Tilt Mode Army: The Skate Crew That Rewrote the Rules
In the world of skateboarding, few collectives have left a mark quite like Tilt Mode Army. Born not from corporate ambition but from raw friendship and a shared love of skating, Tilt Mode Army emerged in the early 1990s in San Jose, California—a city often overshadowed by its flashier neighbors but rich with underground skate culture.
Tilt Mode Army wasn’t a traditional skateboard company. It was a crew—a tight-knit group of misfits, creatives, and skate rats who turned their local scene into a movement. The founding members included Matt Eversole, Chris Avery, Marc Johnson, and Louie Barletta. These were skaters who didn’t just want to land tricks—they wanted to have fun, be weird, and make skateboarding feel like a party again.
By 2000, the crew released their first video, Tilt Mode!, which showcased their unique approach to skateboarding. It wasn’t just about technical prowess; it was about personality, humor, and camaraderie. Their videos were filled with costumes, pranks, and absurd antics—grown men painted red, mini ramps destroyed with axes, and spontaneous dance-offs. It was skateboarding with a wink and a grin.
Tilt Mode Army became a countercultural force in skateboarding. At a time when the industry was obsessed with bigger stair sets and darker aesthetics, Tilt Mode brought levity and self-deprecating charm. Their second video, Man Down (2001), cemented their reputation as the anti-hero crew—skaters who didn’t take themselves too seriously but still delivered jaw-dropping footage.
They were notable for their inclusivity, their irreverence, and their ability to make skateboarding feel accessible. You didn’t need to be the best skater to be part of Tilt Mode—you just needed to love it and be down to clown.
While Tilt Mode Army wasn’t a sponsor in the traditional sense, many of its members went on to become legends in their own right. Jerry Hsu, Louie Barletta, Caswell Berry, Jose Rojo, and Marc Johnson all had deep ties to the crew and later found success with major brands like Enjoi, Emerica, and Osiris.
Tilt Mode was more of a launchpad than a sponsor. It gave skaters a platform to showcase their style and personality, which often led to bigger opportunities. Their videos were so influential that being featured in one was almost a rite of passage for Northern California skaters.
Though the golden era of Tilt Mode Army may have passed, the spirit lives on. In 2024, they released FhortyS, a new video that brought together original members and fresh faces like Chris Haslam, Chico Brenes, and Daryl Angel. It’s a testament to their enduring legacy and their refusal to fade quietly into skateboarding history.
Today, Tilt Mode Army is less of a brand and more of a mythos. They’re the reason skateboarding got weird again—in the best way possible. Their influence can be seen in the playful edits of modern skate crews, the resurgence of DIY skate videos, and the celebration of personality over perfection.
Tilt Mode Army didn’t just skate—they created a culture. And that culture still echoes through every kickflip, costume, and chaotic clip that dares to be different.
Tilt Mode Army "Man Down" (2001)
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