Tailwhip Finger Scooter

Mastering Tricks and Flips on the Coolest Mini Fingerboards

Finger scooters are taking the world by storm, and the Tailwhip is one of the most popular and iconic choices for mastering tricks, flips, and tailwhips. This small but mighty rideable promises tons of fun in a compact, portable package.

If you’re looking to get airborne with finger scooter tricks, this buying guide will cover everything you need to know about Tailwhip finger scooters. We’ll explore what makes them unique, top tricks you can learn, customization options, and key factors in choosing the best Tailwhip scooter for your needs.

Whether you’re a beginner scooter fan or an experienced rider looking to up your game, read on for an in-depth look at these legendary little shred sleds!

What Is a Tailwhip Finger Scooter?

Tailwhip finger scooters are mini scooter boards that fit between two fingers for doing tailwhip tricks. The rider uses their fingers to control and maneuver the scooter, while spinning and flipping the board midair.

These pint-sized shred sticks feature a short deck between two wheels, with a raised back end for scooping and launching the tailwhip motion. High quality wheels provide smooth riding and easy rolling when landing tricks.

Tailwhip scooters get their name from their specialty trick – spinning the board 360 degrees in the air while the wheels continue spinning forward. Doing a smooth tailwhip requires practice, but gives an awesome sense of riding freedom in a tiny package.

Beyond tailwhips, you can also perform grabs, flips, grinds, and other freestyle fingerboard tricks on these scooters. Their lightweight design and finger control makes them ideal for learning airborne moves and stunts.

How To Tailwhip on a Finger Scooter

Mastering the tailwhip is the ultimate goal for most finger scooter riders. Here are some tips for how to nail this signature aerial trick:

• Use your index and middle fingers to control the scooter. Place them near the front and back edges of the deck.
• Get rolling to build up speed, then lift the front wheels and scoop backwards.
• As the tail lifts up, flick your fingers while keeping the wheels spinning forward. This will initiate the tailwhip motion.
• Time the whip so the board does a full 360 degree rotation before landing back on the wheels.
• Catch the board with your fingers to stabilize the landing.
• Practice the scooping motion and timing to refine your technique. Go for height and more rotations as you improve.
• Add grabs, flips or other freestyle moves to create combo tailwhips.
• Wear protective gear, and use a smooth surface to learn safely. Patience and practice is key!

With some dedicated practice sessions, you’ll be whipping and spinning your scooter like a pro in no time.

Are Tailwhips Good for Beginners?

While tailwhip scooters cater to more advanced riders, they can also be suitable for beginners depending on a few factors:

• Younger kids may find the small size challenging at first. Look for larger, wider decks if purchasing for smaller hands.
• Focus on the basics like pushing, kicking, jumping, and rolling first. Master control before attempting tricks.
• Wrist guards and knee/elbow pads are strongly recommended to reduce impact injuries.
• Choose a scooter with smooth, high quality wheels that maintain momentum.
• Start on smooth, flat ground without hazards or obstacles. Indoors or empty parking lots are ideal.
• Go for taller bars to allow more clearance when scooping and tailwhipping.
• Have realistic expectations – tailwhips take time and practice to learn, regardless of skill level.
• Accept there will be spills and crashes. Patience is key, and make safety the priority.

While difficult tricks should wait until basic skills are mastered, Tailwhip scooters can still be a fun introductory ride for newbies with proper expectations and gear. Focus on control and safety before worrying about whipping airborne tricks.

