YOW vs Smoothstar: Which One To Choose?

[@concrete-waves]

This video was originally 12 minutes long but I cut out a bunch so it was more concise and didn’t waste your time. Here are some points I left out. 1. My background I think is important so you know the angle this information is coming from. I started traditional skateboarding when I was five years old and I would mainly shred bowls and miniramps. Then I picked up surfing around 10, which I would do inconsistently. Im currently 25 and I’d describe myself as a surf heavy skater. I prefer to surf but I still surfskate and cruise a bunch. Basically if it’s a board, I’ll shred it. My surfing expertise is intermediate… I can’t do airs, but I can get barreled here/there and can do some cutsbacks/snaps somewhat regularly. Surfskates are so appealing to me is because I live half the year in a land-locked state about an hour and a half from the ocean. Then spend the other half on the New Jersey coast surfing as much as I can. 2. I didn’t get to cover how these ride in bowls/skateparks because I have no local parks and have yet to try them out. I’m dying to shred a bowl, but I think you can still make a decision based off the riding feel and translate it into if you’d like to ride it in a bowl/skatepark. If anyone has experience, please share! 3. YOW S4 & S5 comparison. The S4 is basically more springy and snappier, which they say is not meant for anyone under 110lbs. I’m 160lbs and have been using it - no breakage yet haha. I actually prefer the S4 since it has a more energetic feel. 4. I adjusted the wheelbases to make them as close as possible for testing. 5. Drop a comment with any questions - I’ll do my best to help you out.

[@deathcrab2901]

Just to think you had 1k subs last month

[@نويدر2]

the imposter ص

[@99timewaster]

@@deathcrab2901 lol really???

[@rickeykoga2312]

Hey you should keep this format, and add on the new format as something else. Like you have the review series and then an outdoor series. This format is what is working for you, don't abandon it or change completely! Add onto this and get even more eyes

[@concrete-waves]

@@rickeykoga2312 Appreciate the insight - you're right

[@briggandersen2936]

Been here since the beginning, one of the best channels

[@concrete-waves]

Stoked, thanks so much for supporting since the beginning. Means a lot!!

[@timothy1188]

Still kinda the beginning, this channel is definitely going to grow much more!

[@tannerknauf3388]

Also been here since 500 sub

[@evansmine8]

Been here since 2k, its crazy to see how far hes came!

[@BonnersMonsters]

Hey man, you deserve all the attention. There isn't enough quality skate content on KZbin, so thank you for meeting the demand for it.

[@madformtb2312]

I own a smoothstar and my mate recently bought a YOW board and personally I prefer my smoothstar because i skate bowl alot and also cruising around with my mates is alot better because it doesn’t take out as much energy as the yow does as it is more rigid to pump and less smooth but it’s all a personal preference

[@concrete-waves]

Nice dude, thanks for sharing. I agree and I meant to put this in - the Smoothstar you don't need to exert as much energy as you do on the YOW. Exactly - all personal preference

[@SunriseSessions]

Hi Mad, I love the smoothstar for bowls as well. I was wondering which wheels you use? The stock ones or different ones?

[@madformtb2312]

@@SunriseSessions i just run the stock ones currently but i do have a spare set which i like that are a bit bigger and have a softer compound. Once i have worn out the stock ones i will move onto those

[@medreda.]

I personally own a Yow Mandura 32" and im in love with it . I'm new in surf and surf skating

[@SurfskateLove]

My experience with these two is the same as you describe. I find Smoothstar better suited for sharp maneuvers in tight spaces, and YOW better suited for cruising. However,, unlike you said, I can cruise for literally hours on my YOW Malibu with S5 trucks. Although it’s 36” long with a 22.5” wheelbase, much better for long distance cruising than your shorter one.

[@spitfirebighead7048]

man i was just refreshing ur page excited for the vid😂👍

[@concrete-waves]

What?! Stoked to hear that. Thanks for watching!

