Hello everyone,

I came across this forum and it looks to have a lot more experienced guys than techdeck.com's forum.

I'm 21 years old, married with almost two year old twins. I own a small lawn care business and I'm located in Charlotte, NC USA.

I used to be into fingerboarding back in middle school and my freshman year of high school. Things have definitely changed a lot since I was into FBing.

I'm looking to get back into it and I'm hoping to be picking up a wooden tech deck brand deck from walmart or target.

I see a lot of you like the more expensive but more professional brands. Flatface seems to be pretty big. If any of you have a complete you'd be willing to sell me cheap let me know! It would definitely help me out to find a deal on a used complete. I just can't afford to throw $40+ on a FB right now.

I plan on posting some videos once I get a board and get back into it more.

I'm hoping I'm not the only older guy into FBing.

Hey man! It's awesome you just rediscovered fingerboarding, and you've done it at the right time! The scene is thriving right now with great riders, companies and even great people your age

Check the links on top of the page to find a good setup, or check the sale-buy-trade threads to see if you can get any cheap second hand boards from the forum users

I'd reccomend getting a closeup complete (Look at the logos scrolling above this page and choose the one with the skull hand on it) they're cheap and are very good for beginners

However closeup decks can be found a bit annoying by a majority of the fingerboard community, so if you have decided that you're definitely interested in fbing further more, you might want to upgrade and buy another deck but still use the trucks and wheels from your closeup complete

That's what I'd do! hope you have fun on the forum!

Thanks for the reply and from just browsing around I've seen many changes and new company's that look to be selling high quality products compared to the way the FBing market was when I was into it.

I wouldn't quite say I'm a complete beginner since I can still ollie, kickflip, 360 flip, do a lot of grinds, etc...I just want to start where I left off.

I still have a lot of the old techdeck plastic ramps and rails and such I plan on using after I clean them up from sitting so long without use.

I checked out "close up decks" but they're not in the US =/ so I imagine shipping would be super expensive.

I did come across creek wood finger boards and they seem to be pretty decent and they have a deck or two for $12 and they're trucks are only $3 but they don't sell wheels =/ so if I get a deck and set of trucks from them I'll have to find some wheels and tape since they're all out of that as well.

It seems a lot of people on this forum are older which is great! I'm glad I'm not the only older guy FBing!

I have not owned any Creekwood product in the duration of 2 years of on / off fingerboarding; but I have many good reports / reviews about them. I dd hope to get one of their decks on Black Friday but everything on the site was mostly sold out!

Hey, just so you know, there's a new members thread on here.

Nice to see an older fingerboarder around.

The way I see Close Up is that they offer a decent complete for a decent price. They are distributed in the US through Flatface. Also, the Close Up webstore sells internationally too but their shipping price is fair.

Hey man, cool to have you here.



You can have that hand painted Homewood m8 for free . PM me your address.

Thank you guys so much for welcoming me!

I picked up a tech deck wood competition series at walmart just to mess around with.

Flatface has a complete for $60 any opinions on it? I may decide to suck it up and get it since its a decent quality complete it looks like.

xoibsurferx wrote:

Thank you guys so much for welcoming me!

No problem! We're a friendly community.

xoibsurferx wrote:

I picked up a tech deck wood competition series at walmart just to mess around with.

Did you get the G1 ones or the G2 ones? G2 ones comes with foam grip and the decks have concave and higher kicks. It's probably too late now to say but the G1 one boards aren't good at all but the G2 ones are actually pretty nice, considering the price.

xoibsurferx wrote:

Flatface has a complete for $60 any opinions on it? I may decide to suck it up and get it since its a decent quality complete it looks like.

I bought one a while back and it was pretty good. It's just that the G12 deck isn't my preference and I ended up never using it. I've heard mixed things about G12s, some people really love them and it suits them perfectly. Some people, like me, think the wheelbase is too long and makes it annoying to do tricks. Either way, G12s have amazing craftsmanship.

The wheels are pretty good to buy for a first set of bearing wheels. I personally think the G6Ds are quite a basic and boring wheel but they do the job. I just think there are a lot of much better wheels out there.

The trucks are rebranded mass-produced trucks but they're cheap and they do the job well. The Teflon bushings are pretty awesome though. I accidentally sold my set haha.

You also get a sheet of Riptape, which is one of the best tapes out there.

Also, you can expect a ton of stickers.

It's a good choice for a setup to buy.

Edit: Wow. People are selling G12 decks for $8 on FFI haha.

I'd hand you a deck for free if I had any in-stock. :/ Hit me up around middle of Jan if you're interested. I'll get one to ya in-case you ever want to move on from the techdeck

I think a NoComply complete would be cheaper and better for someone just starting out. Todd makes great entry level products.

id go for the flatface complete, because you get to try a solid deck, foam tape, some of the best wheels around for only 60 bucks.

