Skateboard decks, the heart of your setup, come in countless variations. Throughout my years of skating, I’ve probably broken around 150 decks. Some lasted for months, even a year, while others cracked within a single session. This experience has taught me that there isn’t a single “best” skateboard deck; it’s all about individual preference and riding style. The ideal deck for you should match your size, shape preference, wheelbase needs, desired concave, and preferred brand.
What Makes a Good Skateboard Deck?
While personal preference is paramount, some factors contribute to a good skateboard deck. The quality of the wood is crucial, with hard rock maple being the standard for its durability and pop. Here are key factors to consider:
- 7-Ply Hard Rock Maple: Opt for a deck made with 7 plies of hard rock maple and high-quality epoxy resin for the best combination of strength and responsiveness.
- Reputable Wood Shop: Decks from well-known wood shops like PS Stix, BBS, or Watson are generally considered higher quality.
- Avoid Unknown Brands and Birch: Steer clear of unknown brands and decks made from birch, as they tend to lack the pop and durability of maple.
- Wheelbase: A shorter wheelbase will make your board more responsive, while a longer wheelbase provides more stability.
- Concave: The concave, or the curve of the deck, affects how the board feels and performs. Choose a concave that suits your riding style (we will delve deeper into this later).
- Graphics: While not performance related, a cool graphic can definitely add to your stoke.
Popular Skateboard Deck Brands
There isn’t a “best” brand that stands head and shoulders above the rest. Many brands produce high-quality decks, so it really comes down to personal taste. Some brands, like Powell Peralta and Santa Cruz, use birch wood in their complete setups to reduce costs. While some brands may have reputations for specific qualities, even the best-known ones offer a range of quality levels. For example, Element has been known to offer some decks that snap more easily, while brands like Baker can charge higher prices without necessarily providing a superior board. Many top brands get their decks manufactured by reputable wood shops like PS Stix. Ultimately, choosing a brand is about finding one that resonates with you.
Skateboard Deck Costs
Skateboard deck prices can vary quite a bit, ranging from around $20 to $120. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at different price points:
- Blank Decks ($20 – $50): These are often generic or off-brand decks, great for beginners or casual skaters but they may be less durable. The low price is due to the lack of graphics or branding.
- Shop Boards ($30 – $60): Local skate shops often offer their own line of decks at more affordable prices. Purchasing these supports local businesses.
- Mid-Range Decks ($50 – $80): Many well-known brands fall into this range. These decks offer a good balance of quality and affordability for the average skater.
- High-End Decks ($80 – $120+): Premium skateboard brands with advanced tech, limited edition graphics, and collaborations are in this category, offering top-tier performance and sometimes increased durability.
Choosing the Right Deck Size
different skateboard shapes and sizes
The width of your skateboard deck is usually the first thing to consider when purchasing one. The ideal width depends on your age, gender, and preferred style of skating. Here are some general guidelines:
| Height | Recommended Street Deck Size | Recommended Transition Deck Size |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 3.6ft (110cm) | 6.5” – 7” | 7.5” and under |
| 3.6ft-4.2ft (110cm-130cm) | 7” – 7.2” | 7.75” – 8.1” |
| 4.2ft-5.2ft (130cm-160cm) | 7.3” – 7.75” | 8.2” – 8.5” |
| 5.2ft (160cm) or taller | 7.8” to 8.5” | 8.5” and higher |
These are merely suggestions, and finding the right size comes down to personal preference. Feel free to experiment with various widths to find what suits you best. While skateboard length is rarely discussed, most street decks fall within 28″ to 32″. The variation comes from the steepness of the nose and tail. When discussing skateboard size, we refer to the width, not the length. If you are measuring the length of your deck, make sure you put the ruler on the top of the nose and tail, pressing it against the grip tape.
