Tech Deck Performance Series Baker: Review & Guide

Hey guys! If you're into fingerboarding, you've probably heard of Tech Deck. But have you checked out their Performance Series, specifically the Baker edition? Let's dive deep into what makes this fingerboard so special and why you might want to add it to your collection.

What is the Tech Deck Performance Series?

The Tech Deck Performance Series is a step up from the standard Tech Decks you might find in toy stores. These are designed to give you a more realistic and higher-quality fingerboarding experience. What makes them different? It's all about the components. You get real wood decks, upgraded grip tape, softer wheels, and better trucks. All these improvements add up to a fingerboard that feels and performs closer to a real skateboard. These aren't just toys; they are miniature versions of the real thing, built for practicing your skills and mastering new tricks.

The real wood deck is a game-changer. The added weight and stiffness give you a more solid feel when you're popping ollies or grinding rails. Say goodbye to the flimsy plastic decks of the basic Tech Decks. The upgraded grip tape is another essential feature. It provides better traction, which is crucial for control and precision. This means you can land your tricks more consistently and push your limits.

Then there are the softer wheels. These wheels offer a smoother ride and better grip on various surfaces. Whether you're fingerboarding on your desk, a kitchen counter, or a custom-built fingerboard park, the softer wheels ensure a more enjoyable experience. Don't forget the trucks! The Performance Series trucks are designed for better turning and stability. This allows for more fluid movements and makes it easier to perform complex tricks. These enhanced components transform the Tech Deck from a simple toy into a legitimate tool for developing fingerboarding skills.

Baker: A Brand with History

Baker Skateboards is a legendary brand in the skateboarding world. Founded by Andrew Reynolds and Jim Greco, Baker has always had a raw, edgy, and rebellious vibe. Known for its iconic logo and team of talented skaters, Baker represents a certain lifestyle and attitude within skateboarding culture. The Tech Deck Performance Series Baker edition pays homage to this influential brand, allowing fans to connect with skateboarding history on a miniature scale. Baker's influence extends beyond just skateboarding. The brand has made its mark in music, art, and fashion, solidifying its status as a cultural icon. Owning a Tech Deck Baker edition is like owning a piece of that history and culture.

The collaboration between Tech Deck and Baker brings together the accessibility of Tech Deck with the authenticity of Baker. This combination makes the Performance Series Baker edition a must-have for both fingerboard enthusiasts and skateboarding fans. It's a way to show your appreciation for a brand that has shaped the skateboarding landscape. The Baker edition typically features the brand's classic logo and graphics, instantly recognizable to anyone familiar with skateboarding culture. This attention to detail is what sets the Performance Series apart and makes it a collector's item for many.

Unboxing and First Impressions

When you first get your hands on the Tech Deck Performance Series Baker, the packaging itself gives you a sense of quality. It's usually a sturdy box with clear branding and a glimpse of the fingerboard inside. Opening the box, you'll find the fully assembled fingerboard, along with a few extra goodies. These often include additional grip tape, stickers, and sometimes even a mini tool for adjusting the trucks. The first thing you'll notice is the weight and feel of the board. It's noticeably heavier and more solid than a regular Tech Deck, thanks to the real wood deck.

The grip tape feels more textured and grippy, providing better control right from the start. The wheels spin smoothly, and the trucks feel responsive. It's clear that this isn't just a toy; it's a miniature version of a real skateboard. Taking it for a spin, you'll immediately feel the difference. The board pops higher, feels more stable, and provides a more realistic experience. The softer wheels grip the surface better, allowing for smoother slides and grinds. The upgraded trucks make turning easier and more precise. Overall, the unboxing and first impressions are overwhelmingly positive. It's a well-crafted fingerboard that's ready to perform right out of the box. If you're used to regular Tech Decks, you'll be amazed at the improvement in quality and performance.

Performance and Feel

When it comes to the Tech Deck Performance Series Baker, the performance is where it truly shines. The real wood deck provides a solid and responsive platform for performing tricks. The added weight gives you more control and makes it easier to land your maneuvers. Whether you're trying ollies, kickflips, or grinds, the Performance Series deck feels more like a real skateboard under your fingers.

The upgraded grip tape is another key factor in the improved performance. It provides excellent traction, allowing you to maintain control and perform tricks with precision. The softer wheels offer a smoother ride and better grip on various surfaces. This means you can fingerboard on your desk, a countertop, or even a dedicated fingerboard park without sacrificing performance. The enhanced trucks are designed for better turning and stability, making it easier to navigate obstacles and perform complex tricks. The overall feel of the Performance Series Baker edition is much more realistic and satisfying than a standard Tech Deck. It's a fingerboard that you can truly progress with, learning new tricks and honing your skills. The combination of high-quality components and thoughtful design makes it a joy to use for both beginners and experienced fingerboarders.

Pros and Cons

Like any product, the Tech Deck Performance Series Baker has its pros and cons. Let's break them down:

Pros:

• Real Wood Deck: Provides a more realistic feel and improved performance.
• Upgraded Grip Tape: Offers better traction and control.
• Softer Wheels: Ensures a smoother ride and better grip.
• Enhanced Trucks: Designed for better turning and stability.
• Authentic Baker Graphics: Pays homage to a legendary skateboarding brand.
• Durable Construction: Built to withstand regular use and abuse.

Cons:

• Price: More expensive than standard Tech Decks.
• Availability: May be harder to find in some stores.
• Learning Curve: May take some time to get used to the upgraded components if you're only familiar with basic Tech Decks.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the pros far outweigh the cons. The improved performance, realistic feel, and durable construction make the Performance Series Baker edition a worthwhile investment for any fingerboard enthusiast.

Who is This For?

The Tech Deck Performance Series Baker is perfect for a wide range of people. If you're a seasoned fingerboarder looking to upgrade your setup, this is an excellent choice. The real wood deck, upgraded grip tape, softer wheels, and enhanced trucks will take your fingerboarding to the next level. You'll be able to perform tricks with more precision and control, and the overall experience will be much more realistic and enjoyable. It's also a great option for skateboarders who want to practice their skills off their board. Fingerboarding can be a fun and effective way to improve your coordination and develop new tricks. The Performance Series Baker edition provides a similar feel to a real skateboard, making the transition between the two easier.

If you're new to fingerboarding, the Performance Series Baker edition is a great way to start. While it may be slightly more expensive than a basic Tech Deck, the improved quality and performance are well worth the investment. You'll learn to fingerboard on a setup that feels more like a real skateboard, which will help you develop good habits and progress faster. Additionally, if you're a fan of Baker Skateboards, this is a must-have item. The authentic graphics and branding pay homage to a legendary brand, allowing you to connect with skateboarding history on a miniature scale. It's a great way to show your support for Baker and its iconic skaters. Overall, the Performance Series Baker edition is a versatile fingerboard that appeals to a wide range of people, from beginners to experienced fingerboarders and skateboarding enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts

The Tech Deck Performance Series Baker is a standout product in the world of fingerboarding. Its combination of high-quality components, authentic branding, and realistic feel make it a must-have for any serious fingerboard enthusiast. While it may be more expensive than standard Tech Decks, the improved performance and durability are well worth the investment. Whether you're a seasoned fingerboarder looking to upgrade your setup or a beginner just starting out, the Performance Series Baker edition will take your fingerboarding to the next level. It's a well-crafted and thoughtfully designed fingerboard that provides hours of fun and enjoyment. So, if you're looking for a fingerboard that feels like the real deal, the Tech Deck Performance Series Baker is definitely worth checking out. You won't be disappointed!