Big Boards 9"+( I wanna hear big boys talk about their big boards)

[Lee Ralphs Dear Old Mum]

9" Akerley
Classic 55 Ace with Krux med bushings
1'8" wooden Venture risers sanded down to fit Ace
58mm 97a conical wide Spitfire
SKF bearings

[FrankRizzo]

I am more into cruising, carving, sliding, grinding and slashing than anything. Been riding 9+ since getting back into it. I had a early 90s Santa Cruiz growing up but have no idea what size it was or even the truck brand.
The more I ride the looser I like it. The looser I ride the further my toes get from the board rails. So much so there is an inch or so from my big toes to the deck rails.

My question is:
     What might I lose from sizing down trucks/decks going from 9" to 8" or smaller?
     Another way to say it is what are the advantages to wide trucks and decks even if you do not need the room for your feet.

[Prostate Exam]

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Welcome back ^^^

My homie made me a board


Junkwood 9.0 double shovel
USA 159
1/4 riser
WD 1 1/4”
Lil jawns
Speedlab 58
Big balls
Mob

He’s on Instagram at @junkwoodjoe if anyone wants to check it out

[close]

So good!!!

Can I add your post to the woodshop thread?

Also adding this here, as they look like a good lineup.

Wow! That board on the very left looks really nice!

[yourbreakfsat]

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Black Label Elijah Akerley "SPIDER EGG" Custom Shape 9.0" x 32.25" WB 14.38"
Independent x Toy Machine 159 Standards with IKP baseplates and 90a aftermarket bushings.
Powell Peralta Dragon Formula 93a 56mm (probably around 54mm now)
Bones Super Reds Ceramics
Independent 1" hardware
Jessup Ultra

Getting used to a whole lot now: no risers, smaller wheels, different shape, and different wheelbase.

[close]

Now you’re giving me deck envy. How’s it ride? The dims look perfect for my preferences.

Loving this shape, it pretty nimble, stable, and works perfectly with 159s.

The only thing I wish it had was a somewhat longer/wider tail, but that's only because I'm mainly used to those sorts of tails.

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Snip

[close]

No offense to your current setup but that Lucero shape looks amazing.

It's a great shape! Unfortunately kept getting bad wheelbite with it with 159s and it generally felt pretty heavy.

[animalflesh]

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Welcome back ^^^

My homie made me a board


Junkwood 9.0 double shovel
USA 159
1/4 riser
WD 1 1/4”
Lil jawns
Speedlab 58
Big balls
Mob

He’s on Instagram at @junkwoodjoe if anyone wants to check it out

[close]

So good!!!

Can I add your post to the woodshop thread?

Also adding this here, as they look like a good lineup.

Hell yeah please do!

[Prostate Exam]

Had to pull the trigger on the Lucero. Using it as my vert board as for now. Never seen a better print / screen on a board ever before

[disclosed]

Had to pull the trigger on the Lucero. Using it as my vert board as for now. Never seen a better print / screen on a board ever before

haha lofve that bootleg Nonconform deck.
i still got a Snelling on ice. one of the best shapes ive skated, although very prone to chipping. saw theyre gonne do another run of them. maybe ill get a new one and save the old Gnosis one.

never had the Lucero. it looks great as allways but that giant wheelbase is too much for me.

[Prostate Exam]

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Had to pull the trigger on the Lucero. Using it as my vert board as for now. Never seen a better print / screen on a board ever before

[close]

haha lofve that bootleg Nonconform deck.
i still got a Snelling on ice. one of the best shapes ive skated, although very prone to chipping. saw theyre gonne do another run of them. maybe ill get a new one and save the old Gnosis one.

never had the Lucero. it looks great as allways but that giant wheelbase is too much for me.

Bought the Lucero just for the wheelbase cause I prefer a longer WB on vert.
I still have 3 Snellings left, love the shape but yes it chips hella fast

[oliknight]

Had to pull the trigger on the Lucero. Using it as my vert board as for now. Never seen a better print / screen on a board ever before

I can’t wait for the next Blast Skates drop, my wallet will be very sad.

[WelcomeToHell]

Had to pull the trigger on the Lucero. Using it as my vert board as for now. Never seen a better print / screen on a board ever before

That Lucero deck is so killer.

[Prostate Exam]

And another Mutant shape
Finally a better graphic than the ones I had before.

