Which Aggressive Inline Skates Are Better? Them 908's or USD Aeon 60's?

From the 6th episode of Gear Talk, I compare the Them 908's with the USD Aeon 60's.
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[@jessequijano]

and thats how you know law is legit. bringing you real reviews since sequence mag days even if it means he looses a sale of his own product. nicely done

[@BacktoBlading]

Hah! I just tell it like it is. I think the potential loss in sales will be a small price to pay if we get more people skating awesome skates they love.

[@thearianmandalorian]

i agree, i freakin love my aeons! best ride ive ever had is one those frames. and ive been going at it since i was about 7 years old and im 34 now.

[@rollife]

I just love my Razors Cults 😍 They might be very similar. Plastic, raised heel, ufs, Shell on the slimmer side, very responsive...

[@BacktoBlading]

That's fine, lots of people do. I think there's so many options now that everyone can find their perfect skate.

[@etraproduction]

I took your advice and Got the 60’s and don’t regret it , it’s an amazing skate !

[@BacktoBlading]

Yeah, I think they're perfect!

[@AdamMunoa]

Totally agree! Absolutely love my Aeons but I find myself coming back to my 908's. Was totally shocked at how much I enjoy skating the "Them" boots. I feel like every time I go skating I have to chose between my favorite children. Keep up the great work brud'a!!!

[@BacktoBlading]

It's weird, yeah? Very unexpected. Jon really know how to make a boot!

[@AdamMunoa]

Back to Blading Agreed!

[@tilted8]

This was extremely helpful thank you didn’t know aeons were not ufs!

[@secretdaisy6484]

That was a great review. I learned a lot. I’m a beginner with several different styles of skates that I haven’t been outside on yet but I’m getting there. I’ve learned so much about skates & skating from your review & videos that I’m confident when I can get outside & skate without falling down I’ll know when I need to change skates & what will work well for me. Great resource. Thanks. 👍☮️🌞

[@kchappelle]

Just bought the new hunter green Lomax Aeon 60 and I love them. I also have the Aeon 80 skates and they are fantastic. But I prefer the liner in the lomax better. Just a little firmer. I’m new to aggressive and wanted a little wider gap for rails.

[@epd1584]

Just want to throw out a tip on the THEM size large skate for people that are a true size 11. The large size will be a little big if you are a true 11. I wanted to fill up some space in the skate so I went to Dollar General with my outside the liner insole. I got a pair of Dr Scholls Double Air Pillo insoles( which fit so good it was like they were made for each other) put them in the bottom of the skate with the stock thin as a piece paper insole (NOT IN THE LINER). I went skating and it was a perfect fit! Just wanted to share that because it really worked that well and I did not even have to trim the new insole. $3.50 fix that made the skate even more comfortable with that nice fit with no movement.

[@dillonehrmantraut]

Eric Davis So for people that are true 11 would you recommend getting the medium size?

[@epd1584]

Dillon Ehrmantraut no man I wouldn't that 9-10 shell is gonna be at the opposite end of the spectrum. It's not the length

[@epd1584]

that I had a problem with it was more the height and the free room in the skate but just a couple millimeters more thickness made up that difference where you get a tight fit with no wallowing.

[@dillonehrmantraut]

Eric Davis Okay I was just curious because my foot is about 26-26.5 cm and on them skates instagram they put up a size chart and the medium is like 29 cm but like I have a pair of razors cult creams that are 11’s and they fit perfect but my aeons that are 11’s fit a little big imo

[@epd1584]

Dillon Ehrmantraut cool more to compare. I have aeons size 11 as well and they fit me like a glove I wear a 12 in cult cream skates(which are known to run small). So your foot must be a touch smaller than mine so the 9-10 may work for you

[@stevenmaitland2803]

Plan on doing an update video on this using the 909? Really keen to see your opinion!

[@BacktoBlading]

I did a review of the 909, it’s a great skate. Those first gen 908s were special though

[@jupvan]

I tryed the Aeon, usd carbon 2018 , Seba Cj, usd seven roman abrate and the Them skates. I have wide feet and a high midfood. So the Aeons hurt like hell . They are so hard with no flex for my high midfood. I had the same problem with pressure points with the Seba and the Usd seven. After 4 times of heatmolding the Usd Carbon fits well but they had not the flex i want for a skate . The Them skates just fit perfekt, no pressure point anywhere. Its just like your favorite pair of sneakers , yout put them on and ist like you dont were shoes .

