Blogs
Skateshop Day
Celebrate Skateshop Day in Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean: An ode to skateboard culture and homie shops. In the world of skateboarding, there is a special day dedicated to celebrating the very essence of this urban culture: Skateshop Day. This day, which brings together skateboard enthusiasts, is a unique opportunity to pay tribute to the local shops that serve as hubs for the skate community. In Chicoutimi and Alma, in the beautiful Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region, this day takes on special significance, highlighting the importance of skate shops in the social fabric of the city. Skateshop Day was created by DLX Distribution, which brings together several well-known skate brands, including Real, Krooked , Spitfire , Thunder , and Anti-Hero . The event was first launched in 2013 to celebrate and support independent skate shops around the world. The goal was to raise awareness among skaters and skateboard enthusiasts about the importance of local shops in skateboard culture and to promote support for these independent businesses, which are often at the heart of skateboarding communities. Located in the heart of Saguenay, Chicoutimi is a city where the passion for skateboarding is strong. With its steep hills and unique spots, the city offers the perfect playground. But beyond the streets and skate parks, it's the Homies boutiques, the Saguenay snowboard and skateboard school, and the VERSA screw brand that bring Chicoutimi's skateboarding scene to life. Homies shops, these small independent businesses run by enthusiasts, are the true pillars of skateboard culture in Chicoutimi. They don't just sell boards and accessories; they are places for the community to meet, exchange, and share. Ultimately, Skateshop Day is more than just a day to buy boards and accessories. It's a celebration of skateboard culture in all its diversity, showcasing independent shops and the community that supports them. So, whether you're a pro or simply curious about the culture, Skateshop Day is the perfect opportunity to dive into the world of skateboarding and celebrate everything it stands for together. Alexathomies :)
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VANS CLASSIC AND VANS SKATE COLLECTIONS
It's well known that Vans and Homies have always been important allies. A few years after the opening of our Chicoutimi store, Vans began filling our shelves and slowly demonstrating the importance the brand holds for skaters in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. However, did you know that Homies offers two very distinct Vans collections? In both our Chicoutimi and Alma stores, we stock classic Vans and, of course, Vans Skate. Now, you're probably wondering what the difference is between the two? Read on and everything will become clear! The main difference between the Vans Classic collection and the Skate models is their design and function. Vans Classic The Classic Collection, which includes models such as the Authentic, Old Skool, and Slip-On, is designed for everyday wear and is appreciated for its comfort and durability. These models are known for their classic, legendary, and timeless style. Vans Skate The Skate collection models are specially designed to meet the needs of both amateur and professional skateboarders. These models are equipped with advanced technologies and features to offer superior performance on the board. The shoes are generally reinforced for better durability, with abrasion-resistant materials and reinforced stitching to resist wear and tear from grip tape on the shoe. In addition, they also have a padded insole to provide additional support and comfort. The Vans Skate collection therefore offers more durable and comfortable models so skaters can get more for their money! Pro Model Additionally, Vans Skate shoes are sometimes designed in collaboration with professional skateboarders to meet their specific needs and preferences. Skate collection models often come in unique colors and designs that reflect the style and personality of the skaters who wear them. For example, we can see the latest Pro Skate model released this month and available now in our Alma and Chicoutimi stores: the Vans Zahba. Inspired by Vans team rider Zion Wright, the Zahba is a brand-new silhouette that offers one of the best ratios of impact protection and board feel! This model, like many others, was designed and developed in collaboration with the professional skateboarder. These shoes from the Skate collection are the ideal tools for all skaters in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. With Vans shoes, you'll be ready to take your skating to the next level!
