What Is Sewa Kroetkov's Setup?

[@sediver3]

hey sewa, if you're reading this: i worked at a CPH Open event a couple years ago where it was my job to collect trash. when the pros were done skating at the spot, everybody left, leaving their trash & bottles all over the spot. i started picking up after them, and while everyone was gone having drinks or partying, you helped me picking up some bottles so we'd get done faster. i didn't ask for it, you were just nice enough to help me out. i will never forget that. hope you will be going strong forver as a skater! cheers mate.

[@edlike]

Thx for sharing, what a good dude.

[@JesusNpals]

so gay.

[@jordanbrorby8494]

@@JesusNpalswhat is wrong with you

[@robertblackmore703]

Great story, thanks for sharing it!

[@vxyz5219]

Damn, that's solid af.

[@ThaARossBoss]

Just when we thought you were out, they pulled you back in!

[@RegardRod8645]

Oh yeah that’s funny. Dudes a manipulator. He never left. “I’m leaving KZbin” Then goes on the 9club. Tells Chris Roberts how “to skate” with his wack setups. Has 3 more videos within a week. Keep getting that KZbin clout Ben. It just be truthful?? Seriously looked up to you Ben. But your full of shit. Oh wait Ben don’t read negative comments Yes men bullshit 7 and a quarter is city consistent with and 8.5. Wow what a joke.

[@sonofyah_chosen1950]

The godfather style

[@TheRealBeachBum]

😂

[@RikRiorik]

Very allegorical.

[@pxsner]

Keep doing this with every skater ever.

[@bendegros]

Working on it 🙂

[@JaGGeR-]

​@@bendegros you absolutely must do one of these with PJ Ladd please.

[@gallowsend]

i like that u said that@@bendegros

[@RollingRodent]

@@bendegros dang, i need pj ladd one, it would be interesting

[@paulsmith2823]

Yeah every top pro

[@stone-snare]

27:53 is one of the best tre flips i've ever seen

[@marshalljohn1175]

Ben Degros... doing the real in depth investigations of a proper board-reporter. The best in the biz, giving you that real-time sk8 info that you need!

[@joelbrandoxo]

I love how Ben points out how the attention to detail that Sewa put into his board. It's a genuine nod and acknowledgement to the fact that Sewa is putting out a product he truly believes in. His years of skating have been his laboratory as much as they are a testament for his passion to pursuing the optimal skating experience, what a wholesome combo. i'm here for it

[@cadenmam3853]

sewa is a rare skater that knows his stuff, pure class.

[@derekmccray9332]

1. Love this style vid Ben. Cool to see what dudes are riding, and your commentary is always spot on. 2. How the hell does he land so solid...like, he stomps everything!! Must've been nice to have a front row seat! 3. Seems like you're relaxed and enjoying life, you deserve it!! 👊

[@bendegros]

Thanks Daryl 🙂

[@coreyr7701]

Glad you're back Ben

[@Rayjay009]

Hell yes, Ben. You went from retired to making the exact videos your core fans want. Proud of you haha ❤️

[@bonksmusic1]

One of my favorite skaters!! He’s always been so articulate about his set up since so long ago in interviews, I would try emulate everything he does! And I would take into account the ratio differences of our height and shoe size.. so for me it would be a 8.25 deck 14.25 blablabla… he’s such a legend

[@robbynaumann439]

Deck Specs: W: 8.125 L: 32.25 ( a hair over according to Dr De Gros, so maybe add .03125 to that?) Nose L: 7.25 Tail L: 6.75 (a little over so maybe add another .03125 or .0625) WB: 14.125 Sewa Specs: Height: 6’1 Shoe Size: 10.5 Trucks: Venture Low 5.25 (8” axle, so that’s what he means about his trucks being .0625” in on each side) 2011 era ventures before the mold change.

[@CGW11]

Ben, glad to see the humble giant Sewa on your channel! Also love when pros mix their setup with older hardware that is out of production.

