Hard Luck MFG

Overview

Hard Luck MFG is a skateboard company producing high-performance skateboard bearings, griptape, and apparel rooted in Southern California skate and street culture. It originated as a wheel brand in 2001 with a logo by Mark Gonzales and expanded to bearings, griptape, and timeless apparel like flannels, jackets, shirts, and bottoms.¹³

History

Hard Luck first surfaced in 2001 as a wheel brand with a logo hand-drawn by Mark Gonzales. It introduced 6-ball speed bearings and the first clear printed black griptape. The company is associated with Jason Jessee and continues building a full line of apparel alongside skate products.¹⁵

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Manufacturing location not specified on official site. Products include skateboard hardware and apparel produced for skate culture, likely outsourced given brand scale.¹³

Notable Products

• 6-Ball Speed Bearings - High-performance skateboard bearings introduced early in brand history.
• Clear Printed Black Griptape - First-ever clear printed black skateboard griptape.
• Mark Gonzales Logo Wheels - Original wheels from 2001 with hand-drawn logo by Mark Gonzales.

Reputation

Perceived as an authentic Southern California skate brand tied to Jason Jessee and figures like Mark Gonzales, appealing to enthusiasts valuing garage-to-street origins.¹⁵ Apparel line positioned as trend-resistant, though specific pro feedback limited in sources.