weird epiphany: After again trying the 8.5/14.38 a few weeks ago (hadn't had one in awhile), I realized that after decades of riding/trying almost every single DLX shape made, there are actually only two DLX boards that I really like: the 8.25/14.38 and the 8.75/14.62. In fact, I kind of hate most of their other shapes/dimensions.

[close]

If you want to sell any of the 8.5/14.38 that have life left in them, hmu

Riding a DBX krooked in this shape and love it

Where are you located? I have one, and two limo 8.5 shapes which are labelled 8.5" x 32.25" with 14.40" Wheelbase but laying them over my 8.5 14.38 they look literally identical

I do recall a few years ago the 8.3 limo was literally just the navy eagle 8.5 shape. Swore it was identical. Wonder if this is another case of that.

[Bob Loblaw]

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Weird epiphany: After again trying the 8.5/14.38 a few weeks ago (hadn't had one in awhile), I realized that after decades of riding/trying almost every single DLX shape made, there are actually only two DLX boards that I really like: the 8.25/14.38 and the 8.75/14.62. In fact, I kind of hate most of their other shapes/dimensions.

[close]

If you want to sell any of the 8.5/14.38 that have life left in them, hmu

Riding a DBX krooked in this shape and love it

[close]

I give all my assorted gear madness stuff away for free to kids at local parks. Spread the Stoke / Light the Fire.

hell yeah
i’m the unc giving away used shoes and boards myself

[Sedition]

I deiced to "adult" and buy a pair of winter boots (first time in my life). Ended up with a pair of the gor-tex Skate-HI's from Vans. While I was waiting for the Vans employee to get the boots for me, I started looking at the decks that Vans store had in stock.

They had the 8.62 John C. "Ruder Bwoys" deck, in a IV stamp. I laughed when I saw it, because it has a "14.6" sticker on it. I swear, AH is so schizo with the WB on the deck--they just can't decide if it's 14.5 or 14.6 (currently listed as 14.5 on AH site). I've actually never seen one of these in person before, and it's pretty much the only standard issue AH/DLX shapes I've not owned. Shape was decent. Straight through the sides, and decent fuller-shaped nose/tail. I was tempted to get it (esp. considering I'm liking wider decks these days). I've always been curious about this shape, but avoided it because they are a little harder to come by (if I ended up really liking it). I have a feeling I might go back and buy in the next few days....but hopefully not. I don't need more deck madness to deal with.  

[FrAnKenFrEd]

I deiced to "adult" and buy a pair of winter boots (first time in my life). Ended up with a pair of the gor-tex Skate-HI's from Vans. While I was waiting for the Vans employee to get the boots for me, I started looking at the decks that Vans store had in stock.

They had the 8.62 John C. "Ruder Bwoys" deck, in a IV stamp. I laughed when I saw it, because it has a "14.6" sticker on it. I swear, AH is so schizo with the WB on the deck--they just can't decide if it's 14.5 or 14.6 (currently listed as 14.5 on AH site). I've actually never seen one of these in person before, and it's pretty much the only standard issue AH/DLX shapes I've not owned. Shape was decent. Straight through the sides, and decent fuller-shaped nose/tail. I was tempted to get it (esp. considering I'm liking wider decks these days). I've always been curious about this shape, but avoided it because they are a little harder to come by (if I ended up really liking it). I have a feeling I might go back and buy in the next few days....but hopefully not. I don't need more deck madness to deal with.

Yeah, they actually  label that deck 14.5 in the catolog and 14.6 on the sticker. I have one and its 14.6 of 14 5/8". Honestly, so close to the regular DLX 8.62 I don't know what they bother with the "hella tight" version (shorter tail also I think) and now there's even a Doobie 8.69 with a 14.75" WB on the way...

All to say, I am on the regular 8.62 at the moment and will set up the Cardi-Hellatight version next so will be able to report back on any differences.

[Mbrimson88]

.

Adding this here, in case anyone is interested.

I did forget to mention this is more relevant to "The rest of the world" as USA still has BBS boards, but at least now I have one of each of the eagles for comparison - one from BBS and one from China.


https://www.instagram.com/mbrimson88/p/DRRUabGk0bj/

[Hqjdncm]

Does the 8.75 white eagle taper at all or is wider than stated like the 8.5 or 8.25 eagles? Kinda want one but don’t wanna risk that unless it’s for sure a straight 8.75

[Mbrimson88]

Does the 8.75 white eagle taper at all or is wider than stated like the 8.5 or 8.25 eagles? Kinda want one but don’t wanna risk that unless it’s for sure a straight 8.75

The typical DLX 8.75 shape is 8.75 at the shoulder, but tapers down to about 8.6 or just under by the time it is near the back bolts.

The 8.62 shape is straight through the rail, as is the 8.38, but the 8.75 and the 8.5 blue eagle both taper a bit, so I think they might have done that on purpose.  There are other shapes now that are straight too, but I don't usually do much with the short or other versions and the FULL 8.75 hasn't been made for a year or so now, but that was a big board, 14.75 wb and quite long too.