Which Surf Skate Is Better? SMOOTHSTAR V CARVER | Ultimate Test & Review

[@daved.8483]

I am a 37yo beginner, surfed once a week, when possible, and had 1 surfing lesson. You get the picture. I bought a smoothstar, Used it for a week. A coupple of hours a day. After that I was able to ride a rigid board, and went from basically 11" to 7"1' in two sessions. Also I was finally able to catch my Very first wave... The feeling is inexplicable, almost crying while smiling like a kid at his first birthday. To see the ocean bottom unraveling befor you, while gliding or flying over it...wow! So yes, I personally raccomand smoothstar, although I have not way to compare the two.

[@Marklemarklemark]

Mate I feel you! Just discovered my love of surfing at 35, I'm just starting out, but I know doing this will improve my confidence! Never too old to try something new! Hope you are tearing it up soon!

[@celia.rivasr]

I felt that bro 😔

[@elixtorn8744]

Are you still surfing ?

[@jasonkid2298]

@@Marklemarklemark I have never surfed as I grew up in a landlocked province in China. But I can surfskate well(I think), hopefully I can have a try on the real waves.

[@CarlosSampaio]

Dude, you described the feeling perfectly

[@KC-ro9ro]

smoothstar (or any spring based surfskate) promote wiggling which can harm your progress if you're a beginner..If you dont know yet how to pump and generate speed, carver cx will force you to do it the right way while smoothstar will do the opposite. You cant wiggle on a surfboard to generate speed, so it will actually hinder your progress unless you have a coach teaching you the right way, and even then its risky. Even kale wiggles way more on his smoothstar footage vs carver footage (pretty obvious at 12:01 , where he wiggles a lot more on the smoothstar, even barely compressing at all his last "pump", while he is forced to actually compress and extend properly on the carver cx at every pump). Carver is excellent to actually teach you the pump and generating speed, it will come naturally on it. For anyone past this stage, it doesnt matter to you nearly as much and the smoothstar is a much better option, as carver cx is only good at that and much more limited for manoeuvers, or anything else basically

[@HAYDS510]

Just bought a 32.5" Carver Black Tip & it's so much fun. Ultimately you can loosen your trucks, wear them in etc. You'll probably find that your body adjusts to whichever you ride and that's where the difference will be.

[@rexalameddine8626]

To elaborate, I found that the smoothstar was more of a practice going fast through turns with speed, whereas the carver taught me how to put flow into my surfing and drive into my turns.

[@KalesBroccoli]

My experience was different but glad you’re getting benefits!

[@ampinghard111]

The key for it to emulate surfing is to be able to generate speed when u drive off the back foot. On a normal skate the tail would just slide, it feels like you're trying to surf a single fin like a thruster.

[@IdontspeakBro.]

I have heard this from bugger guys also. I’m 6’3” and 45, been surfing a year and half. Skated all my life as a kid, Ollie impossible being my fav trick. I can ride a smooth star no problems but haven’t been able to connect the two while surfing.

[@KC-ro9ro]

i totally agree with op

[@ianf8005]

I think carver better for bowls/parks. Smooth star better for flats.

[@islaco1816]

Smoothstar for fast and agressive movement Carver is more on flow. In my own expericence 😊

[@talinacruz101]

This is what I have read and for that reason I was thinking Carver would be better for total beginners - would you agree?

[@SpiritKooks]

Hi Kale, I'm going to Surfboard empire and to get a smoothstar for my surf training. Thanks for nice video.

[@dolbyderringer2225]

This is the most informative video on the two boards available to date on YT. If there was a doctorate on surf skating your 'testing hypothesis' here deserves a PhD Kales! In this double 'blind' test we now confirmed Carver is really just a skateboard in disguise as a surf trainer. There are comparable brands to Smoothstar like Waterborne adapters, Yow and Swelltech worth considering doing an full analysis like this one you did with Carver that I and many others would likely want to see. That bit about tipping over midpoint is so spot on! Carvers trucks just don't allow your butt to go over past the rail in backside turns. They also lose speed on wrap around cutbacks and pick up real slow starting at 0. These were points that makes your analysis superior to other surfskate comparison videos on YT.

[@KalesBroccoli]

hahaha 😂😂 Thanks man! Appreciate your comments!! More to come

[@MrLbmalibu]

Been an owner of Carver C7 boards for many years now and can say they have made a huge difference in my performance surfing. I think Kale makes an interesting point about the ability of the smoothstar to drive thru a roundhouse cutback better than the Carver. But the C7 does offer the ability to adjust its torsional tension that might be preventing that full rotational transition. I plan on testing this out next time i take it for a skate. Also, I found with the Carver C7 that bushings and wheel types make a huge difference as well. I've selected bushings that provide much more rebound than those that come stock and thus add more spring out of the turns. For the wheels I use center set with rounded edges that I can see also helping with that transition. So I've never tried a Smoothstar, but would say don't dismiss the Carver C7 without considering these improvements.

[@TFarrell_]

Well whats the point of getting a Carver if you have to tweak it so much??? My girlfriend got the Carver C7. She's a great surfer and she was losing speed in turns and not being able to pump it because she's light and that thing is actually stiff. She wanted to get a Loose Kit and change the settings and instead I got her on a Smoothstar and then a Yow to give it a try and she was rocking. And so was I. I still have the carver... I use it for my dog to pull my groceries :D She got a Yow and I got a Smoothstar. We're all happy, especially the dog.

[@JudoSurfer]

@@TFarrell_ The point is you can customize the Carver to the rider. Just like there is no one surfboard that works for all people, no one skate setup works for all people. There is a huge difference in performance between boards with different wheelbases. There are many different models of Carver and they do not all skate the same. Shorter wheelbase for a shortboard feel, quick pumps, and tight turns and a wider wheelbase for wider, smooth turns. BTW, the Carver used in this video has a wide wheelbase.

