Lithe Skateboard Review

For $200 US you might want to make sure this skateboard will suit your taste. It will last a long time so you better like it!
Editors Note:
I forgot to show the shape. The kicks are a nice round popsicle shape. Not too pointy, not too square.

[@LeNzxCalibur]

every ben degros deck review “i started out with ____ trucks and then later switched to indy’s and they were literally perfect”

[@bendegros]

😂

[@jouhajohnny]

💀💀💀

[@davidleeashkenazi8992]

LeNzxCalibur lol

[@erichanhauser3190]

I have on pair of 80s Thunders that I acquired in like 1997. Otherwise, I just realized I have been riding Indys for 36 yrs. First set of trucks I paid for were from a company called Rinnally. Too funny.

[@junheekim6553]

😂

[@theeeves]

Long story short Ben gets sponsored by lithe and his graphic is all white with a gold smiley face

[@joshgross8741]

It seems that ben got an email from then and his heart was warmed.

[@bendegros]

😂

[@ZackDowdy]

Nailed it!

[@svnbit8408]

@@bendegros thunders or indys on this?

[@2spooky4thee94]

2:15 that guy is the real mvp

[@SoilentGr33n]

Agreed

[@rangesavila5577]

Wish lithe would just come out with some non neon flashy looking boards

[@ianturnbow7011]

The 1980s aesthetic, in many forms of media, is still really popular right now. Give it some time. Then again, certain companies build such an image and retain it.

[@TheUltimater72]

If you can afford $200 for a deck, I’m pretty sure you can afford a can of spray pain like Ben did here 😂

[@TheEchelon]

Kunt Not at all, doesn't have the green polymer, which is the key feature of this deck...

[@TheEchelon]

Ian Turnbow Sure, but this one was executed very poorly. First thing that came to my mind is that it looked like a shitty Walmart board, just like Ben thought.

[@Elder74]

What do you prefer? Dbz characters?

[@Quesly1]

fun fact: those shorts are from when Ben played in the NBA in the 70s

[@calebwilson6298]

This wasn’t a review. It was a scientific observation. Your a scientist of skateboarding presenting solid, balanced, detailed, thorough observations! Thoroughly enjoyed it!👍 Re: polymer tips scraping wax - makes sense. I always got complaints from my buddies when I skated the plastic rails on my deck because I scraped the wax off the metal and nobody else could slide 😂

[@JohnDoe-zq1ho]

Ben, you're an extremely good guy. Love the fact you always reflect more deeply on your intial thoughts and impressions. You always make sure you consider WHY you may have thought or felt a certain way about a certain thing. When it comes to any type of subject of your videos. Of course this video is a perfect example of this. Good on you for taking the time to realize that your "cool-guying" of the graphics was a bit uncalled for, though I do agree with it entirely. Anyway, I digress. Thanks for another solid review! Best channel in the world when it comes to making an informed decision on a new product!

[@johnrobert6794]

Damn, ben got those nyjah shorts

[@facksmasheen]

I'm riding this deck at 8.0 with aces, fits me well. I agree with you on maybe tweaking the shape a bit for the smaller boards. Mine has lasted me at least 3 months at this point and still looks pretty new. I kinda wish I got it a bit bigger, maybe 8.25. I'd like if they made the polymer tips in white or black, or even disguise it by making it wood colored.

[@medievalshadows2836]

Ive always perferes the middle :) of 8.0 and 825 ima save up money and personally get the 8.13

[@facksmasheen]

@@medievalshadows2836 i've been waiting for the slate 3 for like 8 months now lol... their production got super backed up from the pandemic so dont hold your breath if you really want one.

[@medievalshadows2836]

@@facksmasheen oh fuckk... alr thank you so much for letting me know man

[@ginafrazier5408]

Are they ace 33s?

[@medievalshadows2836]

@@facksmasheen lol also i realized im more techy then i thought i was so ima get a 775 when they start delivering again has yours came yet?

