Ben, you can be fully lazy with this channel. Make it easy on yourself, I think we will all still be here. I don't think anyone is here for any pizazz, we just respect your opinion and want the info. You could just have single word titles and blacked out thumbnails, don't think it would matter. 👍🏼
This is all true but it also takes work to make these videos so I think this is similar to what's been happening in the synth TH-cam world where content creators realized they aren't getting paid fairly for the marketing work they're doing.
Last time I ordered it took about 2 weeks to get here. Package didn't even ship out for nearly a week. Tgm and skate warehouse get packages here in 3-4 days..I ALWAYS pass their ads by now because of this.
@@ianclements47 damn that sucks. Did you order during the holidays or something? I just checked and I've got 38 orders dating back to 2017 and have had no issues at all. I live in CA so maybe the shipping route from Oregon is quicker in general.
That might be an anomaly. I almost buy exclusively from Tactics. I prefer Real and Anti Hero decks. Currently i have two setups an 8.25 tactics deck and an 8.38 Real. Dragons on one and 99a bones street on the other. I’m ranting but in short Tactics has been solid to do biz with.
Ben do whatever what keeps you happy and motivated to create on here or not create, i'mma still go back and always binge all your wheelbase geometry videos cause they itch a funky spot in my brain and have content forever LMAO
@@JaGGeR- How bad was your tear? I opted for the surgery and I was back to skating (roller skates, tore mine jamskating) in roughly 6 months. I turn 40 this month and haven't had any real issues.
I've been skating the Reynolds 53 soft sliders for about 2 weeks and absolutely love them. Had some minor issues with sticking on slides but that was remedied by using more wax. They powerslide great and I no longer have soreness in my knees and lower thighs the day after a session. I am 40 years old so this is a God send. Will be riding thse 53 soft sliders from 2024 til infinity.
Have you skated the dragons, x97, and/or x99? If you did, how did they compare for you? For me, I mostly skate smooth concrete skateparks, but I will skate flatground in asphalt parking lots as well (some can be okay and some can be rough). I found dragons to be too bouncy, especially for skating flatground on indoor smooth concrete. X97 and x99 were better for me. I am skating x99 now and I appreciate being able to get a nice "squeak" when I do a little slide (hard to explain, but I pick up the front wheels and slide backside on the back wheels without turning). However, I have slid out easily on 180 to manual tricks and ate it. I'm not sure if I understand the difference between a bones x99 and a bones stf 99. Before the whole dragon craze, I used to skate spitfire formula 4 99. I like the idea of a bit softer wheel for skating rough surfaces (even though I don't do it much), and also to help reduce soreness as I get older (I'm 30). I'm thinking about trying the spitfire classic 93 and/or the 97 and I hope I can get a good squeak :) Also, have you tried the spitfire 97? Reynolds having his name on the spitfire soft sliders makes me trust them too. I am skating the 480 NB at the moment and they are really nice. P.S. I do like the idea of simply talking to the community about our experience with different products, but I would also really love a Ben video talking about his bias.
Discovered your channel and I got back to riding after 25+ years off, just after your initial announcement video. Even so, I have since binged the rest over the last few months and your reviews have been my guideline to navigating the gear madness, given me pointers for spots I still need to venture out to, and led me to following a few other channels. That you dont have the "look at me" vibe is a huge reason I dig your videos. So just keep doing you man. I'm pumped to see you coming back for more, and still hope to maybe see you out someday on one of my treks to the plaza.
You’re a genius with all the board tech, truck wheel base combos. You’re changing the skate game with more people taking wheel base and setups more serious. Your honesty and loyalty to skateboarding and viewers is why the skate community is so tight. Keep it up brother!🤙
I‘m really glad that you are still here to guide me on my geriatric skateboarding journey. As soon as the easy riders hit Europe, I‘m going to slap my 5.6 V-lights on one like you slap your tennis court curb 😂
Don’t worry about Patreon. There’s many people on here that have a $1 entry fee and don’t post often but they’ll do early releases or longer less edited for language videos. It’s what keeps their channels alive and they just promote what content you’re getting and the discord where you can chat with everyone. Also I’m approaching 40 and I’ve lost a ton of time to life choices and nagging injuries. I’m getting back on my board again because I need something for exercise since I’m pretty overweight. I’ve always been a heavier skater but I’m about 60lbs over what I was when I was at my peak skating ability so I’m just pushing around for now till I get my confidence back. Not trying to make my lingering injuries worse or develop new ones especially at my age and how long I’ve been off my board. Anyway good to see you’re keeping at it because you’ve always been more relatable to me given our age being so close and era we came up in.
I'm just getting better at my ollies, I listened to your videos when I was first practicing and you'll always have a place in my heart (and I'll always say Venture Lows in your accent)
I discovered this channel because of your nine club episode, and now I watch every video you post. I also desperately want one of those Easy Riders, so thanks for helping to make that happen.
