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Are Baker and Deathwish the Same Company? 10 Surprising Facts You Need to Know! 🛹
Have you ever found yourself in a heated debate with friends about whether Baker and Deathwish skateboards are two sides of the same coin? 🤔 Well, you’re not alone! Many skaters are curious about the relationship between these two iconic brands. While they share a common lineage, their distinct identities and vibes set them apart in the skateboarding world. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the origins, team riders, and unique characteristics of both brands, revealing 10 surprising facts that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew!
Picture this: You’re at the skatepark, and your buddy pulls out a fresh Baker deck while another skater rolls in on a Deathwish. The atmosphere is electric, and you can’t help but wonder—are they really that different? Spoiler alert: they are! But how? Stick around as we break it all down and help you choose which brand resonates with your skating style.
Key Takeaways
- Baker and Deathwish are separate brands under the same distribution company, Bakerboys Distribution.
- Distinct vibes: Baker is known for its fun and playful graphics, while Deathwish embraces a darker, more aggressive aesthetic.
- Shared riders: Some professional skaters have ridden for both brands, but each has its own unique team.
- Quality and performance: Both brands produce high-quality, durable decks that cater to different styles and preferences.
- Cultural impact: Both Baker and Deathwish have significantly influenced skate culture, shaping trends and styles.
Ready to gear up? 👉 Shop Baker Skateboards here and Deathwish Skateboards here to find the perfect board for your next session! 🛹✨
Table of Contents
- Quick Tips and Facts about Baker and Deathwish
- The Origins of Baker Skateboards: A Deep Dive
- Deathwish Skateboards: The Rise of a New Era
- Are Baker and Deathwish the Same Company? The Truth Revealed
- Key Differences Between Baker and Deathwish Skateboards
- The Team Riders: Who Skates for Baker and Deathwish?
- Product Comparisons: Baker vs. Deathwish Skateboards
- The Influence of Baker and Deathwish on Skate Culture
- The Future of Baker and Deathwish: What’s Next?
- Conclusion
- Recommended Links
- FAQ
- Reference Links
1. Quick Tips and Facts about Baker and Deathwish
- ✅ Baker and Deathwish are sister companies: They operate under the same distribution company, Bakerboys Distribution. (Source: Shredz Shop)
- ✅ Distinct Teams, Shared Riders: While they have separate pro teams, some skaters, like Jim Greco and Erik Ellington, have ridden for both brands. (Source: Shredz Shop)
- ✅ Different Vibes: Baker is known for its raw, party-hard image, while Deathwish embraces a darker, more hardcore aesthetic. Think rebellious older brother vs. angsty younger brother.😈
- ❌ Not the exact same decks: Though one reviewer believed they were identical except for graphics (Source: mlbreaking.wordpress.com), we at Skateboard Brands™ suspect subtle differences in construction and concave could exist. More on this later! 🤔
- 💡 Pro Tip: Choosing between the two often comes down to personal preference in graphics and team riders. Which vibe resonates more with your skating style?
Check out our article about Baker Skateboards for more insights! You can also explore our Skateboard Brand Guides.
2. The Origins of Baker Skateboards: A Deep Dive
Baker Skateboards, born from the ashes of Andrew Reynolds’ departure from Birdhouse, emerged in 2000. Initially dubbed “Baker Bootleg,” the brand quickly gained notoriety for its raw street skating and rebellious attitude. Reynolds, alongside Jay Strickland, cultivated a team of skaters who embodied this ethos. Think less polished skatepark tricks, more blood-on-the-concrete hardcore street skating. 🤘
The Baker Bootleg Era
The Baker Bootleg Video and its sequel, Baker2G, cemented the brand’s place in skate history. These videos weren’t just about technical prowess; they captured the lifestyle, the camaraderie, and the sheer, unadulterated fun of skateboarding. Remember those grainy, lo-fi visuals? Pure nostalgia! (Source: Shredz Shop)
From Bootleg to Baker
Legal hurdles led to a split between Reynolds and Strickland, with Reynolds retaining the Baker name. The iconic Baker logo, initially featuring an elephant above the “Baker Bootleg” moniker, evolved into the bold, block-lettered design we know today. (Source: Shredz Shop)
Explore our Skateboard Culture category for more fascinating stories from the skateboarding world.
3. Deathwish Skateboards: The Rise of a New Era
Fast forward to 2008. Baker, now a well-established force in skateboarding, decided to shake things up again. Enter Deathwish Skateboards. Born under the Bakerboys Distribution umbrella, Deathwish wasn’t just Baker 2.0. It had its own distinct identity, a darker, more aggressive vibe that resonated with a new generation of skaters. (Source: Shredz Shop)
A Shared Lineage, Separate Paths
While sharing some riders and a common ancestor, Deathwish carved its own path. Their videos, often featuring bone-jarring slams and death-defying stunts, solidified their reputation as a brand that pushed the boundaries of skateboarding. Think of it as the heavy metal cousin of Baker’s punk rock spirit. 🤘
Need to upgrade your gear? Check out our Skateboard Gear section.
4. Are Baker and Deathwish the Same Company? The Truth Revealed
So, are they the same company? The short answer is no, but it’s complicated. They’re separate brands, each with its own team, aesthetic, and video output. However, they share a common lineage and operate under the same distribution company, Bakerboys Distribution. Think of them as siblings with distinct personalities but shared DNA. 👯
5. Key Differences Between Baker and Deathwish Skateboards
| Feature | Baker | Deathwish |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Raw, party-hard, punk rock | Darker, hardcore, heavy metal |
| Team Riders | Andrew Reynolds, Dustin Dollin, etc. | Jamie Foy, Lizard King, etc. |
| Graphics | Often humorous, cartoonish | More macabre, edgy |
| Skate Style | Loose, stylish street skating | Aggressive, technical street skating |
6. The Team Riders: Who Skates for Baker and Deathwish?
Baker boasts a legendary roster, including Andrew Reynolds, Dustin Dollin, and Figgy. Deathwish counters with heavy hitters like Jamie Foy, Lizard King, and Jon Dickson. Each team reflects the brand’s unique personality and skating style. Who’s your favorite rider? 🤔
Want to look the part while you shred? Explore our Skateboard Fashion category.
7. Product Comparisons: Baker vs. Deathwish Skateboards
While we suspect subtle differences in deck construction, both brands are known for producing high-quality, durable boards. We’ve heard tales of Baker decks lasting through weeks of intense street skating! (Source: mlbreaking.wordpress.com) Stay tuned for a future head-to-head deck comparison! 👀
8. The Influence of Baker and Deathwish on Skate Culture
Both brands have left an indelible mark on skateboarding, influencing everything from fashion to video styles. Baker’s raw, unfiltered approach helped usher in a new era of street skating, while Deathwish continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible on a skateboard. Their impact is undeniable. 🔥
9. The Future of Baker and Deathwish: What’s Next?
With both brands continuing to innovate and inspire, the future of Baker and Deathwish looks bright. What new riders will they recruit? What groundbreaking videos will they release? Only time will tell. We’re on the edge of our seats! 🍿
Conclusion
In summary, while Baker and Deathwish skateboards share a common lineage, they are distinct brands with unique identities and vibes. Baker embodies a raw, party-centric approach to skateboarding, while Deathwish leans into a darker, more aggressive aesthetic. Both brands produce high-quality, durable decks that cater to different styles and preferences.
Positives:
- Baker Skateboards: Known for their fun graphics, strong team, and a culture that celebrates the joy of skating.
- Deathwish Skateboards: Offers a more hardcore vibe with a focus on technical street skating and a roster of heavy-hitting riders.
Negatives:
- Baker: Some skaters might find the graphics too playful for their taste.
- Deathwish: The darker aesthetic may not resonate with everyone, and some riders may prefer a more versatile style.
Ultimately, the choice between Baker and Deathwish comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a lively, fun atmosphere and a team that embodies that spirit, Baker is your go-to. If you lean towards a more intense, aggressive style, then Deathwish is calling your name. Both brands are highly recommended for any skateboarder looking to elevate their game! 🛹
Recommended Links
- 👉 Shop Baker Skateboards: Amazon | Baker Official Website
- 👉 Shop Deathwish Skateboards: Amazon | Deathwish Official Website
- Books on Skateboarding: Skateboarding: The Ultimate Guide | The Skateboard Book
FAQ
What is the difference between Baker and Deathwish skateboards?
Baker skateboards are known for their fun, playful graphics and a team that embodies a carefree, party-like atmosphere. In contrast, Deathwish skateboards have a darker, more aggressive aesthetic, often featuring edgier graphics and a focus on technical street skating. Both brands have their distinct vibes, catering to different preferences in the skateboarding community.
Read more about “What is the History of Baker Skateboards? Discover 10 Fascinating Facts! 🛹”
Are Baker and Deathwish skateboards made with the same quality and materials?
While both brands are produced under the same distribution company, they may use different suppliers for their materials. However, both Baker and Deathwish are known for their high-quality construction and durability. Many skaters report that both brands maintain their “pop” and performance over time, making them reliable choices for serious riders. (Source: mlbreaking.wordpress.com)
Do Baker and Deathwish sponsor the same professional skateboarders?
Yes, there is some overlap in team riders between Baker and Deathwish. Notable skaters like Jim Greco and Erik Ellington have ridden for both brands at different points in their careers. However, each brand has its own distinct roster, with many riders exclusively representing one brand or the other.
How do Baker and Deathwish skateboards compare in terms of price and performance?
Both Baker and Deathwish skateboards are competitively priced within the market. Performance-wise, they are on par with each other, as both brands are known for their durability and ability to withstand the rigors of street skating. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference regarding aesthetics and team riders.
What are the most popular models from Baker and Deathwish?
Baker’s most popular models include the Baker Logo Deck and the Baker Pro Decks, which feature various pro rider graphics. Deathwish is known for its Deathwish Logo Deck and the “The End” series, which showcases the brand’s hardcore image. Both brands frequently release limited edition decks that are highly sought after by collectors.
How has the skateboarding community responded to Baker and Deathwish?
The skateboarding community has embraced both brands for their unique contributions to skate culture. Baker is celebrated for its fun and inclusive spirit, while Deathwish is recognized for pushing the limits of street skating. Both brands have a loyal following and continue to influence new generations of skateboarders.
Reference Links
- Baker Skateboards Official Site
- Deathwish Skateboards Official Site
- Shredz Shop: History of Baker Skateboards
- ML Breaking: Deck Review – Baker Skateboards
With this comprehensive overview, we hope you feel equipped to make an informed choice between Baker and Deathwish skateboards. Happy shredding! 🛹✨
