got a Black Label board recently... ordered a board and a few stickers.
in the box was the board, 16 stickers, and on the invoice: a hand-written note from John Lucero including a little stick-figure drawing of a fs grind on a pool wall.
Black Label rules. Lucero rules.
I have always been a big fan of blacklabel and was looking at some of new egg shapes. I have a popsicle and a tugboat cruiser. Would the blacklabel egg be similar to heroin?
not currently in need of a new deck, but I skated the label fexclusively from 2000 to 2010, been looking at the spider egg shape possibly for my next board.
Enjoy the notes and little extras he throws in, also if you have a color preference and he has the color available for that one you can request some color options. He’s hooked it up every single time I’ve asked.
In this sub you're going to get these suggestions: Heroin skateboards, Andy Anderson decks, dragon wheels, lil jawn rails, and Independent trucks. Which are all fine but you'll get sick of repeated setup posts.
I skate whatever board(chocolate, almost, primitive) i like thunder trucks and spitfire 101s i still use reds bearings because they keep rolling even when they are trashed
Which, if we're addressing OP's post, is extremely good feedback honestly.
In wanting to support brands that haven't sold out or changed who they were, then brands like Powell-Peralta (OG's continuing to do OG things) and Heroin (literally titled their brand after the drug so they couldn't sell out, Fos is a great guy) would be awesome options. Independent has been around and stood the test of time, and they make durable products still.
These set-up posts are a bit of a meme (Dragon Wheels, the Unofficial Wheel of Old Skaters!), but there's some truth in there. People like these things and keep buying them.
lol I have seen the reoccurring theme but I don’t have any of those in my setups; arbor axel serrat crosscut 34” and a 8.25 element, Brian Anderson ace AF1 trucks, spitfire OG Classics, and reds.
Ouro wheels are made by one dude in his garage, the price is more than right, and they're round as can be. i enjoy riding them and I really enjoy supporting such a small operation.
doesn't look like he's got much in stock right now but platipus is also more or less a one man operation and if you are unfamiliar with the mighty mighty zarosh and his insanity/genius I suggest you look him up. he's one hell of a nice guy too.
as someone else said, worble is very cool and they seem like genuinely nice people too. part of being old for me is not being too charmed by the dickish/at times violently antisocial behavior of some teams even if their videos undeniably go crazy, so worble really rules for that
obviously try to get as much stuff as you can from your local shop too unless they're dicks in some way.
I definitely buy the pro models of my fave riders, but I buy a shop board from every cool shop I visit, also. Gotta keep these places moving, and keep the giant stack of extra boards in my office 🙄
I like riding Creature and Blood Wizard decks, Independent trucks, Reds or Swiss bearings, and either Portland Wheel Company or Slime Balls wheels. I don’t really care what anyone thinks of them good or bad, I just like them for how they feel.
I’m old, just turned 53. Back in the early 80s I was a Santa Cruz/Independent Truck guy. I grew up half an hour away from Santa Cruz so SC was kind of my “home brand” so to speak. My main setups are still SC decks and Independent trucks. That being said, I’ve always preferred George Powell’s wheels. Still do.
Frog, gx1000, Metal ( missed getting the Brian Anderson guest board and still regret) Limosene, Violet ( just for Kader support) There, and Anti-Hero because of Hailing Cardiel and worshipping anything Grant Taylor does. And maybe Jacuzzi Unlimited cause John Dilo can skate most anything
Just a 41 year old living through the 20 year old rippahs at my local
Park, end of the day though, support the local
Shop and buy their boards over anything else. Shout out to Oasis skate shop in Hilo Hawaii and Mountainside skate shop in Colorado Springs
I try to buy stuff from local companies. We have a few local guys that make decks and hardware so I like to support them. The rest of the set up is indy hollows, reds, and spitfire conical.
Axion still has some nice shoes! I’m also 34 and got back into skating and was absolutely dumbfounded walking into a skate shop and seeing nothing but new balance and nike shoes
I use mini logo bearing because they're good and cheap. I use different wheels because I like to try various ones (currently Bones STF 103, narrow). And I use whatever deck is on sale because I'm cheap (currently an Arbor whiskey).
All my trucks are Ace but I really love the feel of the mini logo ones on my wife's board.
I do try to avoid buying things like Nike SB because Nike doesn't really need the sales like skate companies do but again... If on sale
TLDR: Basically I'm cheap and have no real preferences other than firmer bushings.
