CURRENT WOODSHOP DIRECTORY 2025 + misc deck and board info, help, questions, etc

[scab]

^Yeah, it's the same here in Europe. Lots of shops sell decks for prices at or even below break-even because they sit on way too much product. Same goes for other hardware. While that's a short-term treat for customers, I'm afraid not all shops will be able to cope with such slim margins for long. If I skated regular popcicles I'd be torn between stocking up on deals and continuing to buy full price decks to support my local. Luckily I skate twin tails and those are never on sale, so necessity forces me to do the right thing.

[finalist]

.

I was in a few shops today and saw all the Primitive boards had the BBS hologram …
Does it seem like similar things are happening in other places too?

The primitive I have is not any thicker than my BBS decks, fwiw.
So the common knowledge (I think) in the past was co-lab Primitive decks are often Chinese but everyone I’ve checked recently is BBS with the bbs hologram sticker on top.
So far I really like the usa Primitive deck I got but I would definitely not order a primitive from online without knowing the top stickers.

I like the Crailtap G052 shape from China and I noticed the Few PSStix G052 shapes I’ve seen in person look to have a more pointy nose - not as blunt as the Chinese crailtap G052 shape.

[Woodshop]

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That is an interesting one.

Makes sense and now I have a new one to add to the list.

Thinking I have seen that logo before, but can't place it though.


https://www.instagram.com/vitalusaskateboards/

https://www.vitalusaskateboards.com/


First post is from December 2021, but almost no other info available there.

[close]

Do you know if Watson went out of biz? They haven’t updated their website for years in the sections I can see dates.

Looking over the site, which doesn't have much info, this was interesting - been around marketing and sales talk most of my adult life, so I am just a bit skeptical about most things, but does this sound more like the new board you have?



https://www.vitalusaskateboards.com/about


Vital USA is an American Manufacturer of Premium Skateboards.
Our mission:

To create the highest quality skateboard.


What you can expect?

A skateboard with a distinct pop! A quality you can feel, and a consistent product experience.


What makes Vital USA different?

A relentless, unwavering attention to quality. We have tight tolerances on every aspect of the production process, preferring a lighter and thinner board than industry standard - but without compromising strength and overall durability. Adequate drying and painting times are vital. Pro tested and approved concave and shapes. Full custom veneer options.

[finalist]

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.

That is an interesting one.

Makes sense and now I have a new one to add to the list.

Thinking I have seen that logo before, but can't place it though.


https://www.instagram.com/vitalusaskateboards/

https://www.vitalusaskateboards.com/


First post is from December 2021, but almost no other info available there.

[close]

Do you know if Watson went out of biz? They haven’t updated their website for years in the sections I can see dates.

[close]

Looking over the site, which doesn't have much info, this was interesting - been around marketing and sales talk most of my adult life, so I am just a bit skeptical about most things, but does this sound more like the new board you have?



https://www.vitalusaskateboards.com/about


Vital USA is an American Manufacturer of Premium Skateboards.
Our mission:

To create the highest quality skateboard.


What you can expect?

A skateboard with a distinct pop! A quality you can feel, and a consistent product experience.


What makes Vital USA different?

A relentless, unwavering attention to quality. We have tight tolerances on every aspect of the production process, preferring a lighter and thinner board than industry standard - but without compromising strength and overall durability. Adequate drying and painting times are vital. Pro tested and approved concave and shapes. Full custom veneer options.

I read that too and it doesn’t fit my Primitive usa deck. My Primitive is 1245grams while my bbs April is 1220 grams. Both decks are 12.4mm with mob grip. The pop sounds like any other bbs I’ve owned.

After a couple days of use the primitive does feel like it has more normal concave and kicks while the April has a very flat feel that I prefer. I think most would prefer the Primitive though as it has a more Real se full shape feel but with a 14” wheelbase. All my decks are 8.25”

[Whicker]

Got 2 decks from Element sale last week, 32cad each pretty crazy deal.

first is a Westgate BBS

second is just generic and unknown woodshop with VERY steep kicks

[Basingstoke]

Got 2 decks from Element sale last week, 32cad each pretty crazy deal.

first is a Westgate BBS

second is just generic and unknown woodshop with VERY steep kicks

The lazering on the second reminds me of Dailan Huahong boards and I believe that Girl G008 shape is the same dimensons or simliar.

[somedudefromnj]

Sure is wild to think of their journey, from what seemed like pretty much the top woodshop in the industry back around 2000 to now with people talking about so many issues and ongoing problems.

