Small Wheels vs Big Wheels

[@thesigmaworkshop]

I remember 20 years ago you said to me "I wanna *do something* with my skateboarding." Well you're doin it and doin and doin it well. Thank you for producing a wholesome, enjoyable channel.

[@yoitsme9353]

bro never replied to you💀

[@Inexpressable]

@@yoitsme9353 bro who cares, negative nancy

[@darklight4815]

​@@yoitsme9353 bro 💀💀💀

[@DanZhukovin]

I'm still waiting for him to do something

[@Andrewtate872]

@@yoitsme9353nah😂💀

[@bryanz9359]

guess who’s back Back again Ben is back Tell a friend!

[@ObesetoBeast]

So good to see you so soon man!

[@berran3459]

You actually skate man? or just interested :/ seen you on gifteds videos too :D

[@connellquercia]

Ben Degros the Bob Ross of skating youtubers

[@versnellingspookie]

This is by far the best description of this channel that i've ever heard 😎🤙🏻

[@gftvskate2425]

An honest Analogy. Most honest factual dude on the tube 🚇

[@fingermyboard444]

there's nothing i like more on youtube than long format videos getting straight to the point from the start! huge sign of respect for the audience, you're awesome man

[@Bench_mark_113]

Loving the Canadian graffiti. “Clean ur trash” “recycle” Ps ben your “injury” tricks are so good to help me see the basics to help me improve my tricks.

[@angry_zergling]

lol Canadian graffiti. That's a funny concept. Imagine getting caught tagging and the cops see you were writing a wholesome and positive message. 'Respect your elders,' 'drink your milk,' 'eat your vegetables', 'stay in school' xD

[@AuddityHipHop]

@@angry_zergling lmao bruh im canadian, i tag occasionally and its literally shit like that no joke.

[@g3attack]

I'm 52 and just went Skateboard Crazy. I've bought 6 boards in less than a month's time. I grew up on the 10 inch boards. I'm 6ft 240lbs so I feel like a Gorilla on a tricycle on 8 inch boards. I hate the sound the smaller hard wheels make and they feel so slow!!! Great Video!

[@JesusChrist_IsTruth-LoveForALL]

Dang! 6 boards in a month! Woooo!!! 👏🏼🥳👏🏼

[@TheFrequenzT]

The park is perfect environment for the small wheels, smooth with small distances, don‘t have to push much or speed up for anything. a small transition and curb, just what they are good for. But leave the park and it’s over. The big wheels will be comfortable two pushes fast or more. Stability on fast ollies and tricks is way beyond. Also they are not intended for flat little parks

[@Ezzeenow]

Kinda cool that you can have a different take on a wheel with another rider. So many variables with skateboarding. Never gets boring.

[@nycproductions8238]

Saw the thumbnail and I clicked. Then realized it was the Vancouver Carpenter! Watched a ton of videos renovating my garage this past month. I guess I missed the ones mentioning you skate!

[@thanhson7261]

I’ve switched to a bigger wheel recently, my first impression was that I could go further with a few pushes, and also it made me pop higher when i did 50-50. In conclusion, it was a great decision.

[@SUB0SCORION]

I love how fast they are. So easy to fall in love with the speed.

[@TaylorPhase]

slower acceleration and flip tricks will suffer. more wheel bite too

[@thanhson7261]

PhaseSkater you won't get wheel bite if you tighten your truck more :D

[@zackarychristian9489]

@@TaylorPhase slower acceleration is preferable compared to the complete lack of keeping speed. The only downside is the flip tricks

[@TaylorPhase]

@@zackarychristian9489 worse flip tricks and more “ ghost pop”

[@jregulatori4672]

Currently riding the same 42mm wheels but in white. I got back into skating and wanted to set up my board like it was in the 90s. Purple stained 8" blank, Thunders, and 42mm wheels. I love this setup. The Thunders are the titanium version so pretty sure my setup with the tiny wheels is one of the lightest possible. Sometimes it's hard not to over rotate on flips.

[@etimezz]

I'm 30 and re-learning to skate. Found your channel today and love it!