[@OUTDOORSWITHDOMINGO]

Great video from Kale & Thanks for the info on you set up ude ! Def pays to upgrade the C7 bushings & test wheels and to tune the tensions on the C7 bolt to the riders weight & skills ETC. best

[@surfyskateboard]

Can you tell me what wheels and bushings you switched to? After owning c7 and CX on almost identical specs I use CX more. I love the adrenaline of pumping fast and then hitting those street banks.

[@YiggaP]

Amazing video man! Everything is good, the testing methodology, the conclusions, the pictures, the editing, the music, the effects... Cool !!

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thank you!!!

[@YiggaP]

@@KalesBroccoli thank youuu!

[@buttersnow]

Awesome review! I bought a smoothstar a few weeks ago for surf training - inspired by some of your older videos about speed generation with a shortboard. It takes some time to get used to, but now it's super fun and a great tool to emulate surfing. Keep it flowing !!!

[@KalesBroccoli]

That’s awesome!

[@aukevanrossum9234]

Thanks Kale! Love it! Could you give a more in-depth training video on surf skating for surf practise? A cone set-up example would be nice. Thanks!

[@KalesBroccoli]

Yep it's all coming!

[@dafyddhunter159]

Thanks Kale - an awesome video mate 👍 I’ve just brought a #77 🛹 😀 Any chance you could do a series of surf skate videos on ur smoothstar going from the basics to more advanced techniques? All the best from nz mate 👍

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thanks for tuning in guys! I enjoyed riding all three boards including the Carver C7 which was as loose as it could go - I hope you appreciate this honest review 🙌🏽 Looking forward to hearing what you’d like from me content-wise moving forward!

[@creedjob4386]

Kales Broccoli Hi mate. I was surprised not to see my favourite, the Swelltech - I have the JOB Pro model. I think this would have been a fairer assessment and would challenge if not bypass the Smoothstar in terms of maneuverability. It’s def not an everyday board but it’s tight turns feel incredibly similar to surfing. What are your thoughts Mr B?

[@rod9648]

Yep it would be nice if you could do one about surfskate swelltech

[@jameshallfishing3377]

Reading the reviews I can see everyone else already knows about them more than me lol. That's pretty cool they make a version for taller people. I definately wanna check that out. Enjoyed your video. On a side note I think it's pretty cool you like Brett Barley coming from were you do. He lives just down the road from me. I checked out the boards. Looks like the dolphin is right for me. Price is way above what I would normally pay. The ply is not enough. I need at least 8 ply. I weigh in at 235pds.

[@МаксимЕгоровский]

Hey Kale! Enjoyed your video! These boards are super fun :) Hope you could give us more videos about skates, Surfskate (swelltech) and YOW comparison for example🤙

[@pedro.montanaro]

Great video, tanks a lot, really enjoyed it. I would love to see more content to training in house. Do you recommend the balance board? Anyway keep up with the channel, you are killing it

[@jamesdarkin843]

Mate solid review. I got the SmoothStar last year coz of your previous videos, use it exclusively for surf training, and defo agree with your opinions here. Am well happy now I purchased as can't get near any waves now due to virus lockdown! For all the big guys out there I got the Manta Ray model as I'm 6'3. Thank you Kale.

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thats awesome man! So glad it's helping! I'll try to punch out a bunch of training videos in the coming weeks

[@jamesdarkin843]

@@KalesBroccoli Thanks mate, that would be excellent

[@joshdimovski4483]

Deffently looking forward to more comparisons / reviews of smoothstar and other boards.

[@thibautmairesse1374]

Hi Kale, totally agree with your assessment. I had a carver for long time, and it is great for cruising or carving. I’ve found that the Smoothstar is better for balance and practicing pumping / compression. Just got a #77 model and it feels even closer to surfing! Please keep on posting skatesurf / Smoothstar exercises that we can practice when the surf is flat ;)

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thanks Tibo!!

[@Yonicadenas]

A great video to really know before buying a surf - skate and understand the importance of training on land and how it relates to surfing. I also dedicate myself to training on land based on perfecting the surf and we have very good results with Smoothstar, it is true that there is a lot of difference in the turns and when it comes to regenerating fast and that affects the training and the results you will get in the water. And in this no matter what level you have, SmoothStar boards are designed to progress in a way that is relevant to your level of navigation, depending on what training you focus on. At the moment I tried several axles of Carver and I feel that it still does not respond much to the body movements of surfers. It is the reason why the majority of trainers use Smoothstar, since it helps us to carry out our work. Well done friend good video.

[@KalesBroccoli]

That's super interesting you've had the same experience! Thanks Yoni!

[@kitesurfer]

For taller guy it's important to have a proper stance, that's why I bought Smoothstart Manta-Ray, which is a little bit longer version of Toledo's skateboard. I've tried another version of surfskate with rotating front wheel (the same you can find on a shopping trolley) and found it less stable and not flexing back after the turn.

[@lkk2886]

Another surfskate you mean "SwellTech"?

[@danielfirestone2086]

I have three Carver skateboards in various lengths and they all feel different. Almost as different as the two boards in the this video I would imagine. On my shortest board a CI Pod Mod, length 29.25" wheelbase 15", with loose CX trucks I can do quick rail to rail turns and fun, slower speed, tight radius cutbacks. With my Proteus, length 30" wheelbase 17" with tighter CX trucks, I can really push high speed, powerful carvers that the Pod Mod would wash out on. Something possibly helpful to note, after reading Range by David Epstein, is that "Practice Variability" can play a key role in skill improvement. He uses basketball free throws as one example. It's actually better to practice shooting from slightly different places than the free throw line. He has another example about piano key jumps. It was better to practice a lot of random distance jumps than to practice the same fixed distance jump over and over again. I've taken this to heart and now I cycle through my three Carver boards everyday, constantly challenging myself. I'd love to add a SmoothStar and a Swelltech to my quiver to mix it up even more!

