I’m not even half way through the Tech Deck High Tech Clip first generation and I’m starting to get anxious about when the second in the series is going to be released. Everyone I ask gives me a different story – varying from “in a few months” to “it’s been cancelled”. I never expected to get caught up in the Tech Deck world of collecting but when I got the entire first generation at the ComiCon, I was more than a little interested in what they had to offer. The fingerboards, deck accessories and companion parts really do nothing for me. I just couldn’t see the attraction to “fingerboards” so I never really gave the company a second thought. That is until I saw the cool designs of the high tech clips and received my very own complete set. I doubt I’ll be branching out and collecting other items from the Tech Deck line, but I have to say once again, I ♥ these!

Tech Deck World Foundation Logo I round

Sporting the Flameboy twin tongue logo, this is a basic but very attractive clip that can be used for anything from clothing to skate gear. The scripted writing is thicker than most of the WI logos that you find on their skating material and accessories but it still extremely easy to read. The logo design is deeply etched into the metal and since both of the twins are facing opposite directions, it might be hard to make out the actual design when you have it on your clothing or gear. This one went through the washer and dryer when my son forgot to take it off his jeans and it held up perfectly. When you consider the heat, laundry detergent and all that tumbling that it went through – and that it still looked as good as new when it came out [although it was super hot and left a nice burn mark on my leg] – that says a lot about the quality of the piece.

Tech Deck World Foundation Logo II rectangular

Out of the two, this one has to be my favorite simply for the cute little devil design. Maybe it’s because it reminds me of the shirt that Epinions bad girl BadKittyM is wearing on her profile page or maybe it’s just an adorable design – whatever the case – I like it. Unlike the others in the series, this one has a smooth face to it, not the gritty, almost pitted look. This means that it needs a little more care than the others so that the surface doesn’t get scratched up. You can coat the face of the clip with a clear nail polish or sealer to prevent scratches but I’d suggest that you try to find an industrial sealer rather than using common nail polish that might chip or wear over a period of time. This is a great size, about one inch by two inches and can easy be engraved on the back for a bit of extra personalization.

Things To Know

As I have mentioned in other reviews of the high tech clips, these are extremely sturdy pieces that will hold up to a lot of use. The main thing to remember is the jump ring that connects the clip to the logo pieces isn’t as strong as it should be. In case you are wondering about the chain I mentioned a few times – it was omitted from the photo to save space and allow for the logo and the clip to be seen clearly but rest assured, all of the designs come with a four link chain between the logo and the clip. If the jump ring on either end of the clip starts to pull apart, all that is needed is a pair of thin needle nosed pliers to press the ends back together. Overall these clips are some of the best from the Tech Deck series and it’s a real shame that they have been retired. I am hoping to get my hands on the second generation when they are released, date pending.

There aren’t any warnings on these however they are suggested for kids six and older. Some of the designs have jagged edges that could cut or scrape skin, but the two in this set are smooth and present no real danger – unless of course they go through the washer and dryer, become super heated and can easy burn your skin or ruin sensitive clothing like nylon. You should check the clips from time to time to see if there are any issues with the jump clips that need to be taken care of.

Generation 1 Tech Deck Series

Included in the first series of Tech Clips are the following sets:

World Industries [3961], Blind [3962], Toy Machine [3963], Foundation [3964], Alien Workshop [3966], Santa Cruz [3967], Dregs [3968] and New Deal [3969]. These were all two clip sets that were first released in 1999 then again in 2000 as companion products to the Tech Deck line of fingerboards, stickers and accessories.

The Bottom Line

If you are looking for a way to let your naughty streak show – this is a great set to pick up. World Industries made it’s mark in the skating and extreme sports world with an older version of the “charming devil” logo and then introduced the small cartoon like characters including the tiny tongued create featured in this set. I was really impressed with the two designs that were picked for this set and after looking at the website for WI, there are more than a few t-shirts and accessories I plan on purchasing. If you are looking for more information about World Industries you can check out their official site at www.worldind.com. For more information or to see other officially licensed products, visit the Tech Deck site at www.techdeck.com.


As always, thanks for the read!

^V^ Freak ^V^

© 2003 Freak369





Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): ===free===
Type of Toy: Other
Age Range of Child: Whole Family