You know the fruit analogy is so true and I’m glad it’s bearing fruit at last. I know the long term struggle well, I’m nowhere near what you’re doing and I’m in something else entirely, gradually working towards being a manga artist (my current story is about a skater) but 4 years in, I’ve barely made any impression but it’s important for me to just do it and ignore than I’m lucky if I get 5 likes on each page. But persistence is the key, it’s the same as learning tricks, at first it’s hard and slowly you get more of a feel for it and then one day it clicks and you have it on lock or thereabouts. Keep doing you and I for one will be around and will be rooting for you. Just enjoy what you do and the rest will follow :)
I watch stuff from both of your chans (i always comment "this dudes doesn't just cross-cut -- he also rips!"). Engineering in my 40s trying to bring up some groms the right way. Your content is honestly my fav in skating because it's unbiased (as much as something can be) and technical. I'm not big on the 'reviews' for the takeaways, more for the nerdy deep dives into the technical details that contribute to making products behave the way they do. STICK TO THAT! Literally no one else in that space, and its so refreshing! Even when you're biased, at least being honest about it makes up vs trying to cover it up
Whenever I can’t find something locally, I always go on the tactics site. They have everything. I’ll definitely use your link from now on. Glad you’re finding ways to make putting time into this channel make sense for you and your family 🤝
I never really comment but I feel like I have something to share about the wheel debate: bones or spitfires, the new 93a formulas are beyond amazing if you live anywhere that doesn't have continuous smooth surfaces and perfect spots or good parks. 93a's let me skate TO the spot and AT the spot. anything below or above sacrifices either the trip or the session. plus my local park has a section that hasn't been touched up since the 80s and it's a rocky ride down the snake run with 99a+ but with the dragons I'm using it's such a blast. everyone should give them a try
Your honesty,in depth analysis and relatability of your product reviews help in making a decision on what kind of product you want to ride. Rather than buying it and not liking it and wasting money on a high priced product. Having you show us the behind the scenes of companies was awesome. Nerding out the BBS and Schmitt Stix videos.
I'm not sure why I didn't find you earlier. But I've started being more serious about skating again (and to use that as a way to get in shape again too ^^ ) and your videos are wonderful for that. Your Nine Club episode is easily one of my fav they ever did. I hope to see you and Schmitt do more together too, that would be sick :D Appreciate your work my man and I'm trying to catch up on all your videos here
Ben, I've been watching your videos for at least 5 or 6 years, and you've definitely informed me and grown my interest in skateboarding. I think the reason I like your content is because you're a real person taking about something you enjoy. You don't have any flashy gimmicks, and you say what you really think. That's so rare nowadays. Authenticity has a ring of truth that doesn't need much explanation. One can just tell... and you're an authentic dude. You speak honestly and openly about your family and your priorities (which many of us deeply respect), and you're candid about why you do your videos. All of that to say this: Make your videos when you want, brother. I think I speak for the rest of your audience when I say that we'll keep watching without expectation or judgement. We all wish you the best and hope for your success.
We all love you Ben, listen to you all the time. Thanks for all your hard work, and your “reap what you sow” is true. You’re killing it and bring so much peace to those of us in the older skateboard space.
Hey Ben just keep doing what you're doing now. It's more than enough considering you have the other channel & a full time job to juggle too. Like I said before - every vid that you drop, as & when you can, is a pleasure to watch❤
On the modern TH-cam success method: There are outliers, non-sensational channels that don't chase the algorithm. But yes, it's a drag, usually! I was recently looking into another hobby and watching some videos from ~17 years ago. It was crazy how straightforward and information-focused it was. As much as I want people to be able to make a living off their art, I fully support doing your 9-5 and just having this be your side gig, and keep it full of love and infrequent.
mate, you introduced me to the madness... you can´t stop making videos now... I finally optimized my setup (you wouldn´t like it) to a point where I love skateboarding even more then ever before... sending much love from germany
Ben, We all love you because you are an authenthic person, i mean, a person who does what he loves to do. So, keep that way and doesn't matter the video title or edition, it won't change, we'll keep following you and supporting you. Take care, cheers from France
Your honesty gets my attention, matters not which subject your on, drywall episodes were true skillshares, skate product reviews are simple and humile. You represent self very well. If i could turn time back to lean in and ask for real advice, i would... Thank you for being real. -AL
I am trying Thunders right now after having broken axles on both my Indy Titanium sets and you are one of the reasons. I find I am skating more consistent with them overall, like you said - for example in the trucks tier list with Joa (gifted hater). Thanks for your in depth reviews.
Cheers, Ben. I know I and many others will be stoked for any content you feel like making here. And get that affiliate link money! I occasionally snag something from Tactics and will definitely use your link next time I do.
Still tryin' my Kickflip! Landing it would be a dream, for me😲. Thanks for posting footage of your skate Ben, it really does help. Summer skate vibes on the horizon!! Radical👌!
That deck is making me wish Anti-Hero made a 8.75 on a natural stain background. The only one I know of with the classic logo in my size is on white paint. I love the look of natural stain decks, I'd be fine with blanks if they were affordable and in my size and what I liked. I don't like my local shop and also I'm picky enough and skate a bigger size, so do use tactics, or sometimes skatewarehouse; I'll try to remember to use the commission link. I already have a stockpile of decks and my ankles are making it harder to skate as much as I'd like, but I'll shoot for using the link when I need something. Also I appreciate the last bits at the end; "we can't all skate forever, so enjoy it while you can" I've had weak ankles and a sore left knee for years now and I haven't actively tried to do anything about it; that is something I truly must remedy soon.
The internet finally doing some good! The Japan pros are my favorite shoe currently. I put a very thin reming insole on top of the stock insole. Gives me the arch support I need and like you said, it stiffens the sole up a bit.
That last minute hitting hard brother, i often contemplate the same. Sometimes it makes me resent my childhood, but i try to fit in as much fun as I can before it has to stop.
All these years, and you're finally cured of the madness with your board! The madness can be fun. But it's good to be free of it. The best setup is the one you're used to. I'm glad you're back!
I’ve always liked your approach to your videos and I think TH-cam needs more of that for viewers like myself who are more cynical towards the standard you mention. Looking forward to more content. Cheers! from a 47 year old life long skater
Ben, we love you and we just want you to have fun, content trends are always changing, right now I think making stuff that is organic and just fun for you is more important and will have more value over time, I wouldn't worry about the usual things content creators do to gain traction, save yourself that time and energy, we will still be here supporting you. On a different note, I fractured my ankle pretty bad two weeks ago, now I have 3 titanium plates and 10 screws so I'll be out for a long time, trying not to get too depressed about it. I'll be off the skatepark but I'll be here supporting you and watching you videos.
I’m so sorry to hear about your ankle!!!😢 I hope it heals well. I’m sure you will find a way to fill the time. Sometimes a little time off the board can really open up some new opportunities.
Do what you like, make videos about what you want. Also the affiliate link is fine and any sponsored video is alright as long as you give your true opinion. Stay happy doing this stuff. True fans can see the passion
Man I’ve mentioned this to you before about the new 93a Spitfires. I went and got a set for skating my normal parking lot spot just beside my place. As soon as I stepped on my board and skated around and popped a few ollies I was absolutely blown away! I loved them so much that I knew my local shop had another set because he ordered me a pair and said he had one more as well, I went back the next day and got the other set. I couldn’t imagine a better wheel for rougher ground. Now I need some slightly smaller than 54mm as well. I have two of the Radials in 54 and they are probably my favorite I’ve ever ridden! Amazing wheels, I can’t find anything bad to say about them yet.
!! The 93a spitfires feel like 95a - and thats a good thing its like a softER 99a F4 (emphasis on the -Err) while dragon wheels feel like cruiser wheels you can still skate with in comparison
There’s a HUGE resurgence of old dudes coming back to skating. And we have $. Maybe hit that demographic harder. I’m here because you have a little grey, you’re well spoken and have a good demeanor. ✌️
I hear you and that's what I respect about people: being real or whatever you want to call it. If you put out a video in a week, month or year I will still check it. Thanks for all the really valuable and interesting input. Hope all works out for you...
i hope that even if its only once every few months or so, i keep seeing videos from you. to be honest i always thought of you as one of the guys who isn't click-baity! your content has always been great!
Of all the “social media” or “TH-cam” skaters Ben is the only one I feel that was just made to be in the industry. Glad to have you back and can’t wait to see whatever you feel like putting out.
I like what you said initially, only going to make the videos you think are worth sharing that are interesting to you. You do you. I think you have earned the right and respect from everyone to do it your way. My channel has been puttering around for 6 years. It's the best I can do with my time and skate /video skills. However, I enjoy it, so I keep doing it.
Your channel is such a breath of fresh air from all the attention starved toddler types. It’s so relaxing and comforting to watch your videos and not feel like my brains reward system is being exploited. I am sad that you’re not making as much money as you could be if you did go full Braille and just spewed garbage 24/7 but it’s deeply strengthening my faith in humanity to see you still maintain integrity and focus on making quality content instead. Somebody else said just be lazy, single word titles and black thumbnails and I’m allllll for it if that means you keep making skateboard videos
Do what’s best for your family Mr. Degros, more power to you! The random videos dropped every now and then are a sweet pill for the aficionados, a nice treat every now and then. But of course if you want to give us a candy every couple weeks I wouldn’t complain. Still the most real skater-youtube creator out there
We love you man. You're my favorite TH-camr. I love the authenticity and the skating. I mean who sheeits on Nike Dunks. Seriously. And I love that you don't classify yourself as a TH-camr.
Thank you!!! I actually love the aesthetic of dunks. I hate how played out they are though. If they actually worked for me it would be hard for me to not skate them.
I been always wondering what to try out with low venture trucks, to make them work and feel like the old trucks. Do you know if the old low venture trucks had those higher baseplates? Or if it makes them feel more like old venture trucks, if you change out the baseplates?? Anyway that baseplate topic opened up alots of questions!! Great video !!
The day improves when there is a new video. Two videos per month? Whatever suits you it's fine, two a year means two days that suddenly get better. Win win in any case.
I hope you keep making videos, even if they're just occasional and low key. I personally feel the 100k subs level is right where channels seem to take off, I'd like to see it happen! Personally, I feel that you have enough credibility that as long as you're upfront about the business relationship, people would have no problem with you comparing products even if they're from a sponsor. You are an absolute wealth of knowledge and add a wicked level headed attitude to a space that needs more of it.
on a (slightly) more sensible level, I think the issue with Internet skating and the ugly transition into the 21st century is an interesting topic. Its great that there is synergy between Grafters like Ben who have been doing this for years, know their stuff, and produce genuine content and things like the 9 club, which is great for insight into Pro life and all lovely people but quite removed from the global skate rats out there. I encourage it, and its also a chain as people like Joa get to create a decent youtube space beyond the cringe of early kid based YT channels. I still would love to see Rad Rat chat with some of these guys though, he's a real one :) Was so great to see the Bunt boys on there too, mad cool. Fancy lads next??? Skateboarding is beautiful, and it is a useless wooden toy, so there's always this weird crossover between kid stuff and unbridled creativity. I respect all who embrace that.
