Researching PSStix, HLC, or BBS as your next manufacturer? This is the most complete and honest side-by-side available — including our own weaknesses. Find the right factory for your brand.
Based in the US, want 50–150 custom decks, no trucks or wheels needed. You value domestic shipping and American woodshop heritage.
→ Consider PSStix or BBSBased in Europe, moderate quantities, sustainability certification matters. You want to avoid transatlantic freight and long lead times.
→ Consider HLCYou need decks AND trucks, wheels, bearings, hardware — or large quantities. You want a real production partner with fast communication and scale pricing.
→ 2HEX is built for youYou've grown past startup volumes and want to know why unit costs stay high. China manufacturing makes a decisive difference at scale — 2HEX handles the complexity.
→ 2HEX is built for youWe compared all four manufacturers on what actually matters. We included our own limitations — because honest advice is what earns trust from serious brands.
| PSStix | HLC | BBS MFG | 2HEX ★ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | San Diego, USA | Basque Country, Spain (+ Texas, USA) | Mexico (ships from US) | Ulm, Germany (mgmt) Guangzhou, China (prod.) |
| Founded | 1987 | ~2000 | 1996 | 2000s |
| Specialty | Skateboard decks | Decks, limited wheels & trucks | Skateboard decks | Decks, trucks, wheels, bearings, griptape, hardware, shoes Full Range |
| Legacy | Prof. Paul Schmitt — 35+ yrs, 19M+ decks | Iraola brothers — founded JART Skateboards | 25+ yrs, 1,000+ employees | German-managed, China ops — growth-focused |
| Customisation | ◑ Print on standard shapes | ◑ Custom shapes + print | ◑ Print on standard construction | ✓ From raw material — shape, concave, all hardware Maximum |
| Min. Order Qty | ~50 decks | ~50–100 decks | ~50–100 decks | Scales with order type |
| Price: Small Orders | ✓ Competitive | ✓ Competitive | ✓ Competitive | ◑ China freight adds cost |
| Price: Large Orders | ◑ Western cost base | ◑ European cost base | ◑ Western cost base | ✓ China production saves significantly Best Value |
| Communication | ◑ Delays reported | ◑ Delays reported | ✗ Not accessible (closed) | ✓ Fast personal replies Fastest |
| New Customers | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ Currently closed | ✓ Actively welcoming brands |
| Trucks & Wheels | ✗ No | ◑ Limited | ✗ No | ✓ Full range |
| Best For | US deck-only brands | European deck-only brands | Existing network only | Full brands, scaling orders, complete product lines |
If you landed here after searching for a competitor, this section is written specifically for you.
PSStix is an iconic American woodshop — but it's decks only, and its cost structure is rooted in US manufacturing. 2HEX is the right PSStix alternative if you need more than decks, want competitive pricing at volume, or are outside the US. If you only want small batches of US-made premium decks, PSStix may genuinely be the better call — we'll tell you that honestly.
HLC is the original European skateboard manufacturer and a genuinely strong operation. 2HEX is the right HLC alternative if your brand needs a full component range beyond decks, you're growing into volumes where China pricing becomes advantageous, or you want one partner for your entire product line. HLC remains solid for European deck-only brands who value local production and sustainability — but for complete skateboard brands, 2HEX offers far more scope.
BBS is one of the most respected names in skateboard manufacturing — but per their own website FAQ, BBS is currently not accepting new customers. That makes 2HEX the most natural BBS alternative for brands that can't get access. 2HEX offers broader component range, faster communication, competitive pricing at scale, and actively builds new brand partnerships. If BBS turned you away or went quiet, 2HEX is ready today.
While others print your design on pre-made stock, 2HEX manufactures every component from raw material up — decks, trucks, wheels, bearings, griptape, hardware. China's fully integrated industry makes this possible. Real customisation, not just print.
Production in Guangzhou means dramatically lower per-unit costs vs. US or European manufacturing once freight is spread across a larger order. For any brand past the startup stage, the economics shift decisively in 2HEX's favour as volume grows.
The office is in Ulm, Germany. European standards of precision, organisation, and accountability applied to China production. You get China cost advantages with German management reliability — a rare combination.
Slow communication is the most common complaint about skateboard manufacturers. 2HEX is in growth mode — every customer matters, every message gets a fast personal reply. Our reputation grows when your brand succeeds.
Most brands manage a deck factory, a truck importer, a wheel supplier separately. 2HEX consolidates all of it — one relationship, one timeline, one contact. Less complexity, better margin visibility.
2HEX ships to 20+ countries and has worked with brands like The Berrics. Production methods match those used by Nike and Adidas — adapted for skateboarding. A decade-plus operation with a real global track record.
PSStix is a skateboard deck factory founded by Professor Paul Schmitt in 1987 in San Diego, with over 19 million decks manufactured over 35+ years. PSStix is best for US-based brands wanting premium decks in small to mid runs (50–300 units) who value the legacy of an iconic American woodshop. PSStix is deck-only — no trucks, wheels, or hardware.
HLC is the original European skateboard manufacturer, founded by the Iraola brothers (creators of JART Skateboards) in the Basque Country, Spain. HLC is best for European brands wanting custom decks close to home with FSC-certified sustainable materials and no transatlantic freight. They also operate in Texas for US orders. HLC is primarily deck-focused with limited wheels and trucks.
No — as of their own website FAQ, BBS MFG is not currently accepting new customers. BBS is one of the most respected deck manufacturers in the world with 25+ years in business and 1,000+ employees, but they are closed to new brand relationships right now. For brands that cannot access BBS, 2HEX is the most capable and accessible alternative.
2HEX is the strongest alternative to all three if you need more than just decks, want better unit pricing at scale, or need a manufacturer that is actively accessible. 2HEX produces decks, trucks, wheels, bearings, griptape, and hardware from one supplier. German management provides reliability; China production provides competitive pricing at volume. 2HEX actively welcomes new customers with fast personal communication.
For large orders, 2HEX is typically the most cost-effective because China production costs are significantly lower than US or European factories. International freight adds cost on small orders, but at 300+ units the per-unit savings outweigh shipping. PSStix, HLC, and BBS all operate from higher-cost Western manufacturing bases.
2HEX is the only manufacturer in this comparison offering the full component range — decks, trucks, wheels, bearings, griptape, and hardware — produced from raw materials. PSStix and BBS are deck-only. HLC has limited wheels and trucks. For a single manufacturing partner for your entire product line, 2HEX is the only real choice here.
2HEX is managed from Ulm, Germany, applying European standards of precision and quality control to Chinese production in Guangzhou. Each deck is individually pressed (not multi-pressed) for consistent concave and shape. The same production methods used by Nike and Adidas are applied to skateboarding. All productions are overseen directly by 2HEX's German management team.
If you need more than decks — or you're scaling and want honest pricing — 2HEX wants to hear from you.
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