variflex-bootlegs

The Variflex Bootlegs?

The bootleg graphics (on the top picture) look exactly like the ones on the original Variflex decks. Variflex shifted production to Taiwan somewhere in the 80’s, so maybe they made both branded and unbranded decks at some point. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to bootleg such wildly successful graphics. Variflex had a great pro team and produced very decent skateboards in the end of the 70’s and the beginning of the 80’s, but then started to produce rather shoddy completes. You can marvel in the mediocrity in the Living Variflex Museum (of Crap), or read about their history on Skateboard Of The Day.

Thanks to Walter Meus, J.P. Begel and Pat Cash for the pics. Thanks to kilwag for the edits.

Bootleg:                                                             Variflex Breaker 1987:

breaker2

 

Bootleg:                                                            Variflex Joker 1987:

joker2

 

Fake:                                                                        Variflex Jack The Ripper 1987:

ripper2

 

And more fake Rippers:

rippers

 

The original Zuma Skate Club from 1987 (again) on the left, as seen in Art of Skateboarding, fake one on the right:

z

 

 

 

 

Discussion

7 thoughts on “The Variflex Bootlegs?

  1. If I recall, these boards were sold at flea markets and carnivals.

  2. Fake # 1
    lOOKS LIKE A G&S copy.
    Fake # 2
    Billy Ruff/ Steve Stedham
    Fake # 3
    TnC Primal Urges/ Seaflex Bombcat.
    Fake # 4
    Schmitt Joe Lopes/BBC any board.

  3. PIGCITY on August 7, 2013 - Reply

    Dude its called ‘Jack The Ripper’ get it…

    1. David ODK on August 12, 2013 - Reply

      Corrected it, thanks! You can even read ‘Jack’ on the hat and under the front truck of the real Variflex. Here’s another ‘tribute’ to Jack the Ripper:

      http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Variflex-Jack-the-Ripper-skateboard-/390628703252

  4. Kayseee on August 12, 2013 - Reply

    I have both of those Zuma skate club decks… The fake is more of a 90s version of the original it even has small wheels..

  5. panda on July 1, 2014 - Reply

    i have a variflex speedfreak skateboard I wanted to know if its bootleg or not please help

  6. Blue ripper was my first board in 97 at 7 years old from garage sale. I used to have some of the old skate and annoys zines. IL native skating LA now. I want one of the more legit ones in red if someone has one they would sell.
    poseidon00090@gmail.com

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