Thinking back, that all those Black Label PS Stix boards I used to ride over twenty years ago were pretty much the best boards I had ever skated, back when I actually went hard and really made the most of what I had, even riding some of the older PS Stix boards I still have that are still so stiff and good, so the product from back then really was "the good stuff" so to speak.

I might have seen and skated up to ten PS Stix boards in recent years, all from other people and most still seemed fairly decent and defect free, but I know others I have skated with have had a few issues and don't want to ride their wood any more, as well as seeing some pics and funny things as mentioned.


Any which way, if they work for you, no worries, but if they don't because of manufacturing issues or look poorly finished, that is more something to take pics of and send to the brand / local distro or whoever to check and sort out under a valid warranty claim, but even saying that, I know sometimes it is easier to just give it away or focus it and go elsewhere for better boards.

A bit different working in a shop environment and seeing so many boards come through from various brands and distros but even then, it is hard not to notice some things like that and wonder what is going on.

I feel like Schmidt is doing it on purpose. Videos keep popping up of him saying "you want the give that keeps giving" meaning the wood giving

[rocklobster]

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Got 2 decks from Element sale last week, 32cad each pretty crazy deal.

first is a Westgate BBS

second is just generic and unknown woodshop with VERY steep kicks

[close]

The lazering on the second reminds me of Dailan Huahong boards and I believe that Girl G008 shape is the same dimensons or simliar.

Which generic graphic did you get on the Element board? On some of their online listings they mention BBS:
https://www.elementbrand.com/natural-defense-sascha-skateboard-deck-194844098979.html

I like that they list the length, WB, nose and tail measurements if you click "See Size Guide", under Key 1 or Key 2. Key 1 looks like BBS dimensions, Key 2 are China deck dimensions

Team logo boards are a mix, some listed as "7-ply maple wood" spome listed as "built by BBS"
https://www.elementbrand.com/element-x-bob-ross-happy-in-this-world-skateboard-deck-194844160287.html
https://www.elementbrand.com/timber-%257c-late-bloomers-bygone-skateboard-deck-194844160072.html#cgid=skate_skateboards_decks&start=8&hitcount=147

[backinaction]

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Sure is wild to think of their journey, from what seemed like pretty much the top woodshop in the industry back around 2000 to now with people talking about so many issues and ongoing problems.

Thinking back, that all those Black Label PS Stix boards I used to ride over twenty years ago were pretty much the best boards I had ever skated, back when I actually went hard and really made the most of what I had, even riding some of the older PS Stix boards I still have that are still so stiff and good, so the product from back then really was "the good stuff" so to speak.

I might have seen and skated up to ten PS Stix boards in recent years, all from other people and most still seemed fairly decent and defect free, but I know others I have skated with have had a few issues and don't want to ride their wood any more, as well as seeing some pics and funny things as mentioned.


Any which way, if they work for you, no worries, but if they don't because of manufacturing issues or look poorly finished, that is more something to take pics of and send to the brand / local distro or whoever to check and sort out under a valid warranty claim, but even saying that, I know sometimes it is easier to just give it away or focus it and go elsewhere for better boards.

A bit different working in a shop environment and seeing so many boards come through from various brands and distros but even then, it is hard not to notice some things like that and wonder what is going on.

[close]

I feel like Schmidt is doing it on purpose. Videos keep popping up of him saying "you want the give that keeps giving" meaning the wood giving

He likens it to a spring that you pre-load and then it flexes back and gives you more pop.

I will say that the highest ollies I have done in the last few years were on a Clutch made deck that was a bit flexy and snapped quicker than any other deck in the same time period. 

The PS I skated during that time had mellow tails and that took away some height.

[Whicker]

Expand Quote

Got 2 decks from Element sale last week, 32cad each pretty crazy deal.

first is a Westgate BBS

second is just generic and unknown woodshop with VERY steep kicks

[close]

The lazering on the second reminds me of Dailan Huahong boards and I believe that Girl G008 shape is the same dimensons or simliar.

I was hoping since they were both the same measurements on their website that they would both be BBS but it looks like all the BBS boards are clearly labeled and mostly pro models.

[Whicker]

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Got 2 decks from Element sale last week, 32cad each pretty crazy deal.

first is a Westgate BBS

second is just generic and unknown woodshop with VERY steep kicks

[close]

The lazering on the second reminds me of Dailan Huahong boards and I believe that Girl G008 shape is the same dimensons or simliar.

