Variflex Skateboards was established in 1977 by Raymond H. Losi and his son, Raymond H. Losi II, in California.

Initially, the skateboard company struggled with its identity. Allen Losi’s father emphasized producing quality boards, while his uncle pushed for mass-market appeal.

Variflex had an impressive team during its prime, and they all contributed to the skate brand’s reputation and success, with notable Variflex Team Riders including:
Lance Mountain
George Orton
Steve and Mike Hirsch
Al Losi
Eddie Elguera
Eric Grisham.

Around 1985, Allen Losi’s father left Variflex, and Allen himself contemplated leaving to start Team Losi Skateboards through Santa Cruz/Bullet. However, he ultimately stayed with Variflex and launched the Team Losi brand under its banner. Unfortunately, after this period, Variflex Skateboards shifted toward producing inferior, more generic boards, which while being far lower quality than top branded skateboards of the time, they were much better than the very inexpensive 'market boards' often found in generic street markets/bargain stores.

Variflex Skateboards unfortunately no longer holds the same prominence it once did. While it was a top name in the industry during its heyday, the skate brand’s reputation declined after the mid-1980s.

Today, there’s a nostalgic community that keeps the spirit alive (search Facebook for 'Variflex Facebook Group'), discussing the company’s history, sharing collections, and reminiscing about the legendary skateboard brand.

Vintage Variflex Skateboards are still sought after by collectors, even if they’re not considered top-tier skateboards anymore, and even the later, cheaper 80s completes are deemed collectable.

Variflex Skateboards has had its glory days, but its trajectory shifted over time. From a team of talented riders to a decline in quality, the brand’s journey reflects the evolution of skateboarding culture.

They will however, hold a special place in the History of Skateboarding.

Variflex Skateboard Videos

Variflex Skateboarding Re-Union Tour
(Mike Hirsch, Steve Hirsch, Lance Mountain, Freddy DeSota, Tim Metz, and Dan Colburn skateboarding the Ione Skatepark Pool, back in 2007)

Variflex Team Rider, George Orton - The Skateboarding Hall of Fame Inductee, 2020

Allen Losi | episode 3 of The Sore Losers Show