10 Inch Mutant
Ace 66 Classics
Bones Super Reds
OJ 55mm 99a Elite
SantaCruz Rails
Jessup

[oliknight]

And another Mutant shape
Finally a better graphic than the ones I had before.

10 Inch Mutant
Ace 66 Classics
Bones Super Reds
OJ 55mm 99a Elite
SantaCruz Rails
Jessup

Love this graphic! Can’t wait for it to come over to the UK! I know Heroin have always been big in to the loud graphics but I really love the minimal stuff.
I love the look of the newest Dead Dave decks too, with his artwork.

[Prostate Exam]

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And another Mutant shape
Finally a better graphic than the ones I had before.

10 Inch Mutant
Ace 66 Classics
Bones Super Reds
OJ 55mm 99a Elite
SantaCruz Rails
Jessup

[close]

Love this graphic! Can’t wait for it to come over to the UK! I know Heroin have always been big in to the loud graphics but I really love the minimal stuff.
I love the look of the newest Dead Dave decks too, with his artwork.

I am a huge fan of minimalistic graphics aswell. Nothing on the nose or tail.
Also I am a big fan of old Black Metal and this seems to be a tribute to Beherit, an old finnish Black Metal band:




The artist French was doing Witchcraft back in the day. Maybe this board his him paying homage to Moyen, who drew all the old War Metal covers such as "Fallen Angel of Doom" by Blasphemy:

[oliknight]

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And another Mutant shape
Finally a better graphic than the ones I had before.

10 Inch Mutant
Ace 66 Classics
Bones Super Reds
OJ 55mm 99a Elite
SantaCruz Rails
Jessup

[close]

Love this graphic! Can’t wait for it to come over to the UK! I know Heroin have always been big in to the loud graphics but I really love the minimal stuff.
I love the look of the newest Dead Dave decks too, with his artwork.

[close]

I am a huge fan of minimalistic graphics aswell. Nothing on the nose or tail.
Also I am a big fan of old Black Metal and this seems to be a tribute to Beherit, an old finnish Black Metal band:

Ahhh dude yes! You have great taste! Haha
I need more Black Metal inspired Mutant Shapes!

[Prostate Exam]

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And another Mutant shape
Finally a better graphic than the ones I had before.

10 Inch Mutant
Ace 66 Classics
Bones Super Reds
OJ 55mm 99a Elite
SantaCruz Rails
Jessup

[close]

Love this graphic! Can’t wait for it to come over to the UK! I know Heroin have always been big in to the loud graphics but I really love the minimal stuff.
I love the look of the newest Dead Dave decks too, with his artwork.

[close]

I am a huge fan of minimalistic graphics aswell. Nothing on the nose or tail.
Also I am a big fan of old Black Metal and this seems to be a tribute to Beherit, an old finnish Black Metal band:

[close]

Ahhh dude yes! You have great taste! Haha
I need more Black Metal inspired Mutant Shapes!

Skull Skates did some great collabs in that regard:

[oliknight]

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And another Mutant shape
Finally a better graphic than the ones I had before.

10 Inch Mutant
Ace 66 Classics
Bones Super Reds
OJ 55mm 99a Elite
SantaCruz Rails
Jessup

[close]

Love this graphic! Can’t wait for it to come over to the UK! I know Heroin have always been big in to the loud graphics but I really love the minimal stuff.
I love the look of the newest Dead Dave decks too, with his artwork.

[close]

I am a huge fan of minimalistic graphics aswell. Nothing on the nose or tail.
Also I am a big fan of old Black Metal and this seems to be a tribute to Beherit, an old finnish Black Metal band:

[close]

Ahhh dude yes! You have great taste! Haha
I need more Black Metal inspired Mutant Shapes!

[close]

Skull Skates did some great collabs in that regard:

Yeah I loved them! I’m too attached to the mutant shape though haha
Looking forward to the next Blast drop and also the new Nick Michel Cow deck in the new Frog drop looks very nice, it’s just looks like a 10” version of that oldish Chris Milic 9.25 deck

[Creachteach]

Hey, I think I want to join the big board club. Things is I’ve found that I’ve grown quite a bit since I was 13-14 years old. In 2000-2001. Back then I rode an 8 and everybody was all up in my face about what business I had riding such a huge board
I have some questions for the experts here.