Long time fan! Gotta say Ben you seem locked in to that board, all the flips are sucking up to your feet and I suspect the nose slide nollie heel didn’t take too many tries. Dare I say your back smith was dippier too? I know that switch tre felt good too. Glad you’ve found what seems to be your Goldilocks setup. Thanks for everything you do!
Interesting to hear about that corporate color convention, its something that I've subconsciously noticed with shoe colorways across different brands but you actually put it into words
I love seeing you whenever you're on. Seeing you without any regularity doesn't change that. You have a family to take care of and a life to live and we're all lucky to get whatever piece we can get out of the daddest skate dad on the planet.
I love your videos. Because of you and the owner of Vu Skateboard Shop in Baltimore I'm skating Krux trucks 5 Standers. And I'm sooooo happy. Thank you homie
G thumbnail, Ben. Sweet. I don't even know or care much about the scating world, but I'm still here for you integrity and directness, both here and on Carpenter. You have interesting things to say.
Gonna definitely use that link for my Tactics purchases, its the least I could do for all the reviews you have done over the years. Your channel has helped pick out what I am looking since most of these online stores don't have specific reviews for each product they sell. When I have little to no info I tend to shy away from buying stuff online. ALSO: I noticed your older videos don't have the tactics link, you should probably change all your old product reviews to have the link and description in the header.
I also found you because of the I quite video lol. I really enjoy your skate content, my favs are the ones you do that are construction + skating building obstacles etc, but I'm just happy whenever you make a skate related vid regardless of what the subject is.
Good skating. I just got for the first time a 14 inch wheel base egg. 8.5 in the middle. 8.25 over the trucks. I really like how the nose and tail are light and the mass is in the middle. All axis influence. A boost in control for me.
Thank you for for the update! Keep keeping it real by... keeping it Real. Can you post a promo link that goes directly to the boards that you designed? I tried searching 'Ben Degros' on the Tactics site and it gets no hits. I'm into symmetrical shapes nowadays but I WILL buy your board to try it out, just because it's yours. Least I can do to say thanks for helping this 41 year old remember how fun skateboarding is and get back into it (along with thanks to my wife for our family health insurance). Totally agree with you on the cringe attention-grabbing behavior that the platform is reinforcing. It's pretty much the robots telling us that we're stupid and have no attention span, we believe the robots, and then by doing so we perpetuate the exact behavior that's making us shrink our attention spans. As soon as the robots told us we need to contort our faces into strange 'reaction' selfies, it became obvious how much they - or maybe their programmers - are just messing with us to see if they can mess with us. Thanks for saying no-thanks to that, as best as you can, and continuing to post deeper long-form content.
Your thumbnail is why i still follow you, and will continue. whether you make one a month or one a year video. Youve always been quality over video and i enjoy your content. Thank you,
Ben, you can be fully lazy with this channel. Make it easy on yourself, I think we will all still be here. I don't think anyone is here for any pizazz, we just respect your opinion and want the info. You could just have single word titles and blacked out thumbnails, don't think it would matter. 👍🏼
This is all true but it also takes work to make these videos so I think this is similar to what's been happening in the synth TH-cam world where content creators realized they aren't getting paid fairly for the marketing work they're doing.
pre-session gloom vs post-session high
I wasn’t gloomy. Just chilled out and covering some topics that weren’t easy.
wait pre-session gloom is real? cool
If you always have low expectations you’ll always be surprised
This title made me click tbh
Same, but tbh would have clicked anyway. But it made me click even harder.
@@smeegain3657it made me click so hard, I’m still clicking.
100%
Same here 🎉
Same
Stoked on the Tactics partnership. Been shopping with them for years. Fast shipping and great service in my experience.
Last time I ordered it took about 2 weeks to get here. Package didn't even ship out for nearly a week. Tgm and skate warehouse get packages here in 3-4 days..I ALWAYS pass their ads by now because of this.
@@ianclements47 damn that sucks. Did you order during the holidays or something? I just checked and I've got 38 orders dating back to 2017 and have had no issues at all. I live in CA so maybe the shipping route from Oregon is quicker in general.
The service is very very good. Tactics brand boards are very good quality, too
That might be an anomaly. I almost buy exclusively from Tactics. I prefer Real and Anti Hero decks. Currently i have two setups an 8.25 tactics deck and an 8.38 Real. Dragons on one and 99a bones street on the other. I’m ranting but in short Tactics has been solid to do biz with.
This is a very punk rock video of you Mr. Degros
I really learned a lot about skateboards/ setups, trucks wheelbases etc..from you. Thanks.
Happy to help! 🙂
Wasn't aware wb was a thing til Ben. Changed my skating.
Ben do whatever what keeps you happy and motivated to create on here or not create, i'mma still go back and always binge all your wheelbase geometry videos cause they itch a funky spot in my brain and have content forever LMAO
I appreciate that. Scratch that itch!
Im 40 and still skate/ surfing. I tore my meniscus and ACL and man did it hurt. Love your stuff from North Carolina
Good luck man fellow NC skater.
Fellow NC skater as well. Tore my meniscus when I was 24.
I tore my meniscus when I was 22 (I'm 35 now) it healed on its own in about 6 months. Surgery would've put me out for at least a year.
@@JaGGeR- How bad was your tear? I opted for the surgery and I was back to skating (roller skates, tore mine jamskating) in roughly 6 months. I turn 40 this month and haven't had any real issues.
fellow NC person. board shape is great and awesome for 35+ former daily skater that gets out once a week.