[@michal4862]

@@concrete-waves next the Curfboard-Comparison please🙏 I'm about to buy one but nobody compares it to all those others. Would be so great to do that, bro

[@TackKeyNack]

I think this is the only channel I subscribe to wherein I’ve never let a video slip by. They’re all awesome and informative. Great job! You definitely deserve to be featured.

[@DJTV30]

I misread the subcount on the first vid I wateched from you, as 1.5 mil. I wasnt surprised. The quality of this content is at that level. So good. Thanks

[@rovice72]

Hi! I miss a couple of things: 1) yow has two wheelbase options, by choosing the adaptor placing in position A or B. (the surfing feelings changes quite a lot). And 2) Yow has also two strength/resistance options (different spring sizes) when buying it.

[@Prophhh]

Ayy my favorite skatetuber back with another banger!

[@Sarah-ev1gj]

congrats on hitting 50k! your channel inspired me to buy a waterborne adapter for my tugboat and I love it! can't wait to buy a proper surfskate complete!

[@bigdrippy4104]

finding a shred shack upload in my sub box is always a pleasant surprise

[@itslarana3177]

I’m so excited for you! I can’t wait until your channel grows even more! :)

[@concrete-waves]

Thanks so much!

[@perusha4f]

Finally the time has come! Thanks

[@workingtitle1455]

Waiting for someone to compare these 2 and you did it. Thank you! Congratulations on your channel!

[@omarcastro4334]

bro I love your reviews and all your videos help me make decisions about what I am going to buy

[@thomascolombo3468]

You guys are on top, waiting all week for your videos

[@joedees556]

just got a Yow 'rapa nui' for my first surfskate and so happy with it ! thanks for the review your content is top notch!

[@concrete-waves]

Stoked to hear that man! Shred on

[@formafew]

Ayy Digging the different intros in each video! :) Gotta comment before your channel really blows up and it gets too crowded for a response! 😅

[@jonesman23]

I‘m personaly not into surfskating...more into downhill but I still enjoy watching your reviews. Very high quality straight from the beginning of your channel 🤙🏼keep it up bro!!!!

[@concrete-waves]

Thanks man, really appreciate you watching and for sticking around

[@Dr.Tuxedo]

Yo! Congrats on up and coming! Much deserved! Hopefully the surf skate is more than just a trend right now and maybe even thanks to you more shops will start looking at carrying them and giving people a chance to try them out!

[@kamimi2549]

Well, I’d be lying if I said I was here for long, but you really helping me learn how to skate. I just wanna be cool. I appreciate you dude.

[@danielbrown6007]

What can I say mate, awesome job as usual, but that would be an understatement. Always doing amazing content mate, Keep it up!!!

[@concrete-waves]

Really appreciate you always showing up and showing support! Means a lot man

[@chrisjay1774]

Been watching all your vids and Im so proud of this channel keep up the quality content bro

[@jasonkiely4021]

Fair play👍🏻 I like your spartan way of describing things. It’s clean and precise.

[@sydney3495]

dang, congrats on 20k. you deserve it all the way!!

[@concrete-waves]

Thanks! Really appreciate that - thanks for the support

[@josephhaggerty8660]

Congrats on making it on creator on the rise keep up the great vids

[@shanelai2515]

Awesome! Congrats on being featured, you deserve it mate 🤙

[@concrete-waves]

Thanks Shane, appreciate that bro!

[@thehermitessandthedog2966]

Your work is crazy good! You deserve it!

[@tulpa1940]

that's the smoothstar I was thinking about upgrading to eventually, glad I caught this video

[@rickeykoga2312]

I'm definitely going to get a smooth star now, thanks for the dope review!

