As an avid fingerboarding enthusiast, you may have heard whispered tales of an impossibly rare Tech Deck collaboration – the DGK Josh Kalis pro model. This diminutive skateboard carries massive cultural cachet and jaw-dropping resale values topping $100. For context, that‘s over 1,000x its original retail price!
So what‘s the full story behind this fingerboarding holy grail? What makes it unique even among sought-after limited edition decks? And for diehard collectors looking to own this gem, what should they know about tracking one down?
I‘ve dug deep into all aspects of this legendary piece of plastic to give you the definitive guide to the rarest Tech Deck produced. Whether you‘re a new fingerboarder looking to brush up on some history or a grizzled veteran on the hunt for the DGK Josh Kalis, you‘ll find everything you need to know right here.
The Main Event: Josh Kalis‘ Path to Legendary Status
To understand why this particular pro skater commands such feverish interest decades later requires a crash course in East Coast skating history…
Josh Kalis was born in 1976 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Kalis credits watching seminal skating documentary “Streets on Fire” as a youth for lighting a passion for skateboarding that drives him to this day.
He rapidly developed his smooth technical street style at legendary Philly spots like Love Park and Pulaski Park. His standout skills captured in video parts like DC Shoes’ 1994 release “The DC Video” put Kalis firmly on the map.
But his career skyrocketed to legend status upon the release of the 1997 skate video “Photosynthesis” by Alien Workshop. Kalis‘ opening line zoomed through Philadelphia streets and showcased never-before-seen tricks, cementing his reputation as one of the most influential skaters in history.
To quote Skateboarding Magazine’s 5-Star review: "Kalis‘ part in Photosynthesis was the hard hitting opening the video needed – his skating sums up everything that‘s right with just going out and blowing spots away with your friends."
Now considered one of the most iconic video parts ever, Photosynthesis catapulted the sport into the mainstream and East Coast skating into the spotlight. This cemented Josh Kalis as a living legend in the skating world.
When Two Icons Collide: Kalis + Stevie Williams
In the early 2000s, Kalis joined forces with friend and ardent fan Stevie Williams to launch East Coast-inspired skate brand Dirty Ghetto Kids (DGK).
Williams has repeatedly cited Kalis as his personal favorite skater. From adopting his smooth technical style on the streets to embodying a tireless work ethic, Williams considered Kalis a role model.
"Josh always rips for the love – he never let industry politics or drama distract him. And as the East Coast scene was blowing up, his approach to brutal Boston streets created a blueprint for our style.” – Stevie Williams on skating ethos of Josh Kalis
DGK Skateboards quickly gained attention for its gritty Philadelphia roots, unusual skateboard shapes, and eye-catching graphics by legendary artist Marc McKee.
So when Tech Deck wanted to collaborate with DGK on a new fingerboard, choosing Josh Kalis as the feature skater was practically a foregone conclusion. The chance to memorialize Kalis as a collectible was a dream for hardcore fans like Williams:
“Josh is the dude – plain and simple. So having him be part of the first DGK x Tech Deck collab was the only option. Especially knowing how rare this thing would be!”
And thus, the Tech Deck DGK Josh Kalis pro model fingerboard was born…
Just the Specs: Inside the Technical Details
As part of the overarching Tech Deck Series 6 release lineup, the DGK x Josh Kalis collaboration saw an extremely limited production run before being permanently discontinued. Exact sales data is unclear, but some estimates suggest only a few hundred to a few thousand were produced at most:
Tech Deck DGK Josh Kalis Fast Facts:
- Part of Tech Deck Series 6 (2018)
- Length: 18.29 cm
- Width: 13.97 cm
- Height: 2.54 cm
- Weight: 10 grams
- Units Produced: ~500-5,000 (estimated)
- Originally retailed for $9.99 USD
- Now worth ~$100+ (1,000% increase)
The packaging itself also differentiates this deck as a true collector’s item:
Packaging/Extras:
- Limited edition DGK-designed sticker
- Josh Kalis portrait graphic wrap
- Exclusive skate tool
- Display stand
- Sheet of bonus grip tape
- Set of spare soft plastic wheels
This was no mass-produced fingerboard – it was a labor of love representing two legends of East Coast skating history teaming up.
Tracking Down a True Unicorn
Given the microscopic production run over 5 years ago, finding a DGK Josh Kalis deck in the wild is astonishingly rare. But for diehard collectors with the patience of a hunter tracking a unicorn, there are a few options:
Where to Find It
- Online auction marketplaces (extremely scarce)
- Specialist fingerboard forums & Facebook groups
- Small vendors catering to Tech Deck collectors
I certainly can‘t guarantee a deck will pop up in any of these secondary markets. But they do offer the best chances for that perfect 10/10 auction listing or post from an unaware seller.
What To Watch For
All that said, counterfeit copies have flooded the market due to insane resale values. Be extra vigilant around manufacturing quality, branded graphics, and wear & tear before purchasing. Authentic versions in pristine condition should sell for $100-300+ depending on demand.
I wish you the best of luck tracking down this Holy Grail! May the fingerboard gods smile upon you.
Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions about the myth and history around this rad little shred sled!