[@coltoneff]

Recently salvaged some super tiny wheels (maybe 48mm?) from a found junk board. As someone who is still a beginner (~1 year) I found them to be great for first attempts at new tricks. Being low to the ground feels much safer, and the slower roll seems to reduce the likelihood of slipping out or doing the splits if I miss the landing. It also enhances the "toy" feeling, it's more of a balance board than a vehicle. Looking forward to the day when I have the board control to skate in the street with tiny wheels, but NYC streets seem like they require 54mm or larger. As much as I would like to stick to 1 setup, it's just more fun to have weirder options, especially if I'm just salvaging old parts as opposed to buying them.

[@jonathanginofilippi]

Soft wheels make the difference for rolling on rough ground. Even 54mm soft wheels, lik ricta clouds, will roll 10 times easier than hard. 58mm is usually largest for modern street skating. Great cruiser wheels are buterballs

[@saulgood2548]

I’m currently riding 60mm 90a Rat Bones. Never knew they made 97a in Rat Bones. Glad to see that you’re back.

[@idmhead0160]

Yeah, they had harder ones back in the 80s. For some reason, Powell just makes the reissues as 90A. I just ordered some Rat Bones this evening before seeing this video. Powell makes G Bones in 97A. And Mini Cubics in 95A.

[@fitch9782]

60mm 97a slimeballs, on ace classics which are essential. indy is too steep for this setup.

[@saulgood2548]

@@idmhead0160 I like the hardness of the Cube’s but not the look of them.

[@idmhead0160]

@@saulgood2548 Yeah, they look too wide. They are a pretty ancient wheel design. I think it might even date back into the late 70s.

[@saulgood2548]

@@idmhead0160 Definitely early design. Rat Bones shape are just right. Next deck I get I’m putting G Bones on them with Indy 159 titanium with hollow 159 base plates because those plates only fit 10 inch decks. Not a fan of the popsicle shape. They serve there purpose but not for me. Strictly vert and pools.

[@bobther0bot]

I been riding a lot of 58 and 60 wheels. Gotta keep Matt Reason's memory alive

[@bendegros]

YES! The Reason!

[@asmokanu]

Nice to see you 👍 I prefer 56-58 (on 9inch decks and trucks) for pump-tracks and bowls, and cruising the streets is much more fun on a big setup. But learning ollies and flip tricks is easier with 52-53mm (on a smaller board).

[@edo-j1784]

I started skating in about 1987, so it was big wheels all the way....stopped in about 92 and that is when the smaller wheels were just starting to become more mainstream....fast forward to 2021, I started skating again (at 48 lol) and the smallest wheels I can use are 60mm on an 8.5 deck and at first they felt small!! While I change hardness depending on skate conditions, my wheel size stays at 60mm and I have finally adjusted to them. Thanks for the video Ben and feel better!

[@alittlecrinkley232]

Good to see you again, back in the 90s we used to lathe old 80s bones down to 40mm, what were we thinking! oh and the baggy pants..

[@nicom8535]

I watch this dude doing nonstop drywalling videos and here he is shredding-the-gnar on the low

[@frAgileCS]

as someone who rides 54s you saying your first wheels were 39s has me genuinely flabbergasted. youd wipe out on the texture of smooth concrete with wheels that small lmao

[@rulehardgarage9740]

Ive moved away from my popsicle and started skating my shaped deck more and more. I'm on a Welcome Darklord 9.75 with Indy 169s. 1/4 risers belt better for me so I ended up with 58mm wheels and it's like the gnarliest monster truck street deck ever.

[@nickhem12]

I’ve got a deck that’s on the way out and I want to mess around with a setup like this. I skate a lot of ledges and curbs though so prolly just gonna go way faster lol.

[@pjchmiel]

Love your carpentry videos and your skate videos. I started skating in 1990 myself and had 39mm wheels that were worn down within a millimeter of the bearings in 1992-3, though I started on 60mm Cockroach wheels and worked my way down over the years, and then back up after that.

[@cmbodayle]

Great video and good to see you back. One thing I wanted to add is that 60mm wheels really help when it comes to skating transition, especially bigger transition like vert ramps or large pools, where you need the extra speed to gain momentum for airs or transfers. Without a 60mm wheel, it’s going to be hard to generate enough speed to get up a vert wall, especially enough speed for getting above the coping. Harder 60mm+ wheels are especially good for concrete parts, and in Philly a lot of the FDR regulars swear by 103+ duro 60mm+ wheels. I personally have two setups, one with 54-56mm for street, and another with 60mm for transition.

