I am a 37yo beginner, surfed once a week, when possible, and had 1 surfing lesson. You get the picture. I bought a smoothstar, Used it for a week. A coupple of hours a day. After that I was able to ride a rigid board, and went from basically 11" to 7"1' in two sessions. Also I was finally able to catch my Very first wave... The feeling is inexplicable, almost crying while smiling like a kid at his first birthday. To see the ocean bottom unraveling befor you, while gliding or flying over it...wow! So yes, I personally raccomand smoothstar, although I have not way to compare the two.

@Marklemarklemark

3 жыл бұрын

Mate I feel you! Just discovered my love of surfing at 35, I'm just starting out, but I know doing this will improve my confidence! Never too old to try something new! Hope you are tearing it up soon!

@celia.rivasr

3 жыл бұрын

I felt that bro 😔

@carversurfbarres9272

3 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/fHuT1Mqke9mre6w.html 🤞🤞🤞🤞🤙

@elixtorn8744

2 жыл бұрын

Are you still surfing ?

@jasonkid2298

Жыл бұрын

@@Marklemarklemark I have never surfed as I grew up in a landlocked province in China. But I can surfskate well(I think), hopefully I can have a try on the real waves.

Just bought a 32.5" Carver Black Tip & it's so much fun. Ultimately you can loosen your trucks, wear them in etc. You'll probably find that your body adjusts to whichever you ride and that's where the difference will be.

To elaborate, I found that the smoothstar was more of a practice going fast through turns with speed, whereas the carver taught me how to put flow into my surfing and drive into my turns.

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

My experience was different but glad you’re getting benefits!

@ampinghard111

3 жыл бұрын

The key for it to emulate surfing is to be able to generate speed when u drive off the back foot. On a normal skate the tail would just slide, it feels like you're trying to surf a single fin like a thruster.

@carversurfbarres9272

3 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/fHuT1Mqke9mre6w.html 🤞🤙🤞🤙💪

@IdontspeakBro.

3 жыл бұрын

I have heard this from bugger guys also. I’m 6’3” and 45, been surfing a year and half. Skated all my life as a kid, Ollie impossible being my fav trick. I can ride a smooth star no problems but haven’t been able to connect the two while surfing.

@KC-ro9ro

2 жыл бұрын

i totally agree with op

I have a totally different opinion and experince. If you are a beginner ore intermediate surfer you should not ride a board as loose as the smoothstar. It will actually not develop but deteriorate a good and effective style in the water. Carver beeing a bit more stiffer helps to push and develop the muscles and muscle memory necessary to apply it on the water. If you are a experienced surfer smoothstar may be a good option to work on the body language/looks of your surfing since it is a very loose board. No surfing on the water is so loose as the feeling of the smoothstar. So for me carver gives you a more realistic simulation of the stregnth you need and feel on the water. And Kale it looks like you have not used the same pushing power while comparing the carving speed from the boards.

smoothstar (or any spring based surfskate) promote wiggling which can harm your progress if you're a beginner..If you dont know yet how to pump and generate speed, carver cx will force you to do it the right way while smoothstar will do the opposite. You cant wiggle on a surfboard to generate speed, so it will actually hinder your progress unless you have a coach teaching you the right way, and even then its risky. Even kale wiggles way more on his smoothstar footage vs carver footage (pretty obvious at 12:01 , where he wiggles a lot more on the smoothstar, even barely compressing at all his last "pump", while he is forced to actually compress and extend properly on the carver cx at every pump). Carver is excellent to actually teach you the pump and generating speed, it will come naturally on it. For anyone past this stage, it doesnt matter to you nearly as much and the smoothstar is a much better option, as carver cx is only good at that and much more limited for manoeuvers, or anything else basically

Thanks for tuning in guys! I enjoyed riding all three boards including the Carver C7 which was as loose as it could go - I hope you appreciate this honest review 🙌🏽 Looking forward to hearing what you’d like from me content-wise moving forward!

@creedjob4386

4 жыл бұрын

Kales Broccoli Hi mate. I was surprised not to see my favourite, the Swelltech - I have the JOB Pro model. I think this would have been a fairer assessment and would challenge if not bypass the Smoothstar in terms of maneuverability. It’s def not an everyday board but it’s tight turns feel incredibly similar to surfing. What are your thoughts Mr B?

@rod9648

4 жыл бұрын

Yep it would be nice if you could do one about surfskate swelltech

@jameshallfishing3377

4 жыл бұрын

Reading the reviews I can see everyone else already knows about them more than me lol. That's pretty cool they make a version for taller people. I definately wanna check that out. Enjoyed your video. On a side note I think it's pretty cool you like Brett Barley coming from were you do. He lives just down the road from me. I checked out the boards. Looks like the dolphin is right for me. Price is way above what I would normally pay. The ply is not enough. I need at least 8 ply. I weigh in at 235pds.

@user-oy1ob5zj9g

4 жыл бұрын

Hey Kale! Enjoyed your video! These boards are super fun :) Hope you could give us more videos about skates, Surfskate (swelltech) and YOW comparison for example🤙

@pedro.montanaro

4 жыл бұрын

Great video, tanks a lot, really enjoyed it. I would love to see more content to training in house. Do you recommend the balance board? Anyway keep up with the channel, you are killing it

Deffently looking forward to more comparisons / reviews of smoothstar and other boards.

Awesome review! I bought a smoothstar a few weeks ago for surf training - inspired by some of your older videos about speed generation with a shortboard. It takes some time to get used to, but now it's super fun and a great tool to emulate surfing. Keep it flowing !!!

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

That’s awesome!