Where To Buy a Tailwhip Finger Scooter

Tailwhip scooters are produced by a range of brands, and can be found both online and in select sports shops. Here are some spots to grab one of these trick-ready finger boards:

• Amazon: Wide selection of brands and models with fast shipping from main site and resellers. Models like Enkeeo, Oxelo, and Ancheer are popular.
• eBay: Individual sellers offer deals on auction and buy-it-now listings for new and used Tailwhips. Varying availability.
• Walmart: Brick-and-mortar stores carry a small assortment of finger scooters, often lesser known brands. Worth checking for local convenience.
• Specialty retailers: Shops like FingerboardStore and BrokenKnuckle offer deep selections tailored for fingerboard enthusiasts.
• Etsy: Crafty creators sell handmade custom and limited run Tailwhip scooters with unique artistry.
• Direct from brands: Companies like District Scooters and Crisp Scooters sell models through their own web stores.

For the widest selection and easiest purchasing, Amazon and eBay are go-to spots for finding affordable and reliable Tailwhip scooters delivered to your door.

Top Tricks to Learn on a Tailwhip Scooter

Once you’ve mastered the basics, taking your Tailwhip scooter skills to the next level is all about tricks, flips, and freestyle moves. Here are some awesome aerial maneuvers to strive for:

• 360 Tailwhips: Spin the board a full rotation while airborne before catching the landing.
• No Hand Tailwhips: Release both hands in the air while whipping the scooter for a free-spinning trick.
• Heelflip/Kickflip: Flick and flip the deck while jumping, like a skateboard trick.
• Indy Grabs: Use your free hand to “grab” the deck in a midair hold.
• Barspins: Spin the front steering bar a full 360 degrees while jumping.
• Half Flips/Full Flips: Invert your entire body and scooter in a front or backflip motion.
• Grinds: Land and slide or “grind” along edges and rails on the wheels.
• Stalls: Perch or balance on the rear wheels at the apex of a jump.

Take it slow, wear safety gear, and build up your skills gradually. Creatively combining different tricks is the key to an exciting freestyle finger scooter flow!

Customizing Your Tailwhip Scooter

One of the coolest aspects of Tailwhip scooters is customizing them to match your style. Here are some ways to personalize your ride:

• Grip tape: Apply textured tape cuts to the deck for visual flair and better footing.
• Paint jobs: Use spray paint, nail polish, or art markers to create your own graphics.
• Stickers: Decorate the wheels, deck, or bars with stickers of your favorite brands, designs, and characters.
• Hardware: Swap out standard bolts for colorful anodized versions in red, gold, etc.
• Wheels: Choose softer wheels for cruising or harder wheels for tricks. Light-up wheels look cool at night!
• Bars: Pick bars in different heights, shapes, and colors to suit your style.
• Bearings: Upgrade to faster ceramic bearings for quicker acceleration and rolling speed.
• Risers: Add riser pads between the deck and wheels for more shock absorption and better flicking.

Customizing your finger scooter makes it feel unique. Experiment to find the look, wheels, and setup that match your personality and riding style.

Top Brands for Tailwhip Finger Scooters

With fingerboarding’s rise in popularity, there are now numerous brands designing Tailwhip scooters of all types. Some top names to look for include:

• Crisp Scooters – Very popular brand making pro-quality Tailwhips. Known for durability and stylish color schemes.
• Enkeeo – Budget-friendly Tailwhips sold widely on Amazon. Great for new riders and kids.
• Ancheer – Another affordable Amazon brand with fun color options for children.
• District Scooters – Specializes in top-tier freestyle scooters in pro sizes. Ideal for advanced tricks.
• Oxelo – European brand carried by sporting goods chain Decathlon with a range of starter sets.
• ScsK8 – Handcrafts premium fingerboards and scooters from select woods. Awesome for display and collecting.
• Prorider – Specialty brand with focus on lightweight, durable stunt scooters for extreme tricks.

The right Tailwhip for you depends on your budget, skill level, and preferences. Try a few to discover which brand’s size and setup click with your riding goals.

Are Tailwhip Scooters Durable?