[@ThisOldSkater]

The last wheels I skated in the 80's were Phillips 66s. Coming down to a 52-53 and going to a popsicle at the same time in the early 2000's was was almost like learning to skate all over again!

[@gunggeumcat]

For people like me who live in a country with a small skateboard culture, you are the best!

[@idmhead0160]

Thanks for making this one Ben. I'm glad to see that you're back and that you're knee is starting to feel better. I skated back in the 80s and started up again a year or so ago and have been watching your channel. I was hoping you would do a video on big wheels at some point. When I started up again, I started with 53mm Mini Logo A Cuts. I have tried the following wheels since then: Mini Logo A Cut 53mm 101A, Mini Logo A Cut 55mm 90A, Mini Logo A Cut 58mm 90A, Bones STF 53mm v3 103A, Mini Logo AWOL 80A in 55mm, 59mm, and 63mm, Powell Peralta G Bones 64mm 97A. I've mainly been just carving around, doing manuals, and straight ollies on rough asphalt. What I have learned is that I absolutely hate the small wheels that are currently being used and became popular after I quit around 1990. They are extremely slow. My current favorite wheels for cruising are the AWOL 80A 63mms. It is a night and day difference speed-wise on those wheels compared to 53mm Bones or Mini Logo A Cut. They are dramatically faster and just way funner for cruising around. I think the width of the wheel makes a big difference too, speed-wise. For example, I found that the 59mm AWOLs are much faster than 58mm A Cuts. The AWOLs are like 44mm wide, about double the width of the A Cuts. I figured the narrower wheels would have less rolling resistance and would be faster, but, that wasn't the case. Also, I found that the AWOLs are way faster than the 64mm G Bones 97A. I think the soft wheels absorb the vibration better and let the bearings roll faster. I'm using Mini Logo bearings which I like. They are awesome with the AWOLs. Way fast. And I've been thinking there isn't really any need for expensive bearings, not with soft wheels anyway. Maybe it would make a difference for hard wheels. I'm glad to see that Adriano was killing it with the big wheels. It give me hope. I'm not doing many tricks at this point, but, I'm hoping to add some as I get better. Maybe if all I did was skate really smooth park cement, I wouldn't mind the small wheels, but, I absolutely hate them on rough asphalt, or just asphalt in general. They are extremely slow. And actually, I just order some 90A Rat Bones before I saw your video. I'm hoping they are faster than the 97A G Bones, but, slide better than the AWOLs. If so, maybe that will be my new favorite wheel.

[@palleh7742]

I also has been experimenting to get my cruiser board as fast as possible on asfalt with different wheel sizes, durameter and of course bearings. I have been trying Ricta clouds crone 78a 56mm with Bronson G3 pretty fast,and also have Ricta clouds 78a 60mm and slime balls 78a 66mm. They are good wheels all three of them for a cruiser,I will try some bones Swiss ceramic and Bronson ceramic to see how fast I can go then.I feel some times 78a could be a little to soft for my asfalt,maybe 80 or 82 would go even faster. I have to try the bones raw rider 60mm 80a as well.🤘😉

[@idmhead0160]

@@palleh7742 Have you noticed a difference with different bearings in the same wheel. I'm just using cheap Mini Logo bearings, but, they work great. Personally, I think wheels make a much bigger difference, but, I've only skated Mini Logo bearings, so, I can't confirm. Hard wheels are much slower than soft ones. Don't know if I had better bearings if things would improve any.

[@palleh7742]

@@idmhead0160I didn't understand how much the bearings could effect the speed and feeling until I bought some Bronson G3,it was at the skatepark and I had them on my son's board that had Ricta clouds crome 56mm with 78a. They shouldn't be that fast with soft 78a in a skatepark but it really was like riding on "clouds"😉 rolled forever! Today I couldn't resist a good deal on Bronson ceramics which made me order a set,will be super interested to se how they roll and feels. I don't know if you know but on smooth surface like hard concrete you get,the most speed on hard wheels like 101a.🤘😏

[@idmhead0160]

@@palleh7742 Yeah, I think I've heard that. Haven't be able to test it though as I'm pretty much only riding on asphalt of varying degrees of roughness. I found soft and big to be dramatically faster on that. Have you used Mini Logo bearings? If so, I'm curious to know how they compare to the other ones you've tried.