1. My 8.6 creature has “tub” concave, and I’m not sure I like it. I can’t steer my board very well unless I have my front foot at an angle while I’m pushing. Does the 9” creature decks have the same concave or a radial one?

2. Will I need a “tech” deck i.e.  the VX or flight? I’m 275 pounds/125 kg atm. Will regular 7-ply or Epoxied 7s stand being stood on?

3. I’m 6’2”/185cm and 2’/60cm across the shoulders. A rather large old man, and I’m not very stable as I’m top heavy. Should I go for wheelbase, width or both?

4. I’m looking at 9”+ popsicle decks and lightly shaped boards, not really the 80’s ones. Creature Willis Kimbel pro models and Antihero Orange eagle or green giant is what I’ve been contemplating.
Have any other recommendations I should check out? +15” wb with decent kicks. I have Indy 159, but I don’t mind sizing up to 169.

I know it’s a lot, so thanks in advance.

[Prostate Exam]

Hey, I think I want to join the big board club. Things is I’ve found that I’ve grown quite a bit since I was 13-14 years old. In 2000-2001. Back then I rode an 8 and everybody was all up in my face about what business I had riding such a huge board
I have some questions for the experts here.

1. My 8.6 creature has “tub” concave, and I’m not sure I like it. I can’t steer my board very well unless I have my front foot at an angle while I’m pushing. Does the 9” creature decks have the same concave or a radial one?

2. Will I need a “tech” deck i.e.  the VX or flight? I’m 275 pounds/125 kg atm. Will regular 7-ply or Epoxied 7s stand being stood on?

3. I’m 6’2”/185cm and 2’/60cm across the shoulders. A rather large old man, and I’m not very stable as I’m top heavy. Should I go for wheelbase, width or both?

4. I’m looking at 9”+ popsicle decks and lightly shaped boards, not really the 80’s ones. Creature Willis Kimbel pro models and Antihero Orange eagle or green giant is what I’ve been contemplating.
Have any other recommendations I should check out? +15” wb with decent kicks. I have Indy 159, but I don’t mind sizing up to 169.

I know it’s a lot, so thanks in advance.

First of I want to welcome you to the big boy club, we ride the big wood here (pun intended)

Whatever you do, don't go for the 9Inch Flight Deck. The shape is horrible.
If you are afraid that your weight mitht cause your board to break, go for a widrr board. They usualy dont snap as quick.


Most creature boards have a very aggressive concave and are very stiff, maybe not your best choice.


If you want a big board that lasts a long time and is fun to ride I would really recommend a Black Label board here. Haven't snapped  a single one and that means something

[Creachteach]

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Hey, I think I want to join the big board club. Things is I’ve found that I’ve grown quite a bit since I was 13-14 years old. In 2000-2001. Back then I rode an 8 and everybody was all up in my face about what business I had riding such a huge board
I have some questions for the experts here.

1. My 8.6 creature has “tub” concave, and I’m not sure I like it. I can’t steer my board very well unless I have my front foot at an angle while I’m pushing. Does the 9” creature decks have the same concave or a radial one?

2. Will I need a “tech” deck i.e.  the VX or flight? I’m 275 pounds/125 kg atm. Will regular 7-ply or Epoxied 7s stand being stood on?

3. I’m 6’2”/185cm and 2’/60cm across the shoulders. A rather large old man, and I’m not very stable as I’m top heavy. Should I go for wheelbase, width or both?

4. I’m looking at 9”+ popsicle decks and lightly shaped boards, not really the 80’s ones. Creature Willis Kimbel pro models and Antihero Orange eagle or green giant is what I’ve been contemplating.
Have any other recommendations I should check out? +15” wb with decent kicks. I have Indy 159, but I don’t mind sizing up to 169.

I know it’s a lot, so thanks in advance.

[close]

First of I want to welcome you to the big boy club, we ride the big wood here (pun intended)

Whatever you do, don't go for the 9Inch Flight Deck. The shape is horrible.
If you are afraid that your weight mitht cause your board to break, go for a widrr board. They usualy dont snap as quick.


Most creature boards have a very aggressive concave and are very stiff, maybe not your best choice.