Yes, Tailwhip finger scooters are designed to withstand recreational play, tricks, and wipeouts. Here’s what makes them durable:

• Metal alloy decks resistant to cracking or snapping from impact. Aircraft-grade aluminum is ideal.
• Polyurethane wheels that maintain shape and bounce without crumbling. 90-97A durometer is recommended.
• Reinforced axles and fasteners that don’t bend under flipping pressure.
• ABEC-rated bearings for smooth, efficient rolling that reduces wear over time.
• Plastic or rubber risers to absorb vibration and prevent metal-on-metal grinding.
• Anodized parts that won’t chip or corrode as easily as painted pieces.
• Solid core bars that stay rigid when landing tailwhips and tricks.

Look for scooters with all metal parts, PU wheels, and sold construction. Paying a little more for durability goes a long way with heavy riding and tricks. Just inspect for damage after harsh crashes.

Tailwhip Scooter Materials

Tailwhip finger scooters are made from combinations of different materials to produce a sturdy yet portable ride. Typical materials include:

• Decks made of aircraft-grade aluminum, magnesium, or reinforced composites. Metal is most common.
• Wheels constructed from polyurethane (PU) blended with additives for durability.
• Bars usually aluminum alloy or steel cores encased in rubber or plastic.
• Bearings using steel balls/races, with ceramic, titanium or steel materials.
• Hardware made from stainless steel and anodized aluminum for reduced corrosion.
• Grip tape using layered foam, cloth, or rubber materials for covering the decks.
• Risers molded from plastic, rubber or polyurethane to absorb vibration.

Higher priced scooters typically use higher grades of metals, PU, ceramics, and reinforcements that improve longevity during stunts. Check specs when comparing.

Fixing a Broken Tailwhip Scooter

Tailwhip scooters are reasonably durable, but crashes happen. Here are some tips for fixing common issues:

• Replacing wheels – Remove the axle bolt and insert new PU wheels. Tighten securely.
• Fixing bent bars – Use pliers or a vise to slowly bend bars back into proper shape if slightly tweaked.
• Snapped decks – Gluing may temporarily strengthen cracks, but fully broken decks need replacement.
• Stripped screw holes – Carefully re-drill larger holes and insert new screw anchors to re-secure parts.
• Loose/damaged bearings – pry open the wheel assembly and insert new bearings. Add lubricant to maintain speed.
• For major damage, replacement parts can be ordered from the manufacturer or third party sellers. Having spare wheels, bars, and decks can reduce downtime.

Regularly inspecting hardware for cracks or loosening can help spot issues early. Learn basic maintenance skills to keep your Tailwhip rolling!

Using Tailwhip Scooters on Ramps

Yes, you can certainly use a Tailwhip finger scooter on small skateboard ramps to catch air for bigger tricks. Here are some pointers:

• Look for ramps with mellow transitions and 8-12 inches of vertical height at most. Anything bigger risks high-speed crashes.
• Wear pads, helmet, gloves and avoid obstacles around the ramp runout.
• Check wheels tightness and deck integrity before sessions.
• Start rolling from an angle rather than dropping straight in to control speed at first.
• Lean forward when rolling up ramps and transfer weight centered at the coping.
• Practice rock fakies, kickturns and stall moves before attempting aerials.
• For quarter pipes, air only slightly above the coping until skills improve.
• Have someone spot you when learning new ramp moves in case of falls.
• Consider removable ramp wedges to gradually increase ramp height for bigger air.

Riding ramps greatly expands trick potential, but requires safety awareness. Build skills slowly to avoid injuries from high-speed slams.

Typical Dimensions of Tailwhip Scooters

Tailwhip finger scooters come in a range of sizes, but most conform roughly to these measurements:

• Length: 5-7 inches long from end of deck to steer tube.
• Width: 1.5-2.5 inches wide across the deck surface.
• Height: 1-3 inches tall from ground to deck top.
• Wheel size: 1.5-2 inch diameter, and 0.25-0.4 inch width.
• Deck thickness: 0.1 to 0.5 inches thick, with some concave shaping.
• Steer tube: 1-3 inches tall, 0.25 to 0.75 inches diameter.
• Weight: 2-5 ounces total depending on materials.

