You’re standing in a shop or scrolling online, overwhelmed by the sheer amount of longboard platform available. There are many skateboard deck reviews available for your perusal, too. Choices are great, but they can also make picking the right platform a daunting task.
That’s why Family Hype is here to help! In this review, we’ll break down the basics like durability, shape, and brand quality. We’ll even dive into how much you should be spending on your platform. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge so that you can serve others in your community by helping them make informed decisions.
Whether you’re buying for yourself or guiding someone else, our comprehensive reviews are designed to cut through the confusion and get straight to what matters: quality and performance, especially for those inspired by legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk. We’ll explore the components of a skate deck, such as the board shape, deck size, deck width, deck concave, deck construction, brand logo, and deck graphics. We’ll also discuss various skateboard deck brands and materials, as well as factors like durability and price.
Key Takeaways
- Skateboard Deck Basics: Understanding the different materials, shape oh the deck, and construction of a skateboard deck is essential for making an informed purchase. You should also consider the design. Some have intricate designs while others just have the brand logo.
- Skateboard Deck Durability: Assess the type of wood used and the manufacturing process to ensure the quality and impact resistance of skateboard decks.
- Skateboard Deck Shapes and Performance: Different shape of the desk, like a popsicle, pintail, cruiser, old school, and street decks, have varying impacts on maneuverability and stability, offering skateboard decks for different preferences.
- Skateboard Deck Brand Reviews: Some popular brands that make skateboard decks like Element, Enjoi, Plan B, and Baker (availability at Stoked Ride Shop) offer unique features and cater to different pro board levels, taking into account other factors.
- Skateboard Deck Price vs. Quality: Finding the right balance between cost and performance is important, ensuring skateboard decks can pop longer. Consider the components like a deck, trucks, skateboard wheels, and bearings when evaluating the price.
- Tips for Informed Purchase: Research thoroughly, consider materials, deck size, skateboard wheels, and design preferences, and check reviews and warranty information before buying skateboard decks.
- Skateboard Deck Value: A great board is about the value it offers in terms of quality and performance, not just the price tag.
When selecting your favorite deck, it’s essential to consider how different materials, construction techniques, and maintenance practices can influence your deck’s durability. By gaining knowledge about various deck materials and their effects on performance, you can make a well-informed choice, ensuring you enjoy a safe and satisfying ride with options from Stoked Ride Shop and other stores.
Basics
Before you get into the specifics of skateboarding and perform your flip tricks, it’s important to have a firm grasp of skateboard deck basics, as they are the real building blocks of your ride. To help you get the best possible experience, it’s essential to understand the different deck materials and how they affect performance. Reading about proper skateboard maintenance is equally beneficial to keep your board safe and ensure a durable deck.
For better-informed decisions when selecting your new board, let’s look at the durability of skateboard decks. Skateboard decks can be broken into a few primary categories: wood, plastic, and composite. Reading reviews and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each material will help you choose the right skateboard deck to add to cart. You should also find a brand that offers good post-sale customer service. These tips will help you shop for new items to bring your skate game to the next level.
A new deck is often made from seven-ply maple, which offers a sturdy ride but can be prone to warping in extreme weather conditions. It’s usually decorated with the brand logo. Plastic decks are lightweight and usually come in a single-piece design, but they can lack the strength and stability of other decks. Composite types are a combination of wood and plastic and offer the stability of wood with the lightness of plastic. They are also usually a lot more resistant to warping.
Evaluating Durability
Durability is a critical aspect of Different deck shapes, influencing safety, performance, and cost-efficiency. A durable deck ensures a longer lifespan, consistent performance, and a reduced risk of accidents, especially when riding at high speeds. It allows riders to focus on improving their skills with confidence while contributing to a more sustainable skateboarding culture by reducing environmental impact.
When examining skateboard durability, it’s essential to assess the type of wood used and the entire manufacturing process. Here at FamilyHype, we extensively analyze the quality of the wood, such as whether it’s hardwood or softwood, and its impact resistance to ensure we curate the best boards that meet our readers’ park skating needs, including those available at Stoked Ride Shop.
Now, let’s dive into the influence of the deck shape on performance.
Shapes
When it comes to the best skateboard decks, it’s essential to choose the right board that matches your style and needs. Here at FamilyHype, we understand that the shape of your board can have a huge impact on your performance, in addition to the materials and skating style you choose.
A concave or flat shape, for instance, can greatly affect your maneuverability and stability. Some riders prefer a steeper concave on both the nose and tail for performing specific flat ground tricks, especially when using Powell Peralta Flight decks known for their classic oval shape. To help you make an informed decision about different deck companies and their impact on performance, we have broken down the different shapes of the deck offered by Stoked Ride Shop and other stores.