[@cshorrock69]

completely agree...I have three Carvers too! I use different rubber set ups on the different boards and different wheels as well. Carver rules

[@danielfirestone2086]

@@cshorrock69 On my Proteus I actually swamped out my rear bushing for a softer one for more sensitive rear truck. The idea being I could steer more with the back foot, therefore being a little closer to how surfboard steers. On another note I picked up a Swelltech Blackout. It feels a lot different from my Carvers. For me, the Carvers are more fun in general, but the Swelltech is a great, almost essential, addition to the quiver for surf cross training.

[@jamesjordan497]

I subscribed as a grom and i surf everyday and love watching your videos to teach me new things.

[@KalesBroccoli]

Awesome!!! Thanks James!

[@eddielazzeri2051]

Great video! you have cleared lots of different opinions out there!

[@geecormack9648]

Pretty accurate video Kale awesome work and a great video to what just to help people understand the importance of on land training and how it relates to surfing. I'm a high performance surf coach and have been coaching all over the world for over 10 yrs and have been training with these boards for over 5yrs now and in my opinion there is a big difference between these two products in so many ways which really does affect the training and results you will get in the water. To progress students surfing faster, SmoothStar is definitely a better product for all the reasons you have mentioned and even more. No matter what level or stage of surfing you are at the SmoothStar boards allow you to progress in a way that is relevant to your surfing level depending on what training you focus on. Even if you loosen Carver to the maximum amount, i feel it still doesn't respond to surfers body movements am much. The reason why so many coaches will prefer to use the SmoothStar boards is that our job is to get students to a better surfing level faster and so frequently the surf does not provide us with the environment to work on progression so we will always want to pick the product that will help us do our job better. Well done mate good video.

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thanks Gee!! Appreciate your input mate xx keep shredding!

[@chrisleazy]

Thank you for the comprehensive comparison, really helpful for making my decision!

[@davididoshylander6472]

Absolutely agree SmoohtStar is the best comparison to the true feeling of surfing. I have done similar comparison with a Yow and SmoothStar. SmoothStar trumps the Yow with same results as you compared to the carver board. 👍

[@cameronpitts7067]

I think it awesome that you absolutely Rip but your humble and kind and not pretentious!

[@Tangeffect]

THIS is the video to watch on these types of boards. Great comparison and shows that's each has its use case rather than 'this one is good and this one sucks or isn't as good."

[@jaspervanloo9864]

But next to the trucks, there are a lot of other variables such as wheelsize and shape (smaller wheel accelerates faster, round lipped wheels break out easer in slides) and wheelbase (tighter wheelbase gives a smaller turn arc). Therefore, unless the wheelbase and wheels are exactly the same, you can’t give the two systems an objective comparison.

[@KalesBroccoli]

Guess so!

[@boisebroncoadventures]

This is so true! Plus this is more of a comparison of a surf training Vs skateboarding. Or surf trainer Vs skate board. Only looking at these as surf trainers is the only way something like a swell tech would come out the winner. For the record I have never rode a Swelltech and am learning to skate on the Carver’s. Skating has even taken place of a surf session now that I’m learning ramps, transitions and some of the basic street skills.

[@surfershaper]

Accurate assessment, plus dialing in the truck firmness by adjusting the nut to achieve tighter turning capabilities and smoother flow

[@jasonkoslow4174]

I would be interested to see the swelltech vs. the smoothstar.

[@rubyneeson448]

Yea, i use my smooth star every day and it has improved my surfing SO much.

[@Ulfmakkatrulf]

Having tried several surfskates, with different bushings, wheels, decks and trucks I would say that the Carver gets a rough deal in this video. Read on and I will explain why. Just as a note, I have owned two Carvers, a Yow (very similar to the Smoothstar), a Swelltech and tried a Slide. I am not a great surfer, but having had surfcoaches watch my movements on a Carver compared to Yow and Swelltech, they also agreed that it seemed like the best choice for surftraining. I happen to agree. Swelltech Usually requires someone heavy (I'm only 65kg) to fully come alive since it doesn't really have any adjustments that can be done to the front truck to account for weight of the rider. That thing was heavy to get going and lent itself to feeling like a big shortboard. Feels like it sort of falls from one rail to the other, not really giving a smooth transition from rail to rail. Might be the closest thing to the surfing feel, since the front truck can move 360 degrees, but with a badly designed back truck, bad bushings in the back and a very expensive price tag, it felt like a waste of money. You need to be able to change for a riders weight, as any surfer will know. Your favourite board might not suit your twig of a friend, even if you are on the same level. The spring in the truck system broke after a month, as it is a definite weak point. Also, it doesn't fare well as a cruiser, since it is heavy, long and with a fragile front truck system. Perfect to bring in the car as a warm up right before the surf, won't last long and heavy to carry around town to get to a good spot. Yow This was like riding on butter. it is so loose. With harder, smaller wheels it was excellent for learning snappy, tight maneuvers. Easy to get going while pumping, but impossible to pump up to any considerable speed. Speed wobbles if used in any aggressive slope. Add risers and softer, bigger wheels to get more of a flowy feel. Excellent practise for slides, but loses grip too easily and is, as with the Swelltech, unadjustable for rider weight. Was very loose for me at 65kg and will only feel looser for anyone heavier. Heavy front truck makes the whole thing a bitch to carry, and small wheels also led it to require very fine asphalt or a skate park to really shine. Overall a good trainer, fun as frick, but also lacks durability, adjustability and versatility. I carried this on my backpack and used my Carver for the trip to a good spot. The front truck broke after half a year of heavy use. Carver C7 trucks. Just don't bother. They are too stiff to feel as loose as a Yow or Swelltech and too loose to work as anything else. They are heavy and vulnerable to lockups. The mechanism locked up pretty fast for me and became basically unrideable. Adjustable to some degree, but tampering with it just makes it even more prone to locking up. CX trucks is really where it is at if you're looking for something that mimics surfing AND survives the rigors of practicing that one top turn in the local spot, over and over and over. (I use mine for both training and everyday commuting) Buy a pair of graphite CX trucks as they weigh a lot less and are durable as all hell. They are more like traditional street skate trucks, so you can adjust both bushings and the kingpin nut to get them just right for your weight/taste/purpose. Experiment with different wheels, risers, bushings and kingpin tightness to tune the board to your feel, it really can mimic all other systems I have tried. Slide Seemed like a cheap Carver that was stiff, unresponsive and creaky. Too stiff in the back and with a weird movement required to get going that felt nothing like surfing. Your mileage may vary. Carver tips: Get some green bushings and the concave 78A wheels and you will stick to the ground like you have fins dug into the asphalt. Set the trucks as loose as you can while still being able to ride the board to ease the learning process of pumping. Set them tighter if you need to be able to put more pressure on the wheels, or find a middle point where you can carry speed, yet do snaps. I have it so loose that most skaters fall off when trying the board, and I am able to ride down considerable slopes without speed-wobbles because it really gets your core and ankles trained. I have had my main Carver since I started surfskating, so approx 3 years. It is the only system to survive to this day. My CX truck shows no sign of dying and I ride it almost every day. I have taught people the basics of surfing, skating and snowboarding on this Carver so I can attest to it working as advertised. This was way more comprehensive than intended, but hey. Any questions about surfskates, just send me a message! Love your vids, keep it up.