[@palleh7742]

@@idmhead0160 Hi I haven't tried mini logo bearings,but what I have heard are they pretty decent for being a low priced bearing.Some say they nearly as good as bones Reds,the new batches has been a little improved. I would say try some Bronson G3 or Bronson Raw I you are on a budget.

[@Mafon2]

The cam guy tricks so naturally on the big wheels :chef's kiss.

[@quebee4695]

You said 55 is the sweet spot for big wheels and I couldn’t agree more!!Once they ride down to 54-53 they’re amazing, especially Spitfires. - Great vid Ben loved the energy in this!

[@LeSkateWA]

I was like wtf, doesnt he do drywall videos. Thats cool you skate too. You helped me with flushing skills while renovating my house.

[@chriswebb5736]

Love this comparison and interesting to see how both of you prefer different wheels. In '88 I was skating 66mm Santa Cruz Bullets in the street. Ridiculous I know, but adpated my ollie to it. Was fast and actually kind of great for launch ramps...yeah, the 80s.

[@sethallison5682]

We rocked big wheels in the late 90’s early 00’s after the tiny wheel era ended. At least me and my friends did. I remember rocking a 7.5 deck with riser pads and 58mm Powell mini logos for a while.

[@irishdeth1336]

Omfg dude became the mr. Rodgers of skateboardings neighborhood with that intro. No disrespect ment that stuff was dope.

[@theequasian3823]

Crazy!!! I remember watching KOTR and they did a 90s challenge and they had Mike Carroll come out. They had a setup with 42 mm and he said, "wow i used to think 42mm wheels were too big." So crazy to think how skateboarding evolved!

[@waynebarnette1435]

I just got the Boardy cake 39s and 42s Best wheels for that 90s feel 😎

[@sidwellsk8er]

When the wheels got huge again I went up slowly from 52 or so to 54, 55, 57 and then stopped at 58. Went back down to 57 and those seemed good. As they went back down I was slow again so 55,56 and so on, I stopped at 51 and went back up to 52 and stayed there pretty much for life. I guess to me is if done gradually you can get used to almost anything until you start taking it too far.

[@adrianbaguley32]

Just found your channel over the last few days and watching as many as I can. Very informative with the fu attitude You have in the later videos . I have a Few more years on you at 45 but no kids so I think that makes us even.I’m only 2% of your level but having so much fun learning while scared shitless doing a pop shove it. Landed my first one today. Stoked Thanks for your hard work and info Cheers mate

[@jayarling9470]

Ben Degros is a bastion for wholesomeness and intellectual honesty

[@luisfalcon922]

Hell yeah , another video by Ben , I gain so much insight i swear

[@jackspencer2903]

Happy to see a new video, hope the knee is making a good recovery!

[@trevychase]

Engineer in me cannot help but to point this out...mil is a thousandth of an inch not a mm. It messes us up all the time in my job...stupid imperial. Love your videos Ben, you've even helped me with DIY drywall!

[@tayhut]

The Vancouver carpenter...mind blown...

[@mr.e8561]

1 benefit missed was less wheelbite on a 7.5 deck with low trucks ( everyone was skating low Ventures then). I tried 48mm/72a golie inline wheels. They wore down FAST but they were SUPER smooth w/good bearings. It fad explosive pop! Thanks for risking yourself for this, it's super rad to have you back, if only every now & then. Oh, truck comparison vid maybe( low vs. high for high speed stability, like down hill)? P.S...Please be careful.

[@sixter4157]

Back in the days of 10" boards my favorite wheels was the Bullet 66. I still have my first board a skinny Bahne with Cadillac Hot Lips wheels.

[@fatdadskatesbad]

Laid up after the hospital stole my appendix and this was the last video I was expecting to see!!! Glad your back man!!

[@rickysavage9328]

It’s been raining so much lately in Vancouver I’m deprived of skating.. good to see you were able to get a sesh in before that

[@gftvskate2425]

Never realized that the bigger wheels made the board more unleveled. All the factors are accounted for. You are a damn scientist. 55mm it is 🥂

[@gftvskate2425]

Unleveled when locking in on grinds that is.*

[@tylergates772]

Best skateboard channel by far.

