The Case of the Missing Pro, or Vanishing Wizard
I saw a post online from David Whitney looking to sell an 80’s era “Wizard Pro Model” from Action Sports which appears to be a graphic that they barely modified from their 1986 Brian Martin pro model, as seen in our Vintage Skatemag Ads gallery. Barely modified? It looks like they cut out Brian’s name on the black plate and hastily replaced it with the word “Wizard.” You can see where the “Martin” has been knocked out of the blue plate. Brian Martin himself chimed in on the original post in the gallery, and we’d ask him for the rest of the story, but sadly he passed away some time circa 2021. Sure, you can read your Disposable volumes and all to get the low down on your Powells and Sant Cruz variations, but Skate and Annoy is here for your c-grade company minutia!
Action Sports were never seemed like one of the hugest selling brands, but they probably did alright for a while. I kind of considered them a half step or more above Nash back in the day, but I’m not sure how fair that assessment is to either brand. Madrid’s famous Ex Team Rider may have been the first example of trying to save buck by re-using a graphic, but if I recall correctly, that may have been done out of spite instead of purely financial motivation. The Wizard Pro should not be compared to scumbags currently re-using Mark “Gator” Rogowski graphics to reap the monetary benefits of nostalgia while donating nothing to victim’s family or any related charity for that matter. Quote me on that. I’m happy to retract that statement if they contradict it and produce credible evidence. I digress…
Brian Martin Pro model from a 1986 advert.
Wizard Pro Model, date unknown.
Action II trucks look like they might be Tracker knockoffs. At least the copers are.
View of the tail showing “Made in USA” and “Concave” not present on the Brian Martin model, which had his signature on the tail.
