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:
Bootleg: Variflex Joker 1987:
Fake: Variflex Jack The Ripper 1987:
And more fake Rippers:
The original Zuma Skate Club from 1987 (again) on the left, as seen in Art of Skateboarding, fake one on the right:
8 comments
Shane Powell
Is the joker Veriflex for sale?
Joshua M
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
panda
i have a variflex speedfreak skateboard I wanted to know if its bootleg or not please help
Kayseee
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..
PIGCITY
Dude its called ‘Jack The Ripper’ get it…
David ODK
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
Grover
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.
hellskate
If I recall, these boards were sold at flea markets and carnivals.