[@JK-qv8sv]

Ben Degros Street part asap pleeaaase. That nollie nosegrind then nollie 180 flip was creamy af. You were going mental at Richmond that day 🤯

[@ibookboyuk]

Thanks, Ben. You are the best skate equipment reviewer I have seen and I’m glad you reviewed the Lithe. They are very impressive indeed. I would get one any day of the week; I just need a double nose version.

[@diegorobles6628]

Man, you do everything well: your skating is sick, your analysis are always awesome and insightful, and now on top of all that you're designing avant-garde graphics?!?! Damn, Ben!! 🤘😎

[@douglasjames4307]

Very good review on the this board might consider this board in the future, well done Ben.

[@mindfulskateboarding3693]

Love the honesty and self-reflection. Definitely an interesting board.

[@andend4724]

Ben is like a skateboard scientist. Skateboarding is not just for fun but educational as well.

[@janisberzins6086]

Flip and ledge line was sick💪🏻 Had few flight decks 8.5. Deck is unbreakable, but nose and tail, and even perimeter opens up in nasty fiber splinters. Fiber and wood plys seperates. Went back to Almost resin decks. There is no differnce if I buy 2 resin decks or one flight deck. Usage time is same and price is same.

[@trontosaurusrex9532]

I have an Enjoi deck with the resin 7 that Almost uses also. I'm amazed at the durability and I definitely feel I got my moneys worth.

[@gwailotus9154]

@Janis Berzins - when flight decks splinter does it leave splinters in your hands or other exposed areas? or like small cuts/ abrasions?

[@SoilentGr33n]

Was wondering if anyone else actually realized they were watching a sick fuckin line.

[@vanillawubz]

we need a video part from this man because he is actually an exceptional skater

[@sudo9866]

I pause the video at 7 minutes 2 seconds to leave this comment, absolutely stoked on you getting a new trick, I'm a huge fan of manuals as they require a great amount of discipline, you've got some serious skill brother. Anyway continuing the video now

[@jivexero]

This was a great review. I don't break my boards. I'm small and light. But I do razer tail the hell out of my boards. So solving this problem is huge for me! I skate for about 1 - 2 hours a day. (I consider it my hour to two hours at the gym). It takes about 3 - 5 weeks until my board feels like mush. So I get a new deck every month. Because of this, I stick to boards that are $20 - $35. I usually go with powell blanks or superior (because these are made by the dwindle shop - so are the same as any almost, enjoi or blind board). A MAJOR con to this board is the price. At $200.00 this board has to last at least 6 - 8 months to make it worth it. Otherwise It just makes sense to get a new board every month. (7 boards x $30 = $210) . And the only way to really know is to get it and test it out for 6 mos. So it would suck to fork out $200.00 and only to realize that it lasted 2 -3 or even just 5 mos. If they can lower the price to about $150.00 and resolve some of the issues that you mention here, this could be game changing.

[@trontosaurusrex9532]

Great video! Just picked up my first Hookups deck and Spitfire Lock ins! Can't wait to shred the skate park.

[@DaxterZA]

"Here's one more session to keep you guys attention" I love this honesty man, haha, keep up the awesome videos and reviews. Still hoping for a Mini Logo deck review one day Ben \m/

[@420catson]

That dude filming the scooter kid sitting on the ledge 😂 love your vids ben

[@Shenmue79]

Damn, i'm 39 and i stopped skating like 15 years ago, but those Lithe decks makes me want to skate again...

[@ritchie2484]

Obviously you're not over it, you're watching this. RIDE, simple as that!!

[@booboocachoo5090]

Honestly the whole fiberglass concept scares me as your meant to skate them for extended lengths of time and eventually that limit would be when the fiber glass ribbons would rip out and cut or stab your legs

[@abuhaneefa7422]

That 2:30-3:00 line... thrasher’s firing lane quality man 🙌🏻

[@veeanon2238]

I hope to be as good as you at skating one day. You made me try skating again after 10 years of not riding.

