I decided I needed to ride a big nine incher. Age isn’t on my side anymore, and I mostly skate curbs anyway, so I figured I’d follow the lead of some of my skate buddies and go for a considerably wider deck. Should help with slappies and that.

Last time out I was riding a Death Benson 8.5″ wide. This time, I’ve gone up to a 9″ wide deck, though I’ve had this OG Black Skull graphic several times before in smaller sizes.

Wider deck meant wider trucks, and luckily I found a pair of Independent Mid 159 Stage II for a decent price, along with Indy bolts.

I could’ve left it here, but rather than recycle old gear I got some new wheels: Welcome Orbs Spectres in white. They’re 52mm and 99A, I’d been riding 53mm 95A previously.

Independent GP-S bearings finish off the full purchase: my first complete skateboard in a while.

The weather has, of course, been terrible recently so I’ve not had chance to skate this set-up yet. I’m looking forward to it – those curbs are reaching out to me with their seductive, siren-like call. So here’s another post to commemorate yet another skateboard I’ve owned for posterity. It won’t be in this pristine condition for long…

Full specs, if only for my own future reference:

• Death Skateboards OG Black Skull 9″ (with free griptaoe)
• Independent Mid 159 Stage II Trucks
• Welcome Orbs Spectres 52mm 99A
• Independent GP-S Bearings
• Independent 1″ bolts

I bought all of the above items from Native Skate Store, who provide an excellent service.

Check out Death Skateboards here.

And check out Independent Trucks here.