Sportsman Light Blue 9.0

Channel the raw spirit of the ‘90s with The Heated Wheel Sportsman Light Blue 9.0" Skateboard Deck, a modern take on classic skateboarding from Neil Blender’s innovative brand. Founded by the legendary ‘80s and ‘90s skater, The Heated Wheel blends retro-inspired shapes with contemporary craftsmanship. This 9.0" x 32" deck features a ‘90s-inspired “football” shape with a pointy round nose, tapering tail, and Neil Blender’s original artwork reminiscent of his early G&S graphics. Crafted from 7-ply Canadian maple with a single cold-pressed design, it offers a medium concave and a 15.0" wheelbase, ideal for pool, park, and transition skating. Built for durability and a nostalgic ride, this deck is perfect for skaters craving old-school vibes with modern performance.

Key Features

• 7-Ply Canadian Maple: Single cold-pressed construction ensures a durable, lightweight deck with consistent pop and strength.

• 9.0" Width: Wide, egg-shaped design ideal for pool, park, and transition skating, offering stability for big maneuvers.

• Medium Concave: Provides a balanced, responsive board feel for precise control in bowls and ramps.

• Sportsman Graphic: Neil Blender’s iconic light blue artwork delivers a retro ‘90s aesthetic with a nod to G&S heritage.

• Shaped Deck: 15.0" wheelbase with a shorter nose and slightly square tail enhances transition skating performance.

Compatible Truck Sizes

For a 9.0" deck like The Heated Wheel Sportsman Light Blue, the truck axle width should closely match the deck width for optimal performance. Only Independent Trucks and Venture Trucks are included:

• Independent Trucks:

  • Size 149 (8.5" axle width): Slightly narrower but compatible, offering a balanced setup for pool and park skating.

  • Size 159 (8.75" axle width): Closer match for 9.0" decks, providing stability for transition skating.

• Venture Trucks:

  • Size 5.8 (8.5" axle width): Compatible for a stable setup, though slightly narrow for the deck’s width.

  • Note: Venture does not offer a 9.0" axle width, so Independent 159 is the best match for stability.

• General Guideline: Trucks with an 8.75" axle width (Independent 159) are the best match for this deck, while 8.5" trucks (Independent 149 or Venture 5.8) offer a slightly narrower stance for agility. Independent 169 (10.0" axle width) may be too wide, as noted in setup advice.

Preferred Wheel Sizes

The 9.0" Heated Wheel Sportsman deck’s wide, shaped design supports larger wheel sizes suited for pool and transition skating:

• 56-58mm: Ideal for park and hybrid street/transition skating, balancing speed and grip for carving and technical tricks.

• 58-60mm: Best for pools, ramps, and skateparks, offering faster rolls and momentum for smooth rides over rough surfaces.

• 60-62mm: Suited for cruising or heavy transition skating, maximizing speed and stability in bowls.

• General Guideline: For a 9.0" deck, 58-60mm wheels are most popular for pool and park setups, while 56-58mm wheels suit mixed terrain. Opt for softer wheels (80A-83A) for grip in bowls and harder wheels (83A or higher) for smoother surfaces. Recommended transport wheels include Santa Cruz Slimeball OG 60mm 78A or Ricta Clouds for cruising.