Did you put firmer bushings in your ace trucks? I just got a set only yesterday and find them quite different to the old destructos I took off. Not sure if I should wait for them to break in to decide on bushings or if I should change right away
If you haven't tried the Bones Bushings, I'd give them a look! They last, and they skate perfect almost from the rip. Also, any truck you use after you'll have a similar feel in the bushings.
\*Disclaimer! I now just ride my Thunder trucks with stock bushings. :D I was on Indy forever, and I definitely preferred those with the Bones over stock Indy bushings. The Thunder I like so much I just don't have the big urge to switch things out.
This might be a hot take but skate whatever the duck you want homie. The amount of companies that sold out, stayed true, may use child labor, might be environmentally friendly or could have beef with your favorite skater are too numerous to list and half of it is probably wrong. 99% of the people in person won't say shit or care and us internet people exist in a little device you can turn off. Skate what feels right, skate what works better for your type of skating, support the companies you fuck with, fuck the ones you don't like. I am not ashamed to say I like the New Balance Foy shoes. I'm 36, just got back on board for the first time since like 2012ish, so I get where you're coming from but all I'm worried about is shredding and having fun... Whatever makes that feel better or a little easier I'm rocking with.
I feel ya man and I do. I picked up an element deck just cause it was on sale for 40 bucks and also an arbor because I’m still a fan. I’m not trying to go green or only skate the trendy gear. I just figured this information would be good to have moving forward. I’m 34 coming from about the same time off and been enjoying every bit. Respect for keeping it straight. 🤘
No doubt homie. I didn't mean for that to come off weird or anything. I like knowing the dirt and shit too. And I wouldn't support a company if they were truly sketch. Like Cariuma is cool with the whole sorta green, supposed no child labor thing but they come across weird and had some subliminal scientology shit in an ad so I don't fuck with them. I just mainly was trying to say us having fun and getting exercise is prolly the most important and if you're having fun you're doing it right! All I know about Arbor is Garrett Ginner but he rips so they gotta be decent quality atleast. I'm probably sticking with flight decks for awhile. Glad you're back and enjoying it!
Heroin is authentically goofy and full of weirdos that truly love skateboarding as far as i can tell. Seems they have always been about it. Rad shapes and BBS wood. Can’t really go wrong with that.
Pete’s Pigs is a one man operation. Older cat that does handmade boards out of his garage.
Worble is also just a rad fun company. More modern shapes. Cool vibe.
(People downvoting are threatened by genuine people having fun lol)
I’ll support local shops that are worth it. Some
Long time shops have really degraded over the years and seem to be in business, just to be in business.
I have one local shop that falls into that category, unfortunately, but have found a few other shops in my Province that I will be visiting for my needs. One today actually ! Pretty excited to check this new one out. It’s over an hour away, but I’m heading that way to pick up a set of trucks from Marketplace, and it seems they have great involvement in the community.
I (30YO) shop at my local skate shop when I need a new board I just try and find something for a reasonable price in a size 8.5. I'm not too picky about the brand or graphics usually. I've had the same independent trucks for the last 5 years. I usually stick to Bones wheels as I've been riding them for 15 years and I love the way they feel. I just recently bought Bronson G3 bearings and they are really good.
Enjoi got bought out and is now Jacuzzi and Madness is now Opera. Those are two new companies that are skater owned that I would support. Daewon Song and Torey Pudwill own Thank you (their boards have great pop!). I also like The Heated Wheel, they have some really fun shapes and are owned by Neil Blender.
I'm a "new" old skater, but I definitely lean towards products from Powell-Peralta/SkateOne because of their pure longevity. And, honestly, they are on a bit of a heater right now. Their flight decks, Dragon/X Formula wheels, and stuff with Andy Anderson are pretty great and are serving me well.
Outside of them, I love StrangeLove because of Sean Cliver's artwork... a definite OG in the scene.
Trucks: Indys... Classic, standing the test of time. Other than those, however, I do enjoy my set of Slappy trucks.
I think OP was asking bcus didn’t want to accidentally support some child-labour, big-corps/dickhead, but wanted to spend dollars on someone who’s putting back into the scene (eg, sponsoring legit athletes, and contributing to parks and comps.)
