Diving into the world of skateboarding, the humble skateboard deck is the heart and soul of your setup. A high-quality deck can significantly enhance your performance and longevity of your board. With numerous brands and designs available, choosing the best skateboard decks can be daunting. Let's explore the key factors to consider when selecting your next deck.
Skateboard decks are measured in width and typically range between 7 to 10 inches. The width influences the stability, maneuverability, and style of skating you'll enjoy most. For instance, narrower decks, like 7.5 to 8 inches, are excellent for technical street skating, while wider decks, 8.5 to 10 inches, provide more stability for bowls and ramps.
Key Deck Materials and Construction
The materials used and the construction method can affect your deck's durability, weight, and feel underfoot. Understanding these aspects will help you make an informed decision.
Maple is the most common material used in skateboard decks thanks to its strength, flexibility, and shock absorbency. A 7-ply maple construction offers a balance between stiffness and pop, making it suitable for various skating styles. However, some brands use a combination of maple with other woods or materials to create unique flex patterns and durability.
Pop and Flex
Pop is the board's ability to snap back after being pressed down, providing you with extra height and distance when you ollie. A stiffer deck delivers more pop, making it ideal for gap jumps and technical street tricks. However, excessive stiffness can be unforgiving and lead to a rough ride and more demanding flip tricks.
Flex, on the other hand, refers to how much the deck bends underfoot. A more flexible deck is generally moredbcriendly and can absorb more impact, making it a good choice for vert and transitions. However, too much flex can result in a loss of control and less pop.
Grip and Concave
The grip tape attached to the deck's surface significantly impacts your board's performance and control. Coarse, gritty grip is perfect for generating traction and helping hold onto your board during grinds and flip tricks. Some brands offer different grip densities to cater to various skating styles and personal preferences.
Concave is the curvature of the deck, which affects how you position your feet on the board and the stability you feel. Low or subtle concave provides better foot control for flip tricks and manuals, while high or aggressive concave offers increased stability at higher speeds and during heavier carving.
Popular Deck Brands and Models
With countless options flooding the market, familiarizing yourself with some of the top brands and their most popular models can help narrow down your search.
Bakodd is renowned for producing bamboo decks that are both eco-friendly and durable. Theirbaud shape decks, such as the'Bakodd 8.25'' Bamboo Skateboard Deck', provide excellent stability and pop for cruising and transition skating.
Element Skateboards
Element Skateboards has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality decks. Their'Element Skateboards A-Series 8.125" Skateboard Deck'offers a classic, versatile shape that's perfect for street skating, with a sturdy 7-ply maple construction and a subtle concave for comfortable foot placement.
Another popular choice is the'Parkers Paul Rodriguez Pro Skateboard Deck', designed by professional skateboarder Paul Rodriguez. This deck features a medium concave, a durable 7-ply maple construction, and Element's signature(/strong) graphic, making it an excellent option for skaters looking to upgrade their setup.
Flip Skateboards
Flip Skateboards is known for its innovative designs and high-quality construction. The'Flip Bess Skateboard Deck 8.25'''features a classic shape with a modern touch, offering a balanced mix of pop, flex, and stability, ideal for skaters focusing on technical street tricks or cruising.
For skaters looking to embrace a more aggrosseestyle, the'Flip Team Classic Shape 8.5'' Skateboard Deck'offers a wider shape with a steeper concave, providing increased stability and control at high speeds and during aggressive carving.
Ultimately, the best skateboard deck depends on your personal preferences, skateboarding style, and where you typically session. The key is to experiment with different brands, materials, and constructions until you find the perfect board that complements your skills and encourages you to progress. So, get out there, test some decks, and let the pursuit of your ideal setup inspire you to skate more and improve your abilities.