Which Carver truck system is right for you? Carver C5 C7 CX Surf Skate Truck Comparison and Review

[@surfboardsandsubarus3730]

Awesome video! I’m 52, and a surfer that turned to surf skating for surf training in lockdown when I was unable to surf for eight weeks (aargh!). I bought a Carver C7 CI Black Beauty. C7 trucks were recommended to me as best for surf training for pump and flow and similarity to surfboard pump. This C7 board is great for pump track, surf training, and flow. I loved it so much that I started hanging out at the skate parks and bowls which wasn’t my goal when I bought it! I can’t believe it but now I’m becoming obsessed with skateboarding! My C7 Carver flows beautifully around the skate park but you’re right that the C7 set up is not really ideal for the skate park due to height off ground, sticky wheels, and my board shape doesn’t have massive over hangs, so drop-ins, manuals, ollies, and other skateboard tricks are out of the question. The kids at the skate park seem to like the flow I can generate, but I’m looking at their agility and tricks, thinking there is so much more I could do with the right board, but I don’t want a traditional skateboard set-up, because I LOVE the surf skate feel. So after watching your video, and seeing how the Street Scape C5 is optimized for Skate Park riding, I just got lucky and found one in stock at a local surf store, and have ordered it, and protective gear too, so I can start pushing my progression further at the skate park. So your video totally made sense, for where I’m at. Thank you so much! I’m loving the skateboard adventure I’m on and can’t wait for my C5 Carver for the next chapter in the journey. Keep up the great work. Pete from Auckland New Zealand.

[@boisebroncoadventures]

Hello Pete! I am blown away by how similar our skate story is!!! I would rip parks on my C7 and CX set ups and kids would dig the flow and I love watching them try the surf skate. The street scape looks like any other skateboard at the park. Until you look closer. One time a kid said “Your trucks are on… O wait is that?” Lol too funny! Stoked to have heard your story and again blown away by how it parallels my own! Definitely looking forward to hearing what you think when you get your C5 set up!

[@SandlapperSam]

Thanks for this video. I want to try a surfskate but have been overwhelmed by the different reviews and opinions on the best trucks. This video made me decide on the C5 because i come from a traditonal skate background and have never surfed in my life.

[@boisebroncoadventures]

Awesome! Thanks for the feedback. I hope you like them!

[@dkilla01]

Love the review, the bird’s eye view was great 👍🏽

[@boisebroncoadventures]

Thank you!

[@Guruvooy]

Carver Green room C7 is my best surfsket for me, thanks bro

[@boisebroncoadventures]

LOVE that skate! Its been a while since I have rode it. This winter is not so mild, indoor skate ramp is really the only option at this time. Looking forward to some warm spring Carver action!

[@BBQvibesLONGBOARDrides]

SUPER helpful video! Thanks for making it. Currently considering either the C7 or CX for flatland pump-cruise riding. I’ve got other longboards and skateboards for other types of riding. My reason for my interest in this one is getting that surfy feel and being able to easily generate speed from pumping instead of pushing. Definitely leaning towards the C7. Once again thanks for the video. Looking forward to checking out more of your content. 😎👍

[@boisebroncoadventures]

You are so welcome! The C7 for sure is surfier and is better suited for pump-cruising I think.

[@BBQvibesLONGBOARDrides]

@@boisebroncoadventures thanks for letting me know. MUCH appreciated!!! Thanks!!!

[@brando8829]

Brother. This is what did it for me, man. I've been researching for a while now and it's because of your video I picked up a scape street skate. It's the perfect balance of my needs in the park. Thanks so much!

[@boisebroncoadventures]

That is AWESOME! Thanks for the feedback and enjoy your new set up! Super psyched that this video helped. The C5 system is so awesome in parks and transition skating. Lighter and lower plus that “popsicle” deck is on point - killer concave too! Your gonna love it!

[@TheReal_DeanD]

NO fricking way!!! I was not expecting that winner. I'm going to mount my C5s on a wider wheelbase deck ASAP. Thanks man for the inspiration too. I'm getting closer to 50 but am no where near as fabulous. Gonna have some fun.