Had a Carver for 6months and love it.. Until I tried my brothers Smoothstar and knew straight away I needed one. Bought my Toledo Smoothstar today yewwwww.. I still love the Carver for cruising, but the Smoothstar is by far a better surf simulator 👌🏼

@jonkennard8272

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks that's a helpful comment. Ive had a Carver for a while more an absolutely love it. However keen to try smoothstar. I do think if unlike kale you have a used a Carver for a adjust to it and equally can push it harder. Probably harder than a smoothstar. My thoughts anyway

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

Super interesting!

@renegadefunkstar

4 жыл бұрын

Jon Kennard eg bowl carves

@carversurfbarres9272

3 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/fHuT1Mqke9mre6w.html 🤞🤞🤞🤙

Smoothstar for fast and agressive movement Carver is more on flow. In my own expericence 😊

@carversurfbarres9272

3 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/fHuT1Mqke9mre6w.html 🤞🤙💪🤞🤞🤞

@talinacruz101

2 жыл бұрын

This is what I have read and for that reason I was thinking Carver would be better for total beginners - would you agree?

Amazing video man! Everything is good, the testing methodology, the conclusions, the pictures, the editing, the music, the effects... Cool !!

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!!!

@YiggaP

4 жыл бұрын

@@KalesBroccoli thank youuu!

Thank you for the comprehensive comparison, really helpful for making my decision!

This is the most informative video on the two boards available to date on YT. If there was a doctorate on surf skating your 'testing hypothesis' here deserves a PhD Kales! In this double 'blind' test we now confirmed Carver is really just a skateboard in disguise as a surf trainer. There are comparable brands to Smoothstar like Waterborne adapters, Yow and Swelltech worth considering doing an full analysis like this one you did with Carver that I and many others would likely want to see. That bit about tipping over midpoint is so spot on! Carvers trucks just don't allow your butt to go over past the rail in backside turns. They also lose speed on wrap around cutbacks and pick up real slow starting at 0. These were points that makes your analysis superior to other surfskate comparison videos on YT.

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

hahaha 😂😂 Thanks man! Appreciate your comments!! More to come

Great review. I’d love to see more on some Smoothstar drills/training techniques

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

Coming!

Super useful review. Now i can get the right model with clear purpose! Thanks Kale!

You are the undeniable leader in surf training Kales - rich content, all the time, even during this worldwide quarantine passage; mahalo & way to go mate...! Look forward to more surfskate tips (including beginner - like grass truck feel shots/turn clapping, etc.) ASAP... Thanks so much and stay healthy bro'...!

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

You’re a legend Ken thank you!!!

For taller guy it's important to have a proper stance, that's why I bought Smoothstart Manta-Ray, which is a little bit longer version of Toledo's skateboard. I've tried another version of surfskate with rotating front wheel (the same you can find on a shopping trolley) and found it less stable and not flexing back after the turn.

@lkk2886

4 жыл бұрын

Another surfskate you mean "SwellTech"?

Been an owner of Carver C7 boards for many years now and can say they have made a huge difference in my performance surfing. I think Kale makes an interesting point about the ability of the smoothstar to drive thru a roundhouse cutback better than the Carver. But the C7 does offer the ability to adjust its torsional tension that might be preventing that full rotational transition. I plan on testing this out next time i take it for a skate. Also, I found with the Carver C7 that bushings and wheel types make a huge difference as well. I've selected bushings that provide much more rebound than those that come stock and thus add more spring out of the turns. For the wheels I use center set with rounded edges that I can see also helping with that transition. So I've never tried a Smoothstar, but would say don't dismiss the Carver C7 without considering these improvements.

@TFarrell_

3 жыл бұрын

Well whats the point of getting a Carver if you have to tweak it so much??? My girlfriend got the Carver C7. She's a great surfer and she was losing speed in turns and not being able to pump it because she's light and that thing is actually stiff. She wanted to get a Loose Kit and change the settings and instead I got her on a Smoothstar and then a Yow to give it a try and she was rocking. And so was I. I still have the carver... I use it for my dog to pull my groceries :D She got a Yow and I got a Smoothstar. We're all happy, especially the dog.

@JudoSurfer

3 жыл бұрын

@@TFarrell_ The point is you can customize the Carver to the rider. Just like there is no one surfboard that works for all people, no one skate setup works for all people. There is a huge difference in performance between boards with different wheelbases. There are many different models of Carver and they do not all skate the same. Shorter wheelbase for a shortboard feel, quick pumps, and tight turns and a wider wheelbase for wider, smooth turns. BTW, the Carver used in this video has a wide wheelbase.

@OUTDOORSWITHDOMINGO

2 жыл бұрын

Great video from Kale & Thanks for the info on you set up ude ! Def pays to upgrade the C7 bushings & test wheels and to tune the tensions on the C7 bolt to the riders weight & skills ETC. best

@JohnnySurfsideBeach

7 ай бұрын

Can you tell me what wheels and bushings you switched to? After owning c7 and CX on almost identical specs I use CX more. I love the adrenaline of pumping fast and then hitting those street banks.

Best review of these boards! Really helped my decision to buy the smoothstar, legend!

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

Awesome!

Hi Kale, I'm going to Surfboard empire and to get a smoothstar for my surf training. Thanks for nice video.

@carversurfbarres9272

3 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/fHuT1Mqke9mre6w.html 🤞🤙🤞🤞🤞

That’s awesome 🙌🏼 definitely is exactly that I feel about smoothstar, more responsive and I can really feel like surfing.

Mate solid review. I got the SmoothStar last year coz of your previous videos, use it exclusively for surf training, and defo agree with your opinions here. Am well happy now I purchased as can't get near any waves now due to virus lockdown! For all the big guys out there I got the Manta Ray model as I'm 6'3. Thank you Kale.

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

Thats awesome man! So glad it's helping! I'll try to punch out a bunch of training videos in the coming weeks

@jamesdarkin843

4 жыл бұрын

@@KalesBroccoli Thanks mate, that would be excellent

Great video and very and helpful I look forward to getting a surf skateboard to improve my surfing...

