Blackriver complete fingerboard with the “TomCat” deck in 33.3 mm X-Wide. Blackriver is regarded as one of the leading brands in technical fingerboarding, and its wooden decks are made by hand in its workshop in Germany. This set carries the TomCat graphic, one of the brand’s signature models.

• BrandBlackriver (Germany)
• SizeX-Wide, 33.3 mm wide
• DeckHandmade 5-ply wood
• WheelsBlackriver Blank Street with bearings
• IncludesDeck, riptape, trucks, wheels, hardware and tool

Materials and manufacturing

The deck is pressed from five wood veneers, like a real skateboard in miniature, which gives it pop (the crisp snap as the board lifts off) and flex similar to a skateboard’s. X-Wide is the widest size in Blackriver’s classic range: it leaves more room for your fingers and tends to suit people with larger fingers or anyone who prefers a stable board. It is finished with riptape, the fine foam grip tape stuck to the top of the deck so your fingers hold without slipping.

Trucks and wheels

The trucks (the metal axles that hold the wheels and let the board turn) are made by Blackriver and matched to this width; the brand fits 34 mm trucks to its 33.3 mm decks. They use lock nuts, which do not work loose with use. The Blank Street wheels are made of technical plastic with bearings (ball bearings) and a narrow profile designed for street tricks; they are made in Germany and hold the bearing with a click-in system. The eight mounting screws and the tool let you adjust how tight the turning is or swap parts.