[@boisebroncoadventures]

Fun! Thanks or the feedback and viewing. I got to admit I was super biased to (and still am) that set up due to my love of transition skating. Really was more of my progression than anything else that determined my favorite. I still prefer the bigger wheels and carve factors of the others when cruising or skating with Kelly, but love the C5's just the same today. It looks like any skateboard too - until it's surfing!

[@AdventuresInSkateboarding]

I just bought the Greenroom CX. Excited to give it a go.

[@boisebroncoadventures]

Dude! I just put some fresh Bronsons on mine… love that thing. Skateboarding has no doubt improved my river surfing! I wanted to shoot another Moab skate video last week but just didn’t get it done. Brainstorming my next surfskate video and thinking a night shoot May be in order.

[@AdventuresInSkateboarding]

@@boisebroncoadventures hard to beat a night session

[@boisebroncoadventures]

@@AdventuresInSkateboarding fun filming and editing them too! Wanting to find and shoot in some unique locations tho

[@SlavaKim]

Well done video, very entertaining to watch such an enthusiastic narration!

[@boisebroncoadventures]

Cool, thanks for the feedback! I am working on a new comparison video that should serve as kind of a part 2 for this one. It will have some new challenges and new information to share about these 3 truck systems! Stay tuned!

[@joelvega4688]

do you think the greenroom c7 is the best surfskate to train for snowboarding during off season ? saying that its good for heel and toe slide carving.

[@boisebroncoadventures]

Most definitely! Your gonna carve concrete pow with it lol!

[@christianblake2179]

I found a C7 with the size of the swallowtail and it rides amazing

[@boisebroncoadventures]

Rad!

[@claudioagmfilho]

🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷👏🏻, The swallowtail never seems to get out of line production. Carver is so awesome. it’s so very satisfying to ride it. Love the C-7 truck and I love the CX truck. They are just right. Thanks for this video…

[@boisebroncoadventures]

Awesome! Thanks for the feedback and the support! Have you tried the C5?

[@claudioagmfilho]

@@boisebroncoadventures You are so very welcomed, literally.

[@ioanbeynon2624]

I really am stuck between cx and c7. I just use it for cruising so which is the fastest with minimum effort.

[@boisebroncoadventures]

I would say the 7 as it has the spring and smoothest surf feels so builds speed quicker. The 5 has a more traditional truck design and I feel is more stable at high speed on a smaller deck- with a 7 I would just want to make sure to have a good wide wheelbase and length on the board for stability at the higher speeds.

[@johnnyd8024]

First off, thank you for this video. My c5 carver street is in the way. I have a street background who got into surfskate with the loaded bolsa. My question if you have time to answer, have you tried any other wheels on the C5’s. Thinking of switching them out to spitfire formula 4’s with bones reds. Which I typically run. Or are these good wheels and bearings that you wouldn’t think of replacing? Thanks for any feedback

[@boisebroncoadventures]

Thanks man, congrats on the new skate! I have not experimented with different wheel set ups on my skates. The Carver park wheel are fire on the wood mini ramp and varying park surfaces. Give them a go for sure!

[@TheReal_DeanD]

Hey Johnny. The complete 50&Fab mentions has 58mm 90A wheels stock. If your area doesn't have gnarly pavement I guess the 99A duro Formula 4s could work. For me the pavement in my area is the worst so I'm going to try 56MM 80HD Spitfire wheels with the wider contact patch. Best of luck man.

[@DJFiBa]

I'm riding the C5 with OJ Super Juice Mini (55mm 78A) and totally love it. they roll so smooth and quiet and yet are small, give more room between wheel and deck and you can olli and do tricks... powerslides are rather hard to do, cause they are so grippy, but more grip means more carve- and turn-control

[@SurfskateLove]

Well done, Adam! Love it. I was surprised by your conclusion. I've never tried the C5 truck and I want to try it in the bowl. Is there a big enough difference between it and the CX to be worth getting it?

[@boisebroncoadventures]

Most definitely! That lower center of gravity plus waaay lighter! Also the Carver park wheels are killer and do roll variable surfaces better than I gave them credit for in the comparison looking back now.

[@SurfskateLove]

@@boisebroncoadventures Awesome, thanks. I'll snag a set if they're ever available again. And I have their park wheels.