If you want a big board that lasts a long time and is fun to ride I would really recommend a Black Label board here. Haven't snapped  a single one and that means something

Thanks man!
I'll ditch the thought of a flight then. Creature/Santa Cruz doesn’t make any VX bigger than 8.8” w/ 14.25” wb ATM.
I’ve never snapped a deck so I must be pretty light footed. But the thought of having an indestructible deck is really appealing. I’ve no doubt my 8.6” will ever snap or crack.

My board has the tub concave with a bit of flat in the middle, does the other boards I mention have the same? I really like the stiffness, as I feels more secure and less soggy. When I stand in my 8” the wheels come further apart.
Concave like this:



Or this:


I’d very much like a radial over the tub, as I can steer with my toes while I’m pushing.

Looked into black label and there are a few interesting ones, but they’re not readily available in Europe. I.E. can’t find one in Denmark or Germany. Have to order from the Netherlands, but they only have like 6, and only a two of them are bigger.

Edit: pictures look like shit. Sry. Click em, that should help.

[Prostate Exam]

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Hey, I think I want to join the big board club. Things is I’ve found that I’ve grown quite a bit since I was 13-14 years old. In 2000-2001. Back then I rode an 8 and everybody was all up in my face about what business I had riding such a huge board
I have some questions for the experts here.

1. My 8.6 creature has “tub” concave, and I’m not sure I like it. I can’t steer my board very well unless I have my front foot at an angle while I’m pushing. Does the 9” creature decks have the same concave or a radial one?

2. Will I need a “tech” deck i.e.  the VX or flight? I’m 275 pounds/125 kg atm. Will regular 7-ply or Epoxied 7s stand being stood on?

3. I’m 6’2”/185cm and 2’/60cm across the shoulders. A rather large old man, and I’m not very stable as I’m top heavy. Should I go for wheelbase, width or both?

4. I’m looking at 9”+ popsicle decks and lightly shaped boards, not really the 80’s ones. Creature Willis Kimbel pro models and Antihero Orange eagle or green giant is what I’ve been contemplating.
Have any other recommendations I should check out? +15” wb with decent kicks. I have Indy 159, but I don’t mind sizing up to 169.

I know it’s a lot, so thanks in advance.

[close]

First of I want to welcome you to the big boy club, we ride the big wood here (pun intended)

Whatever you do, don't go for the 9Inch Flight Deck. The shape is horrible.
If you are afraid that your weight mitht cause your board to break, go for a widrr board. They usualy dont snap as quick.


Most creature boards have a very aggressive concave and are very stiff, maybe not your best choice.


If you want a big board that lasts a long time and is fun to ride I would really recommend a Black Label board here. Haven't snapped  a single one and that means something

[close]

Thanks man!
I'll ditch the thought of a flight then. Creature/Santa Cruz doesn’t make any VX bigger than 8.8” w/ 14.25” wb ATM.
I’ve never snapped a deck so I must be pretty light footed. But the thought of having an indestructible deck is really appealing. I’ve no doubt my 8.6” will ever snap or crack.

My board has the tub concave with a bit of flat in the middle, does the other boards I mention have the same? I really like the stiffness, as I feels more secure and less soggy. When I stand in my 8” the wheels come further apart.
Concave like this:



Or this:


I’d very much like a radial over the tub, as I can steer with my toes while I’m pushing.

Looked into black label and there are a few interesting ones, but they’re not readily available in Europe. I.E. can’t find one in Denmark or Germany. Have to order from the Netherlands, but they only have like 6, and only a two of them are bigger.

Edit: pictures look like shit. Sry.

It looks like you are kind of facinated by the "indestructable" board thing.
Although I back that, I have to let you know that you wont find a big board that is using any kind of technology for that matter.
When it comes to concave, NHS boards (SC, Creature) seem to have very aggressive concave.
I personally skate Heroin, Label and Blast boards. I am 6.7 and around 90kg and go through a board about every month or two.


I would recommend you to buy a board that you like the shape of and if it snaps so be it. I even cracked
my flight deck, so all the tech wont really save you here.


Maybe try a Polar board. They can be easily found in Europe and habe some good shapes. Depends what width you prefer.


Are you looking for a board in the 9-9.5 range or bigger than that?

[Sloppy Krooks]

Actually, Powell makes Flights all the way up to 9.7.

I had an 8.75 flight popsicle from them, and my only complaint was the long wheelbase. I redrilled it on my && deck (along with sanding off the sharp edges) and now I actually really like it.
And yes, it lasts a stupid long time.

