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Guide to Purchasing Skateboard Decks
Selecting an appropriate skateboard deck isn't overly complex, but it does necessitate some consideration beyond simply choosing deck designs that catch your eye. You might be pondering how to select the correct size skateboard deck, which deck shape is ideal for you, or the optimal wood type for a skateboard deck.
Whether you're seeking beginner skateboard advice or you're an experienced skater in search of a new deck, this guide aims to address any queries you may have during your quest for the perfect skateboard deck.
Overview
Skateboard Deck Dimensions: Deciding on the Right Size
Your shoe size serves as a useful guide when determining the appropriate skateboard deck size for you. A larger shoe size usually indicates the need for a wider deck.
Additionally, your style of skateboarding plays a significant role in choosing your deck width. Generally, a wider deck is advantageous for vert and bowl, whereas a narrower one suits street and flip tricks better. Consider the following:
- Wider decks: Provide more stability and are easier for landing tricks as they offer a larger platform for your feet. However, the added width also implies extra weight, thus requiring more effort to lift and flip the skateboard.
- Narrower decks: Are more nimble and simpler to flip due to their lighter weight. Nevertheless, their reduced size makes it slightly more challenging to catch the board during a flip, thus theoretically making trick landings more difficult.
Ultimately, the decision is based on your individual tastes, but we recommend consulting our skateboard size guide to grasp the optimum deck size concerning your shoe size.
ALIGNING DECK WIDTH AND TRUCK WIDTH
In terms of aligning skateboard decks and trucks, the general suggestion is this: ensure that your skateboard deck's width corresponds to your trucks' axle width. Ideally, these widths should match and should not differ by more than a quarter of an inch.
While your preferences may differ, this serves as a broad guideline that the majority of skaters prefer to follow.
SKATEBOARD LENGTH
The length of a skateboard deck isn't a concern for every skater, as it typically correlates with width, meaning wider decks are longer and narrower decks are shorter. Normally, skateboard deck lengths range from 29” to 32”.
The deck's length holds significance as it dictates the wheelbase, influencing how stable your setup feels. Additionally, consider your leg length: shorter decks are easier for those with shorter legs, while longer decks may be more manageable for those with longer legs.
For those interested in longer skateboards, these pages may be of interest:
Skateboard Deck Shapes: Popsicles, Eggs & Hybrids
1. Popsicle shape 2. Old School Shape 3. Hybrid Shape
Today, the popsicle skateboard deck shape is often associated with skateboards, but this shape has evolved over time. New skateboard deck designs develop alongside skateboarders’ creativity and push the boundaries of what their boards can achieve.
POPSICLE SKATEBOARD DECKS
Popsicle decks feature both kick-tail and kick-nose, permitting tricks to be popped with any end of the deck. Due to its nearly symmetrical shape, it facilitates performing fakie tricks, nollies, nose slides, switch riding and more. The rise of street skateboarding in the early '90s is closely linked to popsicle decks as skaters innovated with flip tricks, slides, and grinds on the streets.
SHAPED SKATEBOARD DECKS
Fashions shift, and the popsicle stick shape is only one among many deck varieties. Hybrid skateboard decks blend popsicle stick shapes with older models.
Some skateboarders prefer egg-shaped decks, which are usually over 9 inches wide. Unlike the popsicle, with its parallel edges, these provide an oval shape that combines the agility of popsicle decks with a stable, wider area for your feet.
Numerous old-school deck designs are available. Whether you choose to use them in bowls or for street cruising is entirely up to you. Explore our cruiser skateboard decks for some appealing retro shapes:
Understanding the Benefit of Skateboard Deck Concave
Concave is a significant feature in modern skateboard decks that emerged with technical street skateboarding. It represents the curvature across the skateboard's width. Many skaters say it aids in flicking the board for flip tricks and offers more leverage. Concave helps maintain foot position on the board and adds stiffness. Typically, skateboard concaves are categorised into three classes: low, medium, and high:
- Low concave: Offers a subtle curve for a stable ride with a low centre of gravity.
- Medium concave: Offers ease for flip tricks and control, making it a reliable choice.
- High concave: Extreme curvature that notably alters board characteristics, offering agility and enhanced flip ease.
Your chosen deck's concave will affect your riding experience, so contemplate how it influences the following aspects:
- Comfort and deck feel
- Trick leverage
- Stiffness impacting the deck's pop
Which Types of Wood Compose Skateboard Decks?
Maple is the predominant wood species for skateboard decks, prized for characteristics like strength, resilience to impact, light weight, and flexibility.
Decks comprise wooden layers compressed and moulded together with glue or epoxy. Most skateboard decks are made of 7-ply maple, meaning seven layers—or veneers—of maple. Maple is favoured because it is easy to shape and retains its form after moulding, making it ideal for skates.
The properties of maple vary; Canadian maple, for instance, is considered 15% harder than Chinese maple. Canadian maple's density is attributed to the slow growth of trees in cooler climates, producing denser growth rings compared to maple from milder regions.
If you're after a deck that endures frequent use, with excellent pop and stiffness, opt for the hardest type of wood. If you're a novice, minor hardness differences might be less crucial compared to price differences, and a lower-quality deck will suffice to learn and be inventive on.
Ultimate Skateboard Deck Suggestions and Further Exploration
When purchasing a new skateboard deck, it is vital to have some griptape at hand. Explore our vast collection here:
Find more general information on skateboard components in this comprehensive guide:
If you're uncertain about gripping your new deck or need guidance on skateboard assembly, consult this helpful resource:
Discover our range of complete skateboards here:
For a fully assembled skateboard crafted from parts you prefer, we offer a highly convenient solution:
