Expand Quote
DLX gives riders decks in many graphics that aren't sold to the public as well. I've talked to DLX riders that have Eagles that are actually twin tails or some similar swap.
I love how Yuto just rides whatever the public gets. So you know if you like how his board looks (kicks, shape) you can just buy an 8 april.
I guess it comes down to personal preference, more than anything. It is not like the 2000s when some brands would sell one product and give their riders another, but brands like DLX have always had everything the same throughout, so their riders will ride the same wood that they sell.
The only difference there is a number of the DLX riders have their specific shapes they like, so as
@BeachChicken said, the powers that be often like to play mix and match with the graphics put on the specific shapes for the team riders, just so they don't get sick of the same boards, time and time again, but it is still the same wood.
Trying to recall who said in an interview that they get weird if they see their own name on their board - anyone remember which pro that was? Maybe one of the Girl team or someone else?
Anyway, back to graphics and boards, I think some of them just ride whatever, or pick up a board here or there if they run out or break their own, so then I guess it is whatever they can get their hands on, but then others have their specific shape they like, so they are more likely to get different variations.
Not to bring up Ben deGros too much, but I recall when he went to the BBS woodshop, they put a number of graphics on his special shape at the time, so it could be much the same, only their team riders don't need to go down to the plant, they just get them done and sent to them.
Ishod has twins, Raney has his own, as does Austin Kanfoush, BA sometimes, just off the top of my head. Mason too.
I recall a conversation a while back, where someone was arguing that they all ride their own very specific shapes, but someone else was saying it wasn't all of them, just a number of them and not a very high number at that.
Any which way, I think most if not all "special shapes" are still sold by DLX or have been at some point, even if they are not making the specific shapes for the team riders, eg the Bino shape that came out only once.
* Sorry that might have been a bit of a ramble.