[Painted Baby]

Hey, I think I want to join the big board club. Things is I’ve found that I’ve grown quite a bit since I was 13-14 years old. In 2000-2001. Back then I rode an 8 and everybody was all up in my face about what business I had riding such a huge board
I have some questions for the experts here.

1. My 8.6 creature has “tub” concave, and I’m not sure I like it. I can’t steer my board very well unless I have my front foot at an angle while I’m pushing. Does the 9” creature decks have the same concave or a radial one?

2. Will I need a “tech” deck i.e.  the VX or flight? I’m 275 pounds/125 kg atm. Will regular 7-ply or Epoxied 7s stand being stood on?

3. I’m 6’2”/185cm and 2’/60cm across the shoulders. A rather large old man, and I’m not very stable as I’m top heavy. Should I go for wheelbase, width or both?

4. I’m looking at 9”+ popsicle decks and lightly shaped boards, not really the 80’s ones. Creature Willis Kimbel pro models and Antihero Orange eagle or green giant is what I’ve been contemplating.
Have any other recommendations I should check out? +15” wb with decent kicks. I have Indy 159, but I don’t mind sizing up to 169.

I know it’s a lot, so thanks in advance.

The only industrial strength thing you'll likely need are some hard bushings. 90A are super soft in your weight class. I'm 6ft and 265 and I like the Indy 94A Barrels. They feel pretty medium for me. I tried a lot of bushings though.

Other than your retro 80s fish styles with huge wheelbases, you've got shapes that have straighter rails and bigger noses in the very early 90s which Polar covers really well. The 1991 has a 14.5 wb now though there have been some out there with 14.38 in the past. That's as big a wheelbase as you're likely to see for a early 90's shape unless you get something double drilled and put it in vert mode. Then it would be around 15". Welcome puts out a Chris Miller shape like that and I have a small hoard of them. After that, there are Eggs which keep it around 14.5 but there's the Huffer shape that has a 14.75wb. Enjoi puts out a 9" pop that has a 14.38wb on a mellow concave, steep kicks mold. There is some lineage with the Dwindle/Enjoi wood and NHS/Creature stuff but I don't think the wood and the molds are exactly the same. Maybe it's just they are all single pressed and at the same factory in China? Someone set me straight if you feel like it.

If you're comfortable with the overall dimensions, the Orange Eagle is reliably available and has been for years. It's too much wheelbase for me but I can think of a couple of people who only ride that shape.

For the record, I'm not a big fan of any kinda rocker concave and I don't get why NHS keeps trying it.

[Mbrimson88]

I’d very much like a radial over the tub, as I can steer with my toes while I’m pushing.

Looked into black label and there are a few interesting ones, but they’re not readily available in Europe. I.E. can’t find one in Denmark or Germany. Have to order from the Netherlands, but they only have like 6, and only a two of them are bigger.

Most "normal" boards do have way more "normal" concave, so on average quite different to Santa Cruz / Creature boards, which are definitely really good boards that I appreciate, but cannot ride myself as they just don't feel comfortable.

As to which boards will work, it often comes down to which woodshop and concaves used, so as per people talking about Black Label, Polar and many others including Antihero, who all make readily available bigger boards, they are all from the same woodshop too (called BBS), which then makes it way easier to find a board I am comfortable riding - almost the same concaves, although some might be a touch more mellow, others a touch steeper, but feel nothing at all like other woodshops, such as the ones that Santa Cruz / Creature come from (Dwindle / Excel).

From being in and around skate shops a whole lot, the best advice is go in somewhere that has a reasonable selection of brands and stand on any and every board you can to see what feels more comfortable, including boards you might not ride for specific shapes and sizes, just to get a feel for them and once you work out which one feels the best, then it is way easier to look up which woodshop they come from and get something from that range, even if it is online rather than in person.

I know that is not always possible, but going in to which ever local shop there is around, close or not so close, it is worth the effort, more so than only buying online and trying to work out after you have set a board up if you like it or not.

Some would say the madness alone of working out which woodshop feels the best and limiting your options from that is a step in the wrong direction, but it is up to each person to work out what they want, what works, what doesn't work and go from there.

Given you are in a specific country in Europe, things can sometimes be a bit more painful, between who has what, but others who do live in various places in Europe usually have good advice on here for others too.


