A web site called Old School Skateboards (This one is in the U.K.) has a bunch of NOS (New, Old Stock) Variflex skateboards from the 80’s for sale. This guy must have raided a warehouse or possibly been an old distributor or something. For about $70 you can buy a complete board with trucks, wheels, copers and a lapper. The only thing missing are the rails. Sure, these are crap skateboards, but they are 20 year old mint condition crap skateboards! The site doesn’t have the large images presented for the public, so I’ve compiled them. Some are pretty funny.
Editor’s note: We are fully aware that at one time Variflex produced high quality, professional grade skateboards. However, these boards are not from that time
Check it out. Front wheel wells on all these decks, some of them even have them on the back too. Old School Skateboards says these date from ’87 to ’89. I think Variflex made a late push to make a more serious skateboard. These things are selling today for close to the same price they probably sold for when they were made.
First up we have the Wiz, Dead End, Space Junk and Street Lite. It looks like they hired the Nash artist to come up with these graphics. Especially the Dead End. At first I thought the Street Lite showed pool lights, then I thought they were actual street lights as seen from below. Then I realized it was a traffic light. Duh. My favorite is easily the Space Junk.
Next up is the Air Attack, Beyond Help, Howler, and Wired. I have a vague recollection of the Air Attack, at least that’s how I would picture one of those old 80’s Variflex boards in my head if I had to. It’s funny, because I can rattle off a bunch of specific Nash graphics like Fly Me, Executioner and Kamikazee. I could probably think of a few more if I gave it some time. Variflex boards? I draw a complete blank. The Beyond Help deck looks like a second rate rip off of a Brand-X inspired deck.
126 comments
Voodoo nut
All I wanted as a kid was a pink Voodoo 1
Unfortunately it was out of my family’s price range!!
Now I’ve been lucky enough to get one in good condition
I have seen they came in 2 shapes the side cut and rad cut
Would anyone be able to tell me what years they came out
Skateboard - Pro Refurbisher
What is for the most part said here is that, a lot of us had these not so perfect boards. But what I also see here is skateboard history shared. And it’s the board. Cheap or not, these boards are our history. Should cheap boards from the past go up in value? The market will say if thats true or not. But I will say this , if you’re thinking the past history of skateboarding has no place in todays world, you have already headed in the direction of loosing your skateboard history, for ever.
Tim Dunman
Have a air raid? But have been told supposed to b rad air? And skater in picture is Monty Nolder . Was told a Kmart board from that era. Has some of bar code on front still. Rode hard bearings are shot. Clouds white bushings. Any idea if a knock off or mis print ect? Looks legit? May need to sell. Rather not.
Jorge
Well my first board was a plastic yellow small thing with some kinda translucent wheels I lived for it. By the time I knew about pro skaters I lived in a small town where there were like three or four skaters with some knowledge and skills. My first real wooden board was a variflex, had the greatest bearings and it was literally indestructible. I rode it for about a year and I loved it. By the time I switched to a wopell Repalta deck I knew how to Ollie big time, so imagine how it felt with the lightweight of the new board. I learned on that yellow one, but got stuck to the sport on my variflex skateboard… I was just the happiest kid and I still think it was a great board.
Kdevo
btw, i have am all black steve hirsch variflex from late 1979. I cannot see any reference to this deck other that a photo caption from early 1980 of a pro skater riding one that says it is a “steve hirsch prototype” deck. It has two opposing “variflex”s running long way in white, and a 5 or 6” hirsch logo sticker right behind the front truck. Anyone have any more info on it?
Kilwag
A coulpe pics of a Steve Hirsch deck and some info here – https://skateandannoy.com/features/ebaywatch/ebay-watch-september-2012/
Kilwag
Steve Hirsch – actual pro model considerably higher quality than this era of Variflex.
Kdevo
I rode a Variflex complete in late ’79 and early 1980. It was the Ed Hirsch model. It was one of the first concave decks AND had the reverse kingpin trucks which were also very innovative. They were at that time considered a very high quality board. My board also had Variflex double conical wheels with aluminum cores similar to the Gyros which were popular at the time. I got away from skateboarding in late 1980 and was APPALLED a few years later when i saw the Variflex name on some cheap ass crap boards for sale at walmart. To me it was like Roll Royce building and selling Yugos as Roll Royces. It had to be the biggest sell out for money in the history of skateboarding. But what would you do? Make a few thousand boards a year for what was at the time a quickly shrinking number of high skill riders or make 100’s of thousands possibly millons of cheaper ones to sell at Walmart? Every company that sells products to walmart have done the same thing. It’s a shame really. It was a great brand for a few years.