Thanks for this video! I have been looking into buying a board after your progression video!

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

awesome!

Hi Kale, totally agree with your assessment. I had a carver for long time, and it is great for cruising or carving. I’ve found that the Smoothstar is better for balance and practicing pumping / compression. Just got a #77 model and it feels even closer to surfing! Please keep on posting skatesurf / Smoothstar exercises that we can practice when the surf is flat ;)

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tibo!!

Thanks Kale! Love it! Could you give a more in-depth training video on surf skating for surf practise? A cone set-up example would be nice. Thanks!

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

Yep it's all coming!

@dafyddhunter159

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Kale - an awesome video mate 👍 I’ve just brought a #77 🛹 😀 Any chance you could do a series of surf skate videos on ur smoothstar going from the basics to more advanced techniques? All the best from nz mate 👍

@carversurfbarres9272

3 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/fHuT1Mqke9mre6w.html 🤞🤙🤞🤙🤞🤞

Thank you dude because you're an awesome teacher and thank you for making your videos longer cuz it's nice to listen to you speak cuz you know what you're talking about and you care about what you're talking about and you really care and want to help people with their surfing and your good teacher and it's cool there's a lot of people out there trying to do tutorials and share but not all them were good teachers but it's nice they're helping out but you're definitely a natural self-taught or trained teacher and what you teach and how you teach and explain and the level of production you give is amazing and thank you very much... Happy surfing from Virginia Beach! :-)

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Kyle!!!

THIS is the video to watch on these types of boards. Great comparison and shows that's each has its use case rather than 'this one is good and this one sucks or isn't as good."

Already liked before it started. I know this is going to be a good one. I’ve been setting up red solo cups in my driveway to simulate a wave!

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

Awesome work mate!!

But next to the trucks, there are a lot of other variables such as wheelsize and shape (smaller wheel accelerates faster, round lipped wheels break out easer in slides) and wheelbase (tighter wheelbase gives a smaller turn arc). Therefore, unless the wheelbase and wheels are exactly the same, you can’t give the two systems an objective comparison.

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

Guess so!

@boisebroncoadventures

2 жыл бұрын

This is so true! Plus this is more of a comparison of a surf training Vs skateboarding. Or surf trainer Vs skate board. Only looking at these as surf trainers is the only way something like a swell tech would come out the winner. For the record I have never rode a Swelltech and am learning to skate on the Carver’s. Skating has even taken place of a surf session now that I’m learning ramps, transitions and some of the basic street skills.

@surfershaper

Жыл бұрын

Accurate assessment, plus dialing in the truck firmness by adjusting the nut to achieve tighter turning capabilities and smoother flow

I love your content, great review!

Interesting video Kale - you communicate technical things very well. Don't think we have seen any surf coach breakdown our product as well as you did online. Not to mention the company ethos, its great to see our focus on surfing is appreciated by well informed people like you. No board brand is perfect (including SmoothStar) but based on the surf progression for beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers - we feel that your views are almost identical to all the other coaches that use our product around the world. Honestly well done mate and keep ripping, you surf amazing.

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks guys! Love ya work! 🙏🏽🤙🏽

I have three Carver skateboards in various lengths and they all feel different. Almost as different as the two boards in the this video I would imagine. On my shortest board a CI Pod Mod, length 29.25" wheelbase 15", with loose CX trucks I can do quick rail to rail turns and fun, slower speed, tight radius cutbacks. With my Proteus, length 30" wheelbase 17" with tighter CX trucks, I can really push high speed, powerful carvers that the Pod Mod would wash out on. Something possibly helpful to note, after reading Range by David Epstein, is that "Practice Variability" can play a key role in skill improvement. He uses basketball free throws as one example. It's actually better to practice shooting from slightly different places than the free throw line. He has another example about piano key jumps. It was better to practice a lot of random distance jumps than to practice the same fixed distance jump over and over again. I've taken this to heart and now I cycle through my three Carver boards everyday, constantly challenging myself. I'd love to add a SmoothStar and a Swelltech to my quiver to mix it up even more!

@cshorrock69

3 жыл бұрын

completely agree...I have three Carvers too! I use different rubber set ups on the different boards and different wheels as well. Carver rules

@danielfirestone2086

3 жыл бұрын

@@cshorrock69 On my Proteus I actually swamped out my rear bushing for a softer one for more sensitive rear truck. The idea being I could steer more with the back foot, therefore being a little closer to how surfboard steers. On another note I picked up a Swelltech Blackout. It feels a lot different from my Carvers. For me, the Carvers are more fun in general, but the Swelltech is a great, almost essential, addition to the quiver for surf cross training.

A great video to really know before buying a surf - skate and understand the importance of training on land and how it relates to surfing. I also dedicate myself to training on land based on perfecting the surf and we have very good results with Smoothstar, it is true that there is a lot of difference in the turns and when it comes to regenerating fast and that affects the training and the results you will get in the water. And in this no matter what level you have, SmoothStar boards are designed to progress in a way that is relevant to your level of navigation, depending on what training you focus on. At the moment I tried several axles of Carver and I feel that it still does not respond much to the body movements of surfers. It is the reason why the majority of trainers use Smoothstar, since it helps us to carry out our work. Well done friend good video.

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

That's super interesting you've had the same experience! Thanks Yoni!

Awesome review! Thanks for sharing!

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching!

I think it awesome that you absolutely Rip but your humble and kind and not pretentious!

Kales Broccoli, Have you ridden a “Slide” brand? I think it is more like the Carver in this video? PS I’m not related to you but maybe without knowing could be. You remind me of some of my family!