Current woodshop thread


https://www.slapmagazine.com/index.php?topic=120409.0

[WelcomeToHell]

Anyone skate the New Deal Vallely Alien. Looks like a cool shape and love that it's a Templeton graphic. Haven't tried any of the New Deal stuff from Dwindle.

Width: 9.18" x Length" 32" - Wheelbase: 14"

https://www.oldskullskateboards.com/new-deal-vallely-alien-old-school-reissue-deck-neon/

[disclosed]

Hey, I think I want to join the big board club. Things is I’ve found that I’ve grown quite a bit since I was 13-14 years old. In 2000-2001. Back then I rode an 8 and everybody was all up in my face about what business I had riding such a huge board
I have some questions for the experts here.

1. My 8.6 creature has “tub” concave, and I’m not sure I like it. I can’t steer my board very well unless I have my front foot at an angle while I’m pushing. Does the 9” creature decks have the same concave or a radial one?

2. Will I need a “tech” deck i.e.  the VX or flight? I’m 275 pounds/125 kg atm. Will regular 7-ply or Epoxied 7s stand being stood on?

3. I’m 6’2”/185cm and 2’/60cm across the shoulders. A rather large old man, and I’m not very stable as I’m top heavy. Should I go for wheelbase, width or both?

4. I’m looking at 9”+ popsicle decks and lightly shaped boards, not really the 80’s ones. Creature Willis Kimbel pro models and Antihero Orange eagle or green giant is what I’ve been contemplating.
Have any other recommendations I should check out? +15” wb with decent kicks. I have Indy 159, but I don’t mind sizing up to 169.

I know it’s a lot, so thanks in advance.

probably the Orange Eagle or Huffer is a safe bet. those will fit well with the truck you already have. huffer is 14.75 wheelbase but thats stable enough.
Antihero are on the more affordable side of big boards spectrum too. and there allways available, cant say that for many other big shapes.

snapping boards also really depends on how/what you skate i guess. i'm in the 100/110kg and never snapped a deck. but i also never flip my board. and definitly no gaps or drops.
just skate curbs/ledges and transition.

personally i am very stoked on flat middle concave in boards. the way Heroin and (Gnosis made) Blast decks are is perfect. not as extreme as NHS concave tho i think but never skate NHS so can't compare.
normal concave gives me cramps in my foot when pushing a lot. but i got wide ass flat feet.

for Black Label, Skatetilldeath in Belgium has a bunch in stock too, but might be the exact same as Sickboards has. normally Titus would have too but havnt seen them there in a while. theyre allways dificult to find in europe sadly.

[Creachteach]

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I have some questions for the experts here.


I know it’s a lot, so thanks in advance.

[close]

First of I want to welcome you to the big boy club, we ride the big wood here (pun intended)

Whatever you do, don't go for the 9Inch Flight Deck. The shape is horrible.
If you are afraid that your weight mitht cause your board to break, go for a widrr board. They usualy dont snap as quick.


Most creature boards have a very aggressive concave and are very stiff, maybe not your best choice.


If you want a big board that lasts a long time and is fun to ride I would really recommend a Black Label board here. Haven't snapped  a single one and that means something

[close]

Thanks man!
I'll ditch the thought of a flight then. Creature/Santa Cruz doesn’t make any VX bigger than 8.8” w/ 14.25” wb ATM.
I’ve never snapped a deck so I must be pretty light footed. But the thought of having an indestructible deck is really appealing. I’ve no doubt my 8.6” will ever snap or crack.

My board has the tub concave with a bit of flat in the middle, does the other boards I mention have the same? I really like the stiffness, as I feels more secure and less soggy. When I stand in my 8” the wheels come further apart.
Concave like this:



Or this:


I’d very much like a radial over the tub, as I can steer with my toes while I’m pushing.

Looked into black label and there are a few interesting ones, but they’re not readily available in Europe. I.E. can’t find one in Denmark or Germany. Have to order from the Netherlands, but they only have like 6, and only a two of them are bigger.

Edit: pictures look like shit. Sry.

[close]

It looks like you are kind of facinated by the "indestructable" board thing.
Although I back that, I have to let you know that you wont find a big board that is using any kind of technology for that matter.
When it comes to concave, NHS boards (SC, Creature) seem to have very aggressive concave.
I personally skate Heroin, Label and Blast boards. I am 6.7 and around 90kg and go through a board about every month or two.


