Bugs, errors, glitches… Expect all of this and more as we roll out a new site design in bits and pieces as it is evolving, instead of completing it all at once like a sane person would.
Skate and Annoy: Daily
Cooper Hockey/Skateboarding/Hurling Helmets
A lot of so-called skateboard safety equipment of the 70’s was rebranded, ineffectual generic equipment; volleyball kneepads, gardening gloves, and hockey helmets that probably weren’t very useful for hockey either. Every couple years I get an email from the UK someone asking if I have any leads on old Cooper skateboard helmets, and the answer is always no, except when it isn’t. Is it a niche skateboard collecting community? No, not exactly. The hurling community values these. As recently as 2024, Cooper (Ireland) was still making these helmets, some with the skateboard brands they white labeled back in the 70’s.
Snap N Grind 3D Printed Copers
Has there never been a re-release of PVC copers, or has it all been new old stock that you can sometimes find on the internet? Snap N Grind to the rescue I guess. These are 3D printed though. These copers have printed in place hinges that act like the locks that Tracker copers had, without requiring removing the wheels to put them on. They make them for Independent, Ace, Royal, Slappy, and inexplicably, Carver. The best thing about these is the option to get a version embedded with flint for making sparks.