[@argenslucasfadelpires8997]

It must be surreal to see Sewa walking in person, if the videos are already impressive, imagine live? I can say it's one of the most beautiful flips I've seen in my life, it comes together! Great interview Ben. Congratulations 🛹♥️🇧🇷🔥🔥🔥

[@lukrinhas]

damn Sewa is very knowledgeable about his board and preferences

[@jeffli480]

Sewa lands so perfect you can only hear a single hit between the four wheels on most of his tricks here. I work in music and people usually have to edit their audio for timing to be that perfect in songs haha.

[@kai_san_live]

Appreciated the slow-mo on Sewa's f/s flips as the flick was so fast I almost missed it at actual speed.

[@FirelordRob76]

Sewa is a legend of pop and flatground so it's not surprising that he got to where he is with 7.75s and 7.9s. I remember how light and poppy those skinny boards can be. The only downside was how horrible it felt to cruise around on them which is why I think even Sewa went up in size.

[@WhatNotandWhatHaveYou]

Skated with him at Lafayette skatepark in LA about 12 years ago and dude was always the best. No ego, always took time to speak with groms, very nice and respectful. Sewa is top notch.

[@skateboard446]

As a ledge skater, Sewa’s always really inspired me. His part in “this is not a test” is maybe my favourite of all time

[@Holdycorgy]

I agree having more nose and tail not only makes flicking better but holding slides a lot more fun. Nice meeting you guys!

[@SchwappSchwopp]

Yoo Ben and all the other setup nerds! This video comes at the perfect time to announce that for the past weeks and months I've been working on a website where I've been collecting all the pro setups I can get my hands on. As I told you when you "quit" Ben, I really wanted to start working on my own skateboarding related content and I'm on it! You and Adriano have been very influential in that. The website is not yet available, but it will be in a few weeks! Thanks for showing us Sewa's setup, I didn't reach out to him yet, but I will include it on my website, too :)

[@basedvisa]

where can we find the site?

[@SchwappSchwopp]

@@basedvisa sorry dude, I didn’t manage to complete it yet, my workflow was interupted a few months later.. but I do have a lot of setups listed, what do you need to know?✌🏻

[@emilmilanov6997]

Beautiful! You are doing pretty well for a retired “KZbinr”. I’m hoping for more set-up reviews with the pros. No pressure 🙂 Something I missed was you riding Sewa’s board, doing some tricks, and getting your thoughts on it. Sewa and you have relatively similar setups, so it would also be nice to see Sewa ride your board.

[@wombatonsteroids]

First time I've really heard Sewa in an interview or talk much - Seems like a really chill and well spoken guy, and was interesting to hear him talk about his setup. Very close to Ben's I think! Close to an 8", with the Venture lows and 50/51mm and 14" wheelbase.

[@Dudderlyful]

Really interesting and actually confirmed where I'd naturally arrived with my board setup over the last 25 years. I think the eye just sees it 😊

[@gabriellaforce2041]

Realy interesting this difference between the old and new Venture. I had noticed the difference but never feel something different! Glad to hear all the details about the Sewa setup ! I always thought that he deserved better sponsors! Another good one Ben!

[@Robert-nf7lo]

Please just keep posting this sort of content on your own time. You definitely have a loyal follower out of me... Perfect for educating skaters and for letting the industry know what people want. Thank you Sewa for making me fall in love with flat ground. Venture Low beast pop.

[@johnqualls5990]

What I like about your channel is the info. Board size has a lot to do with how you’re body is built. We can adapt to everything, but comfort is everything as well.

[@robertchase8504]

Cool to see and hear Sewa. I could actually feel his wheels stomping the pavement! Thanks Ben

[@MrEp5]

Always loved the steez. So effortlessly. And that tre, its like he jumps and crouches up into the air to meet it.

[@robolinoschmidt8676]

I still don’t understand why he’s without a deck sponsor or why he hasn’t created his own company.

[@dylanhart4930]

So crisp and so much pop. Every trick. And the style.

[@EPSGplayer]

Sewa is just natural raw God given talent. Nobody will ever Treflip like him because it’s only unique to his specific genetic makeup.