[@SkinnySkates]

For my first real board, I let the guy at the shop practically build my setup, thinking he knew more than me. A 7.5" Bootleg deck, Silver low trucks, 58mm Spitfires and Bones Reds. He got the bearings right. I had to ride the trucks so tight to prevent wheel bite that I replaced the bushings with steel washers. It took me a day or two to adjust once I got on an 8" deck, Thunder mid trucks, and 52 mm wheels.

[@j.r.goepper9789]

Totally been looking forward to a new video!! Idk if you remember talking to me thru comments on one of your older videos but I did end up getting a board and skating. Since then I’ve been hoarding shoes and skate stuff lol. I got 2 new decks ready to be set up and a few pair of shoes ready to be destroyed. Sigh…….life’s good 😎

[@user-sw1wq8lh2w]

I remember someone quoting the 90s as being the era of skaters with "big pants, tiny wheels, bad attitude"

[@Nemoticon]

I used to skate smalls and took a chopped down broom with me on a session... so I could sweep the area free of pebbles before I'd start xD

[@johneapleseed6876]

I'm a big wheel dude too. I been through all the wheel changes from 83- current. The smallest wheel I've ever bought was 48mm real lowriders. I had world boards around this time. I was stoked when bigger wheels became available again. I'm best from 50-58 mm Flag you're feeling a bit better Ben

[@DOODOOBUTT_]

55 or 56 mm for me. Right in the middle just have to pop a little harder sometimes. Also the 97a F4 spitfires are the greatest wheels ever poured

[@stevensepic.]

Yo I see that you ride ventures. How are they with bigger wheels like 54-56? I’m afraid they wont turn enough and get a lot of wheelbite

[@XEN-ZOMBIE]

I think a good summary for this ep would have been; If you are unsure or just curious if you would prefer big or small wheels, get a set of small wheels and a set of big wheels. Give both of em a good skate and see which feels better. I think I like it in between. On the larger side but still small for alot of people.

[@TheMr32hunter]

that little clip with Ben was great, you should maybe think of posting some interviews I'd love to see the full clip of that or a career retrospective with him.

[@kikflip416]

Woooow Ben I was so happy to see this video pop in my subscriptions. It's so good to be see you on the board and having fun! Thanks for the awesome video

[@johnm3946]

It's funny how the Real smalls came in six packs, keeping small wheels even weirder. In 1990 lil' smokies were 53.5 mm, the perfect size for me. Fun facts!

[@wagesofsin623]

I had some plan b 38mm joints back in 93. My buddy had similar ones that were multi colored and came in a cereal box. Pushing was difficult lol.

[@brandyjaroo8947]

58 og classics are hitting so good rn 😩

[@wesleynourse8528]

Hey 👋 what’s up Ben shot out ! From fountain hills AZ been watching your channel the last couple weeks your videos have helped me a lot in the process of tuning my set up. So I do an experiment with Diamond 💎 brand hardware~ weighing each one on a digital scale in GRAMS here are the results for each of the following specific models : Gustavo: 46g Mariano: 46g Pudwell: 40g and just for fun the heavyweight O’Neal hardware : a HEFTY 47g Thanks for all you do bro ! BLESSINGS 😎 🌞

[@fiore_adriano]

This was a fun video! I'm still shocked how sketchy the little wheels felt. 😂

[@piotrjurczyk1306]

Decided to make a early 90s setup and went with polar football shape board with boardy cakes 42mm. I have to say I like the setup a lot. I have 2 more sets of 42’s.

[@prestonbushman4790]

Where did you get 42 mm? I’ve been looking around and can’t find any :(

[@piotrjurczyk1306]

@@prestonbushman4790 board cakes sells them on their site. There is a skate shop/art supply store that carries them in Philadelphia if you’re around that area.