@carversurfbarres9272

3 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/fHuT1Mqke9mre6w.html 🤞💪🤞

Pretty accurate video Kale awesome work and a great video to what just to help people understand the importance of on land training and how it relates to surfing. I'm a high performance surf coach and have been coaching all over the world for over 10 yrs and have been training with these boards for over 5yrs now and in my opinion there is a big difference between these two products in so many ways which really does affect the training and results you will get in the water. To progress students surfing faster, SmoothStar is definitely a better product for all the reasons you have mentioned and even more. No matter what level or stage of surfing you are at the SmoothStar boards allow you to progress in a way that is relevant to your surfing level depending on what training you focus on. Even if you loosen Carver to the maximum amount, i feel it still doesn't respond to surfers body movements am much. The reason why so many coaches will prefer to use the SmoothStar boards is that our job is to get students to a better surfing level faster and so frequently the surf does not provide us with the environment to work on progression so we will always want to pick the product that will help us do our job better. Well done mate good video.

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Gee!! Appreciate your input mate xx keep shredding!

Ive been trying to understand more about these boards before committing to one and This vid was exactly what i wanted to see. Love your videos mate, thank you so much for doing them!

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for tuning in Jordy!!

@carversurfbarres9272

3 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/fHuT1Mqke9mre6w.html 🤞🤙🤞🤞

Yusssssss I been waiting aaaaages for this 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

Thanks for another great video... It would be vey good to see a comparison between the Smoothstar and Swelltech!!!

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

I think based off the comments I'll have to! But not guns' lie, I didn't like the last Swelltech I tried! And thats being nice!

Good video! Too little surfskate relatee content out there.. Would love to see a comparison between Smoothstar, Swelltech and also Yow which is one of the leader brands in Europe, and has a lot of manoeuvrability too !

@ttanke

4 жыл бұрын

That´s true. These three are on a pretty similar level and are leading the surfskate industry right now and I think no one did a video on them! Would be great to have something like that soon!

@pedrofoss7

4 жыл бұрын

@Kales Broccoli would love to see this as well

I subscribed as a grom and i surf everyday and love watching your videos to teach me new things.

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

Awesome!!! Thanks James!

@carversurfbarres9272

3 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/fHuT1Mqke9mre6w.html 🤞🤙🤞🤞🤞

Thanks Kale! I’ve been riding a smoothstar for a month now it’s my dads though, But I love it ! Legend👍

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

Awesome!!

Hi, You have to try a YOW model.. And compare to the smoothstar, i think it'll be a great test.. 🤙🏼

Jokes on you Kales, I got the Smoothstar almost a year ago! Had to import that sucker from Australia to LA. Worth it

@nicepelt

3 жыл бұрын

they don't sell these in US?

@carversurfbarres9272

3 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/fHuT1Mqke9mre6w.html 🤞🤞🤞🤙

Nice test! Really helpful thanks and aloha.

Hi Kale, My name is Cooper and i am a 11 year old surfer. Your channel really helps with my surfing, I ride a smoothstar and I love it!! I love watching Your channel its really good how you explain concepts and explain how you do it. I just wanted to say thank you very much. Kind Regards, Cooper

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

Thats so awesome Cooper! Thanks man!

I would be interested to see the swelltech vs. the smoothstar.

@carversurfbarres9272

3 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/fHuT1Mqke9mre6w.html 🤞🤙🤞🤞🤞🤞

Yea, i use my smooth star every day and it has improved my surfing SO much.

@carversurfbarres9272

3 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/fHuT1Mqke9mre6w.html🤞🤙🤞🤞🤞

Great video, glad I found you. Crazy question, how would a board set up with the Gullwing Sidewinder trucks ride compared to one of these boards? Those were designed specifically for tight rotations, and a surfy flow.

Happy I decided to go with Smoothstar!

Hey kale just a interesting experience I’d like to share. Initially I didn’t like my carver that much because it did seem like it extended the radius of my turns though it generated speed extremely well. I never fell in love with it till I skated it hard enough that the swivel that holds tension on the front truck broke. Making the front truck so loose i can shake it left to right super easily when I hold it. This opened my skating up on it immensely and it was an immediate thing I noticed I had to skate it much more off my back foot and apply about 70% of my pressure on my back leg and 30% on the front similar to surfing on flat surfaces then when I hit a ramp or bowl or driveway I can easily shift my weight more forward without worrying and really get some hard carves while maintaining speed sometimes both the front and back wheels slide when I go for a “bottom turn” then again then I go for a “backside snap” and it’s really fluid and feels great kinda like surfing! It feels so much more like a surfboard because it feels like the stable back truck is the fins and then the super loose front truck is the belly of the board that has no fins maybe only a single concave to push off just like the broken free truck. Super wild and not really what I’d recommend. I actually broke one truck and it started to stick when and I’d get stuck going one way but I don’t think I was skating it right because I’ve had this set of trucks broken free for about 2years now with no issues

@deancollinss

7 ай бұрын

My opinion is, you might be 100% right, but for most people this experimental process is such a hit and miss, Smoothstar is perfect for most out of the box, never needing to be changed. I trust Smoothstar's settings more than my own.