[@posivibes6351]

I’ve come to realization KZbin needs you Ben. We need you bro. I try to watch deck reviews. And if anybody other than you makes it, it goes like this.!” I bought it cause it was red. It’s a really good deck I like it, it feels better than my last deck. Not really sure why. Ummm here’s a pop Shuv. Wow even my shuv are shuvier on this deck.

[@johndenton4008]

Hey Ben. I met you outside Richmond Hospital last year. I am still a fan. Must have been thrilling to be able to see this man skate in person!

[@mutatedgenome]

One of the snappiest pops I've seen. 💪

[@galvanizedgnome]

You talking about Ben

[@lowkeyk336s9]

(For what it's worth) I worked in a skate shop through the early/mid 2000's and we went through a period where Indy trucks were having major issues with their axels bending, and Venture king pins were snapping at an insanely high rate.. I got put off them and only skate Thunders these days.. Love the F4's and DLX decks too.. Cheers for the content 🙏

[@DandyHippo]

Try ace with bones medium. Best, fun, surfy turn.

[@doggosupremme]

I love seeing casual park footage of a guy like Sewa, it really puts into perspective how good some of these guys are at skating. It's also funny learning about what sizes benefit different people. Sewa is a massive fella and skates what I view as a tiny board and it works for him, meanwhile I'm short and I've been skating an 8.5 for 7 years and even trying a smaller wheelbase (14") has thrown a wrench into my skating 😂

[@FrackaLacka]

The venture lows definitely extend out that wheelbase and make it more stable so that makes sense, a 14” wheelbase with like ace classics would be insane for him I bet 💀

[@mateusds909]

Thanks Ben! You are getting me through the snowy winter.

[@0tetrahedral0]

Glad to see content again; I hope it keeps going with no pressure, at your own pace.

[@deroelige]

For me there is such a different and really nice way when pros are captured “normally” by the camera in a local Skatepark. This shows how good these skaters really are. P Rod did the same thing a few weeks ago with Chris Cole. To see these Skaters at those places is insane. Like completely crazy. It's raw footage. 100% authentic. Love it so much.

[@_freedumb]

These kind of vids are great, like a short technical Nine Club, love it!

[@zacherynoland8395]

I love this, Seva has been one of my favorites for a long time. Thank you!

[@sms7395]

Another great vid. I love getting into the technical aspects of setups and hearing why you and pros have or have not settled in on specific features/measurements.

[@alanalso]

Great breakdown. Skating at the end is just too good.

[@d_trick89]

The madness is real. I have size 10 shoes so I feel like I should ride something bigger than 8, but I’m also 5’8” then you have to consider the WB, my head is spinning lol. Thank you for the content and your time Ben!

[@TheGhostOfFredZeppelin]

Sewa has one of the most solid fs flips in skateboarding

[@zibel5007]

Sewa is a machine. I remember Nigel did a lot of similar video, but you're really getting deep into specs and that's a different story. Keep 'em coming whenever you have an opportunity to film with a pro, that's a great content! BTW (since it's a video with Sewa) your name in Russian letters would look like БЕН ДЕГРО.

[@MikaelFlyer]

Love how Ben schools the pros, his knowledge is like professor Schmitt!

[@thatdude2939]

this video was beautiful; the conversation, the analysis, the passion...

[@jasonharris5201]

Yes, I appreciated that very much. Sewa is an absolute beast, Tiago pop with a Dillon Jabe smoothness.

[@FredvanSchie]

Love Sewa! You guys are both so into all these specs, perfect match.

[@h1r1]

that was great. lovin all the additional details like the height and shoe size.

[@maartenderyck1]

love these new videos, sewa is such a great dude, used to see him around at the és game of skate contests

[@maga_skater4207]

Im really enjoying the special guests on the channel lately.. keep it up man.. maybe we can get a deep dive with other pros in the near future..

[@WhyBecause.]

Thanks man! You're doing a really good job breaking it all down for those who want to get more in depth and make adjustments! I don't care too much about the tiny details of my board setup - indies, spitfires, med concave and bones redz does it all for me, I'm only a little picky about my board, but I really wish someone did such series for snowboarders since gear is much more crucial to achieve certain things in freestyle!