I would recommend you to buy a board that you like the shape of and if it snaps so be it. I even cracked
my flight deck, so all the tech wont really save you here.


Maybe try a Polar board. They can be easily found in Europe and habe some good shapes. Depends what width you prefer.


Are you looking for a board in the 9-9.5 range or bigger than that?

I don’t mind the height of the concave, it’s more the shape of it.
Yeah I shouldn’t be afraid of snapping boards. I’m more afraid of falling, which is stupid cause it half of skateboarding. Its not to do with economy, as skateboarding is cheap compared to other hobbies.

The polars all look okay, but they’re short.
I’m looking at 15” or more in the wheelbase department.

probably the Orange Eagle or Huffer is a safe bet. those will fit well with the truck you already have. huffer is 14.75 wheelbase but thats stable enough.
Antihero are on the more affordable side of big boards spectrum too. and there allways available, cant say that for many other big shapes.

snapping boards also really depends on how/what you skate i guess. i'm in the 100/110kg and never snapped a deck. but i also never flip my board. and definitly no gaps or drops.
just skate curbs/ledges and transition.

personally i am very stoked on flat middle concave in boards. the way Heroin and (Gnosis made) Blast decks are is perfect. not as extreme as NHS concave tho i think but never skate NHS so can't compare.
normal concave gives me cramps in my foot when pushing a lot. but i got wide ass flat feet.

for Black Label, Skatetilldeath in Belgium has a bunch in stock too, but might be the exact same as Sickboards has. normally Titus would have too but havnt seen them there in a while. theyre allways dificult to find in europe sadly.

Yeah, I don’t really do all the dangerous stuff like gaps and drops. My skating is at a pretty low level. Literally don’t skate anything higher than 5’/150cm

My next purchase will probably be an Antihero, Orange Eagle, Huffer or Green Giant. The huffer could easily be drilled up to a 15.25” as it has a lot of nose and flat. I think.

I didn’t know Skatetilldeath, but now I do, thanks!
They have way more Black label than Sickboards. I like the Reuter, the Lucero is too shaped for my taste. Too bad it’s not long enough.

[Creachteach]

Expand Quote

Hey, I think I want to join the big board club. Things is I’ve found that I’ve grown quite a bit since I was 13-14 years old. In 2000-2001. Back then I rode an 8 and everybody was all up in my face about what business I had riding such a huge board
I have some questions for the experts here.

1. My 8.6 creature has “tub” concave, and I’m not sure I like it. I can’t steer my board very well unless I have my front foot at an angle while I’m pushing. Does the 9” creature decks have the same concave or a radial one?

2. Will I need a “tech” deck i.e.  the VX or flight? I’m 275 pounds/125 kg atm. Will regular 7-ply or Epoxied 7s stand being stood on?

3. I’m 6’2”/185cm and 2’/60cm across the shoulders. A rather large old man, and I’m not very stable as I’m top heavy. Should I go for wheelbase, width or both?

4. I’m looking at 9”+ popsicle decks and lightly shaped boards, not really the 80’s ones. Creature Willis Kimbel pro models and Antihero Orange eagle or green giant is what I’ve been contemplating.
Have any other recommendations I should check out? +15” wb with decent kicks. I have Indy 159, but I don’t mind sizing up to 169.

I know it’s a lot, so thanks in advance.

[close]

The only industrial strength thing you'll likely need are some hard bushings. 90A are super soft in your weight class. I'm 6ft and 265 and I like the Indy 94A Barrels. They feel pretty medium for me. I tried a lot of bushings though.

Other than your retro 80s fish styles with huge wheelbases, you've got shapes that have straighter rails and bigger noses in the very early 90s which Polar covers really well. The 1991 has a 14.5 wb now though there have been some out there with 14.38 in the past. That's as big a wheelbase as you're likely to see for a early 90's shape unless you get something double drilled and put it in vert mode. Then it would be around 15". Welcome puts out a Chris Miller shape like that and I have a small hoard of them. After that, there are Eggs which keep it around 14.5 but there's the Huffer shape that has a 14.75wb. Enjoi puts out a 9" pop that has a 14.38wb on a mellow concave, steep kicks mold. There is some lineage with the Dwindle/Enjoi wood and NHS/Creature stuff but I don't think the wood and the molds are exactly the same. Maybe it's just they are all single pressed and at the same factory in China? Someone set me straight if you feel like it.