[@Monox1de7]

Fantastic review and breakdown of the board

[@im-pro-at-skyrim8285]

WHO KNEW VANCOUVER CARPENTER HAD THE BANGERS!

[@sterlingh1256]

Bruh one of ur best vids in my opinion

[@sudo9866]

Pausing the video again at 11 minutes 2 seconds to mention I used to ride for revolution skateboards back in 2005 through 2007, revolution skateboards are complete polymer decks with graphite and carbon fiber in the center, I also noticed that on the nose or tail wax would tend to get shaved completely off the ledge quickly if I dug it in or put significant weight on it, it was more noticeable with tail slides , I tend to lean over my truck more and not plant my nose into the ledge for fear of nose diving but then again I was skating a lot of street in that time. It was significantly noticeable upon flipping into a noseslide, return to the video for the third time now. Thoroughly enjoying the review so far

[@unspokenwording4850]

would you ever consider reviewing a shaped board size (9+) like a polar, welcome or jk industries? i skate on one and i find myself wanting to skate more bc it makes it more fun for me. something about looking down at the board and it being a shape i like as opposed to a boring popsicle stick. im riding the a jk industries 9.75x 32.25 and its my favorite board so far with indy 159s and bones 54s

[@bonegamingg]

Shape boards are amazing. I ride 8.4

[@skankwave5245]

159s for a 9.75 sounds really small, they are intended for 8.5-8.75 decks.

[@guillermoarenas7538]

Size 56spitfires are Simply the Bomb they're terrific and of course they don't slow down that much even on rough roads oh 99durometer hardness 😊🤗😆😁😁

[@guillermoarenas7538]

Wider boards are easy for cruising but totally suck for technical tricks like 360 flips or half cab flips ! 8.0 is really good 7.75 are easy also !

[@unspokenwording4850]

Skankwave its 9.75 at its widest and it tapers so it works, no freestyle and railstand for me tho

[@denimgenes5909]

Damn B! Best Ive seen you skate!

[@t0xicsavant]

That was one of the best lines ive seen from Ben

[@jiizwiizhuntersj3590]

I live in Vancouver BC and you have really helped me pick out which board to ride and what trucks to ride thank you!!

[@bendegros]

🙂

[@jiizwiizhuntersj3590]

🤙🏻🛹😝

[@stop736]

You should review a Lib Tech board Ben!! Awesome company! Excellent review as always.

[@luizfernandovieira7672]

I don’t know if it is the right place to do this but -OMG have you seen Franky Villani’s 9.125 “football” deck? You HAVE to review it! 😄 Great video, btw. I like the message of support to them instead of pure bullying we’re used to see everywhere. Keep it up, Ben!

[@johnm3946]

Good skating Ben! Shred on!

[@tuplahaukat]

Damn, do i smell ace truck review 2.0 in the making!?

[@tristanlaframboise4818]

Jukka Reinikainen ace v3 review please

[@tuplahaukat]

@@tristanlaframboise4818 They are good trucks, very surfy yet really predictable wheelbite. Pop is really light. Only issue is quality control but i didnt experience any problems with that. Also if you skate rough ledges they are gonna wear down FAST.

[@booboocachoo5090]

I hear they have to be loose and they actually pop out of the pivot cups which I’ve never had happen on any other truck so no not even going to try them

[@andrewmills2729]

it might be cool if you voice your review over the video of the skate session. but great videos!

[@frostshock13]

I have been waiting for this one.

[@thewanderer6824]

That's a smooth firing line right there 👌

[@AdventuresInSkateboarding]

Solid assessment. I will have to think about it. I have skated flight decks for over a year now. More than double the cost of a flight deck is a bit hard to swallow. But stranger things have happened while shopping in the dark of night on the internet.

