Skate shop hero

   Photo by Expense

With the economy doing poorly and businesses great and small falling under ever increasing economic pressure, it is no small wonder that skate shops are suffering. Popular names such as Alliance and smaller, local shops like Curbside both falter and then fall in light of monetary difficulties. However, that's not to say that some places aren't doing well throughout these trying times.

Skaters all over need a place to purchase boards, hardware, stickers and their favorite colored grip tape, despite these missing shops. Someone has to fill that gap and Ski Pro manages to do so with interesting results. Located on 21st street and Camelback, your first impression is that the place is cool, current and energetic but what does it have to do with skating? Quite a bit, it turns out.

Tucked away in the back corner of the store is a section devoted to skateboarding. The back wall is plastered with a small selection of boards, several of which are local companies like Old Man Army: boards designed for the 35+ skate scene and bearing unique, original designs, or Zombie: boards that are more like your traditional deck layout. Ski Pro keeps their own distributor decks here, too called Homicide and they've got a selection of blanks that will make your jaw drop.

The shop may be out of the way but it is well worth the visit. Here's one reason. Their blanks start at $16.95 and their own Homicides at a mere $29.95. After putting it all together it was possible to make a complete board for $43.28 after tax; this included wheels, trucks, bearings, grip, the deck. Everything. For those who don't know, that's less than the price of a standard name brand deck- and nothing else. Furthermore Ski Pro provides modest support for local skate companies and even carries AZ Steez (a regional Skateboarding magazine).

This doesn't mean that skaters can't pick up more popular name brands like Creature or Plan B, articles of clothing or backpacks. But shoes were no where in site. With that said, it seems like Ski Pro has a small but worthwhile assortment of skateboarding supplies, a friendly, knowledgeable staff and great deals. So go check them out. You might be surprised at what you find.