The board I picked up at walmart I can't really distinguish if its a G1 or G2 since I honestly don't know the difference but I was originally looking for the expert series but they only had the "wood competition series". I can't really say its a high quality product mainly because the wheels don't come off which is a draw back and please no one take this the wrong way but the deck is stamped on the plies "china". Trust me the deck is definitely a step above the plastic ones but compared to the looks of some of the decks they have now I'm sure tech deck could improve! But hey I won't complain too much! I paid $2.50! haha

Since Christmas is coming up and my wife wants me to get something non-business related since I am always seeking new stuff for my lawn care business so I may add a few FB's to the list!

-Flatface G12 complete
-Berlinwood Complete

Anyone like the Berlinwood completes? It all looks to be very high quality material and I probably wouldn't ever have to buy another FB haha.

Thats basically true . it berlinwood completes come with blackriver trucks ( best trucks out there ; most expensive to.) a berlinwood deck which is just amazing quality . and winkler wheels which are amazing also. So yeah , you probably would never need anything new for a while. unless you get tired of your berlinwood or something like that.

Basically the best setup you can have if you like berlinwoods . if you dont like the berlinwoods , you could always get another deck. cause there is allot of other companys out there to just as good

So you've gone from not being able to spend $40+ on a set up... to being able to spend $200? I'm confused. Anyway, BW completes are great but I don't think blackriver trucks are at all necessary for a beginner. And it's really not like that will be the only set up you ever buy, because products are constantly changing and improving, so you will always be able to upgrade in the future. I definitely wouldn't get both completes to start out with.. one or the other. You'll have a lot of fun with either of those.

Double post Jordan^

but i agree with Jordan. and seeing as blackriver have a new warehouse in america you dont have to pay international shipping.

Agreed with Alex!!

if you have the money for the blackriver/berlinwood complete its your best bet. berlinwoods are the original and arguably the best decks out there, and blackriver trucks are also the best. winkler wheels are very very good as well. basically anything german made is a good bet. you cant really go wrong. the berlinwood shape may take some getting used to for someone who is new though, but after that its smooth sailing.

wow this is great! I'm glad to see someone leaving then finding the passion to come back to it. I really o hope you enjoy it man. Myself as well as quite a few others know its tough being older plus balancing work, and today to day living while pursuing fingerboarding. hit me up if need something i currently dont get much time to fingerboard but i have a ton of complete decks i dont use. PM me if you want. Oh where are my manors... Welcome to the forum!

RM wrote:

if you have the money for the blackriver/berlinwood complete its your best bet. berlinwoods are the original and arguably the best decks out there, and blackriver trucks are also the best. winkler wheels are very very good as well. basically anything german made is a good bet. you cant really go wrong. the berlinwood shape may take some getting used to for someone who is new though, but after that its smooth sailing.

I think most people would say except Nollie Wheels.

xoibsurferx wrote:

The board I picked up at walmart I can't really distinguish if its a G1 or G2 since I honestly don't know the difference but I was originally looking for the expert series but they only had the "wood competition series". I can't really say its a high quality product mainly because the wheels don't come off which is a draw back and please no one take this the wrong way but the deck is stamped on the plies "china". Trust me the deck is definitely a step above the plastic ones but compared to the looks of some of the decks they have now I'm sure tech deck could improve! But hey I won't complain too much! I paid $2.50! haha

Since Christmas is coming up and my wife wants me to get something non-business related since I am always seeking new stuff for my lawn care business so I may add a few FB's to the list!

-Flatface G12 complete
-Berlinwood Complete

Anyone like the Berlinwood completes? It all looks to be very high quality material and I probably wouldn't ever have to buy another FB haha.

Basically do they come with foam grip or not? The ones with foam grip are the newer ones (G2).

As for the BW complete, I have one. It's pretty good but in my opinion, a bit overpriced. Craftsmanship and performance are amazing but I have discovered better for less.

Xi wrote:

Hey, just so you know, there's a new members thread on here.

Nice to see an older fingerboarder around.

I love it when I don't have to type out how I feel because someone else did it for me.

Welcome to FBHQ man.

Thanks again for your kindness and welcoming to the forum and FB community!

I personally don't have the cash to spend much but if my wife was willing to help me then I could afford just ONE decent board.

I noticed the Berlinwoods were German made and well I love anything German for the most part. I have a 1983 BMW 320I turbo charged and I love it!

Once again as someone mentioned I'm not a 100% beginner I can still do a lot and I think FBing is one thing you never forget and can pick back up easily! Its pretty much like training a dog. They never forget the tricks you teach them.

I just figure if I can convince my wife to help me out and make it my Christmas gift then I can spend a little more on a decent set up. I remember black river ramps! They were all anyone ever talked about! In middle school we used to bring them to school and we'd FB during lunch with the ramps and everyone hated the FB people because we were always doing it and being loud. Also I can't even mention how many FB's I had taken away from using them on my desk while the teacher bored us all.

I noticed a lot of you on here are older which is awesome! This is my off season for lawn care so I have a little bit of time before I start back up so I'll get some FBing in when I can and of course when I can during my ON season.