[@KalesBroccoli]

Can’t wAit for you to try the SmoothStar

[@Ulfmakkatrulf]

@@KalesBroccoliSorry for the, jesus christ, looong comment, I really got into that. I might have to try out a Smoothstar next time I buy a board. And I can't wait to see you try out a Carver CX with green bushings and loose trucks 😎

[@RaulEdu33]

Thanks for the long detailed reviews, saved me from clicking the buy button on a swell tech 😅🛹 will definitely checkout the Carver with CX trucks for short commutes and perhaps add the smoothstar later on 🏄🤙

[@maddoxmitchell6589]

heyyy i just wanted to see if you still feel the same about your carver CX? its the board im looking at and want to get but wanted to see what you think

[@surfershaper]

@@maddoxmitchell6589 he's spot on with his assessment. I have my choice of carvers from a quiver of 8 for a grom skate program, and like the cx more than the c7. Loose front, medium rear fits me well. Everything stock

[@SmoothStarSurf]

Interesting video Kale - you communicate technical things very well. Don't think we have seen any surf coach breakdown our product as well as you did online. Not to mention the company ethos, its great to see our focus on surfing is appreciated by well informed people like you. No board brand is perfect (including SmoothStar) but based on the surf progression for beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers - we feel that your views are almost identical to all the other coaches that use our product around the world. Honestly well done mate and keep ripping, you surf amazing.

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thanks guys! Love ya work! 🙏🏽🤙🏽

[@kickamatus]

im 93kg using carver CX but i changed front trucks bushing to soft ones and i keep it very loose and its very smooth easy to turn and as big guy that feeling of pushing really hard i need to work harder and thats good

[@ElectronicPedro]

Good video! Too little surfskate relatee content out there.. Would love to see a comparison between Smoothstar, Swelltech and also Yow which is one of the leader brands in Europe, and has a lot of manoeuvrability too !

[@ttanke]

That´s true. These three are on a pretty similar level and are leading the surfskate industry right now and I think no one did a video on them! Would be great to have something like that soon!

[@pedrofoss7]

@Kales Broccoli would love to see this as well

[@Sparedlamb]

Great review. I’d love to see more on some Smoothstar drills/training techniques

[@KalesBroccoli]

Coming!

[@andreluistomaz3930]

Super useful review. Now i can get the right model with clear purpose! Thanks Kale!

[@kenpowell2128]

You are the undeniable leader in surf training Kales - rich content, all the time, even during this worldwide quarantine passage; mahalo & way to go mate...! Look forward to more surfskate tips (including beginner - like grass truck feel shots/turn clapping, etc.) ASAP... Thanks so much and stay healthy bro'...!

[@KalesBroccoli]

You’re a legend Ken thank you!!!

[@jordzz9753]

Ive been trying to understand more about these boards before committing to one and This vid was exactly what i wanted to see. Love your videos mate, thank you so much for doing them!

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thank you for tuning in Jordy!!

[@vitordias7663]

Nice video i got a yow due the larger wheelbase as i'm 6'3 and im loving it!

[@JinJung24]

Jokes on you Kales, I got the Smoothstar almost a year ago! Had to import that sucker from Australia to LA. Worth it

[@nicepelt]

they don't sell these in US?

[@philiplehmann6242]

Hey Folks, since I am a landlocked bavarian I got a Carver with C7 truck 2 years ago. I just make it to the waves of France for 5-6 weeks a year, so I´m not a good surfer at all and can`t do maneuvers. Goin along the wave was it so far. That´s just to get an Impression of my non existing skills. After a while I got a front truck of YOW (your own wave) with the softer spring as I thought for my wife and daughters. I put it on an old normal skateboard of mine. I surf a Modern Love Child in 7.6 and a Decathlon Funboard in 7, what I compare to my Carver Surfskate. I rented out the Puddle Fish several times and compare that style to the YOW trucked board. After using the surfskates regularly, last summer I started doin turns (still not radical ones) on my surfboards just out of Intuition (the bodymovement and eyeguiding was just there). I attribute this to the surfskating. Well as said before, I´d say the carver 32.5 Resin USA feels more like a crusier and the slightly shorter board with the YOW truck is more playful and agile. Both still make me grin and are good fun. Since there will be rain for several days now and I can´t mountainbike (here also the view and chest give the direction, as it is with Surfing) the next days I go with my surfskate to the local underground garages and feel the concrete waves there ;) I hope this helps out some nonprofessional holiday surfers as I am. Cheers

[@RodrigoMachado]

That’s awesome 🙌🏼 definitely is exactly that I feel about smoothstar, more responsive and I can really feel like surfing.

[@WorkForAvocados]

Already liked before it started. I know this is going to be a good one. I’ve been setting up red solo cups in my driveway to simulate a wave!