Many adult riders prefer larger dimensions of 6-7 inch length for better fingertip control. Kids sizes scale down to 4-5 inches long. Width and wheel size also grow with age.

Are Tailwhip Scooters Good for Kids?

Tailwhip scooters can be a fun introduction to fingerboarding for kids, with some considerations:

• Choose wider, shorter decks sized for smaller hands. Look for finger grooves or shaping.
• Pick smooth, flat outdoor surfaces with no traffic or obstacles to learn.
• Start with basic pushing, turning, kicking and jumping before tricking.
• Closely supervise beginners and assist with balancing and speed control.
• Ensure proper protective gear like knee pads, gloves and helmets to prevent serious injuries.
• Opt for softer wheels that grip better and vibrate less until skills improve.
• Add riser pads between the deck and wheels for a more stable, cushioned ride.
• Encourage patience and celebrate small milestones. Learning takes time for little ones.
• Find mini ramps or build your own small wedge ramps to expand skills when ready.

With the right approach, Tailwhip scooters can help kids develop coordination and balance in a fun way. Safety first!

Maintaining Your Tailwhip Scooter

Tailwhip scooters are relatively low maintenance, but require some periodic care for optimum performance:

• Clean the wheels and deck with soap and water to remove dirt, grime and grit that can slow rolling.
• Check axle nuts for tightness so wheels don’t wobble. Tighten gently with a tool.
• Inspect the deck and bars for cracks or damage from heavy impacts.
• Lubricate bearings by dropping a little light oil or spray lubricant into the wheel hub and spinning.
• Wipe down after wet riding and avoid submerging in water that could damage parts.
• Replace worn parts like wheels, grip tape and risers when they lose bounce or effectiveness.
• Store safely when not riding to prevent accidental damage. Hang or lay flat.
• Consider upgrades like new wheels or bearings to refresh performance over time.

With just occasional cleaning, inspection and replacement of consumable parts, a quality Tailwhip scooter can deliver years of fun.

Tailwhip Scooter Costs

Prices for Tailwhip finger scooters can range quite a bit based on materials, brand, and seller:

• Budget models: $10 to $25 on average. Best for younger kids.
• Mid-range scooters: $25 to $50 is common. Good for beginners.
• Pro/stunt scooters: $50 to $120+ for premium sizes and parts.
• Custom builds: $100+ for limited art scooters with upgraded components.

Other factors affecting costs:

• Larger sizes with wider decks and wheels add expense.
• More durable metals, ceramics and PU raise prices.
• Special colors, graphics, or branding adds cost.
• Shipping fees from online sellers.
• Supply and demand can impact pricing over time.

For new riders, starting under $50 is recommended to gauge interest and skills before investing in pricier pro models. Used deals can also provide good value.

Comparing Tailwhip Scooters to Tech Decks

Tech Decks are arguably the most famous fingerboard brand, with some key differences from Tailwhip scooters:

• Tech Decks use a skateboard design with a short plastic deck between two single-axle truck assemblies. Tailwhip scooters have a narrower frame between two wheels.
• Tech Decks focus on flip tricks using the fingerboard itself. Tailwhips emphasize spinning/whipping the whole scooter.
• Tech Decks are geared more towards mimicking street skating. Tailwhips take inspiration from scootering and BMX style stunts.
• Tech Decks are primarily for stationary play, while Tailwhips are rideable using fingers to propel and steer.
• Tech Decks are better for indoor use, as Tailwhip wheels work best rolling smoothly outdoors.

Both provide fun with finger flicking tricks, so preferences come down to riding vs. simulation, and wheeled motion vs. board flicking. Try both to see which play style you enjoy!