[@concrete-waves]

Yup, no worries! It's a solid quality board, just the communication with the company can be a little confusing at times

[@donnamoore-sturgill6909]

Communication & customer support is KEY. I waited from the pre-order most for months last fall to get mine in January. The tracking service they use is not well updated throughout shipment, and usually well out of date. Whichever delivery service they used in the states sent partially crushed box (thankfully 🛹 intact) & tbh, Smoothstar didn't sent an actual adjustment info brochure, instead sent a card with info how to link to their training website which was being updated, and that process seems to have taken months. For the price & delay, they really need to proactively send out an EMAIL updating their paid clientele status reports on just WHEN those updates to the training app access, but they didn't. Not cool.

[@coledaniel5290]

Love your videos man, this is the skate content youtube was missing!

[@concrete-waves]

Appreciate that bro! Stoked to hear that

[@ufatemav4509]

Been here since your first video. Knew this quality channel would get the recognition it deserves

[@concrete-waves]

Really appreciate you sticking around since the beginning!

[@aahilalwani5019]

You deserve each sub and view, your content is really high quality and very professional!

[@videotimebaby90]

I'm here for your journey bro. Keep making reviews, you'll get the subs

[@concrete-waves]

Thanks man and sorry for the delayed response !

[@andrewbernier4676]

I want a board that’s not giant, I can fit it in my car or even on a bus here and there. I want it to be versatile, user friendly, and just something I can vibe with. Mostly just something I can use for the most situations. Something that can take a hill without getting speed wobbles, something that can pop a trick or two here and there, and something that can take rougher roads and terrain. Suggestions? I was thinking about the landyachtz 33 drop cat or maybe the turbo dinghy. But I feel like I might get tired pushing on the dinghy after a while and I feel like it might get speed wobbles easily.

[@angusdraffan6656]

Got my Smooth Star #77. It's epic but for a guy in my 40's it's been brutal on my lower back. It would be interesting to drill down on that a bit. I've noticed there seems to be a bit of a common theme for peeps my age.

[@donnamoore-sturgill6909]

What's your take on their customer support? Shipment tracking was not up to date (online) & did they EVER release the updates to that training app? I gave up looking & apparently they couldn't be bothered alerting us already paying clients with an email alerting us if it ever DID update. I finally gave up. Their product is great, their surf rep is a hoot, but logistically they're in bad need of adult supervision. I should've been sent an app LAUNCH email. Wth.

[@donnamoore-sturgill6909]

I do love my Smoothstar Toledo 77 for performance though. It was a bday present to myself last year!

[@SpikeJonesTheCr0oked]

Your content is awesome and everything looks super professional. I was really surprised to see you didn't have more subs...but don't worry you keep it they will come.

[@concrete-waves]

Hey thanks I really appreciate that! More vids coming for sure

[@henneylove24]

So cool seeing how fast you’re growing definitely earned it 👏👏

[@concrete-waves]

Really appreciate it, thanks!

[@camu233]

Has a long time skateboard and longboard fan i now just discovered the surfskate. Can't wait to try one but I still have to wait the end of cold season here in Canada. Thinking about hamboard fish surfskate for surfskate pumping session across de neighbourhood. Did you ever try this one ? I have watched the pescadito video and consider it as an option too. Thanks for your works ! Good quality content video !

[@Wschles]

I had a fish and now a pescadito. Great boards but not really pump boards like carver or yow. They carve beautifully and I usually ride it with a push paddle/stick. They don’t pump from standstill so I use the stick to push up a hill or develop momentum. Then you can start some deep and powerful carves and cutbacks. And I do mean powerful. Cause when you switch to a lighter smaller yow after a 20 minute session on the Hamboard you feel like you can pump the yow up a wall. It’s like lifting light dumbells after pushing heavy barbells. In airplane terminology yow turns on the yaw axis with the nose pointing left or ride while it simultaneously dives down and rolls on the long axis like a traditional truck. The Hamboard has an extreme tilt on the roll axis - allowing 30 degrees. So it makes fantastic carves in small spaces compared to a regular truck but not a tight cutback. If you mainly want a surfskate then yow or smoothstar.