JulianS
We have an old Variflex
Emmanuel aguilar
I just found this skate deck and its variex and id like some more info on it it would if cool if you guys knew more about it cuz like i havent found any pics of it on the web contact me on gmail at fr3eizm@gmail.com
J
I just found my old XP Speedfreak, late 80
The Ferg
I had hours of great times on my Variflex board. My area didn’t have a vibrant skateboard scene, so just finding ANY board that wasn’t a plastic banana was a good thing. Bought it a the Kelso Skate World (that’s roller skating) for $80 in ’84ish? Anyone remember seeing one of these…? Concave with front and rear fender wells. White top with no graphics and black grip tape. Bottom had a full sticker graphic with some word and featured a cutting torch design. Can’t find one on a Google search.
The Ferg
I absolutely rode the HELL out my Variflex in ’84ish? I paid $80 for it at the Kelso Skate World in WA. Loved that board. It was indestructible. Help me out here… it had a white top with no graphic and black grip tape. Conncave deck with front and rear fender wells. The bottom had some word I can’t remember and a large graphic featuring a gas cutting torch. Anyone remember seeing one like that. Doesn’t pop up on an 80s Variflex search so it must not have been a popular model. I’d love to put one up in my “man-cave”. Too old and clumsy to ride it.
Dan
Digging up a old thread! My first
Cooties Amongus
I just this past weekend (6/28/20) found a Variflex deck at a flea market.
The bushings and cups had turned to crumbs long ago. It’s one of those ready to skate models with roundhead screws holding the trucks on.
The trucks themselves have plastic bases (your sign of kwality). It’s got some odd grip tape on it that has an aluminum backing.
The graphic is a horrid rendition of some screaming monster. I’d scream, too, if they put my picture on this anemic pile of excrement.
No worries, it’ll do fine for what I want to do with it. I’ve got parts coming in from all over and soon I’ll be looking for hills.
If you should see the headline “Elderly man eats it hard in horror skate/milk float accident”, it’ll be me.
ttfn
Roger
Looking for a Valterra scooter (scootbike). Email me if you have one to sell: lotwala@yahoo.com
John
Looking for a Variflex xp skateboard. Bottom graphic was a robotic Large spider climbing over a city landscape.
Email me please : kid2nv19@aol.com
SoStokedOn80sSkateboards
Glad to have found this place. I started doing neighborhood street skating in 1984 after my BMX bike was stolen, my nice parents wouldn’t buy another bike (at $300), but the bike shop had skateboards complete for $80. They bought me and I skated a Zorlac (in Texas). I remember always seeing Variflex at the mall and toys r us and stuff, and must say I always liked them (I liked any skateboards – skateboards were and are the BEST!). Today I have a small collection of around 20 skateboards (as art – mostly). I have a Variflex Eliminator and a Variflex Wired, they hang up next to a Nash Nuke Boy and a Sure Grip Zoner and a Valterra Splatter ( Marty McFly). I must say I am in the throes of a full blown mid-life crisis and I am outta my mind for 80’s skateboards. Check out my YouTube video of the Variflex Wired – original with original Variflex gear; Street Rage wheels, Variflex trucks and guards (SoStokedOn80sSkateboards) I truly am STOKED on 80s skateboards!!! Props to Losi-Colleti for standing up to online haters… like a boss! Keep skating!
Dave Inker
I have!
David
Holy crap! I can
Dave Inker
Crap or not I still have mine. It was the fastest thing in my estate as a kid and it was all about speed. I still look at it and smile at the great times I had…even though the last time I rode it I fell off and broke my collar bone! That was 24 years ago.
Travis
The variflex withthe pink grip tape in the pics. What year is it by chance? Early 90
Ed
The Variflex Egyptian board was the first concave deck I ever saw.
This is back early 80s UK
One guy in the neighbourhood had one and he was able to Olly higher than anyone.
We were all skating crappy chinese skateboards with flat cheap plywood decks and really heavy steel trucks and plastic wheels with open bearings.
Even the fairly hard polyuerthane Street rage II wheels he had were a complete shock to us.
I bought his when he upgraded as well a set of sealed bearings.
What a difference.
Back then my priority in skateboarding was not falling when I hit a stone on the pavement.
Good times.
I could Olly up kerbs most of the time and I could Tic Tac.
I was working on grinds on the kerb.
Luv and Peace.
Wallride
themikewallace@yahoo.com I have nothing but love for Variflex as it was my very first skateboard as a small kid. It was a department store board my parents could afford and it made me realize that I simply loved skateboarding and here I am 35 years later still skating and own a 35ft wide halfpipe and I
Ian Edmonds
Yes. That sucks.
You guys in the USA really need to push for nationalised medical insurance.
You all complain about it so why not do something about it.
Those healthcare companies are cheating you blind.
Luv and Peace.
Hector
I have 13 complete Variflex for sale. 6 XP, 3 x Jason Jones, a Speed Freak, and an Outer Limits.Is that really Lance Mountain?
