We’ve all been there. You’re standing in a skate shop or scrolling online, overwhelmed by the sheer amount of skateboard decks available. There are many reviews available for your perusal, too.
Choices are great, but they can also make picking the right deck a daunting task. That’s why Family Hype is here to help!
In this article, we’ll break down the basics of best skateboard decks and review factors like durability, shape, and brand quality. We’ll even dive into how much you should be spending on your deck. 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, and deck graphics. We’ll also discuss various brands and materials, as well as factors like durability and price.
Key Takeaways
- Skateboard Deck Basics: Understanding the different materials, shapes, and construction of skateboard deck is essential for making an informed purchase.
- Deck Durability: Assess the type of wood used and the manufacturing process to ensure the deck’s quality and impact resistance.
- Deck Shapes and Performance: Different deck shapes, like a popsicle, pintail, cruiser, old school, and street decks, have varying impacts on maneuverability and stability, offering options for different shapes.
- Brand and Model Reviews: Some popular brands like Element, Enjoi, Plan B, and Baker offer unique features and cater to different pro board levels, taking into account other factors.
- Price vs. Quality: Finding the right balance between cost and performance is important, ensuring your board can pop longer. Consider the components like a deck, trucks, wheels, and bearings when evaluating the price.
- Tips for Informed Purchase: Research thoroughly, consider materials, deck size, and design preferences, and check reviews and warranty information before buying a skateboard.
- Value over Price Tag: 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 that you enjoy a safe and satisfying ride.
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 reviews on 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. Skate 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 deck for your skateboarding needs.
A new deck, wood deck, is often made from Seven-ply maple, which offers a sturdy ride but can be prone to warping in extreme weather conditions.
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 more resistant to warping.
Evaluating Deck 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’ needs.
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, with some preferring a steeper concave on the nose and tail for specific simple flat ground tricks, especially when riding Powell Peralta Flight decks known for their innovative technology. To help you make an informed decision about different deck companies and their impact on performance, we have broken down the different deck shapes.
Types of decks include popsicle, pintail, cruiser, old school, and round nose 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 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.
Skateboard Brand And Model Opinions
Let’s dive right in and scrutinize some of the top 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.
Element Skateboards: Known for its environmentally friendly deck aesthetics, this brand is a favorite among those who care about sustainability.
Enjoi Skateboards: Great for beginners, focusing on rider compatibility and providing entry-level first deck with excellent control.
Plan B Skateboards: This brand 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.
Santa Cruz:
A renowned skateboard company that offers a wide range of high-quality decks suitable for both beginners and professional 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.
Manufacturing High-Quality Skateboard Decks
Deck construction, especially for a normal deck, is often centered around the use of 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 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 in the it’s lifespan.
Skateboard companies such as Element and Enjoi also prioritize sustainability in their manufacturing process, using eco-friendly materials without compromising on quality.
Finding The Best Skateboard Deck
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 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 skateboard 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, 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.
Skateboard Deck
Tips For Skateboard 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 same size quality.
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, and customer service options. Ultimately, you want to make sure that you’re making the most informed purchase possible.
Conclusion
We’ve delved deep into skateboard deck basics, durability, shapes, and their role in performance. We’ve also reviewed various brands/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, isn’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):
How Do I Choose A Good Skateboard Deck?
Choosing a good 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. Quality brands can offer a wide selection of high-quality decks.
Is There A Difference Between Skateboard Decks?
Yes, there can be significant differences between skateboard decks. Factors such as size, shape, concave, and construction material can vary across different 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 Skateboard Decks Last Longer?
Flight decks, which are constructed using special epoxy-infused technology, are known for their stronger deck and reinforced decks 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 Skateboard 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 skateboarding 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 and construction. 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 maple wood pressed together, providing a balance of strength, flexibility, and weight.
Is There A Difference Between Skateboard Brands?
Yes, there can be significant differences between skateboard brands. Each brand may have unique skateboard deck construction, grip tape, shapes, and designs. Some 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.
Can I Fly With A Skateboard Deck?
Yes, you can fly with a 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 wheels and pack them separately to prevent any damage.
What Is The Purpose Of The Flight Deck?
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.
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