You're a humble dude Ben! You always do it for the love of skating.. and good things happened! Congrats!
Thank you :)
I've been skating the Reynolds 53 soft sliders for about 2 weeks and absolutely love them. Had some minor issues with sticking on slides but that was remedied by using more wax. They powerslide great and I no longer have soreness in my knees and lower thighs the day after a session. I am 40 years old so this is a God send. Will be riding thse 53 soft sliders from 2024 til infinity.
Have you skated the dragons, x97, and/or x99? If you did, how did they compare for you? For me, I mostly skate smooth concrete skateparks, but I will skate flatground in asphalt parking lots as well (some can be okay and some can be rough). I found dragons to be too bouncy, especially for skating flatground on indoor smooth concrete. X97 and x99 were better for me. I am skating x99 now and I appreciate being able to get a nice "squeak" when I do a little slide (hard to explain, but I pick up the front wheels and slide backside on the back wheels without turning). However, I have slid out easily on 180 to manual tricks and ate it. I'm not sure if I understand the difference between a bones x99 and a bones stf 99. Before the whole dragon craze, I used to skate spitfire formula 4 99. I like the idea of a bit softer wheel for skating rough surfaces (even though I don't do it much), and also to help reduce soreness as I get older (I'm 30). I'm thinking about trying the spitfire classic 93 and/or the 97 and I hope I can get a good squeak :) Also, have you tried the spitfire 97? Reynolds having his name on the spitfire soft sliders makes me trust them too. I am skating the 480 NB at the moment and they are really nice.
P.S. I do like the idea of simply talking to the community about our experience with different products, but I would also really love a Ben video talking about his bias.
Discovered your channel and I got back to riding after 25+ years off, just after your initial announcement video.
Even so, I have since binged the rest over the last few months and your reviews have been my guideline to navigating the gear madness, given me pointers for spots I still need to venture out to, and led me to following a few other channels.
That you dont have the "look at me" vibe is a huge reason I dig your videos. So just keep doing you man.
I'm pumped to see you coming back for more, and still hope to maybe see you out someday on one of my treks to the plaza.
I go to the plaza about 4-6 times a year. It’s possible.
Have been loving the more laid back videos and doing whatever you feel like filming the energy has been so real it's great
Nothing wrong with making a little money to support your family doing something you love to do. I'll always support ya Ben.
You’re a genius with all the board tech, truck wheel base combos. You’re changing the skate game with more people taking wheel base and setups more serious. Your honesty and loyalty to skateboarding and viewers is why the skate community is so tight. Keep it up brother!🤙
I think that would be great to see youre personal experience with Spitfire 93's
I’ll see what I can do
I‘m really glad that you are still here to guide me on my geriatric skateboarding journey. As soon as the easy riders hit Europe, I‘m going to slap my 5.6 V-lights on one like you slap your tennis court curb 😂
probably the most honest and relatable person on the internet
Don’t worry about Patreon. There’s many people on here that have a $1 entry fee and don’t post often but they’ll do early releases or longer less edited for language videos. It’s what keeps their channels alive and they just promote what content you’re getting and the discord where you can chat with everyone. Also I’m approaching 40 and I’ve lost a ton of time to life choices and nagging injuries. I’m getting back on my board again because I need something for exercise since I’m pretty overweight. I’ve always been a heavier skater but I’m about 60lbs over what I was when I was at my peak skating ability so I’m just pushing around for now till I get my confidence back. Not trying to make my lingering injuries worse or develop new ones especially at my age and how long I’ve been off my board. Anyway good to see you’re keeping at it because you’ve always been more relatable to me given our age being so close and era we came up in.
I'm just getting better at my ollies, I listened to your videos when I was first practicing and you'll always have a place in my heart (and I'll always say Venture Lows in your accent)
Forgot to have your mouth wide open in thumbnail too
No. That's Cringe. I went for boring.
@@bendegros ya for sure 👍
Soy face
or just talk crap about Braille that seems to work lol
I discovered this channel because of your nine club episode, and now I watch every video you post. I also desperately want one of those Easy Riders, so thanks for helping to make that happen.
If you do try them I hope you like them!!!
You know the fruit analogy is so true and I’m glad it’s bearing fruit at last. I know the long term struggle well, I’m nowhere near what you’re doing and I’m in something else entirely, gradually working towards being a manga artist (my current story is about a skater) but 4 years in, I’ve barely made any impression but it’s important for me to just do it and ignore than I’m lucky if I get 5 likes on each page. But persistence is the key, it’s the same as learning tricks, at first it’s hard and slowly you get more of a feel for it and then one day it clicks and you have it on lock or thereabouts. Keep doing you and I for one will be around and will be rooting for you. Just enjoy what you do and the rest will follow :)
I watch stuff from both of your chans (i always comment "this dudes doesn't just cross-cut -- he also rips!"). Engineering in my 40s trying to bring up some groms the right way. Your content is honestly my fav in skating because it's unbiased (as much as something can be) and technical. I'm not big on the 'reviews' for the takeaways, more for the nerdy deep dives into the technical details that contribute to making products behave the way they do. STICK TO THAT! Literally no one else in that space, and its so refreshing! Even when you're biased, at least being honest about it makes up vs trying to cover it up
Much love from Vancouver Island Ben !!
