If you’re a child of the late 1990s to early 2000s, you no doubt remember the fingerboarding craze that hit shelves back in those days. Tech Decks were everything and everywhere for kids of age, especially in the wake of the street skating boom. Tech Decks, or fingerboards as they’re generically known, still have a fervent fanbase that persists to this day. Further, the original company and a plethora of others are in active production of new fingerboards for fans to enjoy.
As you can imagine with anything with collectors behind it, there are certain models that are ultimately more desirable than others. Let’s take a look at the Tech Deck DGK Josh Kalis, the most expensive Tech Deck on the market. This particular fingerboard is a special one and merits some additional exploration.
Facts About Tech Deck DGK Josh Kalis
- Rarest Tech Deck available by a wide margin
- Comes with a limited edition sticker and graphic to celebrate Josh Kalis
- Packaged with a skate tool, display stand, and spare wheels
Tech Deck DGK Josh Kalis Specs
| Length | 18.29 cm |
| Width | 13.97 cm |
| Height | 2.54 cm |
| Weight | 10 grams |
| Model Number | 43234-686 |
| Release Series | 6 |
| Release Date | May 15th, 2018 |
- Four fingerboard decks with authentic graphics from the biggest skateboarding companies
- Includes one assembled board plus the materials and tools to put three together yourself
- Decks have been recreated to the smallest details
- Best for ages 6-8
For those in the know about fingerboards, nothing about the specs is too unusual. This is all pretty standard fare even for a common Tech Deck. Where the Josh Kalis model diverges from other Tech Decks is in the celebrity-focused branding.
Tech Deck DGK Josh Kalis: What to Know
The DGK Josh Kalis had a very limited production run, and as such is much harder to find than the Series 11 reissue. Thanks to a limited production run, this particular fingerboard is a lot harder to come by but is in the wild if you’re willing to look for it. Brick-and-mortar retailers as well as online stores like Amazon haven’t had it available for sale for quite some time.
If you’re looking to add this particular Tech Deck to your collection, it might require looking on online auction sites or specialty forums. Aside from the limited production run, its rarity can also be attributed to being a Tech Deck dedicated to professional skater Josh Kalis.
Josh Kalis has been a professional skater for the last 30 years. While he might not be a household name like Tony Hawk, he’s a legend in the sport. He is also responsible for helping establish the street skating scene in Philadelphia, his hometown, as an alternative to the usual skate havens found on the West Coast.
The other major collaborative partner for this release is DGK. Steve Williams founded DGK, also known as Dirty Ghetto Kids, in 2003. The skate company sells full-sized decks, apparel, and other accessories for those wanting to venture out from fingerboards.
History of Tech Deck DGK Josh Kalis
Tech Decks themselves date back to the early 1990s and are an extension of the rising street skate scene out of California. The product known as Tech Decks debuted in 1997, and has captured the imagination of children and adults alike ever since.
Series 6 of the Tech Deck line featured a variety of celebrity-endorsed fingerboards. These aren’t uncommon in the Tech Deck line of products, with other pro skaters endorsing their own fingerboards. There is a certain something about commemorating a legendary figure like Josh Kalis which can make associated merchandise fly off the shelf, however.
The initial 2018 run of the Tech Deck DGK Josh Kalis sold out pretty much immediately. Thanks in part to limited inventory, a low production run, and the endorsement of a beloved skater they are deceptively hard to find in the wild. Tech Deck collectors covet this particular fingerboard, so consider yourself lucky if you’re able to snag it for under $100. The going rate on the few completed sales have seen runs at around $100. Good luck finding one, as they are a holy grail of sorts for collectors.
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Public Response
The DGK Josh Kalis was an immediate hit with the general public. Children and adults alike were clamoring to actually get a hold of this rare fingerboard. The shorter production run meant that once supply was gone, it was gone for good. As such, it has obtained an almost mythical quality for those deeply involved in Tech Deck collecting.
While the average child might not care about celebrity endorsements, fingerboards are also very popular with young adults involved in skating. It makes a fair bit of sense that someone with such a popular line of merchandise behind them like Josh Kalis has an equally popular fingerboard. All of this aside, the actual release of the DGK Josh Kalis Tech Deck was the same as any other toy launch.
Are There Any Other Rare Releases?
Tech Deck actually has a few rare fingerboards. As you might expect, these are a good deal rarer than the typical fingerboards you’ll find lining store shelves. Some of these include things like the Tech Deck Chris Pastras fingerboard. This Series 8 release is about as rare as the DGK Josh Kalis fingerboard, and commands similar prices.
Aside from that most of the other rarities come directly from renowned skating companies. The Tech Deck Throwback is one such line, and the Aquatic Night fingerboard is a real standout. This Walmart-exclusive fingerboard is deceptively hard to find, as each of the Throwback is a limited production release.
Another notably rare set of desirable fingerboards comes in the form of the SK8 Factory DLX 14-pack. Famous skateboard companies serve as the basis for this pack. Avid skaters will no doubt recognize the recognizable branding from Girl, Toy Machine, Flip, Zero, and others included in the pack. This pack originally retailed for $39.99, but will likely run a fair bit higher when seeking out the whole package. You might luck out and find singles available from this pack for a bit less, however.
- Rare and hard-to-find
- Girl Skateboard Company fingerboard
- Throwback Series
- Approximately 3.75 inches
Where to Find the Tech Deck DGK Josh Kalis
If you’d like to add the DGK Josh Kalis to your Tech Deck collection, it’ll be quite the struggle. Online auction sites often turn up the more recent Series 11 release endorsed by Josh Kalis. Other retailers like Amazon also turn up blanks.
Honestly, if you’re looking to find a rare Tech Deck like the DGK Josh Kalis, then you’ll likely have to comb thrift shops, auction sites, and local buy/sell forums on Facebook Marketplace to get what you’re after. Fingerboards are alive and well, but they are far more difficult to collect than something like retro games. As such, you can expect to put in a little more legwork to complete your collection.
- Tech Deck, Ultra DLX Fingerboard 4-Pack, Element Skateboards, Collectible and Customizable Mini Skateboards, Kids Toy for Ages 6 and Up
- Four fingerboard decks with authentic graphics from the biggest skateboarding companies
- Includes one assembled board plus the materials and tools to put three together yourself
- Decks have been recreated to the smallest details
- Best for ages 6-8
- Tech Deck Throwback Series Ultra Rare Girl Skateboard Company Fingerboard
- Rare and hard-to-find
- Girl Skateboard Company fingerboard
- Throwback Series
- Approximately 3.75 inches
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