[@Wschles]

Brennan thank you for that wonderful compliment. I do take my hobbies seriously but always having fun. Most people work out while I’m just “playing”. Perspective is everything 😂👍

[@ThinLineMedia]

I have been pumping my Yow for 20 - 30 km with no problem. I ride 34', but for longer rides it is of course better to have more length.

[@concrete-waves]

Nice! 34” is a really solid length. What’s the wheelbase ?

[@ThinLineMedia]

@@concrete-waves Don't know. It is Yow Padang Padang model.

[@rmnetxgn1156]

@@ThinLineMedia must be 18.5" WB.

[@bryan__x]

Love the videos, appreciate the fact that quality comes first, regardless of sub count. Looks like it's beginning to pay off. One question: what's your view/experience on Arbor Longboards? I'm thinking of getting one as my first longboard. Are there any better options? Future review?

[@abrightguy508]

can you make a video on how to properly care for and maintain a longboard? I'd really appreciate it

[@concrete-waves]

Thats a solid idea, thanks for the suggestion. Not sure when I'll get to it but I'll put it on the list

[@lalahrazia]

great video as always!!! thanks for all the effort you put into your videos, i hope you make it big one day! 💙💙

[@concrete-waves]

Thanks so much! I really appreciate that

[@jessaie-detre-chretien]

I own a Carver with CX trucks and what I love with it is that you can actually push it like a normal skateboard on long distances. I would like to try the smoothstar but if you have to surfskate it all the time it really bugs me...

[@concrete-waves]

Yup, this is spot on. I love my Carver with CX trucks too. I'll only really use my Smoothstar for flat parking lots/short distances

[@fordcent]

Love ur stuff man keep it up. I bet you have a lot of content coming up but i would love if you could review the magneto bamboo longboard

[@prod.asmodeus]

again another in-depth amazing video i hope your come up happens soon you derserve the best man good luck and have a beautifule day/night

[@zbvisuals]

You deserve more subs man!

[@concrete-waves]

Really appreciate that bro! Thanks for showing up and supporting

[@zbvisuals]

Ye I saw your shark wheel vid, and I went straight for the other vids because this channel is rad!

[@normsbigwindow9379]

My setup is Yow S5, Smoothstar #77, Carver C7, Sixty-Six. Sixty-Six is currently my do-it all if I’m heading out and no idea what I’ll find Yow for more technical surf SS for easy surf Carver, just swapped from CX (last choice) to C7 (much better) - need more time Suggestions Get a Sixty-Six and review against C7 Outside footages demoing each board against same course to show case your riding and the boards

[@concrete-waves]

Thanks for the suggestions. What would you say the major difference is in the CX vs C7 you noticed? I have both and have yet to get a good grasp on the differences

[@normsbigwindow9379]

@@concrete-waves thx, it would interesting to get a second opinion. C7 much looser imho, closer to other surf skates. Cx a combo truck for cruising and surf. I prefer to pump than use my foot. With CX is found I wanted them to be looser. Kept playing with the pin to make them work but never loose enough.

[@mikezazzini8053]

love your channel man.keep up the awesome work 👍🏼

[@concrete-waves]

Thanks man, more vids coming. Appreciate it!

[@mpanini5694]

SNOWSKATE review for this winter please!

[@nikobuerk346]

Hey you probably won’t see this, but I was thinking that maybe it would be cool to do a cruising longboard wheel comparison. Just a couple of the major brands. They are all so competitive with each other that it can be hard to find a good wheel that doesn’t prioritize sliding and “thane”. Loving the videos, and your KZbin journey

[@bocap1980]

I love the YOW but I'm adding the Smoothstar in my collection too. Thanks for the reviews bro

[@concrete-waves]

Both are solid! Smoothstar is usually more backordered and takes longer to get unless you have a nearby distributor. Thanks for watching!

[@mileseichenholtz9619]

Can you review the 44 inch maneto longboard from amazon. I can't find any review on it.

