Vato Rats black-gold, 8

Step into skateboarding history with the Powell Peralta Vato Rats Black Gold 8.0" Complete Skateboard, a setup that brings back a classic design from the 1980s. Founded in 1978 by George Powell and Stacy Peralta, Powell Peralta is an American skateboarding icon, known for its Bones Brigade legacy and innovative gear. This 8.0" x 31.45" complete features the legendary Vato Rat graphic in a striking black and gold colorway, originally created by artist Craig Stecyk during the Santa Monica Dogtown "Z-Boy" surf-skate scene of the 1970s. Crafted from 7-ply yellow birch with Powell Peralta’s proprietary AirLam™ presses, it ensures maximum stiffness, strength, and pop. Pre-assembled with 5.25" Mini Logo trucks, 53mm 101A Powell Peralta wheels, ABEC 5 bearings, and grip tape, this board offers a 14.0" wheelbase for a balanced ride. Ideal for street and park skating, it’s perfect for skaters of all levels seeking a durable, responsive complete with a nod to skate culture’s roots.

Key Features

• 7-Ply Yellow Birch: AirLam™ pressed construction ensures a durable, lightweight deck with lasting pop and strength.
• 8.0" Width: Versatile size ideal for street and park skating, balancing agility for technical tricks with stability for landings.
• Medium Concave: Provides a responsive board feel for precise control during technical maneuvers and grinds.
• Vato Rats Black Gold Graphic: Iconic design by Craig Stecyk in a bold black and gold colorway, reflecting Powell Peralta’s 1980s heritage.
• Pre-Assembled Components: Includes 5.25" Mini Logo trucks with medium white bushings, 53mm 101A Powell Peralta wheels, ABEC 5 bearings, and grip tape for immediate riding.

Compatible Truck Sizes

This complete skateboard comes pre-assembled with 5.25" Mini Logo trucks, which have an axle width of 8.0" to match the deck. If replacing trucks, the following sizes from Independent Trucks and Venture Trucks are compatible:

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.

Wheel Sizes

This complete comes with 53mm 101A Powell Peralta wheels, ideal for street skating. If replacing wheels, the 8.0" Powell Peralta Vato Rats Black Gold deck supports the following 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.