[@prestonbushman4790]

@@piotrjurczyk1306 ok thanks so much! I’ll check them out

[@piotrjurczyk1306]

@preston bushman There is another company that does small wheels as well but only one size. The company is sml wheels

[@michaelzieschang7339]

Yeah! Hes back! Crazy that we used to skate those tiny wheels in early 90's..spitfire grapes🍇, spitfire cherries🍒

[@superjtrdr]

After years of using 54mm wheels and 149 independent, I switched the 53mm and 144 independent. I still use an 8.25 board. It changes the fun. My original setup made me feel like I was just along for the ride at times. Now I feel like I am in control of everything I do. I don't want to say what's better but I seem to be having more fun. Also, I feel like I am getting a better workout.

[@CRYPTfromCATACOMBZ]

For 8.25 u should have 144 indys... Ain't 147,9 too oversized over the sides of deck?

[@superjtrdr]

@@CRYPTfromCATACOMBZ I meant to say 144s. I don't even think independent has a 147

[@superjtrdr]

@@CRYPTfromCATACOMBZ its my 3rd day with this setup. Love it

[@idmhead0160]

@@CRYPTfromCATACOMBZ No, it only sticks out a quarter inch on each side. Barely noticeable and if you look at Independent's sizing chart on their website, they say it's fine, and it is.

[@gwupxd]

What wheels you got? and do you prefer 53 over 54?

[@Oldmonstrosityshop]

It’s amazing how quickly you build up muscle memory on a board set up which is probably why you felt your wheels touch on the rock and roll. Once upon a time I had 60mm wheels on 126s and a 7”5/8 board 😂.

[@ElderSkates]

Good to see you feeling better and back on the board sir!

[@rmhfpv9225]

You're BACK! Please keep making skate videos. You're one of the best. just look at any FB poll asking for skate channels.

[@y2keefus]

i tore 2 meniscus so far. the first they partially removed, and after some intense rehab i was doing amazingly well. that happened at 30. now, at 38 i feel like i tore one in the other leg. i get the EXACT same feeling of pain that i got from the previous one, but it just isn't as bad. you learn to live with it, and you just have to deal with the times when it's hurting and take advantage when it's good. the doctor performed the surgery on me told me that men who did athletics their entire life will all have meniscus issues, so it's very common. it seems like every once in a while the torn part just balls up in the knee joint and can hurt really bad, but it wiggles its way back out eventually and all is back to normal until it happens again.

[@lukesole7203]

Excellent job 👏 👍 👌 🙌 😀

[@lildump1719]

Just in my head was like I miss Ben then this pops up

[@christopherdavidson8943]

Congrats on getting a shout out on the 9 club

[@iDrummer14]

No way! Which episode?

[@Fandao19]

Which ep?

[@DMoney505]

@@Fandao19 Tj Rogers ep 201

[@atypical_blk_guy]

My right ankle would like to thank you for the two days of constant switch ollies 😂

[@johanlindh]

Your videos are always super informative and interesting to watch and your knowledge and experience are really helpful when I am looking to try new (for me) stuff. Keep up the good work.

[@SKREVR]

My memories of wheels are G&S Bam Bams, Hosoi Rockets, Vision Protons and Neutrons, and the classic Slime Balls

[@dookieshoes66]

Hell yeah Ben! Glad you're back, brother 🤘

[@BeachBumsk8]

Great info.. Can you do an Andy Anderson deck review? Please let us know what you think about the mini for street skating. Not sure if I should buy one or not, thanks

[@plizzle]

That setup at 6:00 is what we here in the south call the Carolina squat.

[@philipandersson4932]

Never seen you smile so much as in this one, guess the nostalgia got you :) Fun video!!

[@maweibezahn]

When I started in 94, I had 38mm wheels. Every little stone was a threat, and everyone was riding very slowly :D

[@AaronFelizmenio]

Hell yeah I didn't expect anything from you in a while! I was pleasantly surprised!

[@codythomas5913]

have you ever talked about Ricta wheels? did i miss that over the years or are you not into them?

[@Anonymous-kr3cj]

Another great in depth review my friend. Thank you I will stick to the radial slim 52s haha 👍

[@namorski]

Psyched you’re on the mend! I grew up in suburban Philly, and got all misty-eyed at the Eastern Exposure mention. I tried riding those Physics Matt Reason’s (63mm) back in ‘96, which resulted in a blown ankle. Never had the muscle ambition for that required stomp 😂

[@androN802001]

Why dont you use spacers in wheels? Or if you use why dont you tight weels as it should - full?