[@adriansrfr]

So that YOW was from their power series. I'm wondering if a YOW from their performance series would have made for a better comparison, like the YOW Snappers, which you have in the background, ironically enough. :)

[@matthewsitu5548]

So proud of you!!!

[@concrete-waves]

Thanks for all the support - appreciate you!

[@sssafe1]

I’ve rode both and I think your descriptions are spot on. The Yow is so smooth and cruises beautifully but a little divey compared with Smoothstar. The bigger softer wheels on Yow are nice too. I have the Smoothstar but I reckon I’d like both.

[@concrete-waves]

Stoked to hear that Craig, thanks for sharing your input. Both are really fun to ride

[@asmokanu]

im riding yow and swelltech, they are both good but for different things - yow is more springy and have tightest turning radius and is great for carving and pumping, but still you turn by pressure to the edge of the board (if thats make sense), like on any other skate or snowboard - and swell tech surfskate is the most twitchy, and it barely reacts to the edging - more like actual surfboard, so you have to always initiate a turn with your upper body, otherwise you will eat hard stuff

[@charliecardenas3639]

Awesome content! I don't even skate (or however this is called) and I find your videos very interesting. I'm one of the new subscribers, keep up the good work!

[@concrete-waves]

Stoked to hear that, thanks Charlie! Appreciate the support a lot!

[@santiagopeschiera1743]

Good points that were useful. The S4 is meant for under 110lb and the S5 is for those above, though.

[@michal4862]

Now it might be time to bring the Curfboard into the discussion, I'm too excited what you will think...

[@mjchargerSD]

Did you order the Smoothstar from Australia or find somewhere closer?

[@Yehleh]

Yes ordered online no idea when will get it

[@228anonymous]

woah I just check your sub count, over 21K! That's insane how fast you grew, good work

[@TomekKosalka]

Great vid, I’m sold but how did you get your hands on these boards? There are no US distributors for either and the best option I’ve found is to potentially buy from Europe where these run about $400 plus shipping. The only option I have locally is a carver which is more of a cruiser than a surf skate trainer. Any tips to getting an overseas board? Thanks in advance for the help!! 🙌🏼🙏🏼🛹

[@tse-yulin1228]

love your vid! will you try SLIDE surfskates later on?

[@sharkleafyt5817]

Nice! 👍🏼 When you upload it makes my Friday better thanks!

[@concrete-waves]

So stoked to hear that! Have a good Friday man!

[@sharkleafyt5817]

Thanks you too!

[@Szymonkey]

wow 21k Happy for u bro 🤙🏼🔥

[@josephaguayo5191]

Can’t wait to see more keep up the good work 🙂🙂

[@ajrisgreat7738]

Best review channel ever

[@NikoTravels]

I'm considering picking up a surf skate and would like your opinion on what to consider when gravel-covered roads seem to be a common problem in my area. A particular truck or wheel hardness perhaps? Cheers

[@elvergalarga6016]

Can’t wait for that curfboard review. A truck that doesn’t need bushings or springs? I just need to know how it feels and is it legit or just another gimmick

[@fitforfreelance]

Great comparison vid!

[@symposiumpferde7135]

Great analysis, I concur with the verdict.

[@concrete-waves]

Thanks for watching! You've tried them both?

[@gemiado]

Great video.loving to buy a amoothstar but globally all sold out.😢

[@jessicaelliott8210]

I barely ride cruiser boards and long boards but damn I love this videos

[@donguree7]

I think that video about surf skate and commuting around city would be interesting topic...or would you recommend just sticking to cruiser for that?...I'm a beginner, so going around feels bit inpractical, and a slight uphill takes too much effort, but I was curious if it changes once one sharpen the skills?...

[@renzoquiroga1]

Silly question: where do you get a board rack like the ones on your background??

[@lumberjackthirsttrap3676]

What do you think of flying wheels, out of Germany ? They are a little more reasonably priced in eBay thinking about getting one. I imagine you can’t go down hill too fast on one of these?