[close]

Which generic graphic did you get on the Element board? On some of their online listings they mention BBS:
https://www.elementbrand.com/natural-defense-sascha-skateboard-deck-194844098979.html

I like that they list the length, WB, nose and tail measurements if you click "See Size Guide"

It was this one.
https://www.elementbrand.com/en-ca/pearl-wwfe-skateboard-deck-194844150202.html

It looks WAY different in person. It is dipped red with no wood grain visible. The pearl is just green ish paint and the gold is pretty dull. Kinda bummed on it but the GF likes the red so w.e. its hers now.

[munchbox]

“its giving wood”
-Paul “The Professor” Schmitt

[Woodshop]

.


I found this thread interesting, PS Stix offering blanks (minimum 50 decks), everything else shown in the thread:


https://www.slapmagazine.com/index.php?topic=124290.0

[Woodshop]

.

Thank you guys!!!

* Post below in total from the PS Stix thread


https://www.slapmagazine.com/index.php?topic=124290.0

Anyone reach out yet / know more specifics about costs etc?

—

“It’s On! Make it a reality, new minimums for new opportunities.

Our new minimum of 50 decks include options for 2 graphics at 25 pcs. each.
All popsicle and shaped decks from our catalog are accessible to this program.

Contact our customer service team to get started.
: [email protected]“

[Woodshop]

.

Thank you guys!!!

* Post below in total from the PS Stix thread


https://www.slapmagazine.com/index.php?topic=124290.0

the pdf they sent me

[BALARGUE]

Minimum at HLC went from 100 to 30

[rocklobster]

Minimum at HLC went from 100 to 30

Source? Do you think it was in response to PS Stix going public with their low MOQs?

[TwisT]

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Minimum at HLC went from 100 to 30

[close]

Source? Do you think it was in response to PS Stix going public with their low MOQs?

They did say in that press release when they were bought last year, expansion into global markets was the plan

[BALARGUE]

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Minimum at HLC went from 100 to 30

[close]

Source? Do you think it was in response to PS Stix going public with their low MOQs?

i press boards there and i'm currently planning a run
it's not in response to PS Stix, orders are so scarce worldwide, they just want to make their factories run

Anyone knows if individuals can order at PS Stix ? I guess it's only B2B, right ?

[BALARGUE]

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Minimum at HLC went from 100 to 30

[close]

Source? Do you think it was in response to PS Stix going public with their low MOQs?

[close]

They did say in that press release when they were bought last year, expansion into global markets was the plan

You mean for HLC ?
Nah, low MOQs are just consequences of COVID, war on Ukraine and an emerging (or consolidating) economic / energy crisis.
Too much preordering, stagnating market, overstock at shops and distributors. All skateboarding related manufactures are running slow worldwide
It might start to get dirty for small brands, shops, etc.
And you already see some every man for himself moves (FA sale, Junkyard sale, distributors going the B2C route and screwing shops, etc)

Kicking Putin's ass would be a good start and might help change the mood

[Mbrimson88]

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Minimum at HLC went from 100 to 30

[close]

Source? Do you think it was in response to PS Stix going public with their low MOQs?

[close]

i press boards there and i'm currently planning a run
it's not in response to PS Stix, orders are so scarce worldwide, they just want to make their factories run

Anyone knows if individuals can order at PS Stix ? I guess it's only B2B, right ?

I would imagine if it is anything like here in AU, all I had to do is apply for an ABN (Australian Business Number) which was free, then had access to order from wholesalers.

It might be the same sort of deal, or might be even easier than that over there in USA.


Compared to trying to order existing brand name product (eg Indy, Spitfire, or other top brands) from some distributors, which is a lot harder, having to prove you have a shop, business or something else, especially a physical location and not just an online store, most places that supply blanks for your brand will pretty much allow anything as long as you have the cash up front for it, including any random kid's dad, or other person who knows nothing about skateboards, to the local guy at the park who always wanted to start his own brand.  So many people have been getting in on it in the last few years, even more so than the last two decades, it seems.

I guess every place is different, but that is my experience here anyway.

[Esmith5488]

The new roger run is on BBS. Hopefully they keep it that way.

[goldfishboot]

hello! I was curious if anyone has firsthand experience buying boards from any of the boutique/garage/basement manufacturers out there. maybe this post would be suitable for a separate thread? dunno. think Wouldshop, Pretty Rad, Searat, GGI. (still around?)