Scott
If there are still variflex collectors out there, go to shopgoodwill.com. There are about 30 boards for auction right now. Not sure how long they will last.
Greg
I need a variflex to hang in the wall in my sons room. I want the one that says OLLIE on the bottom (since my sons name is Oliver). Anyone know where I can find/buy one?
Hit me up in instagram @Art_Z_Fart_Z
Russ Coletti
Just had to comment. I was a part of the Losi family for 30 years- 1983-2014. Ray and Jay were two of the smartest business guys I ever met. They made the smart move and took skateboards world wide. Nothing but good vibes towards them. Jays a stand up guy and all of you should be grateful for what he did for skateboarding.
(NOTE: Part of this comment has been removed by the editor, due to a claim of online harassment. Keep you personal lives out of the comments please!)
Jerry
I have a complete Jeff Jones XPS signature board, needs some TLC, but will keep it forever…….completely original
Gary
over here in the uk Variflex are becoming quite popular to collectors, some collect a certain range like myself (xps signature) … others it just depends on the graphics.
J Edwards
My father bought me a Variflex Flyaway, I got mocked at the ramp with it..
Colby
Have any pictures of the 1980s roller derby board of the skeleton that’s holding onto the trucks on the bottom of board?
Ray Losi Jr. (Jay)
Hello T.Cole, Greg, & Ian,
Ray Losi Jr. (Jay) here. A friend showed me your posts and I just had to reply. Not sure that you will see this but I thought I’d give it a try. Thanks for the kind words!! I still have that boat and continue to run it hard. Its now been ten years since we sold Variflex to Bravo. I was there for 28 years. I am still in the area out in Westlake Vlg.
T.cole…send me a picture of your boat at jay@tri-vise.com
Hope you are all doing well.
All the best…Jay-Ray
Tina Figueroa
I have a Variflex “Beyond Help” board, seems to be in outstanding condition considering its age. Bought for my son & he never really liked it. Now I’m not sure if I’d like to sell & make a few bucks to buy something else my son would actually use, or keep it. May be worth more to him later if he held onto it? Suggestions… advice… thanks.
Ian
I lived a few houses down from Ray on Vanalden and was one of those neighborhood kids always happy to get a free sticker or other swag. Totally great guy hope all the best for his family legacy as a skateboard pioneer. Skateacross was on my way to school in Reseda, what a great time to be a kid.
T Aremember Cole
Ray Losi Jr was my hero growing up in Reseda Ca. He lived in my condos and used to give me free boards,posters,stickers and anything else Veriflex made. I remember he had Bill Bougart, Eric Greshem and lance mountain out to the condo complex and they hung out with all the skate kids from the neighborhood messing around in the alley behind his garage. I remember Ray had this really crazy speed boat with a monster engine in it and he would fire that thing up and wake up the whole town of Reseda. Ray Losi is the reason why I own, live and breath fast boats. Not to forget the fact that I am a true old school skater at heart because of his influence.I hope Ray is well. Peace T. Cole
Greg
I lived in those condos on Vanalden Street. Ray used to hook us up with EVERYTHING!! I remember hanging out by the garage and skating all alleys and curbs. Quite a crew of kids in that complex. I’ll bet we skated together.
Todd Cole
Hello Greg and Ian, Your names do not ring a bell but you both lived on Vanalden which is in the back of the complex and I lived on Hamlin towards the front closest to Tampa. The drainage gutter bank at Vanalden and the pedestrian bridge over the wash as well as the banks of the LA river were my training grounds Lol. Skatercross was great place but skated it most towards the end. Pools were filled with water and trash but the snake run was sick especially the 4th bowl near the entrance. For months we had to run from the police on a daily basis and that was all part of the fun of skating Skatercross. Drop some names. My brother’s name is Jared Cole who is 5 years older then me and i’m 45 years old. Doug Johnson, Andrew segal, Damon and Brad Fleischmann, John Brooks or Jason Berta ring a bell. Lived there from 1975 to 1999. Great time and place to be a kid for sure.
Krammetje
I had a variflex board back in the 90’s
i left it outside in the rain one day and the whole board just delaminated. Utter rubbish!
The trucks were graet tho.
?
Nice save, Randy. For the record, Diane, “old lady” would
be a cheap shot comeback if he thought you ever skated – and I’m sure he wouldn’t call any of the early female skaters that, except affectionately – but I’m sure he’d call any non-skater male as old as himself or older who took more out than he ever put in an “old man”. And we’re not talkin’ people like Powell or Van Doren.
??
Oh wait, I guess it was just in response to your “children” remark (in which case it bit you in the ass like a pair of dentures).
Diane Losi Coletti
Finally Kilwag , “The Museum of Crap” isn’t very insulting at all. Thanks for the clouds comment , that was nice.