[@christianhughes6166]

Your videos are amazing and so helpful. Keep it up please

[@concrete-waves]

Thanks so much, appreciate that! More vids coming

[@giancarlocavicchi3388]

I bough te landyatch battle axe do you think i have made a good choice? Is it going to be good for carving and long distance ? If you want could you make an all review about it

[@bohdanafanasyev3642]

Surfskate by swell tech so far offers the most radical turns due to supper narrow front trucks and ability to rotate 360 and surf like feeling comparing to Carver and mentioned above boards (have personally tried them all and own 2 Carvers)

[@sarasegador8998]

I can't get a smoothstar in the UK. What would you recommend for me to get? I'm looking more for a surfskate trainer...

[@sharkholistic]

Where did you get your smoothstar? I've been looking in the US and can't find anything!

[@themcvanister3855]

damn your videos are so helpful and youre growing so fast! amazing channel!

[@flockenlp1]

Nice video! I've been thinking about getting a Yow Surfskate myself because one of my friends has one and I could try it out and liked it, I didn't even know there was more than one kind of surfskate brand before finding your channel. I don't want to spend so much money since I only bought my first longboard a few months ago. So my question would be if I can buy a Yow or Smoothstar axis and put them onto my current longboard and if that would still feel good since my deck is 40" long and the axis are ~30.5" apart from one another. It is also a dropthrough and I'm not sure if you can even mount surfskate axis on a dropthrough. It'd be really nice if you could help me out 😁

[@concrete-waves]

Thanks for watching. If I were you, I'd look into a Waterborne adapter. Depending on where you live, it'll probably be cheaper and I've used them on my Tan Tien drop through board before. Then if you realize you like it, you can save up for the YOW or Smoothstar in the future. The 30.5" wheelbase is going to a little tough (but doable)... usually I like a 16-18" wheelbase for a nice snappy pump

[@SasoCasablanca63]

Where can I buy a Smoothstar shipped to the US? Thank you

[@alexhightron.5442]

I love the content you make keep it up

[@concrete-waves]

Really appreciate it! Thanks - more vids coming

[@texaskustom]

How’d you get your SmoothStar in the states?

[@makennalarsson4653]

been waiting since 5k for this vid!

[@concrete-waves]

Haha thanks for sticking around for it! Sorry there was a delay

[@stevesheffield45]

Can we buy smoothstar in US? I’m new subscriber love your videos. Where are you located?

[@fasterthanforza7427]

@Shred Shack can i say i am an OG ive been here since 4k subs.

[@blackpurple9163]

Hey I got a question, what kind of shoes are best suited for these skateboards? I'm just curious, I saw your video about customising the vans and wondered if there are any shoes made specifically for these activities, I once read somewhere that there are skate shoes for those who ride skateboards but haven't found anything useful, how do I choose the shoes?

[@kkkkateful]

It depends on a person. It is known that shoes with thick sole are better while slowing down with your shoe or while you fall from your board and land on your feet on a concrete. But personally I prefer shoes with thin soles because I like to feel my board and its edges and I use my toes while pushing down deck edge to turn even tighter. I feel the flow better while carving in thin shoes. :)

[@ayadal]

Which is better for someone looking to get better at snowboard carving? I’m 1.83m and 88kg. I’m considering the Yow pukas dark and smooth star manta ray.

[@A-n42]

Could you do a review of NKD surfskates?

[@BigDaddyPhillip]

When you got your ghost board did you fully customize it? And if so how long did it take to get to you?

[@concrete-waves]

I didn't customize it, I just ordered one of their already made patterns. Took about 6ish days to get to me

[@finnl77]

Do you think it's a good idea to use the waterborne adapter on a dinghy? I'm 5"6 aswell.

[@giancarlocavicchi3388]

When you pump on them which one take more speed and which one is better for doing like 5km

[@evangrimm1702]

100% this guys gonna have 100k subs by the end of the year

[@bradenperry1216]

Could you review the loaded icarus or vanguard?