[@BacktoBlading]

Agreed! I don't see how they're so good for the price. Just a perfect fit and perfect soul plate. Very impressed.

[@AndyRipley42]

skateandliberty.tumblr.com/post/150925741068/aeon-mod-the-narrow-boot-issue I did this to my aeons and it helped a good bit. I can deal with slightly narrow width but the volume was an issue.

[@cak0729]

I’m looking for skates especially for wide feet like me. Thanks for this post.

[@anawkwardlifemedia]

My feet was a bit wide for Sways and M12. I wasn't sure if Them 909 would be the right fit for my feet. Thankfully my neverending journey for the perfect skate has finally come up an end. The 909s feels too perfect. Like I've discovered the holy grail😅

[@dantegaytan2614]

Excellent video Lawrence, very knowledgeable and thorough. Makes me want to get a pair of Aeons. Maybe in the near future! Keep it up buddy!!

[@BacktoBlading]

Thanks man. Aeon are great, you gotta try them.

[@Flooozeee]

Came back to inline skating after a long hiatus and jumped on some Aeons and I loved them... for all of a week till I realized they were too narrow and would hurt the outside of my foot. Darst 908s fixed that problem 😅.

[@BacktoBlading]

908s are great. Enjoy!

[@reactorhaz579]

I have to say Aeons 60 and Razors SL amazing boot

[@chrispearson996]

Thanks for the truly informative videos! The way you rave about products in competition with your own brand just gives everything you say more legitimacy. About to watch a lot more of your videos, but I take it you own a skate shop as well? (Or just a frame company?) I’m 34, and bought the only pair of aggressive skates I could find on my city a couple of years ago, pretty keen to get back into it, but it had been at least 15 years! I had some of those Roces Majestic 12s with the high cuff and almost “high-heeled” sorta frame (as these were my formative skate, moving to skates with frames of uniform height across the whole length felt weird, would you believe?! lol. Now I see my high-heeled Majestic 12s as akin to learning to drive with bad habits. I mean, skating 101 has always, and will always be “lean forward” (and bend your knees) - and in a way, the job was half done by the fact the heal of the frame was a proper 1.5cm+ higher than the front. I digress though. Wondering if you have a shop of some sort, and if so, if you send products to Australia? I really, really want those USD AEONS, because the aforementioned only model I found in my city were the Razor’s Cult Street. They’re ok... tbh, I have only ever skated aggressive, flat, period. The wheel wear and lack of manoeuvrability absolutely shocked me tbh. But see, in the whole I like like the flow, and the spins, maybe a bit of air. Maybe a frontslide or Soul grind on some low rails etc (ok yeah, I’m a bit of a chicken on the grinds, and now rusty to boot!) so, to me, having two useless hard “wheels” that barely turn, don’t touch the ground, catch on ramps and smooth curves... NUP, not for me. I’ve just learned about this whole anti-rocker thing since buying my Razor Cult Streets, and through numerous visits to a couple of skate shops, I now have some nice bearings I’m in the process of installing, after buying the only wheels in town (which are harder than I’d like), had to go back because I forgot about the fact that I only had half the amount of bearings, that came stock, and so bought some Bones steel red, I think they’re called. Well, here comes a third day of driving around town, because the floating spacers in the stock wheels are different from the fixed-hollow lipped bolts holding the anti-rockers. Aye aye aye! If you sell USD AEONS, or could somehow ship me some in a men’s 12 - 13, somehow? Would also like to buy some other equipment. I’m in Brisbane. Everything here is scooters (majorly), skateboards (always - though not me cause I’m absolutely shit at it, haha), quads, and occasionally some fitness/recreational/slalom/speed online skates. Aggressive skates and accessories are hard to find locally. I’m hoping these floating spacers are a common thing, like the universal frames etc, but even if they are, I’m not confident I’m gonna find what I need on my third trek out today, all to do away with these blasted anti-rocker wheels that I really don’t dig ay. Really enjoying your vids!

