The Hidden Stash: Unreleased Chrome Alligator Stickers Emerge!
When we call these Alligator Chrome stickers “rare,” we mean it: they have NEVER been released to the public! Years ago, Brian Bennett commissioned me to develop the next generation of color gator stickers, and I took the opportunity to update the artwork for each design.
While CalSts Industries was producing them, I secretly added a chrome sheet to every batch. These Chrome Alligator Stickers remained hidden for 25 years—until I rediscovered the stash. Now, for the first time ever, I’m unveiling this one-of-a-kind collector’s item. CLICK HERE CHROME GATORS!
Skateboarding has always thrived on innovation, blending form and function to push the boundaries of what’s possible on four wheels.
Among the legends of skate gear history, Alligator skateboard wheels and Bennett trucks stand out as defining symbols of the golden era of skateboarding. Both pieces of equipment not only shaped how skateboards performed but also played pivotal roles in skate culture’s visual and stylistic evolution.
Alligator wheels, known for their signature grip and eye-catching aesthetic, were a game-changer when they hit the scene. The urethane revolution had already transformed skateboarding, but Alligator wheels elevated the game with their unique combination of durability and style. These wheels gave skaters the confidence to carve deeper, slide longer, and land tricks with unparalleled control.
One of the most memorable aspects of the Alligator brand was its iconic sticker design, which became a sought-after emblem for skaters everywhere.
Rick Tetz, the owner of CalSts Industries, added a unique touch to this legacy. His creation of the chrome colorway for the Alligator sticker transformed it into a collector’s item. The shimmering metallic finish captured the rebellious, bold energy of skateboarding and elevated the design to a whole new level of cool.
In the early days of skateboarding, trucks were rudimentary and often adapted from roller skates.
Enter Bennett trucks. Created by Ron Bennett in the mid-1970s, these trucks were engineered specifically for skateboards and featured a revolutionary design that prioritized smooth turning and stability.
Their use of high-quality materials and precise geometry allowed skaters to carve with greater fluidity and control, unlocking the potential for more dynamic and expressive riding.
Bennett trucks were also known for their durability, making them a favorite among skaters who demanded equipment that could withstand the rigors of the streets and parks.
Their wide base and responsive design made them particularly suited to slalom and freestyle skating, two disciplines that thrived in the 1970s and continue to influence skateboarding today.
The partnership between Alligator wheels and Bennett trucks was serendipitous. Skaters who paired these wheels and trucks found a perfect synergy: the grip and roll of Alligator wheels complemented the fluid turning of Bennett trucks, creating an unmatched ride quality.
Together, they provided a setup that not only performed exceptionally but also embodied the creativity and innovation that skateboarding is all about.
While skateboarding technology has evolved dramatically since the days of Alligator wheels and Bennett trucks, their impact remains undeniable. They paved the way for the high-performance equipment we use today, and their iconic status continues to inspire nostalgia and admiration among skaters of all ages.