[@KalesBroccoli]

Awesome work mate!!

[@allanwrath4877]

Best review of these boards! Really helped my decision to buy the smoothstar, legend!

[@KalesBroccoli]

Awesome!

[@nicolasbrillant9924]

Hi, You have to try a YOW model.. And compare to the smoothstar, i think it'll be a great test.. 🤙🏼

[@cshorrock69]

Yeah, well as a longboarder I like the carver. It feels just like my longboard. Also there are about 15 different models of Carver with different lengths and designs as well as the two different trucks. I have three different models and they all perform differently. Here in the UK I have never heard of the other one. Plus you can set up the trucks differently with different density rubbers if you are really into skating and trying different moves. A soft rubber in the truck allows more movement and less stiffness. But love your content, from positioning at take off to training techniques...really awesome

[@SurfSkateAdventures]

Every awesome surfer I've met said the SmoothStar is the closest to true surfing movements. I got the SmoothStar thruster 1 for surf training and it's been amazing. I now use the Avenue suspension trucks with the SmoothStar thruster 1 on a 42" deck. The suspension trucks also boosts speed on turns. Thanks for all your excellent vids!

[@YosiOren]

Have you heard of waterborne Surf and Rail Adapter ? if yes , what do you think of it compared ?

[@KalesBroccoli]

Not sure mate

[@YosiOren]

@@KalesBroccoli waterborneskateboards.com

[@CameronHeidi]

Thanks Kale! I’ve been riding a smoothstar for a month now it’s my dads though, But I love it ! Legend👍

[@KalesBroccoli]

Awesome!!

[@kylewattssurfing3266]

Thank you dude because you're an awesome teacher and thank you for making your videos longer cuz it's nice to listen to you speak cuz you know what you're talking about and you care about what you're talking about and you really care and want to help people with their surfing and your good teacher and it's cool there's a lot of people out there trying to do tutorials and share but not all them were good teachers but it's nice they're helping out but you're definitely a natural self-taught or trained teacher and what you teach and how you teach and explain and the level of production you give is amazing and thank you very much... Happy surfing from Virginia Beach! :-)

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thanks Kyle!!!

[@kylewattssurfing3266]

Great video and very and helpful I look forward to getting a surf skateboard to improve my surfing...

[@shadley673]

Absolutely agree with your assessment. I have two Carvers, a SwellTech and a SmoothStar and the SmoothStar is hands down the best surf trainer. I could feel the difference the very first time I rode it. Great for practicing roundhouse wraparounds and speed generation. The SmoothStar is my favorite board in my quiver. In pools, however, the Carver with CX trucks is the better fit. As always, depends on how you plan to use the boards. Thanks for your videos. Excellent instruction every time.

[@Millio_4_reallio]

Hey, just wondering how the smoothstar and SwellTech compare they both boast to have a feeling close to surfing. Just wondered if you have noticed any differences? Cheers 🤙🏽

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thank you very much!

[@shadley673]

J Millio IMO, the SmoothStar is the closest to the feel of surfing. After that, I think the Carver edges out the SwellTech. The ST doesn’t seem to have the same flow to link maneuvers. It’s good at speed generation but I seem to lose a lot of momentum turn to turn. SmoothStar is the top dog IMO. It is a bit harder to get your hands on one here in the U.S. but worth it.

[@aquamansurfer]

why do you think smoothstar is better? i like to hear different opinion. iI am an basic/intermediate surfer (learn and surf on vacations), i have a swelltech and tested a Carver 7, Carver CX. Swelltech is the most unforgiving of those, you can not put 5kg extra on a side because you go to the floor, that teachs you to stay centered like in a real surfboard, and do any manouver with the balance and weight you can on water, other whay yau fall....

[@mograinne]

I have a Carver with C7 tracks and in your video there is nothing about adjusting the tracks stiffness. It’s very important to do that, because adjusting changing everything in how it performs

[@KalesBroccoli]

The C7 I used was very loose and still didn’t respond as well

[@pierrechatelain3536]

Hi Kale, Im 12 years old. I live in San Diego California. Where could I find a smoothstar. I love your videos.

[@JudoSurfer]

Just get a Carver with C7 trucks. You won't regret it.

[@JudoSurfer]

BTW, wheelbase makes a huge difference. The Carver Lost Maysym in this video has a 16 3/4 wheelbase which is fine for wide turns and long rides, but it's more of a long board/maul feel. A wheelbase closer to 15" allows for much tighter turns. And of course, keep in mind that most of this video was filmed with the CX and not C7 trucks.

[@deedominus1002]

Awesome review! Thanks for sharing!

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thank you for watching!

[@PaulBessone]

Thanks for another great video... It would be vey good to see a comparison between the Smoothstar and Swelltech!!!

[@KalesBroccoli]

I think based off the comments I'll have to! But not guns' lie, I didn't like the last Swelltech I tried! And thats being nice!

[@creedjob4386]

Hi mate. I was surprised not to see my favourite, the Swelltech - I have the JOB Pro model. I think this would have been a fairer assessment and would challenge if not bypass the Smoothstar in terms of maneuverability. It’s def not an everyday board but it’s tight turns feel incredibly similar to surfing. What are your thoughts Mr B?

[@jeancbravo]

folowing i have the same qstion

[@jessies4733]

I'd also really like to see this comparison as I have 3 swelltech models that i absolutely love and a smoothstar 77 on the way. I've heard that swelltech might be just a bit tooooo loose in comparison to surfing and smootstar, but i'm only a beginner surfer and haven't tried smoothstar yet. I feel like a comparison of those two (swelltech/smooothstar) might be splitting hairs as I don't think any other surfskate compares for surf simulation....maybe the Yow gets kinda there, but everything else looks trash in terms of surf feels.

[@tardigrader88]

I had one and the springs break a ton

[@jomcdonald7847]

I love my job Banzai but my springs keep blowing out do you guys have this same problem?