Deck Size and Truck Size
The width of your trucks should be compatible with the width of your deck. While they don’t need to line up exactly, you should generally avoid pairing extremely wide trucks with a narrow deck if you plan to do technical tricks. Here’s a general skateboard truck size chart:
| Deck Width (Inches) | <7.5″ | 7.5″ – 7.99″ | 8.0″ – 8.49″ | 8.5″ – 8.99″ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independent | 109 | 129 | 139, 144 | 149, 159 |
| Thunder | 143 | 145 | 147, 148 | 149, 151 |
| Tensor | – | 5.0 | 5.35, 5.5 | 5.75 |
| Venture | – | 5.0 | 5.2 | 5.8 |
Wheelbase
The wheelbase, the distance between the front and back trucks, also influences the way your board handles. Shorter wheelbases make a board more responsive, ideal for ledges and manual pads. Longer wheelbases are generally preferred for stability when jumping gaps or grinding rails. A longer wheelbase provides more turning responsiveness, but not as sharp of a turn as a short wheelbase. It may also be harder to balance manuals with a wide wheelbase but offers stability for landings. Keep in mind that different truck brands also affect the wheelbase. Thunder trucks provide a wider wheelbase, while Independent and Royal trucks create a shorter wheelbase due to the truck hanger’s angle.
Concave
The concave of a skateboard deck refers to the sideways curve. It significantly affects the board’s feel and performance. There are three primary types of concave: low, medium, and high. Here’s a breakdown:
- Low Concave: Ideal for transition skating, providing a stable board feel.
- Medium Concave: A good all-around option for street and transition, balancing stability and flickability.
- High Concave: Best for technical flatground tricks, making flip tricks easier.
Avoid extreme concaves when learning to skate. Flat or super-high concave boards are not very versatile, making it harder to learn. The best way to determine the concave of a deck is to hold it in the middle and view the grip side from tail to nose. You can see the curvature of the edges and try stepping on the board to see how it feels.
Skateboard Deck Recommendations
Skateboard decks on a table
Instead of giving a list of specific decks, let’s look at different styles, brands, and decks with specific characteristics. Then I’ll ask you to visit your local skate shop to buy a deck, so here are some things you should consider:
Durable Skateboard Decks
Santa Cruz VX skateboard deck
If you’re breaking boards often, consider these brands offering more durable options:
- Santa Cruz VX
- Powell Peralta Flight Deck
- Almost Impact Decks
- Real R1
- Lithe Slate 3 and Nex
The Almost Impact decks are a great option for durability and keep their pop for a long time, with the carbon fiber being more subtle than in the VX and Flight decks, not affecting pop much.
Almost impact skateboard deck
While the VX and Flight decks are durable, their carbon fiber layers can cause skin irritation, and they may not pop as much. Over time, these decks can develop tears and cracks, which affects responsiveness. As for Lithe, their decks don’t chip or get razor tail, the Nex is a good, although heavier deck, while the Slate 3 is expensive for most skaters. If you want an affordable deck that has good pop and lasts longer, check out Almost Impact decks.
powell peralta flight deck
Cheap Skateboard Decks
If you’re on a budget, consider these brands for affordable decks that don’t sacrifice too much quality:
- CCS
- Mini Logo
- Bamboo Skateboard Decks
CCS complete skateboard
CCS offers affordable and durable decks with a decent shape for beginners. Mini Logo, a Powell-Peralta sub-brand, offers cheap blank decks that are comparable to CCS. Bamboo decks, while not preferred by everyone, offer a different feel but are durable and affordable, having a “thud” instead of a crispy pop.
Skateboard Decks for Street Skating
Street skaters usually go for decks from almost any brand, with sizes between 8.0″ and 8.25″ and medium to high concave. Some skaters choose a shorter wheelbase for better responsiveness and higher concave to facilitate flip tricks. Choose a brand with a pro team you like. Visit your local skate shop to stand on a board and feel the concave.
street skateboard setup
Skateboard Decks for Transition Skating
Transition skaters often use wider decks for increased stability, usually above 8.25″ with a lower concave, providing a better board feel and stability, making it great for gaps and impact. However, they require a harder flick to do flip tricks. Wider decks (8.5″ and up) are preferred for bowls and mini ramps.