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SAGUENAY SKATEPARKS - LAC-ST-JEAN
At Homies, we believe it's important to encourage skateboarding culture in our region. We're taking advantage of this article on the subject to introduce you to these SagLac towns that have also decided to encourage this sport by building skateparks, each one more beautiful than the last. THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SKATEPARKS IN THE REGION THE BASIN SKATEPARK IN CHICOUTIMI You already know this one, I'm pretty sure. Our beautiful local park right next to the Petite Maison Blanche in Chicoutimi. We're pretty sure that you've spent a lot of time there too, whether in the bowl in the corner of the park or roaming it up and down, hitting your best lines. Anyway, keep enjoying our park, we'll probably see each other there for a long time to come! THE HÉBERTVILLE SKATEPARK Concrete conquered Hébertville a few years ago. Honestly, if you've never been skating there, it's worth the detour! It's a magnificent skatepark that you'll find once you arrive, with features for both beginners and advanced skaters. If you ask me, this is the best place to start your tour of Lac-Saint-Jean skateparks! SKATEPARK SAINT-BRUNO This one is brand new! Freshly built and ready for a few weeks, it's a great stop for some fun! In fact, the official opening day was Saturday, July 10th, so if you're looking for some new concrete to ride or want to try a new skatepark, this is the place for you, buddy! DORÉ SKATEPARK This skatepark might be a bit further from your house, but honestly, it's really cool. It's a tiny, long park where you can spend your afternoon doing lines and going back and forth from the skatepark. If you're passing by, it's worth the stop, and it's easy to spot with its rails and red ledge corners! ARVIDA SKATEPARK This one is a skatepark with big transitions. It might not be the best if you start touching features with your board, but what we find really cool about this spot is the pump track right next to the skatepark. A place to go fast, play in the bumps and manage your turns! A NEW PARK COMING SOON TO ALMA We'll admit it, we think what happened in Alma is awesome. A bunch of crazy skaters saw lots of new concrete skateparks being built elsewhere and they decided to pitch the idea to the city. After a few Facebook posts and a few meetings with a guy from the city, the project was launched! So, if you're walking around the streets of Alma and you see a construction site on the side of the road, there's a good chance it's this famous new park under construction! Normally, you should be able to go and enjoy it by the end of August or September, and if you're like us, you must be looking forward to it! TEAM SKATE HOMIES SUMMER 2021 As you probably already know, at Homies we believe it is important to encourage local people who excel in board sports. Since its beginnings, Homies has been helping skaters from Saguenay and elsewhere to help them develop while being part of the large Homies family of riders. OLD FRIENDS Among our skate team, you probably already know our old friends, notably Simon Gagnon, who has been with us since our beginnings, Pascal Tremblay, Kevin Boily, and other long-time friends. NEW MEMBERS IN THE TEAM However, this year also marks the arrival of new members in the Homies team! Among others, Alexis Chagnon is joining the family, and I tell you, he is not a Sunday skater! In short, if you want to put faces to names, we have a section on our website dedicated to our beautiful family of skaters! Go check it out, it's right here . THE GIRLS TAKE THEIR PLACE Also, I don't know if you've noticed, but lately, we've been seeing more and more girls skateboarding in Saguenay. Since we were really excited to see that, we decided to encourage a few girls and introduce them to our skate team. That's why you can see videos of Mia Duchesne or Delphine Maltais on our networks from time to time. We're happy to see girls taking their place in the world of skateboarding and if we can contribute in one way or another, so much the better! THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM IS GROWING That's all well and good, but that's not all! Our development team is also growing with the arrival of four new young people from Saguenay, and we wanted to take the time to tell you about them. We therefore officially welcome Joey Boivin-Desmeules, Louis-Philippe Bédard, Olivier Thériault and Jacob Blackburn. We felt it was important to welcome them into our big family, because these young people, like so many others, embody the future of skateboarding in Saguenay. We also encourage you to watch their videos or follow them on Instagram to see them progress in their sport.