[@hoangtran0901]

really enjoyed you guys chatting, so insightful and relaxing! please keep doing this, thank you.

[@dumbwaller]

I really want to try his grip now! Especially because i ride a 9 most of the time. Also Ben, if you come down when we start the house project, I'll give you a couple sets of Indy bearings. They're all ive ridden for a decade.😁

[@bendegros]

Never would have guessed Indy bearings would be worth their salt

[@SkaterPoopyPants]

That tre flip was astronomical 🤯and awesome video as always ben getting surprised with a new video is a great feeling

[@adamf386]

These setup reviews are awesome Ben! Love Sewa too. This was a much appreciated collab.

[@turnert2005]

Love this dude, one of my favorite styles for sure!

[@smeegain3657]

The clips are so good. I really like Sewas style.

[@Walloflce]

totally dig the addition to the "what size shoe do you wear?" question! I have always wondered the shoe size/board size comparison for most of my favorite skaters.

[@BitesTheDusto]

Those frontside flips are incredible.

[@haaake]

Love these videos hope you are able to keep doing more with every pro you come across.

[@bendegros]

I hope so too!

[@StephenWolff-kf2hj]

I love this content. Been skating for over 20 years but it’s awesome to hear this information and it is helping me better understand and dial in to my preferences

[@PaintGuy]

Don’t know why it took so long to find your channel but I’m glad I did. Great skate content!

[@johnm3946]

Thanks for thinking about us, it always shocks me that millimeters can make such a difference to a set up.

[@6to8john]

Stoked to wake up and see this video Ben. Thank you!!!!

[@aidenli1123]

Kinda start loving this content lately, more interesting vids about pro setups and deep info about what they ride and what they think about gears and stuff. Keep going Ben you’re the best ❤❤

[@NYRAD02]

Another amazing video as always ❤ So stoked to see you back ! Wishing you and the family all the best for the new year sending you love and best wishes ❤️🛹🤘🏻🇿🇦

[@m1kesoul]

Dude thank you Ben for sharing these awesome videos. I had to rewind that switch kick flip back tail a few times so sick!

[@JackCalvinRoss]

Loving these types of videos! So cool to see what the pros are skating and those tre flips have me searching ebay for old venture lows lol. Glad you're back Ben :)

[@bendegros]

If only the secret was the trucks😂

[@JackCalvinRoss]

Hahaha hey a man can dream!! @@bendegros

[@karlalden2076]

Love this format. I'd love to see, I know this is a big one, exactly daewons reasoning to the almost falling apart trucks.

[@JaGGeR-]

Daewon has explained it many times look it up

[@worminator15]

Damn that LA trip was really worth it! Love these collabs

[@DMoney505]

Hell yeah Ben! Sewa is legit! Every trick he does is just textbook and the pop he gets with every flip trick is crazy!!! Dope to get the inside Scoop on pros setups!!!

[@AbdulAyibetu]

Thank you for the good information. Both of you have great styles

[@scottmcpherson1302]

This was excellent! Please do more of these.

[@ronniecreager2585]

Nice boards on the wall there! I got those two Carrolls as well hahaha

[@bernitup6492]

In my old hometown Long Beach. Miss that park. Used to do tricks off that drop that music festivals were held.

[@onikrux]

So glad to see a new skate-relative upload, Ben. Glad you're not all the way out. 🤝

[@keganaplus1932]

I love seeing the pro setup reviews

[@i_have_a_coat]

just found your vids yesterday so pleasant surprise for a new one, and a new one with sewa at that.

[@bendegros]

Welcome!

[@Surge44]

all i know is i cant always find the exact same size board when buying a freshie, and some board are so much better to ride then others, like night and day difference. Thanks for your insight on the channel, now I get close as possible size boards when getting a new one.