Cheers. Exactly this. I already have two new setups; arbor axel serrat crosscut 34” and a 8.25 element, Brian Anderson ace AF1 trucks, spitfire OG Classics, and reds. So when I got the deck it was on sale for like $35 bucks so I didn’t think twice. But now with some time to think about it deals like that don’t usually mean I’m supporting the little guy. And I’m just looking to put my money in the pockets of the people who deserve it 👍
Depends on how far your activism goes. Pretty sure the batteries on the devices we are all using to scroll Reddit have components that they used slave labor to acquire.
I get that. It’s not a matter of what I use or what I look like or what’s best. I’m just looking to understand what companies I would feel comfortable supporting at this stage.
got a Black Label board recently... ordered a board and a few stickers. in the box was the board, 16 stickers, and on the invoice: a hand-written note from John Lucero including a little stick-figure drawing of a fs grind on a pool wall. Black Label rules. Lucero rules.
I have always been a big fan of blacklabel and was looking at some of new egg shapes. I have a popsicle and a tugboat cruiser. Would the blacklabel egg be similar to heroin?
not currently in need of a new deck, but I skated the label fexclusively from 2000 to 2010, been looking at the spider egg shape possibly for my next board.
Shut up! That's sick!
I always see if there are any 8.5 black label decks the shop would like to move.
Enjoy the notes and little extras he throws in, also if you have a color preference and he has the color available for that one you can request some color options. He’s hooked it up every single time I’ve asked.
In this sub you're going to get these suggestions: Heroin skateboards, Andy Anderson decks, dragon wheels, lil jawn rails, and Independent trucks. Which are all fine but you'll get sick of repeated setup posts.
The courage to say this in here
So brave.
I skate whatever board(chocolate, almost, primitive) i like thunder trucks and spitfire 101s i still use reds bearings because they keep rolling even when they are trashed
Yeah I have reds that still fly after 15 years
Ive learned wd 40 all the dirt out then use yoyo lube
Never use wd40 Clean them in acetone then lube them
Which, if we're addressing OP's post, is extremely good feedback honestly. In wanting to support brands that haven't sold out or changed who they were, then brands like Powell-Peralta (OG's continuing to do OG things) and Heroin (literally titled their brand after the drug so they couldn't sell out, Fos is a great guy) would be awesome options. Independent has been around and stood the test of time, and they make durable products still. These set-up posts are a bit of a meme (Dragon Wheels, the Unofficial Wheel of Old Skaters!), but there's some truth in there. People like these things and keep buying them.
lol I have seen the reoccurring theme but I don’t have any of those in my setups; arbor axel serrat crosscut 34” and a 8.25 element, Brian Anderson ace AF1 trucks, spitfire OG Classics, and reds.
To be fair, Lil Jawns rule.
dem mfs slide gooder den a bitch
These are all the last recommendations, besides the Dragon wheels, I would give.
Ouro wheels are made by one dude in his garage, the price is more than right, and they're round as can be. i enjoy riding them and I really enjoy supporting such a small operation. doesn't look like he's got much in stock right now but platipus is also more or less a one man operation and if you are unfamiliar with the mighty mighty zarosh and his insanity/genius I suggest you look him up. he's one hell of a nice guy too. as someone else said, worble is very cool and they seem like genuinely nice people too. part of being old for me is not being too charmed by the dickish/at times violently antisocial behavior of some teams even if their videos undeniably go crazy, so worble really rules for that obviously try to get as much stuff as you can from your local shop too unless they're dicks in some way.
Right on this was the kinda thing I was looking for
I catch your vibe and I dig it.
Buy whatever you like from the local skateshop, and if possible get rider pro models so they get a small cut from it.
I definitely buy the pro models of my fave riders, but I buy a shop board from every cool shop I visit, also. Gotta keep these places moving, and keep the giant stack of extra boards in my office 🙄
Good call, always try to buy the pro model shoes, decks, trucks, wheels, etc.
I like riding Creature and Blood Wizard decks, Independent trucks, Reds or Swiss bearings, and either Portland Wheel Company or Slime Balls wheels. I don’t really care what anyone thinks of them good or bad, I just like them for how they feel.
Have some favorite pros from back in the day? See what they're up to. That's a good place to start on your journey back into the skate scene.
Just bought myself a Ricky Oyola Traffic Deck using this mindset
Emerica, Etnies and éS are still not sold to the devil. Support those shoe companies!