Whenever I can’t find something locally, I always go on the tactics site. They have everything. I’ll definitely use your link from now on. Glad you’re finding ways to make putting time into this channel make sense for you and your family 🤝
I never really comment but I feel like I have something to share about the wheel debate: bones or spitfires, the new 93a formulas are beyond amazing if you live anywhere that doesn't have continuous smooth surfaces and perfect spots or good parks. 93a's let me skate TO the spot and AT the spot. anything below or above sacrifices either the trip or the session. plus my local park has a section that hasn't been touched up since the 80s and it's a rocky ride down the snake run with 99a+ but with the dragons I'm using it's such a blast. everyone should give them a try
Your honesty,in depth analysis and relatability of your product reviews help in making a decision on what kind of product you want to ride. Rather than buying it and not liking it and wasting money on a high priced product. Having you show us the behind the scenes of companies was awesome. Nerding out the BBS and Schmitt Stix videos.
Love the Tactics partnership I already had a cart full on there will now be completing through your link !!
I appreciate it. Thank you Brendan. I hope it's products that you will enjoy!
I'm not sure why I didn't find you earlier. But I've started being more serious about skating again (and to use that as a way to get in shape again too ^^ ) and your videos are wonderful for that.
Your Nine Club episode is easily one of my fav they ever did. I hope to see you and Schmitt do more together too, that would be sick :D
Appreciate your work my man and I'm trying to catch up on all your videos here
Ben, I've been watching your videos for at least 5 or 6 years, and you've definitely informed me and grown my interest in skateboarding. I think the reason I like your content is because you're a real person taking about something you enjoy. You don't have any flashy gimmicks, and you say what you really think. That's so rare nowadays. Authenticity has a ring of truth that doesn't need much explanation. One can just tell... and you're an authentic dude. You speak honestly and openly about your family and your priorities (which many of us deeply respect), and you're candid about why you do your videos. All of that to say this: Make your videos when you want, brother. I think I speak for the rest of your audience when I say that we'll keep watching without expectation or judgement. We all wish you the best and hope for your success.
Thank you ☺️
We all love you Ben, listen to you all the time. Thanks for all your hard work, and your “reap what you sow” is true. You’re killing it and bring so much peace to those of us in the older skateboard space.
Hey Ben just keep doing what you're doing now. It's more than enough considering you have the other channel & a full time job to juggle too. Like I said before - every vid that you drop, as & when you can, is a pleasure to watch❤
Thank you! I think it’s good though to make a video like this once in a while so you know where I’m coming from and why I make the choices I do👍
On the modern TH-cam success method:
There are outliers, non-sensational channels that don't chase the algorithm. But yes, it's a drag, usually! I was recently looking into another hobby and watching some videos from ~17 years ago. It was crazy how straightforward and information-focused it was.
As much as I want people to be able to make a living off their art, I fully support doing your 9-5 and just having this be your side gig, and keep it full of love and infrequent.
mate, you introduced me to the madness... you can´t stop making videos now... I finally optimized my setup (you wouldn´t like it) to a point where I love skateboarding even more then ever before... sending much love from germany
I like that you like it
Ben,
We all love you because you are an authenthic person, i mean, a person who does what he loves to do. So, keep that way and doesn't matter the video title or edition, it won't change, we'll keep following you and supporting you.
Take care, cheers from France
Just keep skating and checking in, we know you’re busy haha. Cheers
Your honesty gets my attention, matters not which subject your on, drywall episodes were true skillshares, skate product reviews are simple and humile.
You represent self very well.
If i could turn time back to lean in and ask for real advice, i would...
Thank you for being real. -AL
u are the best ben. i love your honesty. thanks for uploading as always!
My pleasure!
I am trying Thunders right now after having broken axles on both my Indy Titanium sets and you are one of the reasons. I find I am skating more consistent with them overall, like you said - for example in the trucks tier list with Joa (gifted hater). Thanks for your in depth reviews.
You are one of the best true skateboarding channels of all time. Love your work. Looking forward to your future videos.
Cheers, Ben. I know I and many others will be stoked for any content you feel like making here. And get that affiliate link money! I occasionally snag something from Tactics and will definitely use your link next time I do.
Still tryin' my Kickflip! Landing it would be a dream, for me😲. Thanks for posting footage of your skate Ben, it really does help. Summer skate vibes on the horizon!! Radical👌!
That deck is making me wish Anti-Hero made a 8.75 on a natural stain background. The only one I know of with the classic logo in my size is on white paint. I love the look of natural stain decks, I'd be fine with blanks if they were affordable and in my size and what I liked.
I don't like my local shop and also I'm picky enough and skate a bigger size, so do use tactics, or sometimes skatewarehouse; I'll try to remember to use the commission link. I already have a stockpile of decks and my ankles are making it harder to skate as much as I'd like, but I'll shoot for using the link when I need something.
Also I appreciate the last bits at the end; "we can't all skate forever, so enjoy it while you can" I've had weak ankles and a sore left knee for years now and I haven't actively tried to do anything about it; that is something I truly must remedy soon.
The only skate youtuber that i feel comfortable watching and getting an honest review from, love to see you upload again
I've been buying from Tactics for 5 years. Very good prices and quick delivery!!!
The internet finally doing some good! The Japan pros are my favorite shoe currently. I put a very thin reming insole on top of the stock insole. Gives me the arch support I need and like you said, it stiffens the sole up a bit.