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HOMIES CAPSULES SUMMER 2021: 10TH ANNIVERSARY
TWO NEW 10TH ANNIVERSARY CAPSULES! If you didn't know, this year, Homies is celebrating its 10th anniversary! Unfortunately, with the current situation, we were unable to organize our annual party to celebrate the occasion with our friends and clients. So, we decided to release 10th anniversary capsules throughout the year. This time, two beautiful capsules are added to the collection! “BOARDCULTURE” WITH PHIL LUSINCHI For our tenth anniversary, we were looking for something that, like us, represents the art, passion, and history of skateboarding. There was no better person to achieve this than the Pope of skateboarding from Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, Phil Lusinchi. Phil is passionate, he's a major figure in board sports in the region. He's an inspiring guy who single-handedly embodies what he calls "boardculture," the philosophy of life that is imbued with board sports, whether through music, clothing, sports, you name it. As this is our 10th anniversary year and we are lucky to have a guy like Phil Lusinchi in the area, talking about history and paying tribute to a true enthusiast was essential for us. So we decided to release a series of clothing that features Phil, a photo straight from his great skating years, and print that on clothing. Additionally, the hoodie is made with the hood from Russel Athletics, who make clothing used by big brands in the world of skateboarding, like Mehrathon for example. SEE THE CLOTHES DEATHWISH X HOMIES We have to admit, we're pretty proud of this awesome 10th anniversary capsule! Basically, we wanted to do a little thing with the guys from Bakerboys for our 10th anniversary. Thinking about it properly, we came to want to make a Homies skateboard, but by a big brand in the industry. From idea to idea, one thing led to another and thanks to a friend in a good position there, we threw a pole at Deathwish. The project was launched and we are more than grateful that they got on board with us! A DEATHWISH HOMIES BOARD! We had lots of ideas and Deathwish managed to make all our wishes come true: a Deathwish Homies board that glows in the dark! And the craziest thing about it all (because it doesn't stop there) is that Jamie Foy himself took a picture with our board! We wanted to make a big impact with a big project for a 10th anniversary capsule, and we think it's mission accomplished. The board is available in 8.125 and 8.5, and it's not a slouch because these are limited quantities!
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HOW TO SHOP YOUR SKATE SET-UP
We decided to help you out a little here because let's face it, when you're not a great connoisseur, it can quickly become complicated to shop for a skateboard! So we want to try to enlighten you as much as possible to make your task easier, or at least give you the necessary basis to fully understand your purchase! FIRST OF ALL, WHAT MAKES UP A SKATEBOARD? To make sure your skateboarding gear is complete, you need to be aware of all the elements that make up a skateboard deck: the skateboard (you probably saw this one coming); a pair of trucks; the bearings (this is what allows the wheel to roll); the wheels; the screws; HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BOARD? To get a board that fits you perfectly, you need to take a few things into consideration. The first thing is the size of the skateboard. When we talk about skateboard size, we're talking about the width of the board. This is what will allow you to be comfortable or not. There are different sizes of skateboards, but the important thing is to choose the one that will be ideal for you and, above all, that will correspond to what you want to do. In theory, we wouldn't recommend the same size board for going mega-amping as we would for becoming a technical skater, you understand? Here are the sizes we recommend for skaters depending on whether they are using it for a skatepark or street: Technical Skater: 7.75 to 8.25 Aggressive Skater: 8.25 to 9 Ramp Skater: 8.5 to 9 Cruiser: 8.25 to 9 Of course, these recommendations are theoretical, because when skateboarding, no one is better placed than ourselves to choose the right skate width for us. It's often a matter of preference. HOW TO CHOOSE TRUCKS? You've got a board. That's all well and good, but you need something underneath. Trucks are the two T-shaped pieces of steel that connect your skateboard to the wheels. To make everything work perfectly, we recommend choosing trucks based on the width of your skateboard. The width of the trucks should be as close as possible to the width of your board. Things get a little more complicated here, as skateboard truck manufacturers all have different measurements. Feel free to ask us questions if you want to be sure of the width of your trucks! HIGH OR LOW? : truck high: Ideal for a skater who skates loose, so the wheels are less likely to bite into the board; Low truck: ideal for technical skaters, as it offers the most stability (beware of wheel bites). HOW TO CHOOSE BEARINGS? Bearings are the mechanical system made of balls that allows for rapid rotation with minimal friction. They are inserted into the skateboard wheels, and the truck axle fits right in the middle. There are two per wheel. Generally, skateboard bearing sizes are universal. What will affect the quality of the bearings is the quality of the steel used during manufacturing. Otherwise, the highest-end bearings are made of ceramic. This material doesn't heat up when rolling and doesn't swell. A good bearing is therefore guaranteed, even if you ride fast and for a long time. HOW TO CHOOSE SKATE WHEELS? Skateboard wheels range in size from 50 to 58 millimeters. Again, your choice will be guided by what you want to do. For