[@doublepike8169]

Thanks for this awesome review. I have really wide feet.Been researching for a few days now and I think I'll go with THEM 908 because I am 98% sure they will fit perfect and I won't have to return or exchange bc I'm really trying to avoid that.

[@BacktoBlading]

Only issue I’ve seen with the fit is the length. My foot is a 28.5cm and fit the Medium perfectly. Anything shorter might not feel as good.

[@doublepike8169]

@@BacktoBlading Mine is 24.7cm but width is 10.6cm. The Roces M12 Joe Atkinson I originally wanted are 7cm wide on the inside and that is way too narrow for me! I believe Them 908s , Small size will fit great. At least I'm hoping so.

[@Lifeinc]

Super helpful video. Just getting back in to blading after about 15 years off. Dug out my old skates Salamon on ST80s! Popped a few vids up of me getting back on wheels. So maybe an investment going forward in the aeon. Cheers.

[@BacktoBlading]

Nice! Welcome back. Tag me on Instagram when you have clips

[@Lifeinc]

@@BacktoBlading I only use you tube I'm afraid but thanks for the reply. Really enjoy the vids.

[@drawingslim]

Good points, thanks for the unbiased opinion. A guy that will recommend a skate his product doesn't even fit on says a lot about character! I personally love skating with your 50/50 frames and juice blocks. For a medium ability skater like me, I feel like I never get hung up or wheel bite on square rails/ curbs like I do even with anti rockers. Plus they cess slide on top of curbs crazy nice, kind of like a royale but with the whole frame cess sliding between the first and last wheel.

[@BacktoBlading]

That's what I'm skating now, totally love it. I think 50/50 are great for specific use cases, but maybe not for everyone. Really glad you're enjoying the ride!

[@francocerella6108]

Great review Lawrence , keep up the good work.50-504life

[@BacktoBlading]

Thanks man!

[@FernandoHernandez-ux2dc]

I just bought myself the Rollerblade NJ5. I bought them following your recommendations. Only things I don't like is that I feel it's a bit hard to turn to the outside side of the skate and the sole plate is not completely replaceable.

[@FernandoHernandez-ux2dc]

Other than that I love them like you said. I know Rollerblade didn't sell too much aggressive skates in the two last seasons. That's the reason why they only have the NJ team I guess. I hope they get more sells and relaunch the solo

[@BacktoBlading]

I think the NJ Team are pretty great for the price. If you're looking for a $200 complete they're tough to beat. You might want to try swapping out the frames for something flat, antirocker has a tendency of being harder to turn. I wouldn't worry about wearing through the soul plates, those things will last a while. I want some Solo though!

[@zackzainal8519]

Hi, i really enjoy watching ur video n listen to ur opinions, review n also ur own skate video....Now, i have a USD Aeon 60 Team XXI 2021, talking abt wheel bite on flat setup, what do u think abt putting anti rocker on a flat setup? Will it work? Thanks.

[@myotiswii]

I actually really wanted to skate the aeons but the nonusf is a dealbreaker for me. I think I will get the Them now. The thing is, I want to skate flat. But I want to be able to exchange frames. That is why I won't get aeon.

[@YawnASMR]

Apples and oranges. Both great for what they offer with trade-offs in each case.

[@BacktoBlading]

Yep, agreed. I think these are the two to pick from though, for sure.

[@patrickfontaine2788]

I skated my aeon 60 during few month (back to blading too) but… impossible to do a smooth royal under control → a lot of frustration. Go back to my old razors jeff Stockwell (16 years old) and lock the perfect royal first try :/ I watched your videos about Them and bought a pair few weeks ago and put my old GC frame. Dude, they are amazing: just perfect for my style. Aeon are great, but Them are better for me :)

[@BacktoBlading]

Thanks for the feedback. Aeon are amazing skates, but I could see the royale being a bit fast. Glad you tried the 908s. By far my favorite royale boot.

[@lga9046]

how bout the aeon 60s vs the 72s?, I'm coming from a pair of 80mm PS zoom pros and I like the idea of keeping some of the speed

[@BacktoBlading]

72s are great, but can be tough for groove tricks with old knees. Perfect for urban though

[@lga9046]

@@BacktoBlading lol old knees.. thanks!