That last minute hitting hard brother, i often contemplate the same. Sometimes it makes me resent my childhood, but i try to fit in as much fun as I can before it has to stop.
All these years, and you're finally cured of the madness with your board! The madness can be fun. But it's good to be free of it. The best setup is the one you're used to. I'm glad you're back!
I’ve always liked your approach to your videos and I think TH-cam needs more of that for viewers like myself who are more cynical towards the standard you mention. Looking forward to more content.
Cheers! from a 47 year old life long skater
Ben, we love you and we just want you to have fun, content trends are always changing, right now I think making stuff that is organic and just fun for you is more important and will have more value over time, I wouldn't worry about the usual things content creators do to gain traction, save yourself that time and energy, we will still be here supporting you. On a different note, I fractured my ankle pretty bad two weeks ago, now I have 3 titanium plates and 10 screws so I'll be out for a long time, trying not to get too depressed about it. I'll be off the skatepark but I'll be here supporting you and watching you videos.
I’m so sorry to hear about your ankle!!!😢
I hope it heals well. I’m sure you will find a way to fill the time. Sometimes a little time off the board can really open up some new opportunities.
@@bendegros Ben that means a lot, I will get the best out of this situation, thank you!
I fully appreciate the way you see things. Good job Ben!
Glad you're back Ben! 💕 Wasn't the same without you
PS- what width Ventures 8 or 8.25? 🤔
Do what you like, make videos about what you want. Also the affiliate link is fine and any sponsored video is alright as long as you give your true opinion. Stay happy doing this stuff. True fans can see the passion
Man I’ve mentioned this to you before about the new 93a Spitfires. I went and got a set for skating my normal parking lot spot just beside my place. As soon as I stepped on my board and skated around and popped a few ollies I was absolutely blown away! I loved them so much that I knew my local shop had another set because he ordered me a pair and said he had one more as well, I went back the next day and got the other set. I couldn’t imagine a better wheel for rougher ground. Now I need some slightly smaller than 54mm as well. I have two of the Radials in 54 and they are probably my favorite I’ve ever ridden! Amazing wheels, I can’t find anything bad to say about them yet.
They are good I agree.
!! The 93a spitfires feel like 95a - and thats a good thing
its like a softER 99a F4 (emphasis on the -Err) while dragon wheels feel like cruiser wheels you can still skate with in comparison
i love them, its like what eu skaters think LA ground feels like on the 99as
That’s pretty accurate actually. I thought they felt harder than dragons as well.
There’s a HUGE resurgence of old dudes coming back to skating. And we have $. Maybe hit that demographic harder. I’m here because you have a little grey, you’re well spoken and have a good demeanor. ✌️
Thanks for the update Ben 💚🛹
You’re welcome Wally Paulnuts
8 holes plate ventures is an interesting move, they do have a lot of space to work and they turn a bit more
I hear you and that's what I respect about people: being real or whatever you want to call it. If you put out a video in a week, month or year I will still check it. Thanks for all the really valuable and interesting input. Hope all works out for you...
Thank you!
I got some Asics Vickkas and the Vickka slip ons .. im actually loving them
i hope that even if its only once every few months or so, i keep seeing videos from you. to be honest i always thought of you as one of the guys who isn't click-baity! your content has always been great!
Of all the “social media” or “TH-cam” skaters Ben is the only one I feel that was just made to be in the industry. Glad to have you back and can’t wait to see whatever you feel like putting out.
Nice to see an update!!! Love the trick selection in this vid Ben!!!👍🏻👊🏼
I like what you said initially, only going to make the videos you think are worth sharing that are interesting to you.
You do you. I think you have earned the right and respect from everyone to do it your way.
My channel has been puttering around for 6 years. It's the best I can do with my time and skate /video skills. However, I enjoy it, so I keep doing it.
Your channel is such a breath of fresh air from all the attention starved toddler types. It’s so relaxing and comforting to watch your videos and not feel like my brains reward system is being exploited. I am sad that you’re not making as much money as you could be if you did go full Braille and just spewed garbage 24/7 but it’s deeply strengthening my faith in humanity to see you still maintain integrity and focus on making quality content instead. Somebody else said just be lazy, single word titles and black thumbnails and I’m allllll for it if that means you keep making skateboard videos
Do what’s best for your family Mr. Degros, more power to you! The random videos dropped every now and then are a sweet pill for the aficionados, a nice treat every now and then. But of course if you want to give us a candy every couple weeks I wouldn’t complain. Still the most real skater-youtube creator out there
Those green and black shoes reminds me old 80's early 90's Airwalks.
Love the direction of this channel ❤️
We love you man. You're my favorite TH-camr. I love the authenticity and the skating. I mean who sheeits on Nike Dunks. Seriously. And I love that you don't classify yourself as a TH-camr.
Thank you!!! I actually love the aesthetic of dunks. I hate how played out they are though. If they actually worked for me it would be hard for me to not skate them.
Ben is succeeding, we are all happy for this 🙏🏻👏🏻❤️
I been always wondering what to try out with low venture trucks, to make them work and feel like the old trucks. Do you know if the old low venture trucks had those higher baseplates? Or if it makes them feel more like old venture trucks, if you change out the baseplates?? Anyway that baseplate topic opened up alots of questions!! Great video !!
always a pleasure to hear from you. i def prefer standard ventures
The day improves when there is a new video. Two videos per month? Whatever suits you it's fine, two a year means two days that suddenly get better. Win win in any case.