Types of decks include popsicle, pintail, cruiser, old school, and round-nosem and classic oval street decks. Popsicle decks are typically wider and usually have a concave shape, which gives you enhanced control while riding. Pintail types are more narrow and have a pointed nose and tail, making them great for fast and smooth turns.
Cruiser decks are smaller than regular boards and are ideal for shorter rides, making them suitable for cruising around and even park skating bowls due to their maneuverability, perfect for trying out some simple tricks. Old school decks have a wider nose and tail than regular skateboards, making them great for performing tricks. Finally, street decks are shorter boards with a symmetrical shape, perfect for navigating tight spaces, especially in street skating.
Brand And Model Opinions
Let’s dive right in and scrutinize some of the top and best selling skateboard deck brands and models that have made waves in the skateboarding world. At FamilyHype, we want to make sure you have all the information you need to make the right purchase, so let’s take a closer look at some of the best brands and models out there, including Santa Cruz, Element, and more.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, with its classic brand logo, is a renowned skateboard company that’s been around for a long time. Santa Cruz offers a wide range of high-quality decks. Decks from Santa Cruz are suitable for both beginners and professional skateboarders.
- Element Skateboards: Known for its environmentally friendly deck aesthetics, this brand is a favorite among those who care about sustainability. Element also offers shoes, apparel, and other skate accessories.
- Enjoi Skateboards: Great for beginners, focusing on rider compatibility and providing entry-level first deck with excellent control.
- Plan B Skateboards: The Plan B team offers a variety of designs to suit all tastes, with a strong emphasis on quality.
- Baker Skateboards: A favorite among pros for its unrivaled durability and performance, this brand is a top choice for experienced skateboarders.
- Zero Skateboards: Known for its mellow concave and durable construction, Zero Skateboards is a popular choice among skateboard enthusiasts.
- Girl Skateboards: This brand is beloved for its medium concave and unique deck graphics, making it a preferred choice among many skaters.
To help you choose the right board without breaking the bank, we’ll next explore how these factors influence a board’s cost without compromising quality, providing valuable insights for those looking to go to affordable yet high-quality options. By taking into account the type of skateboard, its size, and construction materials, you’ll be able to find the perfect board that meets your needs and budget, incluiding best selling options.
Manufacturing High-Quality Products
Deck construction, especially for a normal deck, is often centered around the use of a 7-ply maple deck, a preferred material by renowned brands like Santa Cruz, Baker, and Girl Skateboards. The 7-ply maple composition ensures a strong and resilient deck, providing riders with a reliable platform for their riding adventures.
Moreover, some brands are pushing the boundaries with innovative materials like different brands of fiber. Carbon fiber decks offer exceptional strength and durability, making them a preferred choice for advanced riders seeking top-tier performance. The use of carbon fiber can provide a lighter yet incredibly sturdy deck, allowing for increased pop, responsiveness, and longevity.
Skateboard companies like Element and Enjoi also prioritize sustainability in their manufacturing processes, using eco-friendly materials without compromising quality, ensuring they continue to lead in innovation. Some also hold seasonal sales and free shipping promos so you don’t have to pay full price.
Finding Best For You
When it comes to selecting your skateboard, the emphasis on high-quality construction cannot be overstated. With so many options available, finding the best skateboard deck can be a personal journey. Consider your skill level, preferred riding style, and brand preferences when making your choice. A blank deck might be ideal for customizing your graphics, while professionally designed options from Santa Cruz or Baker can easily offer the performance you seek.
Keep in mind factors like grip tape. The grip tape ensures a secure footing on your skateboard. Razor tail prevention and the number of plies in the deck’s construction are also worth considering to ensure your board meets your expectations. Understanding the various deck types, brands, and materials allows you to make an informed choice when selecting your shape of the deck, such a classic oval deck, whether you’re a fan of Real Skateboards or other brands, ensuring it aligns perfectly with your skills and riding preferences.
Price Vs. Quality
Finding the perfect balance between cost and performance in your next skateboard purchase makes sense be a tricky endeavor, but it’s not impossible, ensuring you get a board with good pop. The skateboard deck, trucks, skateboard wheels, and bearings all greatly affect the more affordable price and quality of skateboards, with Thunder trucks being a popular choice known for their durability and performance, so we recommend considering these components when making a purchase.
Also, remember that a well-crafted deck may have a higher resale value later on. In our next section, we’ll share some key insights to help you make an informed decision and get the best value for your skateboard purchase.
