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. 👍🏼

@not-hank-s

14 күн бұрын

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 KZread world where content creators realized they aren't getting paid fairly for the marketing work they're doing.

This title made me click tbh

@smeegain3657

16 күн бұрын

Same, but tbh would have clicked anyway. But it made me click even harder.

@SkateTastrophe

16 күн бұрын

@@smeegain3657it made me click so hard, I’m still clicking.

@Dadbot

15 күн бұрын

100%

@jann470

15 күн бұрын

Same here 🎉

@theramplocal

15 күн бұрын

Same

pre-session gloom vs post-session high

@bendegros

16 күн бұрын

I wasn’t gloomy. Just chilled out and covering some topics that weren’t easy.

@duncanwhyyou611

15 күн бұрын

wait pre-session gloom is real? cool

@AJBuddha

15 күн бұрын

If you always have low expectations you’ll always be surprised

This is a very punk rock video of you Mr. Degros

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

@bendegros

16 күн бұрын

I appreciate that. Scratch that itch!

Stoked on the Tactics partnership. Been shopping with them for years. Fast shipping and great service in my experience.

@ianclements47

15 күн бұрын

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.

@pscaught

15 күн бұрын

@@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.

@Baticuerva

14 күн бұрын

The service is very very good. Tactics brand boards are very good quality, too

@TheMlvswoll

13 күн бұрын

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.

Forgot to have your mouth wide open in thumbnail too

@bendegros

16 күн бұрын

No. That's Cringe. I went for boring.

@DustinKeiser

16 күн бұрын

@@bendegros ya for sure 👍

@tkugsify

16 күн бұрын

Soy face

@dontimaginedragons

6 күн бұрын

or just talk crap about Braille that seems to work lol

Im 40 and still skate/ surfing. I tore my meniscus and ACL and man did it hurt. Love your stuff from North Carolina

@jon5one7

16 күн бұрын

Good luck man fellow NC skater.

@atypical_blk_guy

16 күн бұрын

Fellow NC skater as well. Tore my meniscus when I was 24.

@JaGGeR-

16 күн бұрын

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.

@atypical_blk_guy

16 күн бұрын

@@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.

@codythomas5913

14 күн бұрын

fellow NC person. board shape is great and awesome for 35+ former daily skater that gets out once a week.

I really learned a lot about skateboards/ setups, trucks wheelbases etc..from you. Thanks.

@bendegros

16 күн бұрын

Happy to help! 🙂

@sle_epytight

15 күн бұрын

Wasn't aware wb was a thing til Ben. Changed my skating.

You're a humble dude Ben! You always do it for the love of skating.. and good things happened! Congrats!

@bendegros

16 күн бұрын

Thank you :)

probably the most honest and relatable person on the internet

Nothing wrong with making a little money to support your family doing something you love to do. I'll always support ya Ben.

Have been loving the more laid back videos and doing whatever you feel like filming the energy has been so real it's great

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.

@bendegros

14 күн бұрын

I go to the plaza about 4-6 times a year. It’s possible.

Kendrick won sorry Canada

@frvn4ever

14 күн бұрын

Nahhh this got me dead 🤣🤣🔥

@bittmanbobby

12 күн бұрын

We don't claim Aubrey

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.

@rscicchitano02

15 күн бұрын

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.

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👌!

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!🤙

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'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.

@bendegros

16 күн бұрын

If you do try them I hope you like them!!!

The only skate youtuber that i feel comfortable watching and getting an honest review from, love to see you upload again

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 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.

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 😂

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.

“It’s the shoes. Gotta be the shoes”.

You are one of the best true skateboarding channels of all time. Love your work. Looking forward to your future videos.

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

@bendegros

15 күн бұрын

I like that you like it

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.

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

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

Glad you're back Ben! 💕 Wasn't the same without you PS- what width Ventures 8 or 8.25? 🤔

Much love from Vancouver Island Ben !!

Cool, I used your link to order my new trucks and grip tape. Glad I could help support the channel!

Stoked you're getting more exposure. Love your stuff.

You've built this channel on your honest opinions and why I continue to click on your vids. Make videos at a pace you feel comfortable with

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

4:11 I do think that it's opportunist to say like "it would have more or less been the same" when it comes to this exact shoe, that suits you well. But whether you like a shoe or not, not having a principal baseline makes every paid review useless. It's not about this shoe. Regardless, I understand everything you say and as a human (and a working musician) I am happy for your commercial success. It's well deserved for being one of about 5 people in the whole darn western skate scene who seem to be able to transcend useless platitudes, but the discrepancy between principality and commerciality is absolute.

I fully appreciate the way you see things. Good job Ben!

Thanks for the update Ben 💚🛹

@bendegros

16 күн бұрын

You’re welcome Wally Paulnuts

Nice to see an update!!! Love the trick selection in this vid Ben!!!👍🏻👊🏼

im with you about the subdued shoe designs vs the loud logoed up ones. Glad you might be making videos more often again too.

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!

Love the Tactics partnership I already had a cart full on there will now be completing through your link !!