Having tried several surfskates, with different bushings, wheels, decks and trucks I would say that the Carver gets a rough deal in this video. Read on and I will explain why. Just as a note, I have owned two Carvers, a Yow (very similar to the Smoothstar), a Swelltech and tried a Slide. I am not a great surfer, but having had surfcoaches watch my movements on a Carver compared to Yow and Swelltech, they also agreed that it seemed like the best choice for surftraining. I happen to agree. Swelltech Usually requires someone heavy (I'm only 65kg) to fully come alive since it doesn't really have any adjustments that can be done to the front truck to account for weight of the rider. That thing was heavy to get going and lent itself to feeling like a big shortboard. Feels like it sort of falls from one rail to the other, not really giving a smooth transition from rail to rail. Might be the closest thing to the surfing feel, since the front truck can move 360 degrees, but with a badly designed back truck, bad bushings in the back and a very expensive price tag, it felt like a waste of money. You need to be able to change for a riders weight, as any surfer will know. Your favourite board might not suit your twig of a friend, even if you are on the same level. The spring in the truck system broke after a month, as it is a definite weak point. Also, it doesn't fare well as a cruiser, since it is heavy, long and with a fragile front truck system. Perfect to bring in the car as a warm up right before the surf, won't last long and heavy to carry around town to get to a good spot. Yow This was like riding on butter. it is so loose. With harder, smaller wheels it was excellent for learning snappy, tight maneuvers. Easy to get going while pumping, but impossible to pump up to any considerable speed. Speed wobbles if used in any aggressive slope. Add risers and softer, bigger wheels to get more of a flowy feel. Excellent practise for slides, but loses grip too easily and is, as with the Swelltech, unadjustable for rider weight. Was very loose for me at 65kg and will only feel looser for anyone heavier. Heavy front truck makes the whole thing a bitch to carry, and small wheels also led it to require very fine asphalt or a skate park to really shine. Overall a good trainer, fun as frick, but also lacks durability, adjustability and versatility. I carried this on my backpack and used my Carver for the trip to a good spot. The front truck broke after half a year of heavy use. Carver C7 trucks. Just don't bother. They are too stiff to feel as loose as a Yow or Swelltech and too loose to work as anything else. They are heavy and vulnerable to lockups. The mechanism locked up pretty fast for me and became basically unrideable. Adjustable to some degree, but tampering with it just makes it even more prone to locking up. CX trucks is really where it is at if you're looking for something that mimics surfing AND survives the rigors of practicing that one top turn in the local spot, over and over and over. (I use mine for both training and everyday commuting) Buy a pair of graphite CX trucks as they weigh a lot less and are durable as all hell. They are more like traditional street skate trucks, so you can adjust both bushings and the kingpin nut to get them just right for your weight/taste/purpose. Experiment with different wheels, risers, bushings and kingpin tightness to tune the board to your feel, it really can mimic all other systems I have tried. Slide Seemed like a cheap Carver that was stiff, unresponsive and creaky. Too stiff in the back and with a weird movement required to get going that felt nothing like surfing. Your mileage may vary. Carver tips: Get some green bushings and the concave 78A wheels and you will stick to the ground like you have fins dug into the asphalt. Set the trucks as loose as you can while still being able to ride the board to ease the learning process of pumping. Set them tighter if you need to be able to put more pressure on the wheels, or find a middle point where you can carry speed, yet do snaps. I have it so loose that most skaters fall off when trying the board, and I am able to ride down considerable slopes without speed-wobbles because it really gets your core and ankles trained. I have had my main Carver since I started surfskating, so approx 3 years. It is the only system to survive to this day. My CX truck shows no sign of dying and I ride it almost every day. I have taught people the basics of surfing, skating and snowboarding on this Carver so I can attest to it working as advertised. This was way more comprehensive than intended, but hey. Any questions about surfskates, just send me a message! Love your vids, keep it up.

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

Can’t wAit for you to try the SmoothStar

@Ulfmakkatrulf

4 жыл бұрын

@@KalesBroccoliSorry for the, jesus christ, looong comment, I really got into that. I might have to try out a Smoothstar next time I buy a board. And I can't wait to see you try out a Carver CX with green bushings and loose trucks 😎

@RaulEdu33

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the long detailed reviews, saved me from clicking the buy button on a swell tech 😅🛹 will definitely checkout the Carver with CX trucks for short commutes and perhaps add the smoothstar later on 🏄🤙

@maddoxmitchell6589

2 жыл бұрын

heyyy i just wanted to see if you still feel the same about your carver CX? its the board im looking at and want to get but wanted to see what you think

@surfershaper

Жыл бұрын

@@maddoxmitchell6589 he's spot on with his assessment. I have my choice of carvers from a quiver of 8 for a grom skate program, and like the cx more than the c7. Loose front, medium rear fits me well. Everything stock

Great video smoothstar here I come

Great review Kale! Just bought one. Loving your content. Would you consider posting a video on surf skate drills or suggestions?

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

100%. coming soon.

@carversurfbarres9272

3 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/fHuT1Mqke9mre6w.html 🤞🤙💪🤞🤞

When Kales started riding on the Carver, his movements looked stiff, but when he rode the Smooth Star, he definitely had more flow. That's just from my observation. I had already made up my mind this morning about purchasing a Smooth Star, and now I'm convinced. Thanks Kales! ( ^ _ ^ )

Hi Kale, Im 12 years old. I live in San Diego California. Where could I find a smoothstar. I love your videos.

@JudoSurfer

3 жыл бұрын

Just get a Carver with C7 trucks. You won't regret it.

@JudoSurfer

3 жыл бұрын

BTW, wheelbase makes a huge difference. The Carver Lost Maysym in this video has a 16 3/4 wheelbase which is fine for wide turns and long rides, but it's more of a long board/maul feel. A wheelbase closer to 15" allows for much tighter turns. And of course, keep in mind that most of this video was filmed with the CX and not C7 trucks.

You always do exactly the kind of videos that I want to learn more about.....Although I am a Carver fan....I might need to get a smooth star. !!!!

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

Awesome! I think it all comes down to what you want out of it. For surf training, I really think the SmoothStars kill it.

Oh mannn! I love all your content, but you're killing me on this one. I've been looking for a used smoothstar for a while. Now everyone is gonna want one 😥. Keep 'em coming mate, it's all awesome 🍻

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!!

@singlefin7768

4 жыл бұрын

Looking for a used one haha I’m looking for a new one and still no joy. Cmon just double your order already

Hi mate. I was surprised not to see my favourite, the Swelltech - I have the JOB Pro model. I think this would have been a fairer assessment and would challenge if not bypass the Smoothstar in terms of maneuverability. It’s def not an everyday board but it’s tight turns feel incredibly similar to surfing. What are your thoughts Mr B?

