Fingerboarding has grown into its own fully-realized scene at Blade Park, and with that comes a wide range of setups for every rider, budget and skill level. Whether someone is warming up between sessions at the full park, dialing in tricks on the ledges, or getting their first taste of the hobby, understanding the different cost tiers makes it easier to choose the right board. This guide breaks down what each tier offers, how they ride and why each option has a place in the progression ladder.
TIER 1: TECH DECK UPGRADES
The entry tier begins with the classic Tech Deck, which becomes far more capable when upgraded with bearing wheels, foam tape and simple truck tuning. Even at this level, the improvements are noticeable, making the trucks turn properly and giving the deck a more realistic feel. For newcomers at Blade Park testing the waters, this is an easy, low-cost way to get started, typically falling between ten and thirty dollars while still allowing small upgrades that go a long way.
TIER 2: PRE-BUILT WOODEN COMPLETES
The next tier features pre-built wooden completes from brands like Slushcult, AnToiNCE and Blade Park’s own program. These setups include real five-ply wooden decks, metal single-axle trucks, CNC bearing wheels, o-ring tuning with washers and proper foam tape. They ride smoother and offer more control, immediately elevating a rider’s ability to learn tricks. Many Blade Park regulars choose this tier because it’s affordable yet genuinely capable. Riders often enhance these setups with better tuning such as Slushcult Rattlerz or Piro Bushings, along with upgrades to urethane or high-grade nylon wheels. Boards in this range usually land between forty and one hundred dollars, creating a sweet spot for most beginners and intermediates.
TIER 3: HANDMADE DECKS WITH MID-TIER COMPONENTS
The third tier is where fingerboarders start taking the craft seriously. Handmade decks from Five Luck, Slushcult DK, Metric, Blackriver, Berlinwood and RageQuit deliver a level of pop, shape consistency and longevity that riders feel instantly on the ramps at Blade Park. Paired with reliable imported trucks like Those Trucks or Leefai and CNC bearing wheels, these boards form the backbone of a setup that can grow with the rider. At this stage, the upgrade potential becomes nearly limitless. Riders often begin fine-tuning their preferences with high-end bushings, premium wheels and eventually pro-grade trucks. Because of the craftsmanship involved, these setups typically range from eighty to two hundred dollars.
TIER 4: PRO-TIER SETUPS
The top tier is the professional level, where every component reaches its highest quality. This includes handmade five-ply maple decks, premium trucks tuned to perfection with aftermarket bushings and top-tier urethane or nylon wheels. Foam tape completes the setup, giving the board the feel and control expected by advanced riders who spend hours at Blade Park pushing their limits. These boards start around one hundred seventy-five dollars and rise from there, reflecting the precision and performance of gear made for serious fingerboarding.
CLOSING NOTES
What really matters, though, is that every tier has value. Riders at Blade Park progress because they show up, put in the time and keep the fun at the centre of their sessions. The price of a board never determines how good someone will become, but higher-quality gear can certainly make practice more enjoyable and consistent. From entry-level Tech Deck upgrades to fully dialled pro builds, the Blade Park program has a setup for every rider ready to roll, learn and level up.
