And it was fucking fantastic.

I bought this deck because of the reputation the company had in the 80s. I remember those steep, tri-tailed Alvas being rock-hard maple thrash devices. This Alva is not those Alvas.

First complaint: In no way does this feel like an American or Canadian made deck. Maybe I am wrong but to me it does not feel as if the wood has the firmness I have come to expect from skate manufacturers (like my Black Label/Red Kross Hosoi—quite simply the most perfect deck I have ever owned.)

Second complaint: This deck needs some more concave. It is feeling a bit shallow.

Third complaint: The squaretail has heat transferred graphics. I do not understand the reasoning behind it since the only graphic is the oversized Alva logo—easily screenable.

I am not a big fan of companies cutting corners to save a buck and this feels like one of those times.

What did I learn from this? Do not buy a skateboard deck online from a company that you haven’t been able to pick up and physically inspect before.