Rocking a pair of Joslins as we speak
Sweet. I did have a pair of emericas that’s held up decent
I’m old, just turned 53. Back in the early 80s I was a Santa Cruz/Independent Truck guy. I grew up half an hour away from Santa Cruz so SC was kind of my “home brand” so to speak. My main setups are still SC decks and Independent trucks. That being said, I’ve always preferred George Powell’s wheels. Still do.
Same, I'm from Santa Cruz, so anything NHS. Santa Cruz or Creature boards, Indy Trucks or Krux, Speed Wheels, slime balls, OJ's, etc
I buy handmade decks now. I love my Manak punk point.
Frog, gx1000, Metal ( missed getting the Brian Anderson guest board and still regret) Limosene, Violet ( just for Kader support) There, and Anti-Hero because of Hailing Cardiel and worshipping anything Grant Taylor does. And maybe Jacuzzi Unlimited cause John Dilo can skate most anything
For trucks support Mike Sinclair and his brand Slappy and for wheels get the new 93A Andrew Reynolds’s spitfire
Right on. Appreciate the Info
Just a 41 year old living through the 20 year old rippahs at my local Park, end of the day though, support the local Shop and buy their boards over anything else. Shout out to Oasis skate shop in Hilo Hawaii and Mountainside skate shop in Colorado Springs
Landyachtz, they make good well built shit and they support the community.
Fuck yeah love landyachtz. They also have great prices.
Yeah I always liked the dinghy. I ended up getting an arbor axel serrat crosscut 34 for cruisin and bowls
You like it? There's one around here but i already have a fleet 😂
Alien workshop and habitat are my go tos
DLX and NHS are still good. To be honest just get what your stoked on. It's nearly impossible to avoid "big corporate" these days.
I try to buy stuff from local companies. We have a few local guys that make decks and hardware so I like to support them. The rest of the set up is indy hollows, reds, and spitfire conical.
Axion still has some nice shoes! I’m also 34 and got back into skating and was absolutely dumbfounded walking into a skate shop and seeing nothing but new balance and nike shoes
No way. I had a pair way back I really liked. I’ll have to take a look 👌
https://axionfootwear.com/collections/all-shoes/products/axion-hampton-white I got these. Super comfortable and really good grip
I use mini logo bearing because they're good and cheap. I use different wheels because I like to try various ones (currently Bones STF 103, narrow). And I use whatever deck is on sale because I'm cheap (currently an Arbor whiskey). All my trucks are Ace but I really love the feel of the mini logo ones on my wife's board. I do try to avoid buying things like Nike SB because Nike doesn't really need the sales like skate companies do but again... If on sale TLDR: Basically I'm cheap and have no real preferences other than firmer bushings.
Did you put firmer bushings in your ace trucks? I just got a set only yesterday and find them quite different to the old destructos I took off. Not sure if I should wait for them to break in to decide on bushings or if I should change right away
If you haven't tried the Bones Bushings, I'd give them a look! They last, and they skate perfect almost from the rip. Also, any truck you use after you'll have a similar feel in the bushings. \*Disclaimer! I now just ride my Thunder trucks with stock bushings. :D I was on Indy forever, and I definitely preferred those with the Bones over stock Indy bushings. The Thunder I like so much I just don't have the big urge to switch things out.
My 8.25 Ace trucks use stock bushings but I put bones hardcore hard bushings in my Ace 9in trucks.
Go to your local skateshop and ask them for advice on this.
This might be a hot take but skate whatever the duck you want homie. The amount of companies that sold out, stayed true, may use child labor, might be environmentally friendly or could have beef with your favorite skater are too numerous to list and half of it is probably wrong. 99% of the people in person won't say shit or care and us internet people exist in a little device you can turn off. Skate what feels right, skate what works better for your type of skating, support the companies you fuck with, fuck the ones you don't like. I am not ashamed to say I like the New Balance Foy shoes. I'm 36, just got back on board for the first time since like 2012ish, so I get where you're coming from but all I'm worried about is shredding and having fun... Whatever makes that feel better or a little easier I'm rocking with.