Tips For Purchase
Navigating the waters of making an informed purchase for deck customization and buying online can be daunting, but FamilyHype is here to provide you with some essential tips. After all, a skateboard is an investment, so it’s important to understand your needs, do thorough research, and choose a trusted seller who values the same quality. Take advantage of free shipping promos and other offers.
When making a purchase, it’s important to consider the fundamentals of skateboards: materials, size, and design. Consider what type of materials you prefer, such as maple, bamboo, or plastic. Size is also important, as the width of a board can affect its maneuverability and stability. Finally, think about design; you may want to choose a board that has a unique graphic or color scheme that you like.
Beyond these key aspects, don’t forget to look into reviews, warranty information, sales, free shipping promotions, and customer service options. Ultimately, you want to make sure that you’re making the most informed classic oval purchase possible, whether you’re considering products from Stoked Ride Shop or other retailers.
Conclusion
We’ve delved deep into skateboard deck basics, durability, shapes, and their role in performance. We’ve also reviewed various skateboard deck brands and models and analyzed the price-quality relationship. Now, you’re equipped with the knowledge to make an informed purchase.
Whether you’re an experienced skater or a beginner, remember that the best skateboard deck brands, especially a particular deck, aren’t always about the price tag but the value it offers, especially in the world of street skateboarding where having fun is a crucial aspect of the experience. Also, choosing the right board for you is important, especially when comparing it to other boards for both your safety and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Fly With A Skateboard Deck?
Yes, you can fly with the best skateboard deck. However, it’s essential to check with the specific airline’s policies regarding its transportation. It’s often recommended to carry the deck as a carry-on item, and it’s a good idea to remove the trucks and skateboard wheels and pack them separately to prevent any damage.
What Is The Purpose Of Flight Decks?
The flight deck is a type of skateboard deck constructed using epoxy-infused fiber composite technology. Its primary purpose is to offer superior durability and resistance to snapping or breaking. This makes it popular among skaters who want a longer-lasting and reliable deck for their riding sessions.
How Do I Choose A Good Deck?
Choosing the best skateboard deck involves considering factors like the deck’s size, shape, and construction material, and it’s essential to select a deck that suits your style and preferences, with options available in different sizes to accommodate various preferences. If you prefer street skating and flip tricks, you might lean towards smaller and lighter decks. On the other hand, if you’re into park skating or prefer stability, larger decks may be more suitable. The best skateboard deck brands can offer a wide selection of high-quality decks.
Is There A Difference Between Decks?
Yes, there can be significant differences between skateboard decks. Factors such as size, shape of the deck, concave, brand logo, and construction material can vary across the best skateboard deck brands and models. These differences can influence the performance and feel of the skateboard, catering to various skateboarding styles and skill levels.
Do Flight Decks Last Longer?
Flight decks, which are constructed using special epoxy-infused technology, are known for their stronger deck and reinforced decks with longer-lasting performance compared to traditional skateboard decks. The epoxy and fiber composite construction make them highly resistant to breaking and snapping, making them a popular choice for skaters who want a longer-lasting board.
Are Flight Decks Lighter?
Yes, flight decks are generally lighter than traditional ones. The use of lightweight materials, such as epoxy and fiber composites, contributes to their reduced weight without compromising strength.
Should I Get An 8.5 Or 8.25 Model?
Choosing between an 8.5 and 8.25 skateboard deck depends on personal preference and park skating style. An 8.5 deck provides a wider platform, offering more stability, which is ideal for park skating and transition skating. On the other hand, an 8.25 deck is slightly narrower, making it more maneuverable and well-suited for street skating and flip tricks.
What’s The Difference Between Cheap And Expensive Models?
The difference between cheap and expensive skate decks lies in the quality of materials used, the price point, and the construction methods. Expensive types are often made from higher-grade maple wood and may incorporate innovative technologies, like epoxy-infused flight decks, for enhanced durability and performance. In contrast, cheaper options may use lower-quality materials and may not be as durable or offer the same level of performance.
How Many Ply Should It Be?
Best skateboard decks are typically made with 7-ply construction. This means they consist of seven layers of real maple wood pressed together, providing a balance of strength, length, flexibility, and weight.
Is There A Difference Between Brands?
Yes, there can be significant differences between skateboard brands like Santa Cruz, Element, and more. Each brand may have unique skateboard deck construction, grip tape, shapes, and designs. Some of the best skateboard deck brands are known for producing high-quality decks that cater to specific skateboarding styles, while others may offer more affordable or blank deck options for customization.
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