[@katee8417]

Hey Law, I’m a bit late to the video but have been skimming through a lot of your vids lately and see most weren’t posted recently, so apologies if you’ve answered this question elsewhere. Is this the USD Aeon 60 xix? Any major difference between the 60 basic and the Aeon 60 you’re talking about here? I’m new to aggressive inline and have been thinking Aeon 60 xix or 60 basic (I really love the white). Would you recommend one over the other?

[@TheZepernick]

The difference between aeon basic and xix, is the liner and color. Same skate 🙂

[@BacktoBlading]

The XIX is the newer version. Better liner and a weird lacing system out of some fabric. It looks pretty nice in person though and probably skates just as well

[@jonasengberg5932]

What did you mean about " plan on doing grinds" , when you were talking about the aeon! Street curb- grinding? I ride mostly antirocker! But i would prefer riding flat for the feel ofcourse! I have the aeon 72's! Boot killed me ancles! Same with the 60mm ones i presume! i have a pair of CJ's! perfect boot! But i hated the lookdown,! Didn't feel comfortable! It felt clumbsy! VALO v12's! Nice skate! I't made some wierd sounds when skating! Tried different liners aswell! I felt the Aeon's gave me the best lookdown! The best feel ( besides killing my ancles) I'm SO close to buying those new aeons to see if they changed it to fit my feet! Honestly,! I'm at a standstill! Thinking perhaps ill get Them's! Sorry for the essay!

[@BacktoBlading]

Give the VII a try. A bit stiff, but amazing soul.

[@jonasengberg5932]

@@BacktoBlading amazingly enough! I found a pair in my size! 20 dollars in a thrift store!! :) Thanks for the reply

[@odmin42]

I really want skates like v13 (or them) with holes for wheels like aeons and ultra-low frames. IMHO, it must be next generation of skates.

[@BacktoBlading]

Yeah, agreed! Though the frames will need to be modified to work with them.

[@odmin42]

We need a hero with great tools, machines and desire to make it in garage ))

[@BacktoBlading]

Are you that hero?

[@odmin42]

I have only desire, sad but true :/

[@rayluckman9324]

I was stuck between new Jack n aeons now I want them sean duarst

[@BacktoBlading]

Good skates

[@dillonehrmantraut]

My issue with the aeons is that no matter what liner I put in them, the liner slides a lot. The way a liner slides out of a boot when you take it out is about the same feeling when riding them. And it’s not necessarily that it’s too big. The liner just seems to slide too much and it causes my heel to lift a lot making the skate feel disconnected which really sucks. But the two skates I’m interested in rn are the them skates and the razors sl blacks (the newest 2018 ones)

[@BacktoBlading]

I get that. I had that feeling as well with the stock insole. Adding a gel one helped fill out the liner a bit. Not sure it'll help you, but maybe worth a try. Them and SL are both great skates too, and you know I love UFS.

[@Messedupshoes]

I had that problem as well. I replaced the myfits with reign slims and it feels so much better. A little more tight to get on and off, but a much better improvement.

[@dillonehrmantraut]

Thanks guys I really appreciate the tips/advice!

[@weed2man]

Wish i still had my throne, jug liners 50/50 reds endgme wheels ahh good ole days...Why cant USD just make the throne with tumor plates again!

[@trevornew9278]

Didn't know you owned 5050! I used to have a blue pair with grey juice blocks

[@BacktoBlading]

Yeah! It’s been fun bringing it back.

[@trevornew9278]

@@BacktoBlading I'm just getting back into blading myself. I skated from 95-05. Then picked it up shortly again in 2010, but the stock first gen valo liners ran me off lol

[@BacktoBlading]

Ha, liners are much better now. But yeah, tough times. Welcome back

[@trevornew9278]

@@BacktoBlading haha yeah. But even before that people were making comfy liners. It was just that the tongue was solid plastic so it dug into the shin. I'm really excited to give the new reign liners and second skins a try

[@jonc2914]

I heard you mention what the best aggressive wheel were but I can’t find it now. What are the best aggressive inline wheels. And what are the best for aeon 60s

[@BacktoBlading]

I like the undercover line. Great quality and long lasting.