[@boisebroncoadventures]

Right?!? Thats the challenge. They do have some street skate completes in stock now tho fyi

[@boisebroncoadventures]

So this AM I am headed to the park for a pre work day sesh and thought how I haven't rode any other skate at the park now that I have a Carver Street set up. Hands down the park truck of choice but not only that but the double concave popsicle decks offer so much better control in the transitions! A C5 street complete is on my want list for you now ha ha ha.

[@SurfskateLove]

@@boisebroncoadventures I'm guessing you grew up skateboarding? I wouldn't know what to do with a popsicle board. 😂

[@_Souki]

Hi, thanks for the very cool reviews! I also want to try surfskating to have some fun on the street. I started longboard long distance pumping at the age of 40, which is now few years ago. Never did classic skating or surfing so far. From my pumping experience I am well used to a highly agile front axis and to a 32 inch wheelbase... The greenroom looks nice to me, but not sure if I should take a C7 or CX. The agility of the CX seem quite similar to my LDP setup and I actually want to try something new, like the C7. Would you recommend this in my situation?

[@boisebroncoadventures]

The C7 most definitely has a much surfier feel than a CX. Thanks for watching and commenting your going to love the longer wheelbase and super smooth carves the Greenroom with C7s offers!

[@trishanamungal8566]

How does the wheelbase affect different people for example if you have an 18 inch and that’s suited for your stance vs me who has a stance of 16 inch and get a Surfskate with 18 inch wheelbase? How would it affect my experience?

[@boisebroncoadventures]

This is the formula, Steve broke the code for sizing no doubt! :) surfskate.love/surfskate-selector/

[@trishanamungal8566]

Totally agree :) but as a noob I was just trying to understand if I used a Surfskate with a bigger recommended wheelbase according to the formula, how would they affect my skating? Would it make it harder to pump, would it be less fun etc?

[@boisebroncoadventures]

@@trishanamungal8566 the shorter wheelbase will be much more responsive and “snappy”. The longer will be smoother with longer more drawn out carves perfect for sidewalks

[@mikeuptegrove]

Nice review man. I just picked up the C5 because I was on the C7. But I grew up a skater, so it’s been gnarly doing flip tricks and ollies on my C7. It’s been all about figuring out a new way to make it work. The C5 will hopefully bridge that gap. Gonna give it a go tomorrow.

[@boisebroncoadventures]

Thank you! Your gonna love it.

[@mikeuptegrove]

@@boisebroncoadventures it’s definitely for what it says it’s for. I think it’s a great way to bridge the gap between traditional skating and surfskating. I took it in the bowls and it certainly has more stability. I was able to do a kickflip on it with the extra stability of front truck, as well as a backside 180, neither of which were really doable on the c7 because of its instability up front. So that’s all cool. It has its utility certainly. But, I got use to the c7 on flat and in bowls, and still think I prefer it yet. Maybe the c5 needs more break-in time? Idk? Maybe my skating will have to evolve back to what it was as a kid? No sure. But I got some cool video clips instantly on the thing, and got those up to share, so that was cool.

[@boisebroncoadventures]

@@mikeuptegrove this is sooo cool to hear! Yes it definitely bridges the gap! Just look at what you were doing on it!!! That’s amazing! Are you using the carver wheels it comes with?

[@mikeuptegrove]

@@boisebroncoadventures no. I’ve switched out all wheels on all setups except one. I think slimeballs are my preferred wheels. There’s an 83A that comes in many sizes. It’s my go to.

[@boisebroncoadventures]

@@mikeuptegrove cool, I wish they made a C5 with a wider axle. Those are narrow and not so forgiving learning to lock into the coping on a 50/50 grind. Like a 169 C5 would be perfect to throw on a 9 or 10 wide of your choice!

[@CB-sw9hd]

Great video. Was there a reason why you chose the scape over the sun ray? I currently have a C7 and a CX and considering pulling the trigger on a Carver C5 complete.

[@boisebroncoadventures]

Yes, the longer deck size not much difference tho. Lol

[@boisebroncoadventures]

Do it! Complete the collection!!

[@CB-sw9hd]

Got it, thanks!

[@mateusz.nester]

Thank you for this video🤝👍

[@boisebroncoadventures]

You are most welcome! Also just released another comparison video on our channel you may want to check out?

