Pro fingerboard brands: Berlinwood, Blackriver, FlatFace and more
Analysis of the pro fingerboard brands: Berlinwood, Blackriver (BRR), FlatFace, Oak Wheels, Y-Trucks, Bollie, Substance. Origin, strengths and positioning.
The pro fingerboard world has a handful of dominant brands. Honest analysis of each: origin, specialty and where each product shines.
Professional fingerboard revolves around half a dozen brands with own identity. Decks, trucks, wheels and tape — each component has its references.
Brands
Berlinwood (Germany, 1999)
Founded by Martin Winkler in Berlin. The brand that practically invented the concept of "pro wooden deck" for fingerboard.
Specialty: hand-pressed wooden decks (beech or maple) with real concave.
Lines: Wide series (29-34mm), Low series, Custom shop.
Positioning: high end. €30-70 per deck.
Blackriver / BRR (Germany, 2003)
Reference brand for obstacles and pro trucks. Probably the most influential brand in modern fingerboard after Berlinwood.
Products: BRR Trucks, obstacles/parks, accessories.
Positioning: high end. Trucks €15-30; obstacles €20-200.
FlatFace (US, 2007)
American brand founded by Mike Schneider. Makes decks, trucks, wheels and especially reference tape.
Products: G5 Foam Tape (legendary in competition), decks G15/G16, wheels, trucks.
Positioning: high end. Tape €3-5; decks €25-50.
Oak Wheels (US)
Exclusive specialist in pro wheels. If your setup needs higher quality wheels, Oak is the most usual answer.
Positioning: high end. Set of 4 wheels €10-20.
Y-Trucks (Germany)
European alternative to BRR in pro trucks. Less widespread but with loyal fans.
Positioning: high end. Similar to BRR (€15-30).
Bollie (Germany)
German deck brand. Alternative to Berlinwood with own personality.
Positioning: high end. €25-50.
Substance (international)
Brand producing accessories and especially wheels alternative to Oak.
Positioning: mid-high range.
Tech Deck (US, 1998)
The mass-market brand. Not pro, but worth mentioning because it\'s the entry door to fingerboard for millions of people.
What it works for: see if fingerboard grabs you, gift for kids, collecting skate brands.
How to combine brands in a setup
Pro components are interchangeable. Typical combinations:
| Type of player | Recommended setup |
|---|---|
| Standard pro | Berlinwood + BRR + Oak + FlatFace tape |
| European alternative | Bollie + Y-Trucks + Substance + BRR tape |
| American style | FlatFace G16 + FlatFace trucks + Oak + FlatFace G5 tape |
| Economic pro starter | Berlinwood low budget + Y-Trucks economic + Substance + BRR tape |
Frequently asked questions
What\'s the most important fingerboard brand?
Berlinwood and Blackriver (BRR) are the two most influential.
Is FlatFace better than Berlinwood?
Different, not better. Berlinwood has more "German" concave; FlatFace more "American".
Are Oak Wheels worth it?
For pro level, yes.
Can I buy everything of the same brand?
Yes, especially with FlatFace which makes deck + trucks + wheels + tape.
Where do I buy these products in Europe?
Specialised online distributors; some physical skate shops have small fingerboard section.
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