The Santa Cruz Shark Flame Dot mini-cruiser is a head-turner, and after putting it to the test, I can confidently say it’s more than just a pretty face. As my 13th mini-cruiser, I’ve developed a keen eye for what makes a great board, and this one definitely stands out. While it’s not perfect for everyone, its unique characteristics and design make it a compelling option for those seeking a carvy and stylish ride.
Santa Cruz Shark: Initial Impressions
Santa Cruz Mini Cruiser in the grassUnboxing the Santa Cruz Shark was an exciting experience. The vibrant red color and sprayed-on grip immediately caught my attention. It’s clear that NHS/Santa Cruz knows how to create visually appealing products. Despite my initial skepticism about the performance of some cruisers, this board looked promising. Santa Cruz is a massive name in skateboarding, and they’ve earned their reputation for good reason. While some of their cruisers have been a hit or miss, this one was different from a cheaper Santa Cruz cruiser I recently tried, which was underwhelming.
The board’s classic shape, reminiscent of SoCal surf culture, features a twin tail and a subtle camber. This, combined with wedged risers and wide wheels, suggests a comfortable and carvy ride. The trucks were surprisingly loose right out of the box, adding to the anticipation of testing it out. The width of the deck, especially around the foot placement areas, also stood out, indicating a stable ride despite the board’s small size.
Riding the Santa Cruz Shark
Stepping onto the board, the loose trucks were immediately apparent. This might be challenging for beginners, but it’s easily adjusted by tightening the kingpin nut. I decided to ride it as intended, straight out of the box. After a few hours, the bushings started to work perfectly, and that’s when you might want to adjust them to your personal preference. I tightened mine a bit after gaining a little weight during the lockdown.
santa cruz flame dot cruiser skateboard trucks
Despite my usual preference for larger boards, the width of this mini-cruiser surprised me. At US size 9.5 (EU 43), I found it surprisingly comfortable and stable. Compared to the Arbor Pocket Rocket, which doesn’t turn as well, the Santa Cruz Shark is incredibly carvy. This is due to the angled riser pads that greatly contribute to its responsiveness. You can even pump this board, allowing for smooth transitions and fun maneuvers. However, be aware that at higher speeds, you may encounter some speed wobbles. So, it is not advisable to use this board for downhill riding.
If you’re searching for a carvy mini-cruiser, the Santa Cruz Shark is an excellent option. It provides a smooth and enjoyable ride without breaking the bank.
Here’s a quick summary:
- Extremely carvy, thanks to the angled riser pads.
- No wheel bite, even at its maximum turning capabilities.
- Fast acceleration and maintains speed well.
- Plenty of foot placement space.
- Very loose trucks which may require some getting used to for beginners.
What Could Be Better
The bearings are definitely a letdown. Like many standard cruisers from popular brands, Santa Cruz cut corners here. After replacing them, the difference in performance was significant. It’s an easy upgrade that is definitely worth doing.
Also, this is not a board for beginners as the small size and responsive nature can be challenging for those new to skateboarding. Additionally, this isn’t ideal for long-distance rides. While it’s easy to carry around and convenient to use on a bus or strap onto a backpack, it will give you a pretty decent workout if you try to ride it for an extended period of time.
The Good Stuff
The absence of wheel wells and wheel bite is a huge plus. Most mini-cruisers are prone to wheel bite if pushed to their carving limits, but the Santa Cruz Shark doesn’t suffer from this issue.
santa cruz shark top view
NHS clearly considered the risers, and they work exceptionally well. It’s nearly impossible to experience wheel bite, even when attempting aggressive turns. The board’s high clearance can make it feel twitchy, but the wide deck more than compensates for this, providing a stable ride. Overall, I recommend this board to those who appreciate a small and nimble cruiser. It offers great value, especially when compared to other quality cruisers on the market, such as the Land Shark cruiser.
Santa Cruz cruiser skateboard
Comparing it to Other Mini Cruisers
santa cruz shark front truckThe Santa Cruz Shark certainly stands out from other mini cruisers. Its surprising width for its length is definitely noticeable, which is something I appreciate as someone who doesn’t enjoy riding narrow boards. The combination of a small size and wide deck makes it perfect for carrying around and easy to use. While it’s close to being perfect, the tail is fragile so hopping curbs should be avoided. This board is designed for cruising and enjoying the ride without doing anything too intense. The tail will likely chip sooner rather than later, and it’s best to avoid any unnecessary damage.
4 skateboard mini cruisers in a row
The Attention to Detail is Amazing
The Santa Cruz Shark is truly a beautiful board. The design is visually appealing, and you have to experience it in person to fully appreciate it. While photos and videos can help, there’s nothing quite like seeing it firsthand.
Santa Cruz Cruiser top view
In bright daylight, the cracked pattern becomes visible from certain angles and the spray grip tape glimmers. This makes it a board that not only performs well but also turns heads. The product designers did a fantastic job creating such a visually stunning piece.
santa cruz flame dot cruiser skateboard deck
santa cruz shark cruiser close up top
However, the bottom graphic is a different story. Personally, I’m not a fan of the design, but it’s a matter of personal taste.
Santa Cruz Shark Cruiser Bottom
The color choices are great. The matching wheels, the striking top graphic, the black trucks with yellow bushings, and the okay bottom graphics make this a board that you can’t help but want to ride.
Conclusion
The Santa Cruz Shark is both stylish and functional. It’s a great board for experienced riders who enjoy small cruisers. The soft wheels and the carvyness provide a smooth and enjoyable ride. It’s also a great option for kids, though taller and heavier riders should probably consider other boards.
If you are looking for a smooth, short ride and like to be seen, then this is a great pick. It’s perfect for cruising the boulevard, enjoying the scenery, and grabbing a coffee. Nimble, small, smooth, and stylish, it’s a solid choice overall. While it’s not my personal favorite type of board, it’s better than the Arbor Pocket Rocket. This board provides excellent value for its price. I’ve tested quite a few cruisers, and you can find more of my recommendations on our top cruiser skateboards list.
By: Ruben Vee