I know how to read . Graduated from UCLA before you were born .I guess I assumed you owned the boards. You just compiled them. Trashing my family ? Don’t get that.
Love,
The Old Lady
Kilwag
Variflex made some quality gear at one time, but the items in these pictures are toy-store quality. Those are the facts. Plenty of companies mass produced boards that weren’t crap. These boards are crap. Ask your cousin.
wes
its business. Just Do It!
Russ Coletti
Let me tell you how fucked up Variflex was. They sat down one day and asked each other, do we want to make $30,000 a year making skateboards, or do we want to make $30,000,000?”..Ummm..quite a dilema huh? Tony Hawk used to come to them for business advice..Tony sucks too huh?
talentlessquitter
The hatred …
Diane Losi Coletti
You betcha Kilwag , when exactly did you rob my family’s factory ? Yes sir , I am a very classy Lady. Goodnight and Happy Holidays. Just stickin’ by my family , whilst you trash it .
Kilwag
You’re funny. You should learn how to read. I haven’t trashed your family at all, but you’re doing a good job of it.
Diane Losi Coletti
O K children ,lets set the record straight . My Dad Ray Losi and my brother Jay Losi started Variflex in the 1970’s. They WERE innovators , please give them some credit . My uncle Gil Losi worked with them , left the company to start , with my cousin Gil “Junior” , the very successful RC company Team Losi . My cousin Allen was an amazing , again innovative skater . A sweet , kind soul . Loved him since the day he was born. My family did indeed quit the pro line and go mass market . It simply made sense . As “Chrisobath” said , broke ass kid , Variflex hit the spot. I’m proud of my family . BTW , Al is NOT in jail! Quit the hatin’. That goes for you too , my sweet cousin. In the end my family made a lot of kids happy . Good Karma . Guess that’s why they made 30 something million dollars when they sold it to Bravo. Have a nice day !
Greg
Diane, I used to live near your dad Ray in Reseda in the early 80’s. He used to hook all the neighborhood kids up with Variflex boards. My first was a Lance Mountain. He was a cool guy. Good times!!
Kilwag
Thanks for the update old lady!
Diane Losi Coletti
Thanks Kilwag , BTW I am a lady ,however I could still stick one of your fine collection of skateboards up your
ass .
Kilwag
And a classy one at that, doing your family name proud.
h666
The wired was the biggest piece of toys’r’us crap ever, they all delaminated on the shelf…
Entropy
I rode the absolute *fuck* out of an early Variflex concave board back in the early 80’s. It was a pretty good board, though I did upgrade the wheels to Kryptonics eventually
Drew Poole
Has everyone forgot about the XPS signature series completes. The Aussie skaters tony Hallam and Valentine. + a few more models the spittal street etc. the decks are awesome, great wood good concave slightly higher tail . I have 5 NOS completes hanging on my roof! A High-Tail with vertex trucks and street rage wheels. XP Space Junk. Valentine street XPS. A Tony Hallam . Outer limits . And one of them Zinger urban sleds. Google it. On the instructions it says variflex inc 2004.
Criscobath
Respect the Flex. I was a broke kid with broke parents and a Veriflex hit the spot.
Shawn beauCHAMP
Just found a super old all original hot dog model neone kno nething about it
Andy Warstar
Yeah, Geoff, I had the Ramp Rat as well. My mom and I found one at Fred Meyer up there in Oregon. They all had a $70 dollar price tag except one, which was mismarked at $30. We scored that one. Turned out that it had excellent quality bearings in the wheels. I learned to ollie on that thing, then built a real street ramp and did stuff that friends couldn’t do on their Powell boards. The Ramp Rat was great until a few years later, it slipped out from under me (at a Fred Meyer parking lot) and some asshole ran over it and broke it in half, though amazingly it was still hanging together by a layer or three. I started off on an orange plastic Variflex banana board in the 70’s when I was six. That was rad. Check out the album cover of this bootleg my band just released: http://archive.org/details/EasyValleyJams_576
That’s me now, using a friend’s fucked up board to pass the time… Rock on!
Geoff
I had a Variflex Ramp Rat back in the late 80s. Most of My friends had Nash Executioners and some of my rich friends had the Peraltas. I was not a good skaetboarder at all and the thing got pretty beat up. Most who tried it complained that the trucks were loose and required more balance skills than a Nash. I have no idea what it cost and I’m actually a little embarrassed that I got caught up in the whole fake skater craze, I should have just gone back to playing with my legos or in my sandbox in my backyard.
Bevilacqua
One more for the road:
http://www.sakaroule.net/2012/02/variflex-voodoo-ii-1987.html
Bevilacqua
and before the Voodoo II, there was a Voodoo I back in 1985
http://www.sakaroule.net/2012/02/variflex-voodoo-i-1985.html
jack
is anybody selling a decent variflex skateboard in good shape i am willing to pay 80 dollars for it ?