[@EDDIEM0NS00N]

I'm 5ft 6, & the old 14 wb is ideal for me, but for a long time in the late 90s they were 14.25, then finally dropped to 14, & that is when I realised that my skating improved massively due to a quicker response. Before that moment a lot of decks felt heavy & a lot of effort to throw around. But by the mid 2000s most wb's back to 14.25 so I had lot of trouble with decks again. Even now I fond most decks out the are a standard issue 14.25 so it does get difficult. A longer nose n tail is always my preffered too - less toe drag or foot flapping when popping into nose n tail slides, despite making it longer if I have a 14 wb with the longer nose n tail it still feels light & poppy & responsive.

[@Robert-nf7lo]

As a taller skater, I have found that this exact mold I need for a quicker board feel but with the stability of an 8.5. Particularly if I want to have a heavier truck like an Indy mid. I had an April like this about a year ago in 8.5 and loved it but wanted something a bit narrower to get a bit more tech. Very hard to find. The nose and tail specs you mentions are music to my ears and at 8.25 would be a great scaled down easier to flip ledge destroyer.

[@aliveanew2272]

Sewa has the best flip tricks in skateboarding, IMO. Specifically his front side flips. I've never been a fan of the muska flip, to me Sewa's are the "proper" way to do it. The way the board just snaps up into his feet is so cool. Big fan lol

[@dantedorado2609]

This stuff is fascinating. Cheers, Ben. A deeper dive into board shapes would be interesting for me... Andy Anderson is a good example of someone who wants a squarer tail. I've just got back into skating after at least a 15 year break, and my current Plan B popsicle has quite a rounded tail which is making ollies a bit unstable/slightly rotated. Considering moving to a shaped deck with a more squared off tail but wondering whether that will actually make a difference, or if I just need to practice more 🙂

[@Q4nt]

thank you ! the more videos I watch the more madness I get... but I like it !

[@nickmccollum1196]

I was on your carpenter channel getting some caulking tips and was curious whether you were still making skate vids. I hop over here and you're interviewing Sewa! Pretty wild haha!

[@josemariapradaarnedo4315]

Please keep doing this setups videos but include the shoes if you can! Regards from Spain

[@ibookboyuk]

Yeah this is a really good video. Very interesting looking in depth at setups. I love setup videos.

[@kitcatski]

I'm a griptape snob for sure. Been loving pepper grip, going to have to try alveer

[@dutchmcfadyen5867]

Independent bearings are actually pretty dang good❤ Like he said they spin they feel fine and they last a good while. They have the GPB which has shields on both sides and the GPR which has a shield just on the one side. Definitely worth the 💰

[@danmigno]

cool clip well done, yeah Sewa is amazing and he has been since day 1..just one of the best to ever do it peoples who know knows omg its very very impressive

[@reza_dc2]

I want Sewa's hat.. On and off the board , he's in my top 5 skaters right now. Clean ass style.. It's cool seeing you in LA .. Next time you come to california , please stop by the Tustin Legacy skatepark.

[@incsk8]

Love this, a great way to reinvent your channel father Benjamin. Must be nice to have access to a custom made board, I spent an awful amlunt of money and time to find my perfect board buy I made it ^^

[@GofUrselv]

Thanks for posting Ben. You are the best.

[@EDDIEM0NS00N]

On the trucks side of thing's re: Venture, I rode them back in the mid 90s (Featherlights) but the baseplate kept breaking due to them having too much meat carved out. The last set I broke from a height & the blaseplate actually broke & bent away from itself, so I stopped riding them completely. I remember some guys having problems with the kingpin being loose & rattling in the baseplate. It would literally fall out if you took the truck loose. I bought set again just recently when they were on sale, & the changes theyve made have been huge interms of quality. More meat in the right places in the baseplate & a better finish too. The only gripe I ha e is that it knocks my wb out a lot compared to Indys,but I may have to find a solution to that by altering the baseplate 😉

[@RikRiorik]

First with your own setup on the Nine Club and now Sewa’s. Those 8.125s with Venture Lows are looking tasty. I’d love to try the more Sewaish setup although I currently have a Bennyish Zero 8.125” that is the shorter variant (although the wheel base is 14.25”).