The “Gertraut" 8.5

Get out and get skating with this in-house built custom deck, the Skitch Skate Shop Custom Enjoy 8.5" Complete Skateboard, meticulously crafted for skaters seeking a personalized, high-performance setup. Skitch Skate Shop, a haven for skateboarders since its founding, is known for its expertise in building custom boards tailored to individual riding styles. This 8.5" x 32" complete features an Enjoy deck with a clean, minimalist design, paired with top-tier components for a premium ride. Assembled with Independent Stage 11 Hollow Grant Taylor Silver trucks, Slime Balls Stupid Brains Orange 99A wheels, Bronson Raw bearings, Jessup grip tape, and Independent 7/8" red hardware, it offers a 14.25" wheelbase for a balanced ride. Ideal for street and park skating, this custom complete includes an Independent Red T-Tool and Speed Cream for maintenance, ensuring durability, responsive pop, and a smooth roll for skaters of all levels.

Key Features

• Enjoy 8.5" Deck: 7-ply maple construction ensures a durable, lightweight deck with consistent pop and strength.
• 8.5" Width: Wider size ideal for street and park skating, offering stability for larger tricks and landings.
• Medium Concave: Provides a responsive board feel for precise control during technical maneuvers and grinds.
• In-House Custom Build: Expertly assembled by Skitch Skate Shop, featuring a clean Enjoy deck design for a personalized touch.
• Pre-Assembled Components: Includes Independent Stage 11 Hollow Grant Taylor Silver trucks, Slime Balls Stupid Brains Orange 99A wheels, Bronson Raw bearings, Jessup grip tape, Independent 7/8" red hardware, plus an Pig T-Tool and Speed Cream for maintenance.

Compatible Truck Sizes

This complete skateboard comes pre-assembled with Independent Stage 11 Hollow Grant Taylor Silver trucks, which have an axle width of 8.5" to match the deck. If replacing trucks, the following sizes from Independent Trucks and Venture Trucks are compatible:

Independent Trucks:

• Size 149 (8.5" axle width): Perfect match for 8.5" decks, offering a balanced setup for street and park skating.
• Size 144 (8.25" axle width): Slightly narrower but compatible, providing a more agile feel.

Venture Trucks:

• Size 5.8 (8.5" axle width): Ideal for 8.5" decks, delivering lightweight performance and responsive turning.
• Size 5.6 (8.25" axle width): Slightly narrower but works well for a nimble setup.

General Guideline: Trucks with an 8.5" axle width (Independent 149 or Venture 5.8) are the best match for this deck, while 8.25" trucks (Independent 144 or Venture 5.6) offer a slightly narrower stance for agility.

Wheel Sizes

This complete comes with Slime Balls Stupid Brains Orange 99A wheels in 53mm, ideal for street skating. If replacing wheels, the 8.5" Skitch Skate Shop Custom Enjoy 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 8.5" 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.