If you're comfortable with the overall dimensions, the Orange Eagle is reliably available and has been for years. It's too much wheelbase for me but I can think of a couple of people who only ride that shape.

For the record, I'm not a big fan of any kinda rocker concave and I don't get why NHS keeps trying it.

I think I have my bushing sorted for now. I’m currently on Bones Hard 96a, and I’m in the process of finding ideal tightness. I have been advised by a slap pal to try out double barrels, and 100a’s. Right now I’m fine though. I’m a teacher now, but I have a background as a mechanic. And I’ve always loved tinkering with stuff, so I guess skateboard truck and I are a perfect match.
I really can’t get with that tub/rocker/flat-cave.
Looks like the Anti Hero’s come highly recommended, both the huffer and orange eagle, so I guess I’m trying them.

Most "normal" boards do have way more "normal" concave, so on average quite different to Santa Cruz / Creature boards, which are definitely really good boards that I appreciate, but cannot ride myself as they just don't feel comfortable.

As to which boards will work, it often comes down to which woodshop and concaves used, so as per people talking about Black Label, Polar and many others including Antihero, who all make readily available bigger boards, they are all from the same woodshop too (called BBS), which then makes it way easier to find a board I am comfortable riding - almost the same concaves, although some might be a touch more mellow, others a touch steeper, but feel nothing at all like other woodshops, such as the ones that Santa Cruz / Creature come from (Dwindle / Excel).

From being in and around skate shops a whole lot, the best advice is go in somewhere that has a reasonable selection of brands and stand on any and every board you can to see what feels more comfortable, including boards you might not ride for specific shapes and sizes, just to get a feel for them and once you work out which one feels the best, then it is way easier to look up which woodshop they come from and get something from that range, even if it is online rather than in person.

I know that is not always possible, but going in to which ever local shop there is around, close or not so close, it is worth the effort, more so than only buying online and trying to work out after you have set a board up if you like it or not.

Some would say the madness alone of working out which woodshop feels the best and limiting your options from that is a step in the wrong direction, but it is up to each person to work out what they want, what works, what doesn't work and go from there.

Given you are in a specific country in Europe, things can sometimes be a bit more painful, between who has what, but others who do live in various places in Europe usually have good advice on here for others too.


Current woodshop thread


https://www.slapmagazine.com/index.php?topic=120409.0

Oh yeah, I’m aware of the wood shop thread. Wicked library of information.
It really makes sense to get a feel for what kinds of molds and wood I like, that way I’ll have an easier time selecting boards in the future. It’s solid advice.
Closest shop is an hour and a half away, so don’t come to them often, and their selections are usually pretty meager. I’ll have to sus it out online. With guitar gear, when I found my Goldilocks stuff, I’ve stuck with it, and I hope I can eventually get close in a few tries with skateboarding stuff.
I have shopping basket with a board, 169’s, two sets of wheels, rails, 100a bushings, and non-Mob grip. Oh and cruiser wheels.

Actually, Powell makes Flights all the way up to 9.7.

I had an 8.75 flight popsicle from them, and my only complaint was the long wheelbase. I redrilled it on my && deck (along with sanding off the sharp edges) and now I actually really like it.
And yes, it lasts a stupid long time.

I would probably be real comfy on the long wheelbase flights, but I hear the kicks are somewhat low and the concave mellow.

[boi-cuzudo]

169's Indy's
Ricta Clouds 86a + Reds
9" Shrunken head deck
Mob grip

I need soft wheels because old knees and my local is too rugged, will sacrifice on extra weight and wheelbite...guess I will be ollieng a lot less

[oliknight]

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CjyDVVnpEMa/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Anyone have any idea what deck this is that Ben Koppl is skating? I know it’s Blast but I can’t figure out if it’s from the last drop or it’s an unreleased shape.

He could skate a frying pan and make it look like the coolest thing ever.

[Prostate Exam]

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CjyDVVnpEMa/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Anyone have any idea what deck this is that Ben Koppl is skating? I know it’s Blast but I can’t figure out if it’s from the last drop or it’s an unreleased shape.

He could skate a frying pan and make it look like the coolest thing ever.

Doesnt look like one of the boards out of their lineup.
Probably one of the DIY boards. They did a DIY kit not long ago where you could saw your custom shape out of a 10' plank.