Rain keeping me off the board this weekend but love a ben video to get me hyped about carves, kick turns and tik taks!
Raining here too. Forecast for the week looks great though.
I hope you keep making videos, even if they're just occasional and low key. I personally feel the 100k subs level is right where channels seem to take off, I'd like to see it happen!
Personally, I feel that you have enough credibility that as long as you're upfront about the business relationship, people would have no problem with you comparing products even if they're from a sponsor. You are an absolute wealth of knowledge and add a wicked level headed attitude to a space that needs more of it.
Thank you!!!
on a (slightly) more sensible level, I think the issue with Internet skating and the ugly transition into the 21st century is an interesting topic. Its great that there is synergy between Grafters like Ben who have been doing this for years, know their stuff, and produce genuine content and things like the 9 club, which is great for insight into Pro life and all lovely people but quite removed from the global skate rats out there. I encourage it, and its also a chain as people like Joa get to create a decent youtube space beyond the cringe of early kid based YT channels. I still would love to see Rad Rat chat with some of these guys though, he's a real one :) Was so great to see the Bunt boys on there too, mad cool. Fancy lads next???
Skateboarding is beautiful, and it is a useless wooden toy, so there's always this weird crossover between kid stuff and unbridled creativity. I respect all who embrace that.
Long time fan! Gotta say Ben you seem locked in to that board, all the flips are sucking up to your feet and I suspect the nose slide nollie heel didn’t take too many tries. Dare I say your back smith was dippier too? I know that switch tre felt good too. Glad you’ve found what seems to be your Goldilocks setup. Thanks for everything you do!
Interesting to hear about that corporate color convention, its something that I've subconsciously noticed with shoe colorways across different brands but you actually put it into words
Stoked. Post once a day or once a year, I’ll watch it.
One of the very few who don't exploit human psychology for views. Cheers
Well, not very much
I love seeing you whenever you're on. Seeing you without any regularity doesn't change that. You have a family to take care of and a life to live and we're all lucky to get whatever piece we can get out of the daddest skate dad on the planet.
I love your videos. Because of you and the owner of Vu Skateboard Shop in Baltimore I'm skating Krux trucks 5 Standers. And I'm sooooo happy. Thank you homie
🙂
G thumbnail, Ben. Sweet. I don't even know or care much about the scating world, but I'm still here for you integrity and directness, both here and on Carpenter. You have interesting things to say.
Gonna definitely use that link for my Tactics purchases, its the least I could do for all the reviews you have done over the years. Your channel has helped pick out what I am looking since most of these online stores don't have specific reviews for each product they sell. When I have little to no info I tend to shy away from buying stuff online. ALSO: I noticed your older videos don't have the tactics link, you should probably change all your old product reviews to have the link and description in the header.
I put it in a handful of the more popular videos.
Stoked you're getting more exposure. Love your stuff.
Tactics is THE best so I’m happy to hear about this partnership. Good stuff Ben
I also found you because of the I quite video lol. I really enjoy your skate content, my favs are the ones you do that are construction + skating building obstacles etc, but I'm just happy whenever you make a skate related vid regardless of what the subject is.
Appreciate your content and especially your honesty! That session was fun to watch you're ripping! ✌
Cool, I used your link to order my new trucks and grip tape. Glad I could help support the channel!
That model of ASICS shoe was too thin for me and couldn’t skate for long hours like I can with a firmer, more protective cupsole.
Good skating. I just got for the first time a 14 inch wheel base egg. 8.5 in the middle. 8.25 over the trucks. I really like how the nose and tail are light and the mass is in the middle. All axis influence. A boost in control for me.
love seeing that little park skated. it's like a warm orange blanket with a triangle-shaped hole in it.
😂
im with you about the subdued shoe designs vs the loud logoed up ones. Glad you might be making videos more often again too.
So happy your skatechannel is active again so gratful!! Love it, Thank you for everything Ben. BTW how wide is your Venture trucks?
5.6 :)
@@bendegros Thank you!
An original personality and strong convictions keep you afloat
Thank you for for the update! Keep keeping it real by... keeping it Real. Can you post a promo link that goes directly to the boards that you designed? I tried searching 'Ben Degros' on the Tactics site and it gets no hits. I'm into symmetrical shapes nowadays but I WILL buy your board to try it out, just because it's yours. Least I can do to say thanks for helping this 41 year old remember how fun skateboarding is and get back into it (along with thanks to my wife for our family health insurance).
Totally agree with you on the cringe attention-grabbing behavior that the platform is reinforcing. It's pretty much the robots telling us that we're stupid and have no attention span, we believe the robots, and then by doing so we perpetuate the exact behavior that's making us shrink our attention spans. As soon as the robots told us we need to contort our faces into strange 'reaction' selfies, it became obvious how much they - or maybe their programmers - are just messing with us to see if they can mess with us. Thanks for saying no-thanks to that, as best as you can, and continuing to post deeper long-form content.
I'm rocking both the Anderson and the og dragons and love them! And Sask skaters you'll love them.
Your thumbnail is why i still follow you, and will continue. whether you make one a month or one a year video. Youve always been quality over video and i enjoy your content. Thank you,
Thank you!!!
Love hearing you talking about stuff, especially when you make a bunch of reviews about new things coming out LoL 😂
Kendrick won sorry Canada
Nahhh this got me dead 🤣🤣🔥
We don't claim Aubrey