[@chrisquin9]

The photos splashed on the screen doesn’t let me know what truck system you are using during the pump segment

[@boisebroncoadventures]

Started on the Greenroom then Swallowtail then Streetscape C7 - C5 - CX

[@heatherm8261]

I love how you show the different boards and trucks side by side. I am confused by your pump test. All other surf skate videos say you shouldn’t swing your upper body back and forth like you do in your video. I realize it’s a much easier mottos than the up and down pump with hands forward like in surfing. We’re you using the swing method just for an example or is that how you normally pump? I’m still working on the surf pump method myself.

[@boisebroncoadventures]

That was all about snaking the cones as fast as possible also my skating did progress a bit after this ;) check out the surfskate love wheel review for example

[@dangoman609]

Hey thanks so much for this video, its so helpful and the comparison is more detailed than anyh others ive found on youtube, you say the cx is the best all around crusier right? how flowy does it feel compared to the C7 cause im looking for a board i can crusie along on and around places because there are no skatparks or pump tracks around, but i alos want the flowy surfy feel since im also a longboard surfer who wants a land alternative, im looking at the greenroom c7 swallow or knox quill any suggestions? Do you reckon i could get the best of both worlds by slapping a c7 on the swallow? (Sorry for the long essay comment)

[@boisebroncoadventures]

No worries! My vote for you is the Greenroom on C7s! Your going to love it!

[@DonSalieri4]

I have a longboard and I would like try a surf skate to have more agility in the turns and also slow down with more turns. The longboard become too fast very easily. So for cruising you will reccomend the cx?

[@boisebroncoadventures]

Most definitely! The CX is the best all around truck of the 3! Your going to love it!

[@rfaerts]

I can relate. Started surfskating on a Carver CI Mod Pod with C7 truck - absolutely great. Then got a Carver Aipa Sting swallowtail with CX truck - speed and great performance in the bowl. Then I got a Carver x Santa Cruz screaming hand with C5 truck - by far the best on the Whitezu surfskate ramp I surf in France and the most versatile board. Pick one for a road trip: the C5.

[@boisebroncoadventures]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing, I need to get back to skating more - had a bad knee injury take me outta the bowls for a while now...

[@stephanschurink671]

Thanks😊🥳🥳

[@boisebroncoadventures]

You bet! Thanks for watching!

[@letsgoletsgoletsgoletsgoletsgo]

I have a smoothstar #77 , a soulboardiy with yow s5 , I think the greenroom with CX will be a great addition and perfect for commute surf fun

[@boisebroncoadventures]

I agree! The Greenroom is one of my favorites and it looks so good too once you pick it up to walk into work or even just when it’s leaned up on something… rad you won’t regret the addition!

[@AdventuresInSkateboarding]

Love the setup with the cones. I run the Waterborne surf skate adapter. I am definitely going to pick up some cones so I can challenge myself and have more fun with it. I run the shark wheels on it with Chris Miller Welcome shaped board. These are great boards you have here. Someday I will get a real surf skate but I am having fun with Waterborne adapter. Great all around review. I am experimenting with completes street boards. Big video coming on 4 of them.

[@boisebroncoadventures]

Awesome and thanks for the feedback! I’ve been seeing those shark wheels a bunch online lately. May have to give a set a go!!

[@AdventuresInSkateboarding]

@@boisebroncoadventures I think they are great for the way I skate my surf skate. But my board is like a monster truck. Really high off the ground. I built it once and did a video on the first experience but then I rebuilt it for me and didn't make a video. I should probably share my lessions learned.

[@boisebroncoadventures]

Yes! That would be rad!

[@kylewattssurfing3266]

Awesome yeeeeeeaaaaahhhhhh cooooool!!!!!!

[@SunriseSessions]

Hi I finally bought the C5 trucks and I really like them but..... To my surprise the kingpin on the front truck sticks so far out that it's more or less level with the hanger. If I do a carve grind (or simulate this by picking the board up on sliding it over the coping) I can see the kingpin making contact with the coping. Have you noticed this as well? And do you have a solution?

[@boisebroncoadventures]

Video of the fix coming soon! Totally worked awesome taking apart the truck and just flipping the kingpin bolt! Now it’s tucked in nice and out of the way.