[@bendegros]

:)

[@goskateminnesota7256]

Do the edges chip? I do tons of flip tricks and end up smashing in the concave within a couple weeks of heavy skating. Edit: 30 seconds later you answered my question. Ben I'm binging all your vids, I've been skating for 15 years and thought I knew most that was to know. But you've taught me tons over a few days time. Thank you

[@mateoj510]

So Ben... when is that custom pro model coming out?

[@zishere48]

Hey Ben, just want to say your videos are by far my favorite! Shout out to trade workers who skate. Any tips on someone who only skates street stuff but wants to learn transition. It feels so awkward.

[@alfariymuzakki4125]

Bruh youre killing it🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@kylefountain1865]

I like the paint job afterwards the graphic looks way sicker hahaha

[@robengle5786]

I sincerely love that graphic he makes

[@DunderHead.5000]

I'm curious about another update on this board. I ride wood decks and currently I'm 400lbs. When I step on a wood deck behind the bolts and push the slight flex can throw off my balance. How is the flex compared to a wood deck? I'm guessing more so because you've mentioned it a couple of times in the two videos about the Lithe board but would like confirmation. How is the razortail past the polymer? And any new info. Was thinking about getting a 9.0.

[@sudo9866]

Pause the video again at 9 minutes 19 seconds to tell you it is also a good combination with Grind Kings,highly recommend you try it with them also look forward to the grind king review. Anyway going back to the video again.

[@BeatBoxBudda]

Big respect for that redesign haha

[@noahroberts5291]

If you're liking 8.5's try out a 9. Made the jump from 8.38 to a 9.18 Cardiel shape and it was the best gear decision I've made. Can still do all the tech stuff, it's a myth that you can't.

[@Andrew-fv4sj]

Doubting this big time.

[@Andrew-fv4sj]

Maybe if you consider a Kickflip "tech" lmao

[@bigfel3240]

Ya I don’t buy this, I have size 12 shoes and skate under 8

[@bigfel3240]

Can’t do the same with wide.

[@Waynimations]

Nice in depth review

[@alirassi5697]

When did you get so good Ben? I think I watch all the videos you put out but its really the first time I see you do so many tricks!!

[@beachballism]

You havent been watching enough, Ben rips

[@antoniogonzalez4083]

Will you review the new ace trucks model un the future? Or were you just skating the older model (the one which looks bent and had some flaws)?

[@jwest88]

Looks like a shape I'd like more than the flight decks; I haven't skated one but I've seen them in person and it doesn't look like a shape I'd enjoy skating. I'd still prefer if it was closer to a standard shape though; something close to a Real or Antihero. I'm also enjoying a Qausi right now. I wanted to try a FA but those are very hard to find in 8.75 if they even make them anymore in that size, I've only found them out of stock in 8.75. Watching the manual sesh made me want to work on my manuals, my right ankle is acting up though so I've been off the board for the last 3 days now. I may risk skating today but avoid heel flips(and I guess kickflips, but I naturally avoid those anyways) and 360 flips since those use my right ankle more heavily. Your manual game is on point, I've been wanting to learn some harder ones lately but would have to really be feeling it that day to go for them.

[@bendegros]

🙂

[@alansmith2024]

great video, good information about this board

[@meekrodriguez6438]

Excellent videos

[@kkzooi]

im curious about your thoughts on the Almost uber ex17 deck.

[@reginaldanderson7896]

What size trucks do you ride on an 8.5" board? I've been riding 8.5 boards and like them, but I still have the same size of Indy 139 trucks from a 7.75 board I started on and bought a few years back. I'm wondering if me being used to under-sized trucks isn't necessarily a bad thing now, if that's what I'm used to, and I'm a little hesitant to buy wider trucks again, because if I change them and don't like them, then it's like money wasted just because it doesn't fit the ``suggested size" trucks

[@sethnicholls7861]

Wish you chose a wider tester option. Still a great review as usual!

[@TonysbrotherMike]

Yes ben I love big boards 8.25 is the smallest i go 8.5s and 159s is the best setup 💚💚💚

[@MrPDTaylor]

Jamie Griffin skates Lithe boards and he is the tech God so no excuses Ben.