@bendegros

16 күн бұрын

I appreciate it. Thank you Brendan. I hope it's products that you will enjoy!

Dang Ben out here laying down the law!! ❤

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❤

@bendegros

16 күн бұрын

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👍

Ben is succeeding, we are all happy for this 🙏🏻👏🏻❤️

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.

@bendegros

15 күн бұрын

I put it in a handful of the more popular videos.

I'm glad that you're being your genuine self on your channel. I believe that's why we are here! I hope that when you get the opportunity to skate the Japan Pro, that you get to enjoy them. I'm skating the White/Black in leather at the moment, and they are very comparable to Dunks and and easier to just hop right in without flick adjustments. The minor slippage in my case comes from the sizing difference. I wear an US11, and I feel like I can go down to 10½ and get the best fit. Currently skating a 7.75 BBS Element, Venture Low 5.2, Bones X97 Formula and some Reds.

@bendegros

14 күн бұрын

7.75 crew🙂

@IIchiTheKiller

14 күн бұрын

@@bendegros yessir, and the 6'1" crew also. After being inundated with the only choice of 8-8.25 since 2010, I had to get back to my roots. Much more comfortable, but I can still throw down on the current standard size.

Just keep skating and checking in, we know you’re busy haha. Cheers

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. ✌️

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 :)

@blurry.magnets

14 күн бұрын

I like the way you worded that. “My current story is about a skater” I’ve had a lot of interests in my life. We aren’t our careers. We aren’t our names, social security numbers. We aren’t even our bodies. We are our choices. Keep choosing with your heart.

I really think that is really good video you put out!! And i really like the facts that you have some impact on skateboard industry by having impact on the easy rider shape. And i think your gonna release à video on the board setup of Tj Rogers! I just ordered is board that week because of how he skate!!

Mad respect to Ben for openly and defiantly upholding his integrity in a world designed to destroy it

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.

Random video comment showing much love & appreciation and helping Ben’s youtube-algorithm.

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

Love hearing you talking about stuff, especially when you make a bunch of reviews about new things coming out LoL 😂

u are the best ben. i love your honesty. thanks for uploading as always!

@bendegros

16 күн бұрын

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.

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.

@bendegros

14 күн бұрын

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.

@p_mi1

14 күн бұрын

@@bendegros Ben that means a lot, I will get the best out of this situation, thank you!

While I understand what you're saying about the Ave shoe I don't completely agree with your statements. Ill take you for your word about being allowed to give an honest review but if you've been given shoes, flown to LA and provided accommodations by a company (as well as being further financially compensated based on your comments) I find it hard to believe anyone can give an entirely honest review; unless you're already wealthy of course. Whether consciously or not are you not incentivized to not say anything that could jeopardize any further deals from happening with said company? It's definitely to your financial advantage is it not? No hate intended, just a thought, keep up the good work!

@bendegros

16 күн бұрын

I don’t think routinely doing paid reviews on this channel would be viable. This was probably a one off.

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.

So VERY STOKED to have you back dude!!!

I've been buying from Tactics for 5 years. Very good prices and quick delivery!!!

Appreciate your content and especially your honesty! That session was fun to watch you're ripping! ✌

Tactics is THE best so I’m happy to hear about this partnership. Good stuff Ben

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.

@bendegros

15 күн бұрын

Thank you!!!

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.

Love the direction of this channel ❤️

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 like those kicks! I just said goodbye to my Gel-Vickka's after skating on them for a year!

yeah ben ! you've been doing great with deluxe , love your straight up opinion on things ! take care and keep it up !

We love you man. You're my favorite KZreadr. 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 KZreadr.

@bendegros

14 күн бұрын

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.

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!

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.

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!

On the modern KZread 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.

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

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.

Had to watch because you did not have a click bait title.. lol Throughly enjoy your no nonsense transparency and honesty.

Those green and black shoes reminds me old 80's early 90's Airwalks.

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.

you made me love skating ben, thank you for making awesome videos!

@bendegros

16 күн бұрын

My pleasure!!

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.

Stoked. Post once a day or once a year, I’ll watch it.

I love a red arrow in my thumbnails 😂 Glad you will be dropping videos at least once a month!

@bendegros

15 күн бұрын

Thanks Leon!

You do not need to make clickbait titles or thumbnails. Just keep the quality contente you have been producing, even if it means realeasing new content every 2 months. I will watch them.

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.

@bendegros

15 күн бұрын

Thank you ☺️

epic title! Thanks for all the vids re: skating and carpentry!

The no BS approach is why we like your videos.

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

@bendegros

15 күн бұрын

🙂

Doesn’t matter the title I always click

Skate dad you're very self aware, im good with however u choose to upload👍🏾

I think that would be great to see youre personal experience with Spitfire 93's

@bendegros

15 күн бұрын

I’ll see what I can do

You're a king. Keep the Howard Roark content coming.

see you skating the japan pros , ive been loving the same ones at the moment

I think reviews where you have bias are fine as long as you state it towards the start of the video. Biased reviews are still valuable to consumers if they're aware of the bias when consuming