All-Around Skateboard Decks
If you do a bit of everything, a medium concave deck is a good choice. It is a compromise between street and transition without committing to a specific one.
Skateboard Decks for Flatground Tricks
Tech skaters usually use steep concave decks for easier flip tricks. However, they might be less comfortable for cruising and make you more injury-prone. A flatter deck offers a more stable surface for landing.
Decks for Heavy Riders
Start by picking a regular deck for your size, perhaps a bit wider. If it breaks quickly, switch to reinforced decks like the Flight, Impact, VX or R1 decks.
Lithe Slate 3 skateboard deck
Reinforced decks, bamboo, or 8-ply decks will extend the lifespan of your skateboard. It’s not only the deck that makes a difference, so consider other components of your setup too.
Decks for Large Feet
Go for larger boards. Visit your local skate shop and try different sizes. The majority of your sole should cover the deck; if that’s not the case, go wider. If you still want to do flip tricks, choose a high concave deck.
Graphics
Graphics can be a huge motivator for many skaters. Having a design that you enjoy will definitely impact your self-confidence while skating. For other skaters, the perfect size, shape, and concave combination are more important, yet, a cool graphic is always a nice bonus.
Old school skateboard decks
Warranty
Did you know some decks come with a warranty? Almost’s reinforced decks come with a 30 to 45-day warranty, depending on the model. All Real Skateboard decks are guaranteed against manufacturer defects. If you experience a defect that causes early damage or breakage you can send it back for a replacement. Even if the deck doesn’t mention a warranty, it never hurts to ask the shop you got it from.
Supporting Your Favorite Skateboard Brands
Skaters often support brands they love and trust. They choose brands based on previous experience. If you want to try a new brand without taking a risk, select decks from different brands that have the same shape because they come from the same wood shop.
Skateboard Deck Manufacturers Overview 2023
Here’s an overview of brands and their manufacturers, though some switch frequently:
| Manufacturer | Skateboard Brands |
|---|---|
| Pennswood | American Nomad, Buzzbomb, Clubhouse, Cockfight, Junkadelic, Lost Soul, Lotus Skateboards, Lovenskate, Mortuary Skateboards |
| PS Stix | 917* -2020, Brand-X, Circle – A, Disorder, Dogtown, Element* (EU), Lifeblood, Meow, New Deal, Strangelove |
| Woodchuck | BLVD, Death, Losers ATX, Finesse |
| Watson | Alva (specials), Black Label (specials), Blockhead, Dogtown* (specials), G&S (specials), Imperfects |
| BBS | Alien Workshop, Almost, Antihero, Baker, Birdhouse, Blind, Chocolate, Creature, Darkstar, Deathwish, Element, Enjoi, Girl, Zero, Welcome, Powell Peralta |
| Clutch | [Brands associated with Clutch] |
| Dwindle | Almost, Blind, Darkstar, Dusters, Enjoi, Madness, Santa Cruz, Superior, Tensor, Zero |
| South Central | 5boro, Bacon, Heritage, |
Source: https://www.slapmagazine.com/index.php?topic=120409.0
Final Thoughts
Before riding, always check for wood knots or other defects. If your deck seems damaged, return it to the store. If you’re a beginner, don’t worry too much about choosing your first deck. You will probably experiment with several until you find what you prefer. If you’re experienced, stay open to trying new things. Carbon decks are the answer if you keep snapping boards, while old-school decks might bring new vibes for riding pools. Ultimately, finding your perfect skateboard deck is a personal journey and requires understanding your needs and trying out different options.
Ruben vee
Ruben Vee
I’m an aged skateboarder and still shred responsibly. Started skateboarding 25 years ago, peaked in the 2000’s, and still ride to this day. I am a total geek when it comes to skateboard gear, love test to stuff and share my findings.