example, for street skating, you'll want smaller wheels because you'll want to pick up speed quickly. If you want to skate in the skatepark, prioritize slightly larger wheels: they'll allow you to maintain your speed longer and roll more smoothly. Wheel hardness is also a factor. It is represented by a number and a letter. The higher the number, the harder your wheel. Softer wheels will offer a softer, smoother ride, while harder wheels will be stiffer on the ground but will also slide more. You can read our article on How to Choose Your Skateboard Wheels to learn more. PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT To perform your future feats, you're going to have to protect yourself. Because let's be honest with you: there's a good chance that before you pull off a trick, there will be a few falls (read between the lines here and understand "a shitload of falls")... THE HELMET You need to protect your head! When choosing your helmet , there are a few points to consider: the size; the design: it must completely cover the forehead, temples and the entire back of the skater's head; Fit: It should be easy to adjust and comfortable. Safety is the main point, but don't forget that you have to be comfortable! ALL OTHER PROTECTIONS Knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards are all highly recommended protective gear for all skaters, especially beginners! You have to keep in mind that you are practicing a "concrete" sport and that, in general, a fall on concrete is never a gentle one. Be prepared to absorb the shock! WHERE TO SKATE? Now that you're equipped from head to toe, you're ready to go! But you're still asking yourself THE question: where can you skateboard? Skateboarding is easy to do anywhere. You set off with your board and see where the wind takes you: PUBLIC ROAD In general, public roads are very unwelcoming for us, dear skaters. The rules vary depending on the municipality, however. We can't explicitly tell you that some spots in the city are very attractive and the possibilities are endless, but... SKATEPARK The best place to skate is the skatepark! We're lucky in Chicoutimi. For a few years now, we've had the Bassin Skatepark, near the Petite Maison Blanche, a beautiful, brand new concrete skatepark! If you have your own car and like to go for a bit of a walk, you can visit the other parks in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, like the one in Hébertville, for example.
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VANS SKATE SHOES: REFRESHED COLLECTION
VANS SHOES: A TRUSTED VALUE FOR OVER 50 YEARS Since 1966, Vans has been firmly established in the skateboarding world. By the early 1970s, the company was already beloved by American skateboarders. Finally, 50 years later, the brand has become the one we know today, a brand that is a hit with skateboarding fans. At Homies, we love this brand, which has been on our shelves for a while now. Our store is one of the lucky ones to have access to the VANS SKATE CLASSIC collection. Although Vans shoes have already proven themselves in the skateboarding world, they're not stopping there! In 2021, they decided to revamp their entire skate shoe line. BUT FIRST OF ALL, WHAT EXACTLY IS THE VANS SKATE CLASSIC RANGE? Basically, this collection includes all Vans shoe models designed for skating. These include gel insoles and more durable materials. COMPLETELY REFABRICATED That's all well and good, but for Vans, it wasn't enough: the shoes were redesigned in every way, from aesthetics to comfort and durability. Everything was created with skateboarders in mind. This new "program" was launched on March 4, 2021. So it's quite new and we're sure it won't be long before everyone appreciates this initiative from Vans. SUSTAINABILITY VANS has innovated again with its new SICKSTICK™ sole, which is more durable while still offering incredible grip. Every skater knows there's nothing better than a skateboard that sticks to the bottom of your feet (and a sole that won't break through in two sessions...)! In addition, there is always DURACAPTM, this membrane present inside the shoe and which offers unmatched resistance which increases its lifespan. In short, we could still talk for a long time about the durability of Vans, but we'll leave you with an overview of Vans' other technologies right here! CONSTRUCTION No matter how you skate, you'll find the best shoe for you thanks to their multiple constructions available. UltimateWaffleTM is a sole that combines grip, impact absorption, support, and flexibility. It's a sole that offers just about everything you could want from such a thing. WaffleControl is the thinner sole that allows you to really feel your board under your feet while providing good support and maximizing grip: smaller doesn't mean worse! Pro Vulc Lite is a lighter version of classic constructions. It's a unique coating on the sole that allows for unparalleled board feel while remaining flexible, in addition to providing the grip you need to really flip your tricks. COMFORT We must not forget the insoles that have been all the rage at Vans for several years. The UltraCushTM soles, which have a more than moderate weight, offer good impact protection while redistributing energy and allowing for an excellent board feel. The UltraCushTM 3D shares all of these qualities, plus it offers even more pronounced foot support. As a finishing touch, Vans has sprinkled the new Skate Classic line with small details that aim to elevate this already iconic skate shoe collection. For example, they've replaced the red Vans label on the side of the shoe. Now, instead of the red, we'll see a new checkerboard label. The inner heel has also been covered in checks. No need to look inside the shoe if you can see the word "pro" on the sole, you can now know at first glance if it's a Skate Classic model!