[@thesuperstomper4776]

I’m surprised you’re posting videos. Glad to see you rolling about.

[@manuelalejandrocarvajaldur8592]

For me the perfect Wheels size are 50 mm Now I'm rocking the tensors mag light low and fifties. Low trucks for life.

[@stephenbasu1548]

Great to see ya back 🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@DavidLowry1]

Great vid. Good to see ya back.

[@benwatts6361]

Hell yeah Ben!! Great to see you back!

[@maxochavez5854]

Hell yeah! Stoked to see you again! We need more 🤙🏼🙏🏼

[@shastamcnasty2159]

I skate 56mm conical full f4s for bowls and transition, 52mm f4 classics for tech. I love them both.

[@BonesofGoldSkateboarding]

Thanks for the time stamps my man 👏🏽👋🏽👍🏽 good vid 👌🏾

[@mfscriptz2647]

I remembered you said you were going to repair a pair of dunks a little back and was wondering if you still planned to. Glad your back man.

[@I4k_au]

Man that skatepark looks so good

[@paunchcoorlightly4000]

Glad to see your spirits are up despite the injury. Keep it up Ben :)

[@TheLoobis]

8:11 Look at this old man doing tricks! LOL! I love it!

[@cdock]

Glad you're still pushing around Ben

[@brettmuller4674]

Good to see a vid from you! Hope you get to 100%. Great vid. One thought I seem to have is that the era of when you came into your own style plays heavily into your preference. I own our local skate shop and I have seen how this bias plays out many times. Anyway thanks ben you're awesome

[@shakimmccollum]

Dude I love your channel man. This is like Bill Nye the science guy vibes but for skate theory.

[@PHeMoX]

I mostly hate the difference in height above the ground to be honest (and the ghost pop, although to be honest it is not as much of a mismatch as it is just getting used to a steeper pop. There's still a sweet spot, but it's more relevant to getting levelled out tricks more easily or at all). I am actually not so sure people in the (mid) 90s skated like 60mm wheels as some kind of standard at all. The trend to skate small wheels was very much an early 90s thing actually. Possibly even a late 80s thing, as it is indeed directly related to tricks on flat and everything that started with the ollie. And it took quite a long while before ~52mm became the 'bigger new' standard. Mostly just in how it allowed technical street skating (including rails, ledges etc., without sacrificing too much for flip trickery). People seem to forget street skating didn't stop. All the mid 90s street parts had small wheels in them. Also, with people having better access to mini ramps and skateparks, I'd say the average wheel size might have gone up again now (~54mm?). And yes, I do think this is related to how big half pipes got replaced in past decades (mid to late 90s, early 00s) with skatepark obstacles that are more SLS contest skatepark-like, more hybrid etc.. Most of that happened when vert skating lost most of its popularity (on TV, not saying it ever 'died'), which is probably mid to late 90s. The other trend that goes along with all this is 7.25"-7.75" decks no longer being the standard deck size anymore, but something like 8"-8.25" becoming the new standard. With different decks, you get larger trucks and larger wheels. Quite simple stuff. (And yes, trucks do have hard limits on wheel size. You really can only get away with so much wheelbite before it becomes unskateable. And anything too small won't work either, we've gotten too used to the comfort of skating 'sweetspot' sizes for everything.). Having said all that though, I do think there has always been a difference in what people skated when it comes to vert vs street though, which makes all kinds of sense for the obvious reasons. Pretty sure Tony Hawk never really skated anything smaller than 53mm and prefers something like 60mm. But really only because it just makes most sense in vert. Oh and because it better matched the 9" or 10" decks from the early 90s obviously. Keep in mind how again, a lot coincides with the popsicle shaped decks being introduced around 1989, after which it gained popularity fairly quickly. (One could make a fair point Mullen's World Industries freestyle board from 1990 also contributed to the popsicle shape trend, along with whatever double kick freestyle decks existed around the time or earlier). An important final thing to note is how skating on small wheels has a much higher tolerance for landing sketchy, versus big wheels that would wipe you out instantly. Even on just a nose heavy ollie landing. Only exception to this would be skating on very rough terrain. There's still no way a 60mm wheel would ever be the best choice for street skating though.