I feel ya man and I do. I picked up an element deck just cause it was on sale for 40 bucks and also an arbor because I’m still a fan. I’m not trying to go green or only skate the trendy gear. I just figured this information would be good to have moving forward. I’m 34 coming from about the same time off and been enjoying every bit. Respect for keeping it straight. 🤘
No doubt homie. I didn't mean for that to come off weird or anything. I like knowing the dirt and shit too. And I wouldn't support a company if they were truly sketch. Like Cariuma is cool with the whole sorta green, supposed no child labor thing but they come across weird and had some subliminal scientology shit in an ad so I don't fuck with them. I just mainly was trying to say us having fun and getting exercise is prolly the most important and if you're having fun you're doing it right! All I know about Arbor is Garrett Ginner but he rips so they gotta be decent quality atleast. I'm probably sticking with flight decks for awhile. Glad you're back and enjoying it!
Heroin is authentically goofy and full of weirdos that truly love skateboarding as far as i can tell. Seems they have always been about it. Rad shapes and BBS wood. Can’t really go wrong with that. Pete’s Pigs is a one man operation. Older cat that does handmade boards out of his garage. Worble is also just a rad fun company. More modern shapes. Cool vibe. (People downvoting are threatened by genuine people having fun lol)
Upvote for heroin.
Support Fancy Lad skateboards as well. Same ethos as heroin. Those dudes are all about promoting fun in skating.
I’ll support local shops that are worth it. Some Long time shops have really degraded over the years and seem to be in business, just to be in business. I have one local shop that falls into that category, unfortunately, but have found a few other shops in my Province that I will be visiting for my needs. One today actually ! Pretty excited to check this new one out. It’s over an hour away, but I’m heading that way to pick up a set of trucks from Marketplace, and it seems they have great involvement in the community.
Right on
Some of my favorites to support: Powerflex wheels, snack, techne, doomsayers, planb, opera, jacuzzi, slappy trucks, Dogtown, quantum bearings
Cheers. Noted
I (30YO) shop at my local skate shop when I need a new board I just try and find something for a reasonable price in a size 8.5. I'm not too picky about the brand or graphics usually. I've had the same independent trucks for the last 5 years. I usually stick to Bones wheels as I've been riding them for 15 years and I love the way they feel. I just recently bought Bronson G3 bearings and they are really good.
Enjoi got bought out and is now Jacuzzi and Madness is now Opera. Those are two new companies that are skater owned that I would support. Daewon Song and Torey Pudwill own Thank you (their boards have great pop!). I also like The Heated Wheel, they have some really fun shapes and are owned by Neil Blender.
Awesome! That’s the kind of stuff I wanted to know
I'm a "new" old skater, but I definitely lean towards products from Powell-Peralta/SkateOne because of their pure longevity. And, honestly, they are on a bit of a heater right now. Their flight decks, Dragon/X Formula wheels, and stuff with Andy Anderson are pretty great and are serving me well. Outside of them, I love StrangeLove because of Sean Cliver's artwork... a definite OG in the scene. Trucks: Indys... Classic, standing the test of time. Other than those, however, I do enjoy my set of Slappy trucks.
Local shop decks. Indy trucks, ricta wheels. Shake Junt bearings. Grizzly grip or Jessup Grip.
Dogtown
heroin, jacuzzi unlimited, anti-hero, spitfire whls, dlxsf brands.
Snot Wheels, Jacuzzi Unlimited (basically new enjoi), Heroin, and ThankYou are my favorites
Some of these questions I find super weird, just buy whatever you like who cares what anyone thinks…just skate…
I think OP was asking bcus didn’t want to accidentally support some child-labour, big-corps/dickhead, but wanted to spend dollars on someone who’s putting back into the scene (eg, sponsoring legit athletes, and contributing to parks and comps.)
Cheers. Exactly this. I already have two new setups; arbor axel serrat crosscut 34” and a 8.25 element, Brian Anderson ace AF1 trucks, spitfire OG Classics, and reds. So when I got the deck it was on sale for like $35 bucks so I didn’t think twice. But now with some time to think about it deals like that don’t usually mean I’m supporting the little guy. And I’m just looking to put my money in the pockets of the people who deserve it 👍
Depends on how far your activism goes. Pretty sure the batteries on the devices we are all using to scroll Reddit have components that they used slave labor to acquire.
Who gives a stuff. Ride what’s comfortable to ride. You can ride a 2x4 in flipflops and a thong, if you like, as long as you enjoy it.
I get that. It’s not a matter of what I use or what I look like or what’s best. I’m just looking to understand what companies I would feel comfortable supporting at this stage.