Review: P-REP Fingerboards 30mm Starter
Today, we are reviewing the P-REP Starter 30mm Fingerboard by Broken Knuckle FB.
Katter Reviews is a Katter.haus series where KC reviews whatever KC wants.
Check out more Fingerboard Content below:
The P-REP 30mm Starter Fingerboard Complete - Dohnut Design
NOTE: On the BK website there are Pro Performance completes, however no starter completes. It looks like the starter completes for the P-REP boards are exclusively sold to an audience on Amazon. Reason why I first purchased the P-REP Starter complete is because this is the one parents and people are most likely going to see first — they may not be seeking out a Blackriver or Obsius deck immediately! I hope to give an accurate view of what is available on the general consumer market for fingerboards rather than just tech decks.
Broken Knuckle (BK) Fingerboards has been producing mini boards since one cold day in a small New York Garage in 2010 and has been long a respected part of the community.
The Amazon Exclusive P-REP Starter 30mm fingerboard is created with the beginner Fingerboarder in mind.
Close-up of the Pre-cut Foam Griptape, neat addition!
Parts Analysis
Chrome 29mm Starter Trucks: These alloy trucks with hard plastic bushings are loud and seemingly untuned. Thankfully, BK actually has tuned versions of these trucks available on their site for $3.49 as well as some baked bushings and extra equipment if you’re looking to make some upgrades.
White P-REP CNC Wheels: This board comes with the single bearing P-REP CNC Wheels in White, they tend to have a pretty solid spin to them despite the bearings being pretty noisy.
30mm 5-Ply Deep Mold Fingerboard Deck: This 30mm x 100mm deck is complete with a heat transferred Dohnut Designs. The deck is made with some black and white veneer mixed that you can see on the sides. Broken Knuckle notes that this is a deep mold with a high concave to help with beginner fingerboarding. I have noticed that some other boards such as the Spitboards fingerboard has higher concave and has ease of use. Size of the board is reminiscent to retro Tech decks.
2 pre cut Pieces of P-REP Black Foam Tape: Pre-cut foam grip tape, perfectly ready to apply to the deck and get shredding.
Tuning Tool: Industry standard tuning tool came for assembly. Extra screws and nuts are also provided in this set.
Sticker Sheet & Assembly Instructions: Paper goods included in the product are a sticker sheet with P-REP Fingerboards and Broken Knuckle Fingerboards stickers as well as simple assembly instructions.
Riding
Immediately what I noticed about this board is the weight, it is extremely light compared to a Skull Fingerboard or a Teak Tuning Board. Fingerboards are commonly around the 32mm to 34mm size, however this P-REP Starter fingerboard is slightly smaller at around 30mm. There may be such a thing as too light however, I struggled to land Kickflips and Ollie North’s without completely losing control of the board. A part of me believes this might just be me used to fatter boards and rarely ever using something under 32mm. The retro board size is one I do not ride often.
Now, I would not be surprised if this board would show more promise with some better trucks. The ride is loud and does not have that same satisfying click that other fingerboards make. The trucks also have some pretty harsh hex bolts so when performing any truck based grinds (think a 50-50), you will be scratching up your obstacles.
Speaking of scratching up, the heat transferred graphic looks awesome. Graphic is glossy when applied and you can even see the wood grain peaking from the bottom. However, the board out of the box is prone to scratch up! Personally, I love the scratched up look on fingerboards, and gives me an excuse to sticker bomb it, but if you do not — get some rails or some nice coating!
While a P-REP starter board may not be a premium option, younger fingerboarders who are looking to get into the hobby can definitely get some progress on a P-REP Starter board before upgrading to something a little more technical.
The P-REP 30mm Starter Fingerboard is recommended for:
Someone who wants to get into fingerboarding but wants something above a tech deck but keeping the retro feel with those hard bushings.
Younger skaters getting into fingerboarding (smaller size and lighter weight may be an advantage).
If you love a deck that will scratch and show how much you shred!
A P-REP 30mm Starter Fingerboard is not recommended due to:
Weak trucks and hard bushings making it difficult for variety of ride styles and tricks.
Smaller than the average industry fingerboard and may not suit all ride styles.
Foam grip does not cover the entirety of the board and can be more difficult to customize
Harder to perform tricks that may benefit from more surface area on the board.
If this sounds like the board for you, you can buy this deck directly from Amazon.
Broken Knuckle Fingerboards has a performance and a pro series too, you can check those out here!