[@GhostMushroom88]

hai bro.. can u review the Xsjado Farewell? Thanks

[@RebelChumps]

i did them on my youtube channel, keeps you good till a awesome much better one comes out from backtorollerblading :D

[@BacktoBlading]

I'm hoping to get a pair of the new USD Shadows eventually. Didn't want to review a skate taht was discontinued.

[@odmin42]

Wide plates are awesome, and xsjado is really comfortable, but plastic if very breakable. IMHO, with advance or trimax it's great fitness skates for riding with girlfriend of from home to work... But for aggressive - no, there are many other skates, which are more strong and can fix your feet better.

[@rollervlogs9369]

I'm looking to get back into to skating and have been looking at both of these skates. I'm leaning towards the Aeon 60 Basics. My only concern is USD sizing... I'm about 267mm both feet. Size 9 us in most shoes. So EU I'm like 41/42. USD Aeon says true to size. I know I wanna have some extra room for the liner. Should I get the the us size 7.5-8 or 9-10?

[@BacktoBlading]

I’m 285 and fit the 10.5. I bet you could fit the 8 with no problem. Inline Warehouse does free returns if you buy a T-shirt for $10, might be worth it.

[@emmanuelrodriguez1693]

how would you compare the Them 908s to ... Razor shifts, and Roces m12?

[@BacktoBlading]

Very similar to an m12/v13 but better soul and liner and shell and cuff. Shift is a weird one, I remember them being very squishy which I’m not a fan of.

[@Encryptedte]

How do the Them skates fit with the Oysi frame?

[@ryanleclair8829]

I have been out of skatimg for 3 years and i normally use razors..but im thinking of either thems or aeon..but since the boots are 9 10 shell im curious has to the boot length compared to razors

[@BacktoBlading]

Cool! Measure your foot in cm, that’s a good standard. I’m a 28.5 and the Them medium are a bit tight but they work fine. The Aeon size 10 are a bit looser.

[@ryanleclair8829]

Ok i always skate a size 9 so if they them skates are tighter that will be a better option cause my feet will being swimming in size 10 lol

[@julianortiz3073]

This question i say yesterday in you birthay video👍

[@drawingslim]

Ryan Leclair. When I put the large (11-12) them 908, next to my size 12 razors cult, the razors cult is at least an inch longer heal to toe. The them 908 seems wider and boxier, where razors seem to always have a narrow pointed toe style making them longer. My 2cents

[@oscardequiros]

hey, 2 years after, are Aeon 60's still your favourite agg skates?? Thanks!

[@BacktoBlading]

For getting back into it? For sure. But I prefer UFS. Sway or Carbon are best

[@SaschaReichertVideoBlog]

make a new 50/50 free with the shape of the aeon frame and a bit MORE wheel protection, as 50/50 flat frame :P

[@BacktoBlading]

Hahah, someday maybe

[@DouglasMaguari]

Them or Aeon For top side ?

[@BacktoBlading]

Aeon. Wider soul, better/lower frame, softer cuff.

[@ronidermotovlogger3030]

Why is USD Aeon not good for grinds and urban? I just ordered USD Aeon NYC and i love grinds and now you say this :(

[@drawingslim]

Roni der MotoVlogger he said aeons are great at grinding/aggressive skating, you are good to go.

[@hammonds85]

He's saying they are basically not a powerblade. Brilliant for skateparks, but there are better options and setups for exploring a city, which you can't get out of an Aeon (without major modding)

[@ronidermotovlogger3030]

9:54 it sounds so confusing like that the them skates are better for grinding. Thanks guys for answering my question

[@epd1584]

The 60's are AMAZING you are going to love them. Best feel on any skate I have ever skated.

[@BacktoBlading]

Sorry if this was confusing! Yes, Aeon are great for grinds, especially if you skate them antirocker like some people do. I think where they really shine though is with skateparks and aggressive, where as Them can swap frames and be great for grinding and urban. You will love your Aeon 60!

[@106rise4]

Didn't even see this video just asked this question 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@Tallretrodude]

i like my Clan Viis still. they are wide and comfy for fat big feet

[@sharn5559]

The camera focus hurts my eyes

[@juandepaz7184]

Them =over priced Chinese boots