[@NefariousPorpoise]

Rodney Mullen crushed on a plank with trucks bolted it, so I guess you'll be using one of those from now on. No excuses.

[@Element21VA]

For it is written But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

[@TheEchelon]

Elevate Fuck off.

[@apollorainer1991]

@@TheEchelon I think he might be talking about Rodney tho

[@imblue3531]

@@Element21VA The skate god... Aron Kyro?

[@louisw.1195]

You pretty much stomp every trick and i like your style of skating.

[@isaactchaicovsky4466]

Nice explanation! it would be cool if you review the Slate 3. Thanks

[@deant3980]

As a 300lb dude, this boards feel like FUN. And pain from the injuries. Worth it.

[@crackerjack6454]

I got an 8.0 lithe, same graphic, and it does feel a little odd... Pretty poppy, but still a little odd... I would like a good suggestion for what kind of light trucks to get, cause this board is a little bit heavier...

[@dan-iw3bv]

you might have a career waiting for you in graphic art. :)

[@homegrowncustomsandautorep9737]

It's been years but I use to love libtech boards cuz of the strength and pop.... The only problem was delamination after about 6 months, which wasn't a big deal since a normal deck lasted 2-4 weeks normally

[@karmafantasma9663]

I like your vids and reviews man. Thanks. I think that graphic is their no. 1 at sells, bc the other ones are ugliest, haha. I like lithe boards tho, great engineering. Hoping to get one.

[@Steve-vm1fi]

Great review as always but as a side question, what size wheels are you skating on those 6.1s at the end of the video?

[@bendegros]

Worn down 54mm classics

[@ryanbamford2425]

Thanks for the review Ben. I might try one of these out. I've been using a Santa Cruz VX deck for the past almost 2 months now and it's lasted me almost twice as long as any other deck, even longer than the flight deck. Usually my boards break from a tre flip landing somewhat primo and ripping the corner of the nose off. This board still feels fresh, crispy like it did when I first bought it and I can comfortably say it's the best board I've ever skated. If you do end up reviewing these I think you'll be a fan. It seems to have some chip resistance on top of the "Quad VX" technology or whatever they're calling their carbon fiber. It's like a mix between a flight deck and a normal deck in terms of the feel, a little more like a wood deck but with the benefits of being a thin board with extreme durability.

[@Azntastic3]

Ryan Bamford what about the razor tail?

[@ryanbamford2425]

@@Azntastic3 it's not bad at all, it hasn't impacted my pop but I don't go around scraping my tail on the ground. I do skate 2-3 hours every day though mostly doing grinds on rails, flip tricks on flat and some basic transition stiff

[@TheAlfone1]

So VX are snap resistant and durable at all? I'm afraid of investing money and regretting not going for the Flight even though they chip easy as fuck, but, at least I'm sure my session could continue whatever it happens

[@ryanbamford2425]

@@TheAlfone1 yeah VX decks are extremely durable. I just bought my 3rd one. The first two lasted me about 3 months each before I replaced it just for the feeling of a fresh one. They feel like a fresh deck for a really long time. I like them more than the flight decks, they are a great middle ground between the flight deck and a normal deck, as far as the feel is concerned. My favorite deck so far

[@TheAlfone1]

@@ryanbamford2425 dope, thanks for your answer and sharing man. Do they don't snap at all, and I assume the chipping and razor tail is stronger due to their (maybe thicker) construction?

[@fanbulma8879]

DUDE, YOU ARE HONEST, IT IS COOL!

[@MrAddison79]

im only 2.33 in and ill tell you right now that rolling fotage is the best thing ive seen on your channel

[@MrAddison79]

i mean that in the most respectfull way dig what yur doing for sur1!

