Skateboard decks endure a lot of abuse, from hard landings to grinding on rough surfaces. If you’re tired of constantly replacing broken decks, you might be wondering what the strongest skateboard deck is. The Lithe Slate 3, with its unique carbon fiber and maple construction, stands out as an exceptionally durable option. However, there are other contenders worth considering, each employing different technologies to enhance strength and longevity. Let’s delve into the world of durable skateboard decks and explore the factors that contribute to their resilience.
Top Skateboard Decks Known for Durability
Several skateboard decks are known for their enhanced durability, utilizing various materials and construction techniques. While the Lithe Slate 3 is often cited as the strongest, other options offer a balance between durability and performance. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most durable skateboard decks on the market:
Lithe Slate 3 and Nex Decks
Lithe Slate 3 skateboard deck
Lithe Skateboards’ Slate 3 deck is a standout in the durability category. Featuring a unique construction that combines two layers of carbon fiber with maple wood, the Slate 3 boasts exceptional strength. Lithe claims these decks can last up to eight times longer than traditional 7-ply wood decks, with the tail lasting up to 15 times longer. The nose and tail are reinforced with a hybrid polymer, effectively eliminating razor tails, chips, and splinters. The sidewalls are also partially covered with this polymer for added protection against damage. Additionally, the carbon fiber inlay on top of the deck makes it virtually unbreakable. Graphics are embedded using a specialized fusion printer, ensuring they last longer than on regular decks. Lithe offers the Slate 3 in street variants (32″ length, 7.75″ to 8.5″ width) and vert/bowl/mini ramp sizes (32.63″ length, 8.25″ to 9.0″ width).
Lithe Nex Skateboard deck
The Lithe Nex, another model from Lithe Skateboards, shares similar durability-focused construction principles with the Slate 3, though often at a slightly more accessible price point. While it may not boast the exact same level of reinforcement as the Slate 3, the Nex still incorporates advanced materials and design elements to resist wear and tear, making it a good option for skaters seeking a long-lasting deck without breaking the bank.
Powell Peralta Flight Deck
powell peralta flight deck construction in different angles
The Powell Peralta Flight Deck is another strong contender known for its durability and lightweight construction. It’s made with five layers of maple wood combined with 19oz triaxial fiberglass layers and black epoxy, resulting in a deck that’s both durable and responsive. While Powell Peralta claims the Flight Deck lasts up to five times longer than regular decks, some skaters haven’t experienced the same level of longevity. The fiberglass composite does make the deck highly resistant to snapping, but it can also cause splinters as it wears, leading to potential skin irritation. Despite this, the Flight Deck offers a unique flex and a very poppy feel.
broken powell peralta flight deck
Santa Cruz VX Deck
Santa Cruz VX skateboard deck
Santa Cruz introduced the VX deck in 2019, which utilizes their patented Quad X technology, combining five plies of maple with two reinforced carbon plies. While Santa Cruz’s initial claim of the VX being 10 times more impact-resistant than standard 7-ply decks might be an exaggeration, it undeniably lasts longer. The Santa Cruz VX is comparable in durability to the Powell Peralta Flight Deck, but its shape is better suited to technical street skating. It offers a more pronounced concave, enhancing performance for flip tricks. The VX is often a more affordable alternative to the Flight Deck.
Dwindle Impact Series: Impact, Impact Light, and Impact Plus
Almost impact skateboard deck
Dwindle’s Impact series, including the Impact, Impact Light, and Impact Plus decks, are well-regarded for their durability and pop. These decks incorporate carbon fiber discs near the baseplate, which absorb impact and protect the wood. The regular Impact deck features 8-ply North American maple wood with two carbon fiber laminate discs at the truck mounts. The Impact Light version utilizes 7-plies of Canadian maple with a die-cut carbon fiber laminate inlay on top, making it the lightest in the series. The Impact Plus combines 8-ply maple with the two bottom carbon discs and a top die-cut carbon fiber laminate inlay, offering the most robust construction. The Impact series is a great choice for skaters who tend to break decks frequently.
Capsule Skateboards
Capsule Skateboard Deck
Capsule Skateboards offers a truly unique approach to durability with their almost indestructible decks made of plastic materials. While their initial versions were heavier and had a less responsive pop, they’ve updated their design for improved performance. Capsule’s decks are incredibly resistant to breaking, with the ability to withstand direct slams without damage. The new models are lighter and feature an improved shape, although they still may feel slightly different from traditional maple decks. Despite the difference in feel, Capsule decks are an excellent option for skaters seeking maximum durability.
Capsule Skateboard shape
Lib Tech Skateboard Decks
Lib Tech, known for their snowboarding equipment, also produces highly durable skateboard decks using a mix of carbon fiber, fiberglass, and laminated wood. These decks feature epoxy pickled maple, birch sidewalls, and anti-razor birch end grain in the tail. The vertically laminated core is reinforced by fiberglass, making them resistant to breaking. These decks are a good choice for skaters who are rough on their boards.
Technologies Enhancing Skateboard Deck Durability
Over the years, several technologies have emerged with the goal of making skateboard decks more durable. Some of these are more effective than others, and some are more marketing than substance. Here are a few technologies that are actually known to improve a skateboard deck’s lifespan:
Fiberglass and Carbon Fiber Composites
The use of fiberglass and carbon fiber composites is a common approach to increasing the strength of skateboard decks, as seen in the Powell Peralta Flight Deck and the Santa Cruz VX. These materials add durability and stiffness to the deck while keeping it lightweight, making it harder to snap under pressure. Epoxy resin infusion improves the quality and performance, offering a significant upgrade from traditional construction.
P2 Technology
P2 decks use a layer of Kevlar fiber on top of six plies of maple wood. While Kevlar is known for its strength, the actual durability of P2 decks may not live up to the claimed 100 times increase over regular decks. The nose shape is often considered awkward by some skaters, and the tail can still chip, making it not as revolutionary as initially advertised.
How to Prevent Skateboard Deck Breakage
While purchasing a durable deck is essential, proper care and technique can also prolong its lifespan. Here are some key steps to prevent your skateboard deck from breaking:
- Land on the bolts: Always aim to land your tricks with your feet near the truck bolts. Landing in the middle of the board puts excess stress on the deck and makes it more prone to breaking.
- Avoid excessive pressure: Try to avoid putting too much pressure on the tail or nose, as these areas are more prone to snapping.
- Keep your deck dry: Delamination occurs when the epoxy glue between the wood layers weakens due to moisture. Avoid skating in the rain or leaving your skateboard outside to prevent water damage.
- Invest in quality: Opt for decks from reputable brands known for their construction quality and materials. While many decks may come from the same factories, quality control and materials make a difference in durability.
- Protect graphics: If you want to preserve your deck’s graphics, try applying epoxy resin over the surface. This will help protect the graphic and enhance its lifespan.
By combining a durable skateboard deck with good skating habits, you can greatly reduce the chances of breaking your deck and save money in the long run. Whether you choose the innovative Lithe Slate 3, the tech-forward Santa Cruz VX, or a reliable option from Dwindle’s Impact series, there’s a durable skateboard deck out there for every skater.
Ruben Vee
This article is based on the experience and knowledge of seasoned skateboarder Ruben Vee, who has been riding for over two decades. He has tested and researched numerous skateboard decks and is passionate about sharing his findings.
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