Table of Contents
- 10 Best Skateboard Decks For The Money
- Blank Decks Warning Skateboard Deck
- Bamboo Skateboards Graphic Skateboard Deck
- Vision Original Psycho Stick Reissue Skateboard Deck
- Baker Brand Logo Deck-8.0
- Cal 7 Blank Skateboard Decks
- Element Section #9 Skateboard Deck
- DGK Skateboard Deck
- Baker Skateboard Deck Kader Sylla Logo
- CCS Logo Blank Skateboard Deck
- Alien Workshop OG Halftone Assorted Veneer Deck
- Definitive Skateboard Deck Buyers Guide
- Features
- Length
- Width
- Wheelbase
- Nose and Tip
- Concave
- Rails
- Kicktail
- Different Concave Shapes
- Radial
- Progressive
- W Concave
- Flat
- Camber V/S Rocker
- Understanding and choosing the different Styles
- Shortboards
- Cruiser
- Longboards
- Old Schools
- Materials Used in Skateboard Decks
- Pricing & Brands
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How long will the deck last?
- Kicktail or no kicktail?
- How to maintain the deck?
- Amazon Recommends:
The skateboard deck is without question an important part of your skateboard. It is the board that you stand on and it bears all your weight. If you are deciding to build your own skateboard, the first thing you will need is a good quality deck. Even with a complete board, you will have to replace the deck depending on how much you use it.
Decks may seem simple but they come in a variety of styles and sizes. For making the best buying decision, you should know which size and style is suitable for what kind of skateboarding style. It will determine what your skateboard will be capable of doing.
10 Best Skateboard Decks For The Money
Blank Decks Warning Skateboard Deck
Getting your hands on a good blank skating deck is perfect for all sorts of reasons. Artists love to draw or paint on them, some people like to place pre-made labels and stickers on them, and some of us even like to leave it blank. The Blank Decks Warning Skateboard Deck is a blank slate for your own personal designing.
Made out of maple wood, this deck has several layers to prevent it from breaking. Put your favorite grip tape or sandpaper to get a custom fit. While you’ll like all of the features of this blank skating deck, you’ll love the budget-friendly price.
Pros:
+ Comes without any labels, sandpaper, or wheels
+ Perfect for artists or custom skaters
+ Made with several layers of maple wood
Why We Like It – We like this blank skateboard deck because it’s an empty slate to create your own unique experience.
Bamboo Skateboards Graphic Skateboard Deck
Bamboo has long been known to be one of the best materials for skateboard decks. The Bamboo Skateboards Graphic Skateboard Deck is a classic example of this statement. It’s flexible to add natural suspension, but you’ll also avoid bumps and annoying debris in your path.
Choose from Red World Peace, Nebula, Cosmic Clouds, Blue Moon, and all sorts of other unique designs and color combinations. Either way, you can select from multiple sizes ranging between 7.75” and 8.25”. Drops, bumps, and other damaging mishaps won’t affect the integrity of this well-constructed skateboarding deck.
Pros:
+ Comes in a wide variety of unique designs
+ Choose from several sizes to fit your preferences
+ Made out of long-lasting, durable bamboo
Why We Like It – We like this bamboo deck because it’s flexible, the longevity is as good as you can find, and the design patterns are out of this world!
Vision Original Psycho Stick Reissue Skateboard Deck
Ever since Vison sold 45,000 copies of the kaleidoscope twirl Gator deck back in 1985, it has been a classic company that holds a special place inside every skateboarder’s hearts. This is an awesome deck that was first produced back in the 80s too.
It is a reissue, but all the original specifications have been kept too, and the old-school image looks just as cool as it did when it first came out. It has a 15-inch wheelbase and a modern truck-hole pattern. All Vision decks are made in the USA, just like they always have been. This one is also 10-inches wide and 30-inches long.
Pros:
+ Old-School, Classic Deck
+ Made in the USA by Vision
+ 15-Inch Wheelbase
+ 10” by 30”
+ Durable and Long-Lasting
Why We Liked It – It’s a classic, Vision deck that is just as cool as it was when it was first released back in the 1980s.
Baker Brand Logo Deck-8.0
If you are looking for something a tad bit simpler, this black and white deck could make the cut. It does, however, boast a larger than life Baker logo. Baker is a well-known name in the world of skateboards, so essentially the deck is top quality. Independent trucks can go well with this deck. At 8 inch width, it is a wide deck suitable for teenagers and adults. It is also not so expensive so definitely good value.
Cal 7 Blank Skateboard Decks
Getting a new blank skateboard deck is like a breath of fresh air. The blank slate is perfect for artists and builders alike. The Cal 7 Blank Skateboard Decks are a top-notch choice for people who want unique colors and reliable durability. It’s made out of 7 layers of maple wood, one of the best choices for any skateboard.
Choose from colors like Light Blue & White, Black, Natural, and more. There are also quite a few packs with multiple boards to customize several unique appearances. You’ll even be able to choose from five different widths to fit your personal preference.
Pros:
+ Comes in all sorts of color combinations
+ Made out of 7 layers of solid maple wood
+ Blank slate for artists and custom skateboard builders
Why We Like It – We like these blank decks because they’re a perfect slate for a new skateboard. The durable and construction and unique colors are a huge benefit.
Element Section #9 Skateboard Deck
Element is a classic skateboarding deck company. They use durable materials that don’t run prices out the roof. The Element Section #9 Skateboard Deck is a great example of the reliability produced by the brand. It runs in at 31.25” x 7.75”, fitting the correct dimensions preferred by the average skater.