I love the passion that goes into these decks and often they make super insane shapes that no one else does - resources or firsthand experience would be incredibly useful for me (I am not a rich man)

[iw0]

The new roger run is on BBS. Hopefully they keep it that way.

they seem very stoked to be on bbs, so yeah hopefully staying that way

[Woodshop]

hello! I was curious if anyone has firsthand experience buying boards from any of the boutique/garage/basement manufacturers out there. maybe this post would be suitable for a separate thread? dunno. think Wouldshop, Pretty Rad, Searat, GGI. (still around?)

I love the passion that goes into these decks and often they make super insane shapes that no one else does - resources or firsthand experience would be incredibly useful for me (I am not a rich man)

Quite ok asking here, as I usually check things and keep an eye on what is going on elsewhere too.

The BLANKS thread is a hard one to find as the name has spaces in it B L A N K S so often doesn't come up on searches like other things.

Link here:


https://www.slapmagazine.com/index.php?topic=113993.0


I thought there was another one somewhere too, but right now I can't think of where it ended up, DIY board thread or something...


Edit

Found it:


DIY Board graphics, but a lot on DIY boards too.


https://www.slapmagazine.com/index.php?topic=48527.840

[Gene_Harrogate]

Just got a new Theories board with a strange marking. 
It's egg shaped, and I know they've been on BBS but where the dimple normally is theres a TI

I know clutch does a letter and a number but I checked their website and they dont seem to have anything that matches the shape, or letter markings.
This is the shape-
I've bought another Theories board within the last month that had the normal BBS marking, not sure why they'd go elsewhere for this one.

[Mbrimson88]

Just got a new Theories board with a strange marking. 
It's egg shaped, and I know they've been on BBS but where the dimple normally is theres a TI

I know clutch does a letter and a number but I checked their website and they dont seem to have anything that matches the shape, or letter markings.
This is the shape-
I've bought another Theories board within the last month that had the normal BBS marking, not sure why they'd go elsewhere for this one.

My understanding of things, re pandemic shortages was Clutch was able to provide wood to many brands during the time when other woodshops could not keep up with production numbers and supply many of their smaller to medium level, or even some larger accounts with the required product, including the Theories brand, as per what other people had said.

I have also been told that Theories of Atlantis Distribution is one such company that gets blanks in significant numbers and uses their own in house heat transfer machine to put graphics on boards for some (not all) of the brands they distribute, so I could see that as being very possible that they still had a board in certain shapes that was from Clutch.


https://www.theoriesofatlantis.com/pages/toa-distribution

Purely guessing, but T1 could be a special Theories shape, given it doesn't seem like one that is available anywhere else.


All just thoughts though.

[Woodshop]

.

A few updated - thanks for the info.

Nova World Order added.
Roger BBS noted.


A few others added to the info list as well.


11:11 Distribution
USA
https://www.1111dist.com/
https://www.instagram.com/1111distribution/



Woodsen
China
http://www.woodsenskateboard.com/
https://www.instagram.com/woodsen.skateboard.factory/



Some of you might get a real kick out of reading this page (about skateboard griptape):

http://www.woodsenskateboard.com/nd.jsp?id=6&fromColId=2



Anything else, please let me know.

You guys can post any pics, board tops, etc here as well, not a worry whatever, whoever, etc.

[Musicaldeath107]

.

Pennswood


No markings as far as I know.

Stiff, solid boards, steeper kicks, medium concave.

Definitely something new here from Pennswood. Pennsylvania stamp plus deck size.

[Gene_Harrogate]

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Just got a new Theories board with a strange marking. 
It's egg shaped, and I know they've been on BBS but where the dimple normally is theres a TI

I know clutch does a letter and a number but I checked their website and they dont seem to have anything that matches the shape, or letter markings.
This is the shape-
I've bought another Theories board within the last month that had the normal BBS marking, not sure why they'd go elsewhere for this one.

[close]

My understanding of things, re pandemic shortages was Clutch was able to provide wood to many brands during the time when other woodshops could not keep up with production numbers and supply many of their smaller to medium level, or even some larger accounts with the required product, including the Theories brand, as per what other people had said.

I have also been told that Theories of Atlantis Distribution is one such company that gets blanks in significant numbers and uses their own in house heat transfer machine to put graphics on boards for some (not all) of the brands they distribute, so I could see that as being very possible that they still had a board in certain shapes that was from Clutch.


https://www.theoriesofatlantis.com/pages/toa-distribution

Purely guessing, but T1 could be a special Theories shape, given it doesn't seem like one that is available anywhere else.


All just thoughts though.

That does make sense though!
Had hoped it was bbs but it still seems well constructed, so not the end of the world.