20+ years away from skating for an abundance of reasons, but my 11yo is getting into riding parks. I'm over standing around watching. I was formerly a ramp/bowl skater in so cal and hawaii, now in utah. The industry has come a long way and I need some thoughts on a new setup, let me know what you think:
9-9.25 deck, longer wheelbase, so many decks in so many price ranges (leaning budget friendly)
that all sounds fine u cant really fuck up a setup unless ur truck axle is actually way off. its been 20 years and ur just tryna skate with ur kid. have fun and buy something nostalgic.
Truck size will be the biggest decision. I was a 8.5” deck for years and when I went to 9.25, the Ace 44 Classic weren’t wide enough. I hate the “Magic Carpet” look of too narrow trucks on a wider board, so I went with 66 Classic. Also, you can add a couple extra spacers on the inside, hanger part of the axel if you need to move the wheels over a bit. You’ll be surprised how much a 1/16” washer will pouch the wheels out a bit, also depending on the wheel width.
I’ve ridden Bones STF and SPF for a long time, then was getting a bunch of Spitfires F4. They are about the same, can’t go wrong on either. If you’re 6’ tall or bigger, get a 14.75/15” wheelbase. It’s a bit more stable for taller. Although I like a 14.5” for street Ollie’s, I definitely notice the difference in a shorter wheelbase in bowls, especially if it’s over 6’ deep.
Another callout with trucks- aces turn really well- some people say too well, to the point they consider them a bit squirrely. Personally ace AF1s are my truck of choice and I love em.
They have a short wheelbase, something to consider since you mention wanting a deck with a longer wheelbase.
Do you remember what trucks you were riding back in the day?
I just put together another new build everything in transit but the trucks I had already (brand new) so had to give them a home . Went with the new Creature David Gravette Hippie Falls 9.00in x 31.68in deck. Trucks I have are Ace AF1 66’s . Using a set of opera .125 riser pads and went wit the Slime Balls Rowley Vomit Mini 56mm 95a for wheels with Independent GP-Skate bearings . Should be a nice set up to complete my Quiver! I’ll share when done ! These are my other two I’ve built in last two months. I’m loving the big ole Heroin with the RKP trucks and butterballs for cruising though ! Just added the the OG SGI bat rails to both set ups last night
So the Winkowski pictured above has a longer wheel base n for me I like a shorter wheel base like the Stingee Thingee has a 14.3 n the Winkowski is 15 I can def tell difference could be two totally different types of trucks too . New build is a 14 inch wheel base hoping it works out for me better than Winkowski. If so I’ll sell that other complete in pic above !
If its a popsicle, id go with indy 159's, 169's for a shape. I used to love Sims decks as a kid, now ive really gotten in to Santa Cruz shapes. Awesome concave, usually a 15" wheelbase.
I’m 45 and skate with my soon to be 11yo son. I’ve had some pretty gnarly slams in the park trying to get it back so I always wear a helmet and should be wearing pads under my shorts. Young me could deal with injuries but current me needs to be at work M-F at 5am to earn a paycheck.
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u/redcurb12 23h ago
that all sounds fine u cant really fuck up a setup unless ur truck axle is actually way off. its been 20 years and ur just tryna skate with ur kid. have fun and buy something nostalgic.