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SKATE HELMETS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE MAKING YOUR CHOICE
When skateboarding, falls are a given, which is why you might want to consider wearing protective gear. We'd like to talk to you about new technologies and give you some tips on how to choose the right helmet. This way, you can rest easy knowing that everyone is riding their skateboard with their head well protected. Photo: Max Lampron HOW TO CHOOSE A HELMET? When it comes to choosing your helmet, there are several factors to consider. Size, certification, comfort, and technology are all aspects you should consider to ensure your safety. THE SIZE The size of your helmet is the most important factor. For optimal protection, your helmet should be neither too small nor too large. A helmet that's too small will automatically be uncomfortable. Conversely, if it's too big, it will shift on your head during an impact. In either case, it's useless. A properly sized helmet covers the top of your forehead and the back of your head. Before coming to see us, you can also measure the circumference of your head in centimeters. Place your measuring tape about 2.5 centimeters above your eyebrows and on the most rounded part of the back of your head for the most accurate measurement. SIZES IN CENTIMETERS To give you an idea of the sizes, here is a table that will tell you, to within a few centimeters, the size of helmet you will need: XS- S: 51-54 cm SM: 53-57 cm L-XL: 57-60 cm XL - XXL: 60-63 cm CERTIFIED OR NOT CERTIFIED? A safe helmet is a certified helmet. You should look for the following information: SO ASTM CAN/CSA CPSC Snell B90/B95 If these certifications are present, it means that the helmet meets the safety standards of a recognized organization and you can wear it with peace of mind. NEW TECHNOLOGIES In almost every sphere of our favorite sports, things are moving fast: new stuff, innovations, new technologies... With that in mind, we wanted to introduce you to two new helmet technologies that make a HUGE difference. Because protecting your head while you're playing your sport is important, here's MIPS technology! MIPS TECHNOLOGY Developed by Swedish scientists, MIPS technology is a true revolution in safety. You can start to find it everywhere with the most popular brands. Shop your MIPS helmet CONCRETE IMPACTS MIPS technology is the result of 20 years of study and research: no need to tell you it's ultra-safe. The principle is simple: mimic and play the role of the cerebrospinal fluid in which your brain "floats." When you suffer an impact, the technology absorbs the impact energy by sliding the skull along the crown. The force is therefore better distributed and the brain will not hit against the cranium. In this way, your brain is protected against oblique impacts. WHY CHOOSE A MIPS HELMET? The developers of this technology, originally designed for high-performance cyclists, ensured that the safety system would be reliable and would not compromise the helmet's comfort. Moreover, the technology is virtually invisible, adding only 25 to 45 grams to the helmet. SWEATSAVER TECHNOLOGY SWEATSAVER technology doesn't add anything to the safety of your helmet, but it does change everything in terms of comfort! This innovation, from Triple Eight, will ensure that not a single drop of sweat beads on your forehead. Check out our skate helmet section HOW DOES IT WORK? Triple Eight helmets are the first and only to feature this technology. The SWEATSAVER is a foam liner that traps your sweat. The absorbent plush fabric gives you maximum comfort and certified double protection. DOES IT WASH? Don't panic! You don't have to put your sweaty helmet back on every time! The foam liner is removable and machine washable. You practice your sport, remove the liner, throw everything in the washing machine, and start again. If you don't want to wash every time, you can buy another set of liners to swap them out when one gets dirty. Don't hesitate to come see us for more advice when it comes time to choose your helmet! You can also check out our entire section on protection online right here.
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ALL ABOUT SKATEBOARD SHOES
Your skate shoes may seem simple, and choosing them even simpler. But think again! Our blog explains the construction of a skateboard shoe from A to Z, so you can make the right choice with our team. There are a multitude of possibilities between the types of outsole, insole, and cover materials, not to mention the different fits and heights. In this blog, we will focus on outsoles, insoles, and lining materials/construction. For a good pair of skate shoes, you will need these things: 1. A suede covering 2. Multiple seams on the nose and even near the laces 3. An undercoat on the nose to help the coating combat griptape Skate outsoles There are two main types of outsoles on the market and in our Homies Shop: VULCANIZED soles and COP soles for comfortable skate shoes. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, here they are: Vulcanized soles for skateboarding Vulcanized soles offer a better board feel, are quickly comfortable, and are less expensive. However, they offer less support, less protection, and also wear out more quickly. VULC soles are glued to the upper of the shoe, and then one or two strips of rubber are added, heated, and glued in place. 1. Better board feel 2. Quickly comfortable 3. Less expensive CUP soles for skateboarding Cup soles were designed specifically for skateboarding. Skaters complained of pain and a lack of support with their vulcanized soles. Cup Soles are sewn to the upper of the shoe. By removing the heating and gluing step, companies can then inject different technologies like EVA. Cup Soles are stronger, more comfortable, and last longer. However, they are more expensive and offer less board feel initially. 1. Stronger 2. More comfortable 3. Last longer Skate insoles Most Homies skate shoes feature an EVA foam insole that prevents impacts. Some models/companies offer PU soles for added durability. Others have a reinforced heel counter for added stability.
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HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR SKATE WHEELS?
The type of wheel you choose determines the speed, comfort, and agility you'll experience on your skateboard. Typically made of polyurethane, skate wheels are available in a variety of sizes, colors, hardness, and ground contact at Homies. Note: Skate wheels are measured in diameter (thickness) and durometer (hardness). We recently published an article on the components of skate shoes, we invite you to read it to make a good combination with your skateboard and ride with the best equipment for you. The size of skateboard wheels Wheel diameter is measured in millimeters (mm). Most wheels measure between 50mm and 80mm. Wheel size affects speed, precision, and comfort. Smaller wheels will require more effort, but they will be more precise and lighter. Larger skateboard wheels, on the other hand, will be faster, easier to use, and more comfortable. 50mm – 54mm Ideal for easy surfaces (skatepark or new asphalt) and for technical riding or beginners in skateboarding. 54mm – 58mm Ideal for more aggressive than technical riders and for skating on the street, due to the poor quality of the asphalt. 60mm and + Wheels above 60mm are generally associated with a softer hardness, for cruisers and longboards. Comfort is guaranteed. The hardness of skateboard wheels The durometer measures the wheel's hardness; it will determine whether it is a skateboard, cruiser, or longboard wheel. Most manufacturers use grade A on a 100-point scale. The higher the number, the harder the wheel. Some manufacturers use the B scale, which is 20 points lower than the A scale. Example: 80b = 100a Generally, harder wheels are faster, and softer wheels are slower. Soft wheels, on the other hand, offer more grip, are more comfortable, and are ideal for street riding. Hard wheels are better suited for smooth surfaces, such as indoors or on concrete. 78a-87a: Soft, ideal for rough surfaces, longboarding and some cruisers. 80a-90a: Good grip, ideal for cruisers. 90a-99a: Ideal for the park and smooth surfaces. 99a +: Very hard, pro wheels. Ideal for the street. Ground contact of skateboard wheels The ground contact area indicates how much of the wheel touches the ground. Why is this important? If you have a good contact width, it distributes the weight over a wider area. This will reduce the compression of your wheel's urethane and decrease rolling resistance, which could slow your wheel down. Bones SLIMS: Slim width for a lightweight wheel, better rolling and slide. Bones Locks: A tighter profile for better control. Bones STANDARD: Perfect mix of radius and width for an all-around wheel. Bones SIDECUT: Special design to reduce wear and for better grinding. Bones WIDE: Highest ground contact for great stability and solid landings.
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