Using eco-friendly materials, Element created this deck out of their own Thriftwood. It’s incredibly tough, so you don’t have to worry about it becoming damaged. Weighing only 2.7 pounds, you can carry it with you wherever you go. The stylish Element logo can be found on the underside.
Pros:
+ Made out of Thriftwood for environmental purposes
+ Lightweight and easy to carry
+ Stylish design on the underside of the deck
Why We Like It – We like this deck by Element because it’s lightweight, stylish, comfortable to use, and as durable as we could find.
DGK Skateboard Deck
If you are a girl skateboarder looking for a deck that represents all the colors inside you, this would be it. Although, even guys can use this deck with tie and dye panel and a big slanting DGK logo.
Combining quality and style, this board brings the best possible skateboarding experience. It is lightweight as well weighing 2.7 pounds. DGK skateboard decks are pretty common and come in myriads of colors and styles, so you will definitely look trendy.
Baker Skateboard Deck Kader Sylla Logo
Getting a customized skateboard might be a challenge, but we found the perfect deck for you. The Baker Skateboard Deck Kader Sylla Logo is colorful and artistic while also remaining completely comfortable to ride. It even has the classic concave design for easier control.
This deck is made out of 100% maple wood, one of the most durable, long-lasting choices for skating. It uses the original Kader Sylla logo created many years ago. Whether you’ve been skating for years or only a few months, this deck is definitely worth getting your hands (and feet) on.
Pros:
+ Comes with a unique logo by Kader Sylla
+ Made out 100% solid maple wood
+ Concave design that’s similar to old skateboards
Why We Like It – We like this skateboard because the logo, concave design, and maple wood construction are as good as we could find.
CCS Logo Blank Skateboard Deck
Another great blank deck with a comfortable concave design is the CCS Logo Blank Skateboard Deck. Whether you’re getting it for the familiar feeling or the blank artistic canvas, this is a great choice for any and all skaters. It comes in Mint, Evergreen, Blue, Black and more. All colors come with the CCS logo.
The sizes of this skateboard deck range from 7” to 8.5”, meaning that you can buy it for kids, teens, and adults. The length goes from 27.75 inches all the way up to 32 inches long. It’s also designed to flex a bit without sacrificing durability.
Pros:
+ Good amount of colors to look through
+ Made for people of all ages
+ Crafted with durable, flexible maple wood
Why We Like It – We like this skateboard deck because the logo is actually a nice look on top of the blank board. It’s also perfect to get kids into skating or adults who want a new custom skateboard.
This deck includes a Jess up die grip tape too so you can add more support into your skateboard. With easy assembly and good quality, it is designed to be used by beginner and professionals both. No matter what style of ride you have, it should be suitable for you. The panel is not too loud so best suitable for those who like things rather simpler. Durability is a given thanks to its 7 ply maple construction using North American wood.
Definitive Skateboard Deck Buyers Guide
Features
Skateboard decks come in various lengths but width is generally between 7-10 inches. The size you choose also depends on what kind of surface you will be skating on. Here are the general features of a deck:
Length
Length of the skateboard deck is the vertical distance between the two tips, the nose and the tail. The length varies for different kinds of skateboards. For example, Penny boards come in 22” and 27” and a short board can have a length anywhere from 28” to 32”. One common mistake that skateboarders make is to choose skateboard depending on length only. While length is important, width is equally important if you want a good skateboarding experience.
Width
The width of the board will determine how smooth your skateboarding is and what your style is. Average width of a skateboard deck is 7.5” to 8.25”. If it is too wide for your feet and height, you will not have a stable ride. If it is too narrow, it will be hard to balance the skateboard. For late teenagers and adults, 7.5” width is fine. For street skateboarders, a smaller width will do whereas for professionals who skate on ramps and pipes a wider width is better.
Wheelbase
On your deck you can see the holes on either side which are called mounting holes. The distance between these holes on each side is called the wheelbase. In other words, it is the distance between the two sets of wheels on your skateboard. The average wheelbase is 13-15 inches. Usually there is only one wheelbase length, but on some boards there are multiple truck holes so you get varied wheelbase. Again, this distance will be determined by your experience and can greatly affect your performance.
Nose and Tip
The two ends of the deck are dubbed as the nose and tip. There is no definite way to distinguish the two but the nose tends to have a bigger kick.
Concave
The curve between the nose and tail is called the concave. There are several kinds of concaves in skateboard decks and determine the control of your ride.
Rails
The edges of the deck along the length are called the rails and are of high importance as they can affect your ride. The rounded rails are the most common and are good for doing tricks. The sharp rails are good for providing grip to your shoes. There is a third type as well called the gas pedal rails. These are special kind of rails that are not do sharp and
reduce the concave of the board. These give more control to the rider with the help of the concave of the deck.
Kicktail
The heightened curve at the tail or nose of the deck is called the kicktail. This kicktail is your ultimate weapon to all the tricks in the world of skateboarding. Not just tricks, even sharp turns, slides and pivots can be aided by these. These help you do ollies which is like the most basic skateboarding trick. Longboards usually have subtle kicktails as opposed to short boards. See some awesome electric longboards here!
Different Concave Shapes
The concave of the deck can determine how much control you have during your rides. The purpose of the concave is to provide more foot hold which a flat board cannot provide. Here are the different kinds of deck concaves:
Radial
This is the most common concave you will find in most decks. It can be considered as an arc of very big circle or a subtle U shape. It provides better grip to your feet which is essential whether you are just riding or performing tricks.
Progressive
This concave is similar to radial but the central part is more flat and the edges higher so as to provide a better locking position for your feet.