Flatface Fingerboards

FlatFace is a long-running U.S. fingerboard brand founded in 2003, known especially for its handmade decks and bearing wheels. The brand states that it makes its own wheels, decks, obstacles, and related hardware, while also acting as a major U.S. distributor for other premium fingerboard companies. Its products are sold through frequent website drops, which makes the brand best classified as drop-based.

Community Highlights

G16 is widely praised as Flatface’s standout, versatile deck shape.
J4, G4, and dual-duro wheels get frequent love for feel.
Many call Flatface pricey, especially for decks, wheels, and blemishes.
Quality control complaints appear often: chips, crooked holes, and inconsistent finishes.
Some value Flatface for nostalgia, collabs, and keeping classic gear available.

Product Specs

Decks

Ply Count: 5-ply
Width: 32–33.6mm
Graphics: Split Ply (Marquetry)
Price Range: $45–$52

Wheels

Material: Urethane
Bearing: Yes
Diameter: 7.7–7.7mm
Price Range: $45–$60

Timeline

2003

FlatFace founded by Mike Schneider

Mike Schneider began creating handmade wooden fingerboard decks pressed with Tech Decks and C-clamps, along with custom grip tape, officially launching the FlatFace brand.
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2006

Introduced FlatFace bearing wheels

FlatFace developed and launched bearing wheels, pioneering precision miniature ball bearings in fingerboard wheels and revolutionizing the scene's performance standards.
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2007

April 14

First FlatFace Rendezvous event held

Mike Schneider hosted the inaugural FlatFace Rendezvous in Andover, Massachusetts. Starting as a small gathering in a front yard, Rendezvous became the premier and longest-running public fingerboard event series in the United States.
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2008

Blackriver distribution partnership

FlatFace partnered with German brand Blackriver to become the first major US distributor of Blackriver Ramps, while FlatFace bearing wheels were added to the Blackriver webshop in Germany, bridging the US and European scenes.
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2008

Released G6 bearing wheels

FlatFace released the G6 bearing wheels (later known as the BRR Edition), introducing specialized materials and bearing lock designs tailored for professional trucks.
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2009

November

Introduced the G12 deck mold

Launched the G12 deck mold alongside complete setups, featuring high-precision shapes and proprietary graphic bonding techniques.
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2013

Invented Dual Durometer wheels

FlatFace invented and introduced Dual Durometer wheels, combining two distinct materials of different hardnesses and densities into a single wheel for custom performance and feel.
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2016

Relocated headquarters and park to Dracut, MA

FlatFace moved into its dedicated warehouse and event facility in Dracut, Massachusetts, establishing a permanent home for monthly sessions, store operations, and large-scale Rendezvous events.
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2018

Introduced the G15.12 deck mold

FlatFace officially introduced the G15.12 deck mold, combining the classic low concave of the G12 with the updated G15 nose/tail geometry and wider 33.6mm platform.
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2020

Duck Decks partnership and distribution

FlatFace partnered with Savannah Simpson's Duck Decks to incubate and distribute innovative transparent polycarbonate fingerboards and Ducky Tape within the FlatFace ecosystem.
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2023

20th Anniversary celebration

FlatFace celebrated 20 years in fingerboarding with special commemorative releases, including 20th Anniversary G15 screenprinted decks, marking two decades as a cornerstone of the global scene.
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2024

Launched the G16 deck shape

After two decades of deck making and refining previous generations like the G14 and G15, FlatFace launched the G16 deck mold, featuring low concave, revised kicks, and optimization for both Blackriver and Dynamic trucks.
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2025

Acquired Blistered Wheels

FlatFace acquired Oregon-based urethane wheel maker Blistered Wheels, bringing genuine hand-poured urethane manufacturing and distribution under the FlatFace umbrella.
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