@jeancbravo

4 жыл бұрын

folowing i have the same qstion

@jessies4733

4 жыл бұрын

I'd also really like to see this comparison as I have 3 swelltech models that i absolutely love and a smoothstar 77 on the way. I've heard that swelltech might be just a bit tooooo loose in comparison to surfing and smootstar, but i'm only a beginner surfer and haven't tried smoothstar yet. I feel like a comparison of those two (swelltech/smooothstar) might be splitting hairs as I don't think any other surfskate compares for surf simulation....maybe the Yow gets kinda there, but everything else looks trash in terms of surf feels.

@tardigrader88

4 жыл бұрын

I had one and the springs break a ton

@jomcdonald7847

4 жыл бұрын

I love my job Banzai but my springs keep blowing out do you guys have this same problem?

@creedjob4386

4 жыл бұрын

Noah Baird that’s definitely a downside to them. I always have spares with me. If they could get that fluid feel and 360• ability without the springs they’d be a winner 100%

Would love to see another comparison review with the Waterborne skate adapter. It has a similar pivot angle as the Smoothstar and is extremely robust! I would guess that the Smoothstar might have a little less friction in the turns since it uses a spring (whereas the Waterborne uses a square bushing, which would last longer). Curious to see what you'd think! Been riding a CX for the past 3 years and have loved it. That said, I just swapped to a Waterborne skate adapter (with regular non-CX trucks) and it is a much closer feel to surfing. The rear rail adapter, in particular, really helps you get a deep lean angle on your back foot if necessary. Love your videos, keep 'em coming!

@carversurfbarres9272

3 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/fHuT1Mqke9mre6w.html 🤞🤙🤞🤞🤞

Excellent! Im using a surfskate truck in a Globe cruiser. Working good!

Awesome video Kale. Love the channel and technical breakdowns in the content. P.S. Also bought a Smoothstar after seeing this. :P

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

🙌🏽

any chance you can check out the Swelltech system?

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

As I've mentioned in some of th comments I did try one and didn't think it was good enough to include in the test. I don't know if it's reflective of the entire range, but I hated it. One of the worst surf skates I've ever tried. BUT, I am happy to try another one which you might suggest? I will give it some time like I did with all the boards in this video.

@TheMoyamo

4 жыл бұрын

Kales Broccoli Hey, what is your opinion on YOW Surfskates? I’m really happy with so far because they are extremely reactive. Couldn’t get my hands on a smoothstar yet, hope to try it soon.

@sleepdoctor09

4 жыл бұрын

Kales Broccoli German start-up „curfboard“ makes a fantastic surfskate board! try that one out! keep up the great work, cheers!

I’ve had my smoothstar for 3 years now.. I love it. The best tool for young dads that struggle to get to the water often. And great for going out with my boys on their scooters fwiw I’m 6’3 and ride the manta ray✌🏼🤙🤙🤙

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

Awesome Dennis! Love it

@carversurfbarres9272

3 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/fHuT1Mqke9mre6w.html 🤞🤙🤞

Yayeee! Finally a surfskate review from KALES!!! wish you made this a year ago - bought two surfskates- Triton greenglass (Chinese make carver) and smoothstar (flying fish). For girls - I had to change the bushings for the green glass as it was not responsive at all to people less than 65kgs - and I hated it- until I changed the bushings to a softer set. Cx. Trucks are great for pump tracks. Smoothstar - try it in the bowl - good fun! Also much better on rougher terrain.

Very interesting video - I'm just a basic get from point A to B guy - and don't surf - but this video pushes my thoughts about both.

Hey Kale! Thanks for making this video. I think structuring the comparison between those 3 categories was a great idea. Just a couple of things though... The stock CX carvers come with tighter trucks by default to suit riders who may be at a beginner level. I think for a fairer comparison, it might have been better if you had loosened your carver trucks to match how loose your smoothstar trucks were. Also to consider is whether the boards have the same or very similar wheel bases- a smaller WB will give you a tighter turning radius. I've personally tried both and feel that once your carver trucks have been set up to your liking, it feels grippier than the smoothstar, allowing you to reeeally use those rails. Overall, from my experience, the carver cx feels like riding a board that needs a bit more drive, whereas the smoothstar is a bit more cruisy and responsive.

@celinev4266

4 жыл бұрын

Oh! And also, I think maybe wait to try those boards in a bowl or ramp before you make your decision. I find it's more realistic surf training cause you get to drop in, generate speed and manoeuvre on the "face". Shame skateparks are closed in Oz atm coz apocalypse, but SPOILER alert: one board is better for flat ground surf training, and one board is better for surf training with transitions. ;)

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

Nice feedback thanks Celine!

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

The C7 set up I used was very loose but still didn’t have the response I wanted

@TRYITON01

4 жыл бұрын

Great reply and absolutely spot on. Both are good designs, but for me the simplicity of the CX and ability to tune it in to your desired performance wins. How they "feel" is the difference between alternative board designs, single, thruster, quad or twin. Fish, egg, gun or midlength and everything in between. And yes the CX is also better in bowls and flowing transitions of banks at the park or pump track because it is lighter and responds quicker.

I think that 'not having any surfskate' compared to 'having any of the main brands' account for %80-%90 of the benefits for surf performance. This review (and all others) that highlight advantages of one board over the other account for the remaining 10%-%20. It is also an important what board one rides. I have a 6'6 fish and I think my Carver Triton (cx trucks but narrower wheelbase) complements it better (and cheaper haha) than a Smoothstar would. If I had any inclination towards riding a short board I would definitely go for the Smoothstar. Nice review though.

