Hi! So I'm relatively new to fingerboarding. At least with wooden decks anyway. I used to use tech decks as a kid but could never really control them that well. Recently I bought a people's republic (broken knuckle fingerboards) complete. I really enjoyed it (until my dog ate it). I have a new one ordered already, but now I'm wondering what exactly I'm missing if anything from buying a cheaper brand. I'm really enjoying this hobby but I still don't want to shell out a lot of money unless I'm sure It's going to be worth it. I really like the concept of beastpants. I think if I was going to upgrade I'd go for them, but can someone with a little more experience let me know the major differences? What exactly am I paying the extra money for? thanks!

You're paying for quality and are supporting fingerboarding more if you buy from true fingerboard companies. By buying from the companies listed in the banner you are giving them money to directly give back to fingerboarding through events or new products.

sweetbabies wrote:

You're paying for quality and are supporting fingerboarding more if you buy from true fingerboard companies. By buying from the companies listed in the banner you are giving them money to directly give back to fingerboarding through events or new products.

Okay that makes some sense. What do you mean by actual fingerboard companies though? I mean, obviously the ones in the banner are the big names on the scene, but what separates them from the smaller companies besides notoriety? I assume these larger companies are using some of their funds to improve their products which helps us (the consumers) and I suppose they must be putting money towards meet ups and competitions. I would really like to know more about the quality of these brands though. I payed about 16 dollars worth for the complete I had previously bought, and I think it was definitely worth it. What are the major differences I can look for when buying from these bigger companies (particularly beastpants, but I would love to hear about some of your favorites too).

I guess what I'm saying is I was very impressed with the difference from going from a tech deck to a peoples republic. I want the same "wow" factor when I upgrade from the people's republic. Would you recommend just changing the board first, or wheels, trucks etc...? Or is there some combination from a few different places you would recommend?

you basically bought a mass produced wooden fingerboard.  the biggest upgrades you will get from buying a better deck, are a lighter, crisper deck that may also look more realistic (looks depend on maker though).  It will be shaped better (better sanding), and colors and lacquer will be better.  

however, a lot of people go on and on around here about the "scene".  truth is, there are only a few companies really making events (ff, homewood come to mind).  don't feel hated and guilt tripped into buying a certain brand if you can only afford china wheels/trucks at the moment.  Shit, some people spend loads and then quit finger boarding altogether. you can also find rebranded china stuff on FF and homewood, and at a bunch of other places.  Sometimes the quality is better (see Crude fingerboards), sometimes it's about the same as p-rep.  also, beware that some of the companies in the banner don't have the best customer service…  basically, do your research, check as many reviews as possible.  

upgrade the deck, (bushings and pivot cups too if you need to).  stick with trucks and wheels for now.  CNC wheels will last a while, so can stick w/ those and upgrade them last.

DECK - If you really want to get a good board no ifs about it... get a Flatface G14. you cant go wrong. Even though there many are other good decks out there also.

WHEELS - make it roll soother but no real performance upgrade other than grip. China wheels would work fine. I personally like dual bearing wheels cause they add a little weight down low on the board. Also, I personal choose ywheels cause they fit my trucks the best and have dual bearings. its a preference thing.

TRUCKS - the pro level truck upgrade is about quality, reliability, and performance. the main thing is width. standard Tech Deck trucks are 29mm when most wood decks are 32mm. I would personally look for a good 32mm wide trucks with a pivot cup. Tech Deck longboard indy trucks are what I would suggest. TDLB are wider than most 32mm trucks just a little FYI

BUSHINGS - I recently found that this upgrade will make biggest difference in the feel and performance.   this upgrade is a personal preference but most people like the Witchcraft bushings.

So all in all I would start with either a new deck or new trucks. but bushings will make a huge difference and only cost 10 bucks shipped. TDLB indy trucks are found when you buy a TDLB complete but caution TDLB have many different trucks and you must buy the right ones to get the indy trucks.

hope tthis helps

As some other people have said, all the products on the Broken Knuckle site are what we all call "China products" since they are mass produced in China and sold at low wholesale prices in large amounts.

I personally don't think Broken Knuckle is a bad thing - they are the cheapest place to get the "China products" from, while many other companies will rip you off with ridiculous mark ups on the prices.
Lots of people on here have a mental block against them since companies like that don't support the scene, but I personally think its a great place to start for beginners.

In my opinion, the best place to start with an upgrade is the deck. BUT... do your own research and find what you think will be best for you, don't just go by what others say. Everyone has different preferences they've developed over the years they have been riding, so they might not match yours. Definitely read reviews on here and watch reviews on YouTube so you can see shapes, kick height, concave, ect.

Just be careful that you don't buy another rebranded China deck like the one you already have >.<
Don't hesitate to ask on here if something is China or not... many people can answer you

It all depends on how much money you have to work with. I personally tried out several wooden fingerboard companies until I found one that I just really liked the most.

I find that the wooden boards are a BIG upgrade from techdecks such that I would never skate a techdeck again as a serious setup.

I'm relatively new to fnigerboarding as well and I was in your position a couple months ago.  My first wooden deck was a 4corner deck.  Obviously it was loads and loads better than a tech deck and I thought "is a more expensive, non-China deck really that different?"  Well, they are.  After realizing that fingerboarding was something I was obsessively doing and having fun with, I decided to splurge and buy a better set up.  So far I have used Flatface and Berlinwood decks and they are clearly superior products to the China deck I was using, and are definitely worth the money since I fingerboard pretty much everyday.  So...

My advice: China decks are great cheap introductions to wooden fingerboards, but if you find yourself continuing to fingerboard, it's definitely worth upgrading.