I think this may help you get started with a setup thats customized to your liking. ill list of some products and their benefits/what they are like and you could choose from them depending on your preferences:

Decks

Berlinwood: 29mm or 32 mm wide. Tail is shorter than the nose like a real skateboard, and slightly lower. Graphics wear off like real skateboards. Decks are slightly heavier than most, but very stable and controllable. The original professional FB deck. $45 USD

Flaked: Also german-made. Kicks are near symmetrical, medium-high in height, and medium to high concave. 30 mm wide. graphics do not wear off, lots of lacquer. 4 plys so they are lighter than most decks, and thinner. The dips are defined, not rounded, for a shape thats more extreme. May take some time to get used to because the shape is unusual for most people. $40 USD

LowPro: Portugal-made. Near identical shape to Berlinwoods, with the same kick tail structure. comes in 29 or 31 mm width. Graphics also wear off, but are more durable and realistic than the BW graphics. Made of 5 plies of maple wood, extremely stiff, yet stable. Arguably the best thing other than a berlinwood. $40 USD until Dec 25th when they become 45.

Blosom: Made in England by Ross, a moderator here. Nose is slightly longer (1mm or 2mm) than the tail, and slightly more rounded. They are 98 mm long and 30.5 mm wide for improved tech. No graphics, but exotic and died bottom plies that look amazing. Concave is mellow, and the dips are rounded, not defined (more realistic). A favourite on this forum. $30 USD i believe.

Yellowood (Z2 Shape): Portugal-made. Some of the most sought-after decks on the market. defined dips, and the tail is 1.5mm shorter than the nose. They are 30 - 31 mm wide, with medium concave. The decks are made with exotic woods and thus very light. The weight may take time to get used to because control is decreased. Pop is insane though. Still [/b]very, VERY good decks. Range from 36ish - 45 USD.


Trucks (Trucks are not very important when you are not at a high level of expertise. Regular "china" trucks work and do theyre job. Pro trucks just do the job better.)

Flatface Dump Trucks: Standard china wide (29mm) trucks. Work on anything, but dont come with good bushings or tuning. You can tune your china trucks with new kingpins, bearing screws, pivot cups, and bushings/washers. $4 USD

Blackriver Trucks: Best trucks out there. Lots of new technologies, Including locknuts (dont ever fall off) and a new bushing system and axle system. They are very pricey however because they also require special BRR edition Wheels, which limits your wheel choices. Response and turning is phenomenal. $68 USD not including special wheels.

Ytrucks: My personal Favourite. Include locknuts and reverse kingpins that allow you to have your trucks as loose as you want. They work with any bearing wheels out there, which is great. They also work with nonbearing wheels (Bollie wheels). Cheaper as well. $45 USD.

Bollie Trucks: The same as dump trucks except with a different shape. No advancements in technology. they get the job done. $13 USD.


Wheels

Oak wheels: The most unique (and my favourite) on the market. They are made with the same urethane as skateboard wheels, and thus have amazing grip, although some people like harder wheels. I guarantee itll be difficult to find anything smoother than these. More pricey because of the material/technology. $38 USD.

Flatface G6: Great all-around wheels with a hard material. They slide well and dont grip the surface. extremely smooth. to be honest it felt like my deck was floating because i couldnt feel the little bumps in the surface. Flatface is a great company and their wheels are ace. They do not fair to well on outdoor surfaces that are rough though. $28 - 30 USD.

Winkler Wheels: Made in Germany by Martin Winkler, the pioneer of bearing wheels. Come in different sizes shapes and hardness. I cant get too in-depth as i have never tried them, but those who have can tell you they are some of the best. very expensive at $39 USD.

Substance THC-A: Made in France. Medium-soft wheels with grip, yet they slide exceptionally. A great all around bearing wheel. Very smooth rolling, and they have lasted the longest out of all the wheels ive tried and owned, even outdoors. The shape is unique and more like a skateboard wheel. $35-38 USD.

Bollie: Non-bearing wheels for those who dont know if they want to make the leap to a pro setup. very smooth for their price. $14 USD.


Tapes

Riptape: The original. Very porous, so it is extremely grippy right out of the box. Some dont like this (including me) but when it wears in its a dream. Super durable. Comes with bushings and stickers. $9 USD for three sheets.

FBS Extrasmooth: Less porous and smoother to the touch. Its a bit hard to use right off the bat, because it has a sort of glossy texture to it that sticks a bit too much. When you wear it in its very good though. Cutting it is a pain because it leaves a sticky residue which looks bad. $13.50 USD for 5 sheets.

yellowood slimtape/ No comply Foamy J: My favourites. I lumped them together because they seem to be the same material. They are the smoothest and least grippy because they do not catch your fingers. The material is also thinner, softer, and has more cushion. However, it wears out quickly, a piece lasts me about a month and a half. the sides will crumble off after a while, but its worth it to stock up in my opinion. It allows for the most control. Prices vary.


these are the basic products ive tried. i wont go into detail on things ive not used before because that wouldnt be fair. these are some of the best products on the market.

hope this helped.

You forgot to mention Homewood decks. Homewoods are $30 and arguably the best custom decks available in the world.

RM awesome in depth introduction!