@dolbyderringer2225

4 жыл бұрын

Good reasoning there Tibor I think you're onto something. It takes actually being in the waves daily to be able to read the timing of when and which section to match with which maneuver. Any amount of surf skating is just skating but the Smoothstar just does it 10 to 20% better.

@danielfirestone2086

4 жыл бұрын

So true! You'll get much better riding anything, than riding nothing. Reminds me of a friend who skated, then tried snowboarding for the first time and was able to land a jump by the end of his very first day.

Nice video i got a yow due the larger wheelbase as i'm 6'3 and im loving it!

thanks from Brazil bro!

Great video, I surfskate more than I surf, unfortunately. Had a Carver, loved it. After years I tried Smoothstar... Wow.. like surfing, especially when surfing in a bowl, but also on flat ground. Carver is good, but Smoothstar is simply better. Please do a video of some advanced surf maneuvers wbich can be trained good with a Smoothstar, like radical topturn or lay back e. g, Great vids btw, thanks man, always fun and super instructive!

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

awesome! Sounds like we've had a similar experience. I will endeavour to post a bunch of surf skate training videos in the coming weeks / months. I am so busy right now its not funny.

If you can make a comparison between Yow vs Smoothstar 👍🏽!

@RantanpLn

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, that would be awesome!

@SchmozzleGTO

3 жыл бұрын

Shane Lai does a v.good comparison, his surfskate channel is great.

Every awesome surfer I've met said the SmoothStar is the closest to true surfing movements. I got the SmoothStar thruster 1 for surf training and it's been amazing. I now use the Avenue suspension trucks with the SmoothStar thruster 1 on a 42" deck. The suspension trucks also boosts speed on turns. Thanks for all your excellent vids!

@carversurfbarres9272

3 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/fHuT1Mqke9mre6w.html 🤞🤙🤞🤞💩

Already liked before it started. I know this is going to be a good one

@carversurfbarres9272

3 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/fHuT1Mqke9mre6w.html 🤞🤙🤞🤞

Has anyone compared the smoothstar to the YOW boards? I’d be interested to know as the two systems seem very similar. 🤙🏽

@AbenteuerVanlife

4 жыл бұрын

J Millio I’ve bought a YOW a few weeks ago and love it. I havent tried the Smoothstar yet but I think it’s very similar. Just with Smoothstar the trucks are not on the very front of the board. With YOW you can get a longer wheelbase with a shorter board than Smoothstar and you don’t fall over the front if your foot is too far forward.

@taiwo_the_illusive

4 жыл бұрын

Abenteuer Vanlife nice! I do like the idea of a smaller board as I ride my carver in skate bowl and think the smaller board works well. I keep reading that the smoothstar and YOW are similar but the smoothstar has a surfier feel, however no one can explain why?! 🤷🏽‍♂️

@taiwo_the_illusive

4 жыл бұрын

Abenteuer Vanlife nice! Thanks man

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

I’ve heard the Yow are very flimsy - haven’t tried one tho

@AbenteuerVanlife

4 жыл бұрын

The YOW isn’t really smaller but some models have a long wheelbase compared to the overall length. They average around 30 - 32 inch in total length. I’ve got the 32 inch Pipe which also looks amazing! It’s kinda flimsy and definitely not made to cruise long distances especially up hill. It’s made to pump and train surf manoeuvres. Also there is a little screw to block the swing mechanism to use it as a cruiser which makes it 2 in 1.

you know how you said that the carver burns your legs a lot more. well wouldnt that help with your turns because you can get more strength in your legs to make a turn when you are surfing.

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

For strength purposes maybe but for technique I want the simulation to be as accurate as possible

Cool review. There needs more training vids for surf skates. I have a carver as a beginner but plan to get a smooth star when I get a lot better

Sick. I picked up a Carver from my local surf shop a couple of months ago. Has been the most fun thing during quarantine for surf training, skating, sometimes a pre-surf parking lot warm-up for the legs! My carver got me back in the skate park which has been so fun and a good challenge. Now I need a SmoothStar! Yew!!

@mikebardsley

4 жыл бұрын

nar mate I have both. smoothstar less drive and feels like grovelling depends how you surf

If anyone is planning on getting a carver get the cx trucks. They are less complicated and have snappier turns. I also loosened the front and back truck one whole 360 and ur set

@eliot327

4 жыл бұрын

Also after 3 years of consistent c7 use I rubbed through the part of the lever arm that hooks onto the spring. I find cx just more practical for my purposes(decent amount of hills curbs and cracks) and versatile while still giving a healthy dose of surfy feeling especially compared to your average cruiser.

@paulyishere

4 жыл бұрын

@@eliot327 That's interesting feedback about the lever arm wear. I will watch out for that 👍 I also found I needed a split washer on the bolt to shut it up when it's backed out so it's totally loose.

You need to test SwellTeck SurfSkate. Then it would be more ultimate comparison))

@jump171

4 жыл бұрын

he did he said it was the worst board ever

@Fatelvis2

4 жыл бұрын

@@jump171 its funny I just read and article that said it was the closest to surfing yet this is the second person who said they hated it

Awesome!! Maan I am trying to figure out which board would be better for pumping up hills as well as cruising down at a gradual speed. The cx seem like the better choice for cruising/pumping. But how you showed the speed generation between all 3 the smoothstar looked like it would have way more ease with up hill. Any input?

Yeah, well as a longboarder I like the carver. It feels just like my longboard. Also there are about 15 different models of Carver with different lengths and designs as well as the two different trucks. I have three different models and they all perform differently. Here in the UK I have never heard of the other one. Plus you can set up the trucks differently with different density rubbers if you are really into skating and trying different moves. A soft rubber in the truck allows more movement and less stiffness. But love your content, from positioning at take off to training techniques...really awesome

You can adjust the responsiveness with carver c7 truck.