[@creedjob4386]

Noah Baird that’s definitely a downside to them. I always have spares with me. If they could get that fluid feel and 360• ability without the springs they’d be a winner 100%

[@sydneygersbach9799]

if you want the carver to be more life a surfboard, loosen the trucks, it helps a lot, and since the spacers are so big you can push hard without wheel bite, but when the wheels are more worn it will slide

[@SunriseSessions]

Woww this is really helpful. Would also be really really nice to see more instructional vids on the smoothstar. (and living in the Netherlands.. Instructional video's without hills, just on flat ground would be a lifesaver 😍)

[@cnghiem67]

From personal experience, my beloved Smoothstar Toledo 77 on a slight hill can be deadly. The front trucks are so responsive and squirrelly. Very slight decline is perfect. A very fine line exist for the amount of incline to be fun and helpful fir practicing surfing techniques vs conditioned ripe for injury avoidance emergency bailouts.😅

[@KalesBroccoli]

Coming soon !

[@surehusky]

I would agree with 99% of what you said in this video and yes smoothstar is a better surf simulator carver cx trucks probably better for travel from A to B. I have been riding the cx trucks for about 2 years now and a carver for 5 surfing for 7 I tryed the smoothstar out for a second wasnt such a big fan maybe I should try it again. I am am a lower intermediate surfer so I cant claim to know more than kale of course but I know carver very well and while I agree with most of this review I have to point out that I believe the looseness of the carver is more than it seems in the video for a few reasons 1. You can adjust the cx to be looser than how I believe it was set up in the video 2. You can use looser bushings Both these two adjustments create a tighter turn than was shown in the rotational aspect of the video 3. In the rotational turning tests I noticed your front foot was a bit too far foward not being behind the front trucks which would have allowed you to get a tighter smoother turn this is probably due to your being used to smoothstar as you said in the video so I would say that makes carver look tighter of a board than it really is a more experienced rider of the carver could push that turn without sliding it. But it would work vice versa and riding the smoothstar would feel foreign for me too. Thank you for doing your best to guve an honest review and judgement for surfing. Your videos are great keep them up would love to see some more higher level video analysis say intermediate to expert video analysis thanks kale your great!

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thank you mate!!

[@surfershaper]

Point 1 point 2 and point 3 are all correct and accurate. All three completely transform your flow. Adjust your stick to customize your ride

[@tedpaff2587]

Great review Kale! Just bought one. Loving your content. Would you consider posting a video on surf skate drills or suggestions?

[@KalesBroccoli]

100%. coming soon.

[@sophiewardman3348]

Kales Broccoli, Have you ridden a “Slide” brand? I think it is more like the Carver in this video? PS I’m not related to you but maybe without knowing could be. You remind me of some of my family!

[@simonxyz3475]

any chance you can check out the Swelltech system?

[@KalesBroccoli]

As I've mentioned in some of th comments I did try one and didn't think it was good enough to include in the test. I don't know if it's reflective of the entire range, but I hated it. One of the worst surf skates I've ever tried. BUT, I am happy to try another one which you might suggest? I will give it some time like I did with all the boards in this video.

[@TheMoyamo]

Kales Broccoli Hey, what is your opinion on YOW Surfskates? I’m really happy with so far because they are extremely reactive. Couldn’t get my hands on a smoothstar yet, hope to try it soon.

[@sleepdoctor09]

Kales Broccoli German start-up „curfboard“ makes a fantastic surfskate board! try that one out! keep up the great work, cheers!

[@matthewwetmore8526]

Sick. I picked up a Carver from my local surf shop a couple of months ago. Has been the most fun thing during quarantine for surf training, skating, sometimes a pre-surf parking lot warm-up for the legs! My carver got me back in the skate park which has been so fun and a good challenge. Now I need a SmoothStar! Yew!!

[@mikebardsley]

nar mate I have both. smoothstar less drive and feels like grovelling depends how you surf

[@celinev4266]

Hey Kale! Thanks for making this video. I think structuring the comparison between those 3 categories was a great idea. Just a couple of things though... The stock CX carvers come with tighter trucks by default to suit riders who may be at a beginner level. I think for a fairer comparison, it might have been better if you had loosened your carver trucks to match how loose your smoothstar trucks were. Also to consider is whether the boards have the same or very similar wheel bases- a smaller WB will give you a tighter turning radius. I've personally tried both and feel that once your carver trucks have been set up to your liking, it feels grippier than the smoothstar, allowing you to reeeally use those rails. Overall, from my experience, the carver cx feels like riding a board that needs a bit more drive, whereas the smoothstar is a bit more cruisy and responsive.

[@celinev4266]

Oh! And also, I think maybe wait to try those boards in a bowl or ramp before you make your decision. I find it's more realistic surf training cause you get to drop in, generate speed and manoeuvre on the "face". Shame skateparks are closed in Oz atm coz apocalypse, but SPOILER alert: one board is better for flat ground surf training, and one board is better for surf training with transitions. ;)

[@KalesBroccoli]

Nice feedback thanks Celine!

[@KalesBroccoli]

The C7 set up I used was very loose but still didn’t have the response I wanted

[@TRYITON01]

Great reply and absolutely spot on. Both are good designs, but for me the simplicity of the CX and ability to tune it in to your desired performance wins. How they "feel" is the difference between alternative board designs, single, thruster, quad or twin. Fish, egg, gun or midlength and everything in between. And yes the CX is also better in bowls and flowing transitions of banks at the park or pump track because it is lighter and responds quicker.

[@ckwong96815]

Very interesting video - I'm just a basic get from point A to B guy - and don't surf - but this video pushes my thoughts about both.

[@yotebu]

I saw this video, and it convinced me to buy a Carver, because i just want an easy kind of surfskate to go easily and quite safely from A to B, i think a Carver is a bit more "multi-purpose" than a Smoothstar, which is more a "surf simulator". Thanks for your video, it's very interesting.

[@iAmMkwa]

Thanks for this video! I have been looking into buying a board after your progression video!