Popular Tricks to Try on Tailwhips

Once you’ve dialed in the basics, these crowd-pleasing tricks are some of the best to try on your Tailwhip finger scooter:

• No Footers – Float with both feet off the scooter for a weightless look.
• Suicides – Ride towards a wall and powerslide 180 degrees at the last moment.
• One Footers – Balance riding on just one foot while the other lifts.
• Pogo Hops – Use the flex of the bars for extra-springy hops.
• Jump Spins – Whip the bars and your body 180 or 360 while airborne.
• Backflips – Kick hard and lean back, tucking knees for an inverted flip.
• Primo Slides – Lock the deck 90 degrees and slide on two wheels.
• Handstands – Plant hands on the bars and deck, lifting feet overhead.
• Donetap – Tap the front wheels down while jumping for a stylish move.

Always build skills gradually, and get creative combining different tricks into flowing lines. Safety first!

Competitions for Finger Scooters

Finger scootering as a competitive sport is gaining traction globally, with contests focused on creative freestyle runs and technical tricks. Some major events include:

• World Scooter Championship – Part of the annual FISE festival in France, with pro finger scooter divisions.
• Valais Rip Games (Switzerland) – Features slopestyle, big air and quarterpipe competitions.
• LA Finger Scooter Championship – California contest with pro and amateur brackets.
• Finger Scoot Fest – German event welcoming riders of all ages and abilities.
• Asian X Games – Multisport extreme competition with pro finger scooter demonstrations.
• Netherlands Fingerboard Championship – Dutch event featuring fingerboard and scooter categories.

Top riders can win cash prizes, sponsorship deals, and global recognition at these contests by showcasing their best tricks. Aspiring competitors should start at local jams and build skills towards the pro level.

Assembling Your New Tailwhip Scooter

Getting started on your new Tailwhip only takes a few minutes. Just follow these steps:

1. Unpack all parts – wheels, deck, bars, and hardware. Inspect for any damage.
2. Insert the bars vertically into the mounting hole on the bottom of the deck.
3. Slide a washer onto each wheel axle, followed by the wheel.
4. Insert the axle through the deck and align the wheels. Add another washer.
5. Hand tighten the axle bolt on each wheel to secure them in place.
6. Check that wheels spin freely without wobbling. Adjust tightness if needed.
7. Add any desired grip tape, stickers, or other accessories.
8. Find a clear area and place fingers on the edges of the deck.
9. Push forward and ride! Adjust your finger placement until the scooter feels balanced and controlled.
10. Review safety gear like helmets before attempting any tricks or ramp riding.

Once assembled, just fine-tune your riding position and get rolling! Refer to the brand’s instructions if unsure.

Reviews of Top Tailwhip Scooter Models

Here are what riders are saying about some of the top-rated Tailwhip finger scooters available:

• “Crisp Scooters Evolution Series – Quality pro-level scooter with smooth ceramic bearings and sturdy construction. Ideal for perfecting tailwhips and complex tricks.”
• “Ancheer Finger Scooter – Affordable beginner model with bright colors. Great for kids learning the basics on a budget.”
• “Enkeeo Stunt Scooter – Very popular for intermediate skill building. The lightweight aluminum frame withstands drops and crashes.”
• “Oxelo Scooter Mid – Excellent mid-range choice for teens and adults. Grip tape provides control for street or skatepark tricks.”
• “ScsK8 Dragon – Beautiful handmade maple deck with premium wheels and tuning. Best for display and collecting when not riding.”
• “District FSD5 – Pro finger scooter designed for big airs and technical tricks. Reinforced with 120mm wheels and HIC compression.”

Be sure to consider budget, skill level, and intended use when picking the ideal Tailwhip. Look for solid construction and smooth-rolling wheels as top priorities.

With the thrill of catching big air and the portability to take your tricks anywhere, it’s no wonder Tailwhip finger scooters are taking off. This guide covers everything from nailing your first tailwhips to customizing your own pro-level shred sled. Tailwhips and steeze for days await – get scootin’!