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

the C7s I used were as loose as they could go before falling apart

@josej5208

4 жыл бұрын

Kales Broccoli haha u are not supposed to adjust to the extreme i guess. Anyway, I am super happy with my carver c7, maybe because I am so used to skate on regular skateboards, smoothstar’s wabblyness? Is something I cant get used to it. Overall, both are great surfskates. BTW recently tried a new surfskate called Swelltech and this is by far the worst. Have u ever tried it?

For my experience with Carver , the point is maybe is better for more speed movements . If you try to do the same stuff in a slope you realized why the other board is not a good choice hahaha

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

I could see it being better for downhill skating for sure

I ride a Carver C7 which is great but this video makes me want to get a smoothstar! All the drawbacks you described are exactly what I feel!

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

Interesting!

great review! thnks

Smoothstar!

carver truck cx has nothing to do with smoothstar. the comparison would be better with the truck c7

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

I did use a C7 so perhaps finish the video

im 93kg using carver CX but i changed front trucks bushing to soft ones and i keep it very loose and its very smooth easy to turn and as big guy that feeling of pushing really hard i need to work harder and thats good

Thanks Kale your content is awesome mate and you’re very authentic.. can I ask which Smoothstar /set up you think is best for a beginner skater but intermediate surfer I guess .. (or anyone’s advice really ) .. thanks !!

@KalesBroccoli

2 жыл бұрын

SmoothStar but you can tighten the trucks to make it a bit stiffer and more controllable

this comparison is impossible because of a few reasons!! 1. The carver is new (the trucks hasn't been open enough to ride smooth yet) 2. The smooth star is definitely not new 3. you don't have enough experience with carver as you have with smooth star (you can definitely see it on the comparison at 12:08 all your body movements are not as the smooth star so why you expect to move it the same?) to make this fair you need to bring someone that know how to ride them both and he have both of them for a while or at least to bring another good carver skater who can show a proper carver riding. really not a hater just super shock how you made this video

@jonkennard8272

4 жыл бұрын

I think that is a fair one to be honest. I commented further up on someone else's post. I haven't used a smoothstar but have had a Carver for a few years. I would really like to try a smoothstar. I think the Carver is stiffer from views however I also feel that means you can push it harder (probably).

@TRYITON01

4 жыл бұрын

Dead right. I've ridden C7 and CX Carver. Also own a smoothstar, and a surf skate. Yes there are differences between them and how they feel. Heck I even made my own design which made them all feel weak. But at the end of it all they can all perform fairly close to each other when tuned in to your style.

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

It’s a review based off of my experience and abilities and two people who had never ridden either both came to the same consensus - I’m not sure how I could have made it more fair - I rode both carver set ups for a committed amount of time - if it takes 6 months to “loosen up and get used to” then I’m not interested anyway .... but thanks for the feedback! Have you tried both boards?

@TRYITON01

4 жыл бұрын

@@KalesBroccoli think you missed the point Kales. You do board reviews, such as can a thruster guy love a twin fin etc. The Carver was fresh from the packet, no attempt to adjust any elements or tune it in. Everything shop tight, stiff and new. The Smoothstar worn in, the pivot mechanism loose, the truck bushings worn in to the hangers. It's like comparing a twin fin sub 6' fish to a 7'2 mid length single. Completely biased to trying to replicate a high performance short board. Broaden your perspective and approach, try different setups with both trucks and even others because when you do you will discover that they all can feel like whatever you tune them in to be. With exception of the Swelltech by surfskate which has steel springs that can not be adjusted. Every other design can be adapted through wheels, bushings, bearings and tension adjustment of front and rear trucks. Just because you have two other people with limited experience come to the same decision does not make it fact. Thought your reviews where reasonable but disappointed in your obvious bias on this one. And no I don't ride either of the main brands, I ride a design of my own invention, but if I did ride one it would be the CX Carver, likely with different bushes than standard to give more pivot to the front truck. It's lighter, responds quicker due to lower mass, has less moving parts that don't wear out, and with a different deck that allows you to apply better leverage can pull the same turns as the Smoothstar. BTW you might also want to try the YOW, Swelltech and Waterborne adaptor as fitted to Zflex new range of surfskate offerings. If you are after something that feels like a real performance shorty the Waterborne with their rear truck adaptor will do it for you.

@TRYITON01

4 жыл бұрын

@@KalesBroccoli Celine V comments below are pretty spot on.

Great video, was actually thinking about getting one of them, was not sure about the brand now seems way clearer, thanks! Can you make a video about the Indo board and good exercises to focus on it?

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

Probably not but thank you!

Nice Video KPow! When you training?

Woww this is really helpful. Would also be really really nice to see more instructional vids on the smoothstar. (and living in the Netherlands.. Instructional video's without hills, just on flat ground would be a lifesaver 😍)

@cnghiem67

4 жыл бұрын

From personal experience, my beloved Smoothstar Toledo 77 on a slight hill can be deadly. The front trucks are so responsive and squirrelly. Very slight decline is perfect. A very fine line exist for the amount of incline to be fun and helpful fir practicing surfing techniques vs conditioned ripe for injury avoidance emergency bailouts.😅

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

Coming soon !

Absolutely agree SmoohtStar is the best comparison to the true feeling of surfing. I have done similar comparison with a Yow and SmoothStar. SmoothStar trumps the Yow with same results as you compared to the carver board. 👍

I saw this video, and it convinced me to buy a Carver, because i just want an easy kind of surfskate to go easily and quite safely from A to B, i think a Carver is a bit more "multi-purpose" than a Smoothstar, which is more a "surf simulator". Thanks for your video, it's very interesting.

Hey kale, firstly i love your videos . What type of surfboard does the smoothstar 77 compare to?

Great review man! Tried to hop on to the Smoothstar website, but she is overloaded at the moment probably from your review! Hahah

@KalesBroccoli

4 жыл бұрын

😂