[@SunriseSessions]

@@boisebroncoadventures wow seriously? That's seriously a life saver! Can't wait!! I'm sure that @markthelandlockedsurfer is waiting for it as well. (See our conversation below his yow vid)

[@SunriseSessions]

You do realise that from now on I will be checking the channel every hour😂

[@boisebroncoadventures]

@SunriseSessions The FIX is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2iyoIR3hKprhcU

[@vznquest]

great review. i'll get a C5 one day. can you push easily on them? is it stable enough for high speed pushing? (as opposed to pumping)

[@boisebroncoadventures]

Hell yeah, now my C5's are under a 9 wide Powell Peralta with some Bones rough riders lol. I started skated a mini ramp at our local shop and after a few traditional set ups Im back to riding the C5. Here is a link to the current C5 set up: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKjXamOwa9aBkMU

[@vznquest]

@@boisebroncoadventures nice. how do you think they'd work under a 10" deck? and what wheels are you running?

[@boisebroncoadventures]

@@vznquest should be good, bones rough riders 56’s I think? Ha ha need to double check

[@raspberryhats]

thanks for this. it would help if when talking about certain set-ups you name/ write which one you're discussing. it can be hard to tell just from the visual.

[@boisebroncoadventures]

Thanks, been thinking of maybe doing another shorter shoot out comparison video soon!

[@chrisz.9974]

Would like to see a side by side video comparing the the trucks on the same deck trying to perform the same movements. I hear a lot of the c7 being more flowing and CX being snappy.

[@boisebroncoadventures]

That’s a great comparison of the two trucks, I prefer the 7 for “surf training type skating” the 5 is hands down the preference in parks and bowls, the CX seems to be a happy medium for many. My friend Steve at Surfskate Love is a CX guy and has some great truck comparison vids if you haven’t checked those out.

[@DennisSattler]

I started out with the C5 Scape, but for dinking around and self propel, the CX is the more versatile board. Don't get me wrong, I like them both because each one has their place.

[@boisebroncoadventures]

I so agree with that statement. The CX is the most versatile and carves much surfier. The C5 meets my needs mostly due to the fact I am skating transitions and trying to learn some "street skills" like Ollies, Slappys, etc. My wife is learning to surf skate now and the CX is my go to for her!

[@monkey_kang]

Very informative video! 👍 Also if you don’t mind answering, what is your height, leg inseam and shoe size?

[@boisebroncoadventures]

Questions like this in December usually require a shipping address lol. If you are looking to learn about proper surf skate sizing my friend Steve from the Surf Skate Love Channel has the best formula. Hands down the best guide and magic formula is your stance width compared to thewheelbase of all the major manufactures to help you determine the right size skate for you or anyone else using this simple system. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2LapoR3hLhpmsU

[@Alexander6749]

I just got into long-boarding recently and got my first pumping / carving board (loaded icarus) …im looking into one of these surf skates but I love my loaded to much to get another board just yet!! I’m 25 and my wife keeps telling me that I’m to old to start skating and I’m acting like a little kid…I think she’s just hating on me ..:

[@boisebroncoadventures]

Fun! O to be 20 something again… lol. Once I had a kid at the mini ramp tell me he thought he was to old to start skating at 17 ha ha ha. Skating allows me to feel young and there is no denying that but I love it. I love skating transitions and the ramp at my local shop is the best! Skated last night for the first time in weeks, as I have been chasing the winter storms lately.

[@iveno_]

I would like to get my Greenroom a little bit faster, it feels slow and bulcky, maybe I need harder wheels. If you/ anybody have any thoughts on this I would appreciate it. I got it cause of the surfey feel to it and the long distance pumping, I guess I am still learning cause I still slow down if I am going on a flat surface. You did sooo much work for this video, thaaaanks! Will check out your channel,...

[@boisebroncoadventures]

Thank you! Maybe try swapping the bearings?? I do like Carvers built in spacers but good luck getting any. Just like the skates and trucks they are always sold out, lol. I like the roundhouse wheels but Steve at Surfskate Love has been doing a lot of wheel reviews on his channel lately so that could be of interest to you? I am working on ideas for a second comparison video. Stay tuned!

[@SunriseSessions]

Wow.. Really nice vid. So just to be completely sure. The C5 is definitely better in bowls and pools than the other two?

[@boisebroncoadventures]

Most definitely! Thanks for viewing! The lower center of gravity and lighter feel shines brightest in a park setting!