[@madchubbsgames_it4895]

Back in 2000 , 2001 I used a board designed something like this called LIB Technologies. I believe they still make boards. Snowboards. However the logo kinda changed. But yeah I was able to see the boards parts once it started chipping away. I've tried googling a pic of the board I had and I cant find any haha.

[@militaryminedid2011]

Maybe they'll send you one of their 8.5 decks to review. I'd be interested to see that review as I currently alternate between an 8.45 and 8.5 deck.

[@BoonsackBush]

Need that grind king review boi

[@slowflowlowlow]

Maybe later on with more money they will have couple more shapes/moulds. Also can have the poly black or white or whatever.

[@skonkaweed]

Sick lines playuh

[@isaacpulido1510]

You got a Gilmer... Awsome

[@smikuswag]

that line was actually nuts

[@jasonlongo6823]

That line at 2:25 was crazy!

[@ciscoak9074]

Do we remember the libtech fiberglass decks? My buddy had one n he LOVED it n everyone else hated it. They did last a lot longer tho.

[@DunderHead.5000]

The only problem I can see with synthetic boards at my weight is the flexing. They are hard to break but todo that they flex more which if I were lighter would be fine but at my current weight they're either too bouncy or too saggy, I need something stiffer.

[@mrzoom214]

Txn for review! I got this board

[@TruSktr]

Hello! How much do they weigh? I think that detail wasn't mentioned. Do you have a video on the lightest decks?

[@Archetypist_]

Does the board have good pop compared to a toy machine or satna cruz

[@andrewwillson6362]

Hi again from Sydney Australia, So so you are calling them Meaning so they have good things about the deck, so they are bad in ways. So we call that SO-SO LOL BUT THAT'S NOT WHAT I'M LEAVING A COMMENT. Yes as usual you give information in a truthfully straight up manner with some jokes or at least a funny side of ya. Now that was the sickist line I've seen you run. Wicked with a splash of awesomeness. OK that was it.

[@soundwavvves]

Ben, what truck width are you pairing with your 8.5 setup? 149? 159?

[@vasectomyfail442]

gotta do the forbidden 14 on that sick smiley graphic

[@gonzo13ist]

Question? With all the different board sizes companies offer; is there a right size based on the individual skater or does it really matter? Or should skaters pick a board size based on shoe size, body size etc...

[@Azntastic3]

Jersey Devil I’d say your shoe size does matter because somebody like me who is size 8.5 in shoes I like to ride between 8-8.25 but somebody with a size 11 foot is going to have a harder time holding their balance on my tiny size 8 board . 8.25 is my very size and 8 is my street size but at the end of the day it’s your preference, id say test the different sizes out just step on it and go for a line and see how you feel

[@BeardedForever]

16:05 those are the falls that keep me up at night.

[@nielsvandensigtenhorst158]

skateboarding is about preferences and they come with the size of the feet comparing to the deck,for example i have size 12 us so i prefer boards near 8.5 up to 9 inch or i feel like rope dancing probably there is a perfect width deck and length for everyone but there are not many studies about it. i am sure in the future there will be computer programs where the computer measures the whole body and results are all about wheel duro, deck width and length, trucks and bushings duro and all that. i like your channel and all technical thinking and its my intrest to like many others here, who enjoy it all. btw i am still searching for the perfect fitting setup also because i gained wait so maybe change my bushings durometer or oldscool saying A.

[@davidleeashkenazi8992]

What's with tech boards like: flight, vx, lithe why the kicks are so steep? I'd buy one but in my preferred shape, like baker o.g. :/

[@jakobsime4190]

Can you review tensor mag lights?

[@Dontbustthecrust]

For 200 bucks you'd better absolutely love the board.

[@runswimplayball]

Do you think it will last a year if skated everyday?

[@Iano696]

So essentially lithe do now what New Deal did with the Hybrid model back in the 90s ?

[@olekskate9469]

I need to get one of those..

[@acquiredthoughts5070]

Do you have a garage for the skateboards??

[@ird2607]

2:58 - Sweet line :O