[@KalesBroccoli]

awesome!

[@rsm609]

I have a 32" Yow, a 32" Smoothstar and recently I got a Slide Gussi Avalanche which is my favorite by far.

[@occygoodreid6667]

Im 13 years old and have invested into a smoothstar toledo 77 model and a friend has a carver cx and for training smoothstar no doubt and especially considering the price of the two boards as a 13 yr old the smoothstar is well worth it in nearly every way exept for the getting from A to B aspect.

[@cloud84strife]

I have a YOW and I feel great with it.

[@winstonwhite894]

Great video smoothstar here I come

[@pifonsi]

I love your content, great review!

[@JUCKERHAWAII]

Nice test! Really helpful thanks and aloha.

[@gregsmith5875]

Hey Kale, came across your videos researching surfing (aiming to start later this year). Discovered surf skates in a different vein of research and found this video informative. Also, really appreciate your full disclosure and aim at being objective. I'll most likely be going with the Carver C7 for two main reasons: 1, Smoothstar isn't available in the States and 2, there's a skate shop maybe 5 minutes away that has the Carver in stock. Will be using some of your workout and balance exercises though to start conditioning, so thanks for those!

[@KalesBroccoli]

🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@KalesBroccoli]

Hopefully SS available in the states soon! I know they do ship there

[@Fatelvis2]

@@KalesBroccoli I am in the states and got my smoothstar online

[@avantimaharaj2386]

Yayeee! Finally a surfskate review from KALES!!! wish you made this a year ago - bought two surfskates- Triton greenglass (Chinese make carver) and smoothstar (flying fish). For girls - I had to change the bushings for the green glass as it was not responsive at all to people less than 65kgs - and I hated it- until I changed the bushings to a softer set. Cx. Trucks are great for pump tracks. Smoothstar - try it in the bowl - good fun! Also much better on rougher terrain.

[@CarlosSampaio]

Sounds legit! I totally agree. I've seen guys with smoothstar and they're making some mad rotations. I bought my carver for cruising, but also play a bit around. But I come from longboard surfing and skating, so for me it's already a lot of more turning potential anyway

[@andreijoosten3655]

You always do exactly the kind of videos that I want to learn more about.....Although I am a Carver fan....I might need to get a smooth star. !!!!

[@KalesBroccoli]

Awesome! I think it all comes down to what you want out of it. For surf training, I really think the SmoothStars kill it.

[@paulsmith4220]

In our household there is 1 Smoothstar HolyToledo, 3 Carvers with CX trucks, 2 Streetboardz (big Pneumatic wheels) and some regular boards. Being over 60 and starting to skate in order to improve surfing, the Streetboards are best forcing correct motion, but need a little downhill, and hardvsd to pump. But youyou cannot fake it, get the action correct or fail. The Smoothstar is my lunchtime trainer on a flat car park, 10 min session never put feet down. Carvers are hard work trying to replicate Smoothstar, and beginner riders prefer them for stabilty but one-day try the Smoothstar and get it. Big plus for Smoothstar is the adjustment. Start firm, loosen as required. Starting ultra loose is dangerous. Agree Carver is more cruiser but deck is small for 6' rider. The Streetboardz is the ultimate cruiser, long, smooth and can ride over anything but you'll need to push. Good review and fair summary. Cheers from NZ

[@KalesBroccoli]

Nice! Thanks Paul!!

[@aransegal]

I ride a Carver C7 which is great but this video makes me want to get a smoothstar! All the drawbacks you described are exactly what I feel!

[@KalesBroccoli]

Interesting!

[@jaimehagadorn1459]

I have the C7 trucks on my carver surf skate. Mine is pretty cool it looks like a swallow tail surfboard shape with an ocean wave on the design. It's made a huge improvement to my surfing. We don't really have smooth stars around here in FL.

[@KalesBroccoli]

hope they get there soon! It'd be great to see you try both

[@wdpoison]

I think that 'not having any surfskate' compared to 'having any of the main brands' account for %80-%90 of the benefits for surf performance. This review (and all others) that highlight advantages of one board over the other account for the remaining 10%-%20. It is also an important what board one rides. I have a 6'6 fish and I think my Carver Triton (cx trucks but narrower wheelbase) complements it better (and cheaper haha) than a Smoothstar would. If I had any inclination towards riding a short board I would definitely go for the Smoothstar. Nice review though.

[@dolbyderringer2225]

Good reasoning there Tibor I think you're onto something. It takes actually being in the waves daily to be able to read the timing of when and which section to match with which maneuver. Any amount of surf skating is just skating but the Smoothstar just does it 10 to 20% better.

[@danielfirestone2086]

So true! You'll get much better riding anything, than riding nothing. Reminds me of a friend who skated, then tried snowboarding for the first time and was able to land a jump by the end of his very first day.

[@wesleyddavies]

Liked this video; I have 2 Carvers that I love, and I looked to buy Smoothstar, but couldn't find them for sale in SoCal... also, changing decks/ wheelbase makes a huge diff AND Carver will sell a set of trucks, so $250+ isn't necessary. My take: the Carver setup makes me skate like a goon, which is about how I surf, but less blowhard a-holes in the skate park make it easier.

[@grabslide]

They should sell just trucks if they havn't already idk about sttange shaped boards

[@aquametaversedrones]

I like to use a cruiser skateboard with wide trucks for a surf like feeling. Love Santa Cruz boards.

[@sikorskyrescueman]

great review! thnks

[@adrianmiller6070]

Thanks Kale your content is awesome mate and you’re very authentic.. can I ask which Smoothstar /set up you think is best for a beginner skater but intermediate surfer I guess .. (or anyone’s advice really ) .. thanks !!

[@KalesBroccoli]

SmoothStar but you can tighten the trucks to make it a bit stiffer and more controllable

[@bundynice]

Awesome video Kale. Love the channel and technical breakdowns in the content. P.S. Also bought a Smoothstar after seeing this. :P

[@KalesBroccoli]

🙌🏽

[@nmmorette]

thanks from Brazil bro!

[@eliot327]

as somebody who has used Carver's for my campus board and have had the c7 as well as the cx trucks, the cx are more stable and better at handling hills. You can also go off curbs and stuff without worrying about the stability issue so much. It can be a little weird if you go off a big enough ledge. If you don't predominantly ride slow in flat parking lots(ie exclusively surf training) I agree go Carver specifically cx. I'm not sure a smoothstar could easoly handle say a decent sized ledge onto a grass hill while ducking under a hedge barrel which is already kinda sketchy on c7s. Those cx trucks are where it's at if you're are going to encounter any obstacles. They snap back to center faster than the c7 so you can get more speed once you're moving too. Be safe and wear shoes.

[@KalesBroccoli]

Yeah so you're talking about skating - I'm talking about surf specific carry over :)

[@yuggitaraboulsi]

Cool review. There needs more training vids for surf skates. I have a carver as a beginner but plan to get a smooth star when I get a lot better

[@sincitychembuster]

Do they sell smoothstars in the USA?

[@SmoothStarSurf]

Hey. We are just about to open up in the next couple of months. But We send boards everyday to the USA from Sydney. Takes about 8 business days. Order from smoothstar.com.au - note: all prices are in $AUD. At the moment $USD is very strong so it will be about $295 which will include delivery to your door.

[@dilara1523]

I am going to surf this summer for the first time, but I’ve been surfskating for 1 year now and I really love it!! Is that going to help me for surfing?

[@markuslebt]

you should also train popups. you can do that in your backyard. and do some pushups.

[@chadnix5117]

Great review man! Tried to hop on to the Smoothstar website, but she is overloaded at the moment probably from your review! Hahah

[@KalesBroccoli]

😂

[@tysoneastland1185]

Happy I decided to go with Smoothstar!

[@carminemonti6106]

Hope you keep releasing contents like this.BRAVO! What about ''slide'' truck? Thanks!

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thank you!

[@cyberxdeth]

Hey kale just a interesting experience I’d like to share. Initially I didn’t like my carver that much because it did seem like it extended the radius of my turns though it generated speed extremely well. I never fell in love with it till I skated it hard enough that the swivel that holds tension on the front truck broke. Making the front truck so loose i can shake it left to right super easily when I hold it. This opened my skating up on it immensely and it was an immediate thing I noticed I had to skate it much more off my back foot and apply about 70% of my pressure on my back leg and 30% on the front similar to surfing on flat surfaces then when I hit a ramp or bowl or driveway I can easily shift my weight more forward without worrying and really get some hard carves while maintaining speed sometimes both the front and back wheels slide when I go for a “bottom turn” then again then I go for a “backside snap” and it’s really fluid and feels great kinda like surfing! It feels so much more like a surfboard because it feels like the stable back truck is the fins and then the super loose front truck is the belly of the board that has no fins maybe only a single concave to push off just like the broken free truck. Super wild and not really what I’d recommend. I actually broke one truck and it started to stick when and I’d get stuck going one way but I don’t think I was skating it right because I’ve had this set of trucks broken free for about 2years now with no issues

[@deancollinss]

My opinion is, you might be 100% right, but for most people this experimental process is such a hit and miss, Smoothstar is perfect for most out of the box, never needing to be changed. I trust Smoothstar's settings more than my own.

[@andhemills]

I've got a ripsurf I'm going to use for skatesurf training.

[@davidvelazquez5460]

I really wish to see a video of you using a Carveboard or Streetboardz with the inflatable wheels. I know the Carvestik has been shown for a bit, but the there was no pumping and the small wheels really dont allow for good carves. I own the Carveblade model and it's amazing! It has larger wheels than the Carvestik so it really tilts and for good carving.

[@00blackice00]

If you can make a comparison between Yow vs Smoothstar 👍🏽!

[@RantanpLn]

Yeah, that would be awesome!

[@SchmozzleGTO]

Shane Lai does a v.good comparison, his surfskate channel is great.

[@ATTACKofthe6STRINGS]

I can definitely see how the smoothstar’s geometry is designed better for surf skating, but I’ve noticed that you need to have very good heel-toe technique in order to get the best out of the carver CX trucks. I run a long distance pumping setup consisting of a subsonic pulse, and carver CX trucks, with the rear dewedge by 10 degrees. Even with a longer wheelbase and less turny rear truck, I can still turn my board around in in around half a road with. Also, the carver drivers well for pumping, which makes it very practical for a longer distance pumping setup. It looks like the geometry of the smoothstar lets you pivot the board sideways more without having to put as much heel or toe into the boards, which seems like it would match how you would turn a surfboard more. The CX system is carver’s offering meant to provide a surflike feel that is still familiar to skaters. The C7 system is definitely their more surfskate specific offering. But, just from the geometry, it looks like the smoothstar is just better for flatland surfing practice.

[@jaspervanloo9864]

You actually like carvers for ldp? Aren't they way too slow and energy-consuming compared to a Bennett, DT Poppy, or DT Bhanger?

[@TheWorldofBlinky]

awesome vids mate! since were all locked up, can you do one on nutrition? diet? etc.?

[@KalesBroccoli]

Ummmmm probably not for now, it may get covered eventually! You can pretty much get all my nutrition philosophies in my films and books at kalebrock.com :)

[@nadster76]

Whyyyy!! Whyyyy did I watch this! I already have 2 carvers and a hamboards logger, now I want a smoothstar!! I love tight tight turns and I could see that the smoothstar was a lot tighter, i do find when I turn tight on the carver all my speed has gone. Looking forward to seeing you try out the swelltech even though you have tried it before, i was eyeing up the camo hybrid the other day. Looks like I'm going shopping again, you are gonna bankrupt me man hahaaaa :) great video man look forward to seeing some training we can all try out :)

[@KalesBroccoli]

Haha my intention is just to help you surf your best! 🤙🏽🙌🏽