(see Couch982's post.  He laid it out perfectly)

There are also many small companies that offer quality handmade decks for 10-15$ check out the company section..

fingerfuzz wrote:

however, a lot of people go on and on around here about the "scene".  truth is, there are only a few companies really making events (ff, homewood come to mind).

Please do keep in mind that the "scene" and/or "supporting the scene" also refers to the companys that contribute back to the scene by offering unique decks or whatever products and put their heart and sole into what they are doing to bring you guys something different to get exited about and enjoy. Without that support sadly they would most likely dissapear one after another..

Bakko wrote:

fingerfuzz wrote:

however, a lot of people go on and on around here about the "scene".  truth is, there are only a few companies really making events (ff, homewood come to mind).

Please do keep in mind that the "scene" and/or "supporting the scene" also refers to the companys that contribute back to the scene by offering unique decks or whatever products and put their heart and sole into what they are doing to bring you guys something different to get exited about and enjoy. Without that support sadly they would most likely dissapear one after another..

THIS^

marygoround333 wrote:

Hi!  So I'm relatively new to fingerboarding.  At least with wooden decks anyway.  I used to use tech decks as a kid but could never really control them that well.  Recently I bought a people's republic (broken knuckle fingerboards) complete.  I really enjoyed it (until my dog ate it).  I have a new one ordered already, but now I'm wondering what exactly I'm missing if anything from buying a cheaper brand.  I'm really enjoying this hobby but I still don't want to shell out a lot of money unless I'm sure It's going to be worth it.  I really like the concept of beastpants.  I think if I was going to upgrade I'd go for them, but can someone with a little more experience let me know the major differences?  What exactly am I paying the extra money for?  thanks!

lol

with some company's your buying a piece of art

a piece of someones life they spent a long time perfecting, developing, experimenting..

LIKE MYSELF I have spent a lot of time making something completely original and different

I pour myself into the things I make for the community and I give all that I can.

I do not expect you to understand any of this at all .. I have lost hope for most modern people.

You might learn in your next life what the hell is going on.

pros/cons of china completes:

pro: cheap, good tape, the lathed wheels are decent for the price, trucks do the job

cons: not supporting the scene, terrible decks, bushings will rip in 2 minutes

If you want a cheap but good setup, just buy the china trucks tape and wheels, and buy a deck off of flatface, or from the banner on this site

Jared wrote:

pros/cons of china completes:

pro: cheap, good tape, the lathed wheels are decent for the price, trucks do the job

cons: not supporting the scene, terrible decks, bushings will rip in 2 minutes

If you want a cheap but good setup, just buy the china trucks tape and wheels, and buy a deck off of flatface, or from the banner on this site

^^^^BAM!


Also some completes are so cheep, that its cheaper to buy complete than it is to buy the same wheels and trucks separate.

*insert opinion* *stroke ego*

bottom line for anyone should be buy what u can afford... don't support companies that price gouge, create artificial scarcity, or practice poor customer service... luckily there are still fb companies that don't do this, but some of these companies are not the most popular, unfortunately.

I just came for the namedrop. Oh wait, It didnt happen..

LMFAOOOO

/\

be a bro..support the scene.

deck in my SIG is made by an awesome company that doesn't charge an arm and a leg...

^ kicks looks really short

Trent Witcher wrote:

lol

with some company's your buying a piece of art

a piece of someones life they spent a long time perfecting, developing, experimenting..

LIKE MYSELF I have spent a lot of time making something completely original and different

I pour myself into the things I make for the community and I give all that I can.

I do not expect you to understand any of this at all .. I have lost hope for most modern people.

You might learn in your next life what the hell is going on.

Only if I buy a nice looking Deck / art and it dont have pop, the holes are not centered, or any other problem I wouldn't call it art... More like a purity turd.
for me it can look good, be sanded just right, and have interact split ply but if it dont function or preform good well.....junk

Clearly Trent was refering to decks that do have pop, holes centered, and no other problems or else it wouldnt be a deck of true craftmanship (art).

Heck...if a deck was like you describe it I wouldnt call it a deck at all. It would be written off as a blem without a doubt. Stuff like that belongs in the bin, I thaught everyone knows that. If this is the case with some companys it makes me sad to hear, I had higher hopes I guess..

I have yet to recieve a deck that wasnt up to par from fellow deckmakers in the scene and most of the time Im amazed by what I get to check out first hand. Then again...my collection is lacking a couple of the most popular recent ones sadly..

Feel free to ship my way..lol

Bakko wrote:

Clearly Trent was refering to decks that do have pop, holes centered, and no other problems or else it wouldnt be a deck of true craftmanship (art).

Heck...if a deck was like you describe it I wouldnt call it a deck at all. It would be written off as a blem without a doubt. Stuff like that belongs in the bin, I thaught everyone knows that. If this is the case with some companys it makes me sad to hear, I had higher hopes I guess..

I have yet to recieve a deck that wasnt up to par from fellow deckmakers in the scene and most of the time Im amazed by what I get to check out first hand. Then again...my collection is lacking a couple of the most popular recent ones sadly..

Feel free to ship my way..lol

I got a _____deck (don't want to name the company but its hyped on here) and honestly it was the worst deck I ever had. the holes were out of center and me being a machinist for the past 11 years I know what he did wrong to make the mistakes he did. told him about it and he really didn't offer any replacement or help. so the most hyped decks on here can still be junk. I call it a blem but he seemed to think different. I see his decks forsale for 45 dollars. f-that

all im saying now is some people get on here and express there honest opinion based off passed experience and others get on here make a few cheesy products and act like they are better and or superior to everyone else. its fingerboards... any one can make this stuff. it comes down to how much time do you want to put in to this hobby.

so back to topic. I say get a FF or a brand like that first so you can base you opinion off a truly good board. I know I don't have the money to buy every little company to find the one that really is good.