Turtle in Hand 8

Grab hold of a classic with the Toy Machine Carpenter Turtle in Hand 8.0" Skateboard Deck, a standout from a brand that’s been shaking up the skate scene since 1993. Founded by pro skater and artist Ed Templeton under Tum Yeto, Toy Machine is known for its quirky, art-driven graphics and durable decks, with a cult following that spans the globe. This 8.0" x 31.84" deck, part of the Carpenter series, features the iconic Turtle in Hand graphic by Blake Carpenter, showcasing a bold, hand-drawn turtle design in a multicolored palette on a black base. Crafted from 7-ply Canadian hard rock maple with a mellow concave and a 14.25" wheelbase, it’s perfect for street and park skating, offering a 6.5" nose and 6.5" tail for responsive pop and precise control. Ideal for skaters seeking a versatile setup, this deck delivers durability and a unique aesthetic that reflects Toy Machine’s rebellious spirit.

Key Features

• 7-Ply Canadian Hard Rock Maple: Cold-pressed construction ensures a durable, lightweight deck with consistent pop and strength.
• 8.0" Width: Versatile size ideal for street and park skating, balancing agility for technical tricks with stability for landings.
• Mellow Concave: Provides a comfortable, responsive board feel for precise control during technical maneuvers and grinds.
• Turtle in Hand Graphic: Blake Carpenter’s iconic multicolored turtle design on a black base, reflecting Toy Machine’s artistic legacy (veneer colors may vary).
• Popsicle Shape: 14.25" wheelbase with a 6.5" nose and 6.5" tail supports switch riding and versatile trick performance.

Compatible Truck Sizes

For an 8.0" deck like the Toy Machine Carpenter Turtle in Hand, the truck axle width should closely match the deck width for optimal performance. Only Independent Trucks and Venture Trucks are included:

Independent Trucks:

• Size 139 (8.0" axle width): Perfect match for 8.0" decks, offering a balanced setup for street and park skating.
• Size 144 (8.25" axle width): Slightly wider but compatible, providing extra stability for bigger tricks.

Venture Trucks:

• Size 5.2 (8.0" axle width): Ideal for 8.0" decks, delivering lightweight performance and responsive turning.
• Size 5.6 (8.25" axle width): Slightly wider but works well for a more stable setup.

General Guideline: Trucks with an 8.0" axle width (Independent 139 or Venture 5.2) are the best match for this deck, while 8.25" trucks (Independent 144 or Venture 5.6) offer a slightly wider stance for added stability.

Preferred Wheel Sizes

The 8.0" Toy Machine Carpenter Turtle in Hand deck’s versatile size supports a range of wheel sizes based on skating style:

• 50-52mm: Ideal for technical street skating. Smaller wheels lower the center of gravity, enhancing control for flip tricks and grinds on ledges or rails. Recommended with low trucks to avoid wheelbite.
• 53-54mm: A balanced choice for street and park skating. These wheels provide a mix of speed and maneuverability, perfect for most skaters using this deck.
• 55-56mm: Suited for skateparks or mixed terrain. Larger wheels offer faster rolls and smoother rides over cracks or ramps, best with mid or high trucks and risers if needed.
• General Guideline: For an 8.0" deck, 50-54mm wheels are most popular for street-focused setups, while 54-56mm wheels are better for park or transition skating. Opt for harder wheels (